| IHA Logo | HERITAGE-CARTMAN | CARTMAN Logo | ||
| Vol. 6 No. 11 November 2010 | ||||
| INDIA CENTURY MISSION (ICM) Our regular Education Booklet No. 12 of December will be on the theme of “India in the Eyes of Foreign Scholars”. In addition to ICM, Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation (DAF) is supporting some of other missions also of Indian Heritage Academy (IHA) and CARTMAN. We are grateful to Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman, DAF, for this noble gesture. IHA missions involve research, publications, campaigns through media and lectures for promotion of ideas and ideals of India, such as · For National Unity and Integrity, Parties to be voted to power instead of individuals and Small States to be formed · India’s Scientific Heritage and Culture · Inter-religious and Inter-caste harmony · Environmental protection & conservation of Ecology · Management of life, drawing ideals from India’s ancient wisdom, such as, religiosity, spirituality, philosophy, ethics, morals, values, Laws of Karma and Dharma, yoga, meditation, art, literature, music, dance, etc. · Transforming public administration into Management system. Simplification of Government rules, regulations and procedures. Formation of India Development Service. Encourage Public Transport and discourage private. Privatisation of all economic and social activities · Expand, modernize and managerialise Railways · Media to be positive and socially relevant · Animal Welfare and Vegetarianism To be continued in inner back cover Continued from front inner cover · Improvement to Bullock cart and Slaughter house systems · Rural and Urban development · Educational institutions to operate two shifts and 300 days a year. · Ethical and moral values to be integral part in education, public administration and life |
| India’s Scientific Heritage in Science and Mathematics Our ancient sages, without any instrumentation or other devices, had estimated the speed of light, planetary movements, age of the earth, revolution of earth on its axis and its motion around the sun and other discoveries, long before Western scientists proved them with equipments. India taught the world how to count, a fact acknowledged by Max Mueller. Concepts of numerals, decimals, place value, zero, infinity, value of pye, Pythagoras theorem, etc were known to Indians at least three thousand years before westerners. Ramanujam was a great mathematician, Bhaskaracharya, Arya Bhatta, Somayajulu, Bharadwaja and other rishis were great scientists, who, through meditation, unearthed the mysteries of nature and founded the basis of Science. |
Please Contribute to support our missions
| MAHAVAKYAS v Let noble thoughts come from everywhere v The whole world is one family v Let the whole world be happy and peaceful v God is one – Known by different names and forms v Respect Nature and be compassionate to animals v We are the arbiters of our own destiny v Draw secular concepts and principles from India’s spiritual literature of two million pages |
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This issue is on general topics only. The December issue would be an Educational Booklet on “India in the eyes of foreign scholars”.
October was an eventful month. Gandhiji’s birthday was observed by our leaders by garlanding his statue. Articles were written about his greatness and contribution to India and mankind. There was no sense of shame that none of his ideas and ideals
are observed by Independent India. People enjoyed the holiday, in which we revel.
The High Court of Allahabad gave its verdict on the dispute regarding the ownership of the site where the Babri Masjid Mosque existed but was demolished. Most Indians were happy that this long standing vexed issue has been resolved and this would bring in peace between Hindus and Muslims. But both parties are planning to go to the Supreme Court for a review of the verdict, which means that the conflict and resultant friction between the two communities would continue.
For 1,000 years, many conquerors, misinterpreting the Koran, had attacked India 69 times and destroyed and disfigured over 3,600 temples and converted millions by force. They built mosques near the holiest places of Hindus. India did not attack any other country, nor retaliate. They hung their head low, accepting their defeat. Hindus were not as militant as the invaders. We are carrying abstracts of an article by a Muslim scholar, published by a national daily a few years back. This would show that Hindus have been silently suffering, partly because they are docile and not united.
Hindus are for peace, and hence we are including an article on ‘Let the whole world be happy’. We have been chanting “Peace, Peace, Peace” for 5000 years. Yet we were badly treated by foreign invaders.
If Hindus had united and taken revenge, India would not have been a multi-cultural country. A few Hindus did this sacrilege of destroying the mosque. Ideally, they could have rebuilt the Mosque. For Hindus, God is all pervading Chaithanya. Hindus have only one country where they are a majority. Even here, Hindus have no freedom to implement the sacred teachings of their sages’. US Universities are teaching even Bhagawad Githa, which is unthinkable in India.
Many things are going wrong in our country, such as the scandal of the CWG, the shameful happenings in the political arena of Karnataka, floods and drought, corruption everywhere, etc. But India would rise in the next 50 years, conquering evil forces. But all communities should cooperate, which is unlikely. It is India’s destiny to suffer. But the Business Sector is doing well. When they become strong, we can perhaps expect better times.
Our government is neglecting Governance, and getting deeply involved in too many developmental activities. Therefore, law and order is breaking down, crime and violence are increasing, railways are neglected, infrastructure is not getting attention, etc. Political parties are busy capturing power and retaining it. People are losing faith in democracy. We appeal to the leaders to show mercy to the unfortunate people of India who suffered for 10 centuries under foreign rulers and are now in the same fate under their own rulers. We are adept in giving lip service without an element of sincerity or seriousness about what we preach. Our leaders boast that we are the largest democracy. But democratic processes and practices have degenerated to low levels. MLAs are purchased by offering crores of rupees.
Fortunately, our PM and most of his senior colleagues are efficient and honest; so too are many opposition leaders. We are grateful to them for sustaining democracy.
The Vijaya Dasami celebrations kept our culture alive. We have been killing mock Ravanas. But we cannot kill even one of the millions of live Ravanas who are ruining our country.
CWG has brought some credibility to our nation in the eyes of the world. But the organizers seem to have indulged in large scale corruption. This was to be expected. No government department can escape corruption. There is no justification for a poor country like India to spend Rs 70,000 crores on CWG. Vanity and opportunity to make money were the motivation for this extravaganza.
It was amusing to hear Ms Clinton saying that Pakistan was their strongest ally to fight terrorism. But Pak is the manufacturer and distributor of terror against India. We are celebrating that President Obama is coming to India, and not going to Pakistan. China does not revel on such superficial honour. We are asking for US help for a seat in the Security Council. We ought to be more concerned with wiping out poverty and illiteracy than such pursuits for recognition that we are a world power. Real conditions in India do not justify false prestige. We are surrounded by enemies. Our Ministers declare that we would not allow Pak to split us. But we have forgotten that we split Pakistan, which was a big mistake. As one nation, they would have been quarrelling. But they are now united to fight India. Now we have two enemies. Nepal is pro-China. We irritate China often, and they have strengthened Pakistan.
N.S. Ramaswamy, Editor
COMMENTS BY PROF. N.S. RAMASWAMY
Kashmir and China
Gandhiji told the British “We would rather starve as a free country than enjoy prosperity as a colony of Britain. But that is what the people of the Kashmir valley are saying. Not even 5% would vote to stay with India. We are spending Rs 30,000 crores as subsidy and keeping a huge Army there. Musharraf has stated recently that he was almost finding a solution to the Kashmir issue, and he found that our PM was a good and well meaning person. Our PM should find a solution and thus end the bloodshed and expenses in J&K. Of course, the agreements should safeguard our military and economic interests. Hindus have only one country (plus Nepal) where Hindus are a majority. Let the interlocutors discuss a feasible formula, that is, trifurcating the State, declaring Ladakh as UT, Jammu as a State and the Valley to be jointly administered by India and Pakistan. Nobody in the world is prepared to openly support our claim for the Valley. Similarly, we shall settle the border dispute with China. It is not fair to rely on an unilateral action taken by Imperialistic Britain. What we want is peace and not territorial ambitions. We should educate and feed our millions to whom independence has not made much difference in life.
Chaturvedi Swami
Chaturvedi Swami celebrated his 38th birthday in Chennai on the 19th October, which was attended by thousands of his followers. Vedic chanting and Viswa Shanthi Homams were the religious part of the programme. Swami is an unusual genius. He is receiving knowledge from the Cosmos without reading a book or having a teacher. He has delivered 1000 talks in the last three years all over the country, covering over 200 subjects, including management, technology, cybernetics, philosophy, manthra, thantra, neuro-linguistics, jurisprudence etc. Listeners are enthralled with his eloquent talks and interpretations of ancient and modern science and philosophy. No other sage or scholar in ancient or modern time has such an ability to give meanings to innumerable scientific and cultural and philosophical pronouncements made by scholars and sages all over the world. It is difficult to describe his contribution and powers. Though he does not have following like Sai Baba, who has millions of devotees all over the world, Chaturvedi’s target groups are small. He can speak seven languages including Sanskrit fluently.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The 85th birthday of Sai Baba would be celebrated in November by millions all over the world in 180 countries. Two lakhs of foreign visitors are expected to participate in the celebrations in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. Already, Bhajan, cultural programmes on divine themes, distribution of food and clothes to the poor etc have started from October 1st itself. The Sri Sankara TV Network in Bangalore telecast Bhajan by 1000 devotees at a time for 85 hours continuously. Nobody is invited or asked to do any thing. Everybody does what he can to observe this divine day when Baba has taken an Avatar to bring peace and harmony in society. Baba runs two hospitals in Puttaparthi and Bangalore, where patients get everything free. Doctors from all over the world come on their own giving their time and expertise free. Most of the 10,000 volunteers, working in the Ashram, work free. Baba runs many schools and colleges free. It is one of the few institutions where value based education is given.
Mary Ann
We wish to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to Mary Ann, who has been serving India’s poor and handicapped for the last 30 years. She and her husband, Francis, along with their children, operate many projects to reduce the suffering of the poor. Hailing from Canada, she left a luxurious life in her country for the sake of serving the disadvantaged sections of our people. She is a shining example of selfless service. She brings out a monthly magazine, called Lifelines, to which I write the Editorial, a couple of which are reproduced below, as a token of our indebtedness to her.
Editorial - 1
Since Man is only one among 1.4 million animal species, it is a rare privilege to be born as a human being. How did we become eligible for such a gift? Some say that God decides everything for our good. All religions declare that God is a good person – full of love for his creations, fair, just, kind, merciful, forgiving and possessing hundreds of positive qualities. So he must have had a reason for giving us such a precious opportunity. We should express our gratitude to him by observing simple principles of ethical and moral values, such as, Help ever, hurt never - Give more, take less - By giving, we become more – Happiness lies in giving etc. Lifelines gives us many suggestions in this regard, without appearing to be sermonizing and advising, which brings peace into this troubled world. Further, leading a righteous life would give us happiness and improved health and long life.
Indian philosophy says that we got a human birth because of merit earned in previous lives, and that we create our own destiny. Jesus said, “ As you sow, so you reap”. Shakespeare said “ We are the arbiters of our destiny”. Everything in the animate world and the animal kingdom obey the Laws of Order, Cause-effect and Nature. There is a cause for every effect and an effect for every cause. As per this approach, our life is influenced by our own actions. Obviously then, we should lead a virtuous life so that the results would be beneficial. Lifelines suggest in subtle and gentle ways how to be good and righteous. Without our realizing that we are being advised, we are led to lead a pure life. The beauty of Lifelines is that the comments on our negative tendencies are made without offending us. It is a kind of appraisal and correcting process, free from criticism and admonition.
The members of the Family have strictly adhered to practices, which are in line with their preaching. They are engaged in acts of kindness to all, particularly to those who need such help most. Sensitive citizens ought to appreciate and support the Members of the Family. Thousands have seen them carrying on their noble work of service and sacrifice. Mary Ann has served for more than two decades, leaving her home in Canada. How many of us can be as selfless as Mary Ann. I am one among hundreds who have been inspired by Mary Ann and Francis and their lovely children. Experiences from their silent mission of love and charity are reflected in Lifelines, which are powerful reminders to all of us how to live peacefully and with happiness in this troubled world, which unfortunately is full of violence and hatred.
Most of us are too small to do much effectively to reduce the sorrow and suffering of millions. But, by doing what little we can, we discharge our duty and derive happiness. On the first of the month, a lady teacher used to take her students to a lonely spot where citizens had put up a statute of a noble person who had sacrificed his life for helping people. She made them sing patriotic songs, including “ The time to be happy is now, the place to be happy is here, and the way to be happy, is to make someone else happy, and create a bit of heaven right here”. An old man who spent most of his time idling near the statue asked her the purpose of her sermon. She replied meekly “ I am too small to do anything more for my country and people. My hope is that one of the students would become powerful and reduce the miseries and suffering in this world.” The Family is doing just that with the same spirit as that of the teacher, while millions of our teachers are clamoring for more salary.
Every line of Lifelines gives us energy and enthusiasm to follow the model set by the Family. Mary Ann and her dear husband, Francis, have lit many lamps in dark alleys, and saved thousands. Mary has “ turned on” many hearts, and woken us up for action. Lifelines sustains our momentum and comforts weary people, who are upset and miserable by failures, troubles, problems, frustration, fatigue, despair etc. Like a soothing balm, Lifelines softens the blows and heals wounds.
The world is a set of opposites: good-bad, light-darkness, truth-lie, joy-sorrow, pleasure-pain etc. Instincts of negative tendencies arouse in us passion, prejudice, selfishness, greed, etc. To most of us, it is a constant struggle to avoid such deviant temptations and to take to the righteous path by observing good values, such as cheerfulness, helpfulness, sympathy, truth, humility, etc. Also, life to many is full of disappointments and suffering. Prompted by the environment and the media, bad thoughts invade us and rouse undesirable instincts, which are anti-social and self-destructive. Outside events cannot give us pleasure or pain. Everything is in the mind. Some like meat, while others don’t. Some like cricket, while others don’t. Thus mind is the key for values. Man means mind. Mind has to be regulated and purified. Mind is like a monkey, jumping from tree to tree. Meditation, yoga, japa etc help to regulate the mind. Another way is to engage in worthy goals and good action, which is being done by Lifelines.
The Lifelines is a great help to formulate good thoughts and behavior. Without our knowing, Lifelines gives a mirror image of our thoughts and actions. Nobody wants to be changed by others. But the comments and suggestions in Lifelines come to us as a good friend. Without our knowledge, Lifelines gently turn us towards the good, that is Shreyas (good) of all, and takes us away from Preyas (pleasant), which is undesirable. Thousands of magazines drag us astray from the righteous path, while Lifelines leads us in our pilgrimage towards Divinity.
Editorial - 2
As per Natural Law, everything in our Planet is subject to continuous change – some, automatically and others compelled by external forces – human or nature. The only exception is Divinity, Soul, Spirit or Chaithanya, which pervades the whole Universe. This invisible power moves electrons and galaxies, makes a sperm-ovum into a human being and a seed into a tree, gives energy to the mind and the 5000 crore cells in the body of human and animals.
From nomadic and primitive existence, Man evolved culturally and developed materially to civilized life. Such dramatic changes took place influenced by and brought about by leaders and professionals in all fields of human endeavors. Changes are for the good and bad for individuals, society and environment. It is difficult to change the attitude, behavior and character of others for making them useful and responsible members of society and good human beings. So many external factors influence or compel them to behave in deviant and destructive ways to the detriment of society. Millions have been tortured and killed in the name of religion and in conquest of nations. History of mankind is full of cruelty and bloodshed. Cynics feel that, in spite of religious preaching on virtues and ethical values, man continues to be selfish and exploits fellowmen, animals and nature’s endowments.
Fortunately, there are thousands of selfless and social service oriented individuals and institutions. They are sacrificing their lives for helping and consoling the suffering. They are engaged in missions to create a heaven on earth. Lifelines and their leaders – Mary Ann, Francis and their family as well as their dedicated and committed missionary team are a source of inspiration for all engaged in such noble work. They need resources and encouragement from all sensitive and concerned citizens.
The present education system concentrates on knowledge and skills, to which character building has to be added. Since this is not likely to happen, evolved persons should imbibe and practice ethical and moral values, such as honesty, truth, selflessness, helpfulness, sympathy, concern for others, forgiving, service to the needy and such well known virtues. By serving others, we act as instruments of God. For this, we should imbibe and practice multi- dimensioned personality, multi-faceted activities, super-ordinate goals, serene and balanced life style, pure mind devoid of avarice and egoism, detachment, accepting results of our actions – favorable or otherwise - as gift of God, belief in Destiny and God’s infinite mercy, good will of people etc. Beneficiaries would be we by way of a happy and long life.
Mary Ann has been a model for me from whom I learnt how to be a human angel. Through her Lifelines, she has inspired millions. A foreigner, who could have lived a comfortable life in her home state, she has spent her life in India, undergoing untold hassles and suffering. On behalf of millions of Indians who are denied the minimum for existence and have been condemned to undergo lifelong suffering, Mary and missionaries work tirelessly as God’s representatives on earth.
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MAYA – ILLUSION AND REALITY
Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy
Shankaracharya, exponent of the theory of Non-dualism, or Advaitha philosophy, has stated on Maya as follows : “The world that we see is an illusion, or Maya. What exists is only Brahman, known by other names, such as Spirit, Soul, Divinity, Athman, Paramathman, Chaithanya, Consciousness, Energy etc”. This unknown and unknowable entity or concept is the all pervading universal force, which moves billions of electrons and galaxies, gives life to the mind which enables it to use the five senses, makes the sperm-ovum embryo grow as a human being, helps the seed to become a tree etc. Perhaps, the Father in Heaven of the Christians and the Allah of the Muslims may be referring to the same Brahman. Their religious leaders may not agree to this interpretation..
Many scholars, particularly materialists, have belittled this idea of Shankara, pointing out that the world of objects is real, which can be seen and felt. As per modern science, it can be nearly demonstrated, if we magnify the neck of an animal, which has a flower garland and a silver chain held by a human hand, we can see successively: first molecules and then electrons, protons, neutrons, particles, quark, quanta and finally sunya, which is nothingness. All these sub-atomic elements are the same for the human hand, animal’s neck, flower and the silver chain, thus showing that what is seen through the microscope after magnification is ‘nothingness’. 99.999…. percent of an atom is empty space. In the book on ‘1,2,3, Infinity’, George Gammo has written that if our planet is compressed, the size will be only that of a football field. Thus, Shankara perhaps may be correct from the scientific point of view that “What we see things in various forms, sizes and shapes is really a combination of these sub-atomic elements, which in effect means that what we see is an illusion and not a reality.
In the Amritha TV, Dr N. Gopalakrishnan, of the Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage, talks for 10 minutes every day on the Heritage of India. On 19th of October, he gave some practical manifestations of Maya, which may be helpful to us “ While seeing TV serials and Movies, we enjoy jokes and cry when the heroin cries, knowing fully well that the scenes are artificial and a make- belief. But we are swinging from joy to sorrow. When a near relative dies, we cry for a few hours, and slowly over a period of a month, this sad incident ceases to have any emotion in us. We see or read in the newspapers that hundreds are dying, and yet we go about as if we would not die”. He gave several examples of such an obvious folly of man. Yudhishtira told Yama Dharma that the greatest wonder in the world is “Man sees people dying every day, and yet he goes about thinking that he may some how live for a long time.” When Jews were being taken to the gas chamber, others waiting in the queue hoped that they may perhaps escape that fate. We see the rapid degeneration and decay of Democracy, and yet we believe in it and boast about it. We eat meat knowing fully well that animals undergo intense pain. In order to stop the second world war, Harry Truman, US President, ordered dropping the atom bomb on innocent citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and he said that he slept well that night. Despite good intentions of the US, thousands of innocent people lost life in Iraq. In some State Legislative Assemblies, our leaders behave in an unruly manner, and then call it democracy. In Karnataka, MLAs went by private plane to Goa and Chennai and enjoyed. On return, they have declared that they were serving democracy and people.
Mothers serve their kids with devotion, though they see around them thousands of children deserting their parents after they get married. Keralites fight for their rights, agitate and would not work in their home State. But they are prepared to slog in Gulf, and sleep in the corridors of lavatories for making money. Hindus work in Saudi Arabia, where they cannot pray or say ‘Krishna’ in public. In order to get a junior job, one has to undergo a series of tests. But to rule the State as a Minister, all one needs is money which can purchase voters. 30% of our MPs and MLAs have criminal records; and yet we boast that we are the largest democracy. 80 million go to temples in India, and yet we are the most corrupt country. Buddha objected to animal sacrifice, and yet 500 million Buddhists eat meat. Jesus asked his followers to love even their enemies. But Christians killed millions and usurped North and South America and Australia. Sitting in a New York restaurant, an American asked the Red Indians “How do you like our city”, who then shot back “How do you like our country which you took over”.
Many Indians are unhappy that our population is so much that we are not progressing. Mr Hoopper also said the same thing in CWG game. In a park in California, U.S., there is a museum, in which visitors are requested to express gratitude to Col Hudson who finally killed the last batch of Red Indians and established the supremacy of the Whiteman over the Red Indians. I wrote in the Visitors’ book “If India had only very few people when conquerors invaded India 69 times, most Indians would have been wiped out by then. The few, who survived, would have been kept in the Toda Hills of Ooty, with a Notice ‘Here live the remnants and descendants of an ancient civilization’. We survived because we were too many that they could not kill all of us by swords and guns. Therefore, those who condemn our teeming millions should know that it is better to live as civilized people in congested cities rather than in Toda Hills to satisfy the curiosity of tourists. In Australia, the Adivasis live on the doles given by tourists.
All these are examples of Maya. Such illusions are in thousands.
WHAT THE ISLAMIC INVADERS DID TO INDIA
(Excerpts from the article by Rizwan Salim, Reviewer of New York Tribune, Capital Hill reporter, Assistant Editor of American Sentinel, published in Hindustan Times on December 28, 1997)
On the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition (December 6, 1992), it is important for Hindus (and Muslims) to understand the importance of the event in the context of Hindustan's history, past and recent, present and the future.
Savages at a very low level of civilisation and no culture worth the name, from Arabia and west Asia, began entering India from the early century onwards. Islamic invaders demolished countless Hindu temples, shattered uncountable sculpture and idols, plundered innumerable palaces and forts of Hindu kings, killed vast numbers of Hindu men and carried off Hindu women. This story, the educated-and a lot of even the illiterate Indians-know very well. History books tell it in remarkable detail. But many Indians do not seem to recognise that the alien Muslim marauders destroyed the historical evolution of the earth's most mentally advanced civilisation, the most richly imaginative culture, and the most vigorously creative society.
It is clear that India at the time when Muslim invaders turned towards it (8 to 11th century) was the earth's richest region for its wealth in precious and semi-precious stones, gold and silver, religion and culture, and its fine arts and letters. Tenth century Hindustan was also too far advanced than its contemporaries in the East and the West for its achievements in the realms of speculative philosophy and scientific theorising, mathematics and knowledge of nature's workings. Hindus of the early medieval period were unquestionably superior in more things than the Chinese, the Persians (including the Sassanians), the Romans and the Byzantines of the immediate proceeding centuries. The followers of Siva and Vishnu on this subcontinent had created for themselves a society more mentally evolved-joyous and prosperous too-than had been realised by the Jews, Christians, and Muslim monotheists of the time. Medieval India, until the Islamic invaders destroyed it, was history's most richly imaginative culture and one of the five most advanced civilisations of all times.
Look at the Hindu art that Muslim iconoclasts severely damaged or destroyed. Ancient Hindu sculpture is vigorous and sensual in the highest degree-more fascinating than human figural art created anywhere else on earth. (Only statues created by classical Greek artists are in the same class as Hindu temple sculpture). Ancient Hindu temple architecture is the most awe-inspiring, ornate and spell-binding architectural style found anywhere in the world. (The Gothic art of cathedrals in France is the only other religious architecture that is comparable with the intricate architecture of Hindu temples). No artist of any historical civilisation have ever revealed the same genius as ancient Hindustan's artists and artisans.
Their minds filled with venom against the idol-worshippers of Hindustan, the Muslims destroyed a large number of ancient Hindu temples. This is a historical fact, mentioned by Muslim chroniclers and others of the time. A number of temples were merely damaged and remained standing. But a large number-not hundreds but many thousands-of the ancient temples were broken into shreds of
cracked stone. In the ancient cities of Varanasi and Mathura, Ujjain and Maheshwar, Jwalamukhi and Dwarka, not one temple survives whole and intact from the ancient times.
I have seen stones and columns of Hindu temples incorportated into the architecture of several mosques, including the Jama Masjid and Ahmed Shah Masjid in Ahmedabad.
Gaze in wonder at the Kailas Mandir in the Ellora caves and remember that it is carved out of a solid stone hill, an effort that (inscriptions say) took nearly 200 years. This is art as devotion. The temple built by the Rashtrakuta kings (who also built the colossal sculpture in the Elenhanta caves off Mumbai harbour) gives proof of the ancient Hindus' religious fervor.
But the Kailas temple also indicated a will power, a creative imagination, and an intellect eager to take on the greatest of artistic challenges.
The descendants of those who built the magnificent temples of Bhojpur and Thanjavur, Konark and Kailas, invented mathematics and brain surgery, created mindbody disciplines (yoga) of astonishing power, and built mighty empires would almost certainly have attained technological superiority over Europe.
It is not just for "political reasons" that Hindus want to build grand temples at the sites of the (wrecked) Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, and the Mathura idgah. The efforts of religion-intoxicated and politically active Hindus to rebuild the Ram Mandir, the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, and the Krishna Mandir are just three episodes in a one-thousand year long Hindu struggle to reclaim their culture and religion from alien invaders.
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REFORM OF SYSTEMS
Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy*
Nations and Communities form various kinds of organizations for specific purposes, whose efficiency depends on Leadership quality and Managerial capability (LM) and appropriate policies and programmes (PP) – all of which operate through relevant Administration and Systems (AS). The Election Commission was a sleeping dog, with which T.N. Seshan unleashed terror to make politicians conform to rules, using the above concepts. Similarly, loss making Public Undertakings performed extremely well when Private Sector took over management. Thus LM and PP with AS would produce desired results. The British political model works well in mono-cultures, where Government does not participate in economic development. India is a plural society, where Government is more concerned with business as owner, manager and controller, rather than governance which is their primary role. Thus India adopted an inappropriate model and utilized an excellent public administrative system for development purposes with disastrous results, such as, fragmented 100 political parties with no all-India base, fragile coalitions held together by blackmail, scandals, corruption, divisive forces, etc. Drastic changes in LM, PP and AS are required for political stability, national unity and faster economic progress.
Consequence can be seen everywhere. 80 million visit temples and thousands of Swamis preach ethics. Yet, corruption is all pervasive, including in rich temples. Most political leaders are incompetent, corrupt and partisan to their caste and constituency. The 22 m strong governmental apparatus is inefficient, corrupt and obstructs development. In some European countries, Churches are empty, with no preaching on ethics. And yet, they are most efficient and honest. Singapore, a dirty city before, is now the cleanest. India and China started development in 1950. China is now 50 years ahead of India; so too are South Korea and Malaysia, with appropriate LM, PP and AS.
Indian professionals excel in United States with their competence and character. Municipalities in metros and major towns render deplorable service, because of poor LM and 100 year old obsolete systems. Thousands of Educational Institutions are mere teaching shops, preparing students for examination, with no learning and character building. Indians break traffic rules, spit and urinate in public, but behave well whilst abroad.
A junior officer undergoes many tests to get selected. But MPs and MLAs are elected by illiterate millions, who are induced with liquor and money. Many legislators have criminal records, who are purchased with crores of rupees to change sides. Black money is larger than the white, which is mostly siphoned off by unscrupulous politicians, misusing Government systems. Many politicians and officials are intrinsically sincere and honest. But they are compelled to behave as they do now due to the inappropriateness of the system. Administration is corrupt and delays development.
Electoral Reform is urgent. Parties should be voted to power instead of individuals, as at present, which would foster formation of all-India Parties and eliminate divisive forces and small parties, which are fragmenting the country. The ten large States should be split into 30 smaller units. The six Metros be converted into City States like Delhi. Centre would then be stronger to discipline errant States. Inter-State and Centre-State conflicts will be less. Development will be faster. Linguistic fanaticism, which is eroding India’s emotional unity, will be nullified. A Development Service should be constituted, to which IAS officers showing managerial flair should be seconded. They could function with LM, PP and AS.
The Corporate Sector has a big stake in political stability and unity. They have managerial resources and ability to change the systems. They have demonstrated their efficiency, high ethical standards, meritocracy and commitment to nationalism, using secularism and LM. 150-year old Tatas, young Infosys and most of the other 500 old companies have achieved superb performance and moral excellence. They should constitute a Research and Development Centre (RDC) for conducting studies and campaigns through the media for creating public awareness on the need for changes and reforms. Politicians would not change as they are the beneficiaries of the present system. Others have no resources or commitment.
Media should help the Corporate Sector in publicity. Both would lose heavily if the political system collapses and country gets fragmented. Therefore, in self interest, they should create public awareness, which would force politicians to reform the systems and introduce LM, PP and AS in all sectors. Government’s main function is governance. They now do business, amassing wealth and enjoying privileges. The RDC should support the Government in policy making and effecting reforms. The Corporates will then become popular, and India’s political system will be stable and unity restored.
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BLACKMAILERS & SADHUS
N.S. Ramaswamy
1. When the Bill for India’s independence was moved by Lord Attlee in the British Parliament, Churchill remarked:
“Self government is no doubt everyone’s birthright. But at this stage if we hand over power to these men of straw, it will soon pass to blackmailers and scoundrels…. The blood of innocent millions will be on the head of Mr. Attlee”. Churchill was not far wrong with regard to a large number of our leaders, politicians and their henchmen.
2. India adopted a wrong model of Parliamentary Democracy, which is totally unsuitable for India’s condition. This Political Economy Model (PEM) may fragment our country, which is held together by the visible and invisible bonds of the four religions born here. PEM’s secular policies are eroding India’s unity and destabilizing the polity. After the next election to Parliament, the coalition may collapse. States may confront the Centre and revolt. The coalitions in the ruling Government and Opposition in the Centre and States are held together by a process of ‘Blackmail’ only, which consists of intrigue, conspiracy, maneuvers, horse-trading, purchase of MPs/MLAs, instigating revolt, corruption, scandals, scams – all of which are used to blackmail. The instrument of PEM are blackmailing the citizens. Individuals and Parties are trying to topple opponents and contestants by blackmail. All are prowling for dirty/ugly/vulgar information of others (plenty available), which are used for blackmail. There is equilibrium since most are involved in the game, with enough cannons to shoot back.
3. Parliamentary system works well in European nations, as they are mono cultures. But we have diversity based on religion, caste, language etc. They govern and do not participate in economic and social development. Our governments do not govern. They are businessmen, insurers, transporters as well as regulators and controllers. Ministers are CEOs managing business of thousands of crores. Governance is incidental. They need money to maintain the party, to win elections, to purchase votes and legislators, etc. Naturally, looting is a regular activity, which is invisible.
4. Thus our PEM is based largely on Blackmail only. They keep a track of private business. Draconian controls and rules are used to blackmail and extract money. Anybody can be jailed for violating. CBI and other agencies are used mainly to keep track of opponents and to trap them, and thereafter blackmail.
5. Gandhiji chose Nehru as PM, who got only one vote, while Patel got 13. Nehru is reported to have said light-heartedly (not verified) “I am an Englishman by education and values, a Mohammedan by culture and a Hindu by accident”. He introduced the PEM, with Government as businessman (State capitalism). We paid and even now are paying a price for that folly. Blackmail is the common weapon to sustain coalition based democracy.
6. At the other end, in the name of secularism, Sadhus and Swamis are kept out of public life, as they remind leaders of ethics, Dharma, etc. They are even trapped.
7. Thank our Gods! After 800 years of neglect, Krishna sent the British to save India. Thanks to Britain! We became a nation state. Islam swept from Turkey to Indonesia and parts of Africa. Hindus were saved by the British, and not by our preachers of Vedas. But condition would change in the next 50 years. David Frawley has written “Arise Arjuna and Awaken Bharatha”. Hindus are waking up, in spite of Blackmailers.
8. Management, and that too based on ethical and moral values, is the best instrument to bring about justice and fairness. 80 million go to temples in India. An equal number pray at home. Still we are a corrupt country. The Tirupathi temple administration is itself corrupt; so too are many other rich temples in India. In Finland, not many go to Church. But Finland has been rated as the most honest country in the world. Therefore, mere bhajans, appeals, preaching, discourses on Bhagavad Gita, etc, though essential and have many beneficial effects, cannot change the existing situation, where bad elements rule and exploit the good.
9. At the other end, Tatas, Infosys, Wipro, M&M, L&T and many such Corporate organizations have ensured a fair degree of ethics and morals. Merit is recognized. Decisions are fair and non-partisan. There is no discrimination based on language, caste or religion. Bribery is not allowed. Promotions are based on merit, as assessed systematically. Dishonesty is not tolerated. Thus these organizations, which have no religious ambiance or teaching, are more honest. They do not tolerate blackmailers, traitors, dishonesty, etc. At the other end, the 22 m strong government machinery, led by some selfish and worthless politicians, who are dishonest and care little for citizens, is the most corrupt.
10. MICO is another example in Bangalore, where management control is so strict that there is no scope for blackmail or dishonesty. Employees work hard also. In government, they work for 6 hours for 180 days only. In the business sector, workers work for 300 days and 8 hours a day.
11. Khrushchev called Singapore as a lavatory of the world, as it was one of the dirtiest cities in the world, and also full of violence and mafia. Today, it is the cleanest and safest city. Their PM, Lee Kwan Yeu, introduced administrative systems, which ensured this miraculous transformation from dirt to purity, from violence to peace. Here also there was no religion. Punishment is severe. Public good is the criterion. Incidentally, editors and reporters have to renew their licence every year. They cannot publish rumours, speculations and scandals without verification.
12. In China, during Mao Tse Tung’s time, a high degree of ethical and moral values were observed by most citizens. Mao set values as more important than competence. He did not use police. Every citizen was held responsible for ensuring the good conduct of other citizens. Civic consciousness was made a duty. Prostitutes were rehabilitated. Anybody, who does not do the work assigned to him, was boycotted. Good people were promoted, and not the brilliant ones. Only good people were appointed as District Magistrates, Administrators and heads of educational institutions. Mao Tse Tung transformed one of the worst societies into one of the most honest ones. His goal was not affluence, but making people virtuous and honest. Here also, there was no use of religion. Women were emancipated from drudgery and humiliation. The Emperor was not executed; but was made to do a scavenger’s work. Criminals and jail inmates were put to work. Equality was brought about. Men and women dressed alike, with one colour and one texture. The Airline pilot got the same salary as the driver. Several books have been written by westerners on how this great experiment succeeded in China. There is only one Party, and not 200 as we have now. Nation was more important than individual’s right. Today China has abandoned Mao, and has taken to capitalism.
13. In our Ashrams – Ramakrishna and Sai Baba – there is discipline and decorum, though thousands use the Ashrams. Spiritual leaders and Sadhus administer there. there. But we have no way of producing Sadhus.
14. Our education system produces mercenaries and selfish careerists The three dirtiest cities in India are the three holiest cities of Hindus – Mathura, Varanasi and Ayodhya. Hindus do not care. They are concerned with their comfort and salvation, though scriptures teach otherwise. But nobody teaches Hinduism or Buddhism and Jainism in schools. We imitate the degenerated values of the West, ignoring the good ones. Some US Colleges recite Vedas. But our colleges would not dare to touch the Githa. That would be communal.
15. The common feature in Corporate Sector was good leadership and excellent managerial and administrative systems. I recall that, as a young consultant in a Tata Company in 1950, I was not allowed to give a bribe of Rs. 25 to a Station Master. Such was the example set by Tatas then. But in our government, nothing can move without bribery. Individuals are mostly honest. The system compels them to be corrupt.
16. Our political system is the most unsuitable and dangerous one for Indian conditions. The job of a junior official in public or private organizations requires a series of tests and interviews. But we select our leaders to the Parliament and Legislatures by a stupid system of voting, where money and liquor are given to gather votes. 80% do not deserve to be MPs/MLAs. The most incompetent people, some with criminal records, are elected by money and mafia. Therefore, it is the system which is responsible for the present state of ugly and shameful state of affairs. In our country, where blackmailers are not only protected, but are utilized by the political system to get into power and to retain it. The system has to be changed if saints are to be respected. But who will change?. The present leadership is are the beneficiary. They won’t.
17. We are in the Commercial era of Kaliyuga, where businessmen dominate our lives. Brahmins and Kshatriyas, and of course Sudras, work under them. The Commercial classes have done enormous good to mankind by their technological methods and managerial competence. But they have very little of social ethics and philosophy as the foundation of management. While bringing comfort and affluence, they are also destroying the world – both physically and culturally.
18. But the only competent sector with resources, which can bring about happiness, prosperity and peace, is the business community. If they can take the lead, we can improve India, particularly by changing the political systems. I have appealed to CEOs to come forward. But I am too small to receive attention. Eleven Cabinet Ministers likemy work. But ignore my views. They say that they are helpless.
19. Our spiritual literature gives the solution to India’s ills. But that is considered to be religious, and hence not considered for adoption by a secular Government. While 50 American Universities teach Bhagavad Gita and some have Departments of Hinduism, not even one hour is spent in our educational system to teach ethics and morals. Since it involves use of Vedas, Githa, Bhagavatham and associated literature. Our secular (anti-Hindu in pratice) policy does not permit it.
20. Our 5,000 year-old civilization was sustained because of our spiritual base and ideals. But that may be destroyed by the perverted part of the mass media, which is misusing its power in order to make profits. They are doing a great harm to India’s culture. But the business sector, along with a noble media, can reverse this trend from decay and degeneration. The media gives more space and time for blackmailers, scoundrels, frivolous events, and decadent values. Baba gave Rs. 200 crores for Tamil Nadu. No paper reported. ‘Saffron’ stands for sacrifice. Media associates same with terror. 3,000 temples were destroyed and 30 million converted. A small group of angry Hindus are retaliating. They are to be condemned. But many terrorists are tolerated.
21. Ten TV channels are telecasting Hinduism for 24 hours per day. 20 others are telecasting four hrs a day. Some 10,000 Swamis preach Githa, Bhagavatham and ethics. None of these will help without managerial support. Tata and Infosys have shown that good management can ensure ethics. If spirituality is added, much more can be accomplished. But our government would not agree. Hinduism is treated as an untouchable.
22. All these can be changed, if the business sector and the media get together and influence people for a change in the system, which would bring prosperity and peace as well as happiness and joy.
23. What we need is more character and not competence. A movement has been launched by Swami Vivekananda in 1895. I am too small, just a twig, which has no strength. We need massive resources and organizations to influence the public to change the existing system.
24. Concept of God has been drawn up by man. God is only Chaitanya, pervading the universe – of animate and inanimate beings, including electrons and galsxies. The Law of Karma operates in dividing saints and blackmailers. Nobody knows who created the devil. Good cannot exist without evil. Even Narada has clarified that not even Brahma knows as to why he created the world, and that too in this fashion, where blackmailers and scoundrels rule and good people are allowed to exist, without any effectiveness, but serving rascals, as Churchill put it.
25. Unfortunately, there is no political party to take care of Hindus. BJP had a chance; but they missed the opportunity. Meanwhile Sonia saved the Congress, and perhaps India. And Dr. Manmohan Singh is an able and honest PM. Millions are praying for “Shanthi”. But blackmailers now have the upper hand. Krishna said that he would come. His Avathara came as Clive. Also, he came as Jinnah. In an undivided India, Hindus would have become a minority. Sai Baba is uniting Indians. 80 m came to Kumbh Mela. If CEOs of the business wake up, may be we can save India.
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Ethics In Governance
N.S. Ramaswamy
Material progress of a nation depends on the rapid development and management of the various sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, industry, transport, communication, etc., as well as service sectors such as education, health, etc. But the most important sector for guiding overall progress and peace is Governance, i.e. the political system and the public administrative apparatus, which in turn consist of Political processes, Judiciary, Law and Order, Defence, etc. Though China and India started development together in 1950, China is far ahead of us in every sector and aspect, primarily on account of its better Governance through its single-party political system and its supportive and efficient governmental machinery. But India claims that its multi-party democracy is a superior system, and that India is the largest democracy in the world. 100 political parties rule the country, which is least suitable for our conditions. They are constantly quarrelling and scandalizing each other. Politics is first, and country is a mere pawn in their power mongering game, discarding Ethics or Rajanithi. India’s bureaucracy, which was originally meant for conventional public administration, is now being used for development purposes, for which it is not equipped at all. It is blocking progressing, rather than supporting, as observed by 200 Directors of Institutes of Management.
India adopted the Parliamentary Democracy system, based on the British Westminster model, which functions well there because Britain is a mono society, where the government does not participate in, or interfere with, economic and social development. India is a plural society, hopelessly divided along many contours and factors, such as religion, caste, ethnicity, linguism, regionalism etc. In India, Government actively participates directly in development as entrepreneur, manager, banker, regulator, controller, etc. In fact, Government is more involved in business management rather than in governance, which is the primary function of government. Thus combination of inappropriate political model and administrative systems has retarded our progress. Further, it has led to innumerable ill-effects, such as political instability, large scale and widespread corruption among politicians and the huge government machinery, increasing violence, degeneration of values, centrifugal forces which may fragment the country, erosion of national unity and pride, linguistic parochialism, persisting poverty and illiteracy for millions, increasing inequality between rich and poor, loss of faith in democracy and government, etc. Solution lies in changing the political model, retaining the essentials of democracy and transforming the public administration machinery to become managerial, for development purposes. Then only, ethical and moral values can be observed.
All these negative tendencies and aberrations are not so much due to the innate nature of citizens, officials in government, politicians in power or managers in business. It is mainly due to the inappropriate governance systems, which compel them to misbehave as they do now, discarding principles of ethics, morals and values. India is a religious country where 80 million go to temples every day. Thousands of Ashrams and Gurus preach ethics. India is a 10,000 years old civilization where thousands of Rishis have written two million pages of spiritual and philosophical literature on Dharma. India has a profound tradition of high ethical and moral values. Our kings were half rulers and half sages. Rama went to forest, rather than rule. Bharatha ruled in the name of Sri Rama. Buddha abandoned a kingdom to seek solutions to man’s misery. But some of our politicians are fighting like dogs to grab power. It is a tragedy that India has fallen so low in ethics. India is now considered to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world and the Governmental machinery is largely obstructive to development. In many countries in Europe, people hardly go to Church, and yet they are least corrupt and their Governments render excellent service. Ethics in governance can be achieved only through good management systems and culture, which is totally lacking in India's political - administration system. Most Government employees are indifferent and inefficient and even rude to citizens. Further, the Central Government functions only for 5 days a week with several holidays, leave, etc. This is a sad state of affairs.
The Government employs 22 million persons, out of which at least half of them come into contact with people, on whom people depend for information, approvals, licences, permits and hundred other things which Government controls. Citizens are also dependent on Municipal Administration, Police, Traffic, Judiciary, Water supply, Power, Transport, etc. Invariably Government employees render poor service and are discourteous to citizens who approach them for some help or other. Such behaviour on their part is mainly on account of wrong system and lack of culture.
Workers in the productive sector work for 300 days a year and 48 hours a week. But our Government, on whom citizens depend for a variety of things, work only for 200 days (only 36 hours a week) per year, which just shows the indifference of most of government employees to the citizens. Genuine governance, as per Dharma or Ethics, is for serving people and not to treat them like beggars. Even in the recent CWG in Delhi, the scam is in hundreds of crores. Most of the one lakh crores of rupees, allocated for serving the poor, is consumed by the delivery system, which is largely Government. Thus ethics has no place. Ram Rajya of Gandhiji, is only for preaching and collecting votes. Even some of our temple administration is often corrupt.
The fact that Indians can work better is evident from the fact that well managed private companies, such as Tatas, Hindustan Lever and 500 others operate efficiently with a very high degree of ethical and moral values. All these show the inappropriateness of our governance system. Also, Indians do marvelously well in foreign countries, where they observe rule of law and have a high reputation for integrity and civic consciousness. They do not show the same in India, because of our inappropriate political-administrative system.
This factual situation and anomaly prove that the ambience, environment and the systems in India are not conducive for ethical behaviour on the part of politicians and public administrators. Of course, a segment of both are highly dedicated and ethical, though the large majority does not observe Dharma. Any attempt to improve ethics in governance should start with politicians and their parties.
The inappropriateness of the political system is evident from the fact that even officials at low level have to undergo a series of tests and interviews before they get selected. Rigid qualifications are necessary for a person to become eligible for employment in Government. But those who stand for legislature positions do not require any qualification. All they need is money with which they can do propaganda and induce voters to vote for them. It is well known that liquor and money flow during elections. Also, electorate is pampered with all kinds of favours. Those who vote are largely poor and illiterate who have no clue of whom they are electing and do not know about their competence for the positions. It is also a fact that 30% of legislators have previous criminal records. Every day we see newspapers reporting of massive corruption involving thousands of crores of rupees. Politicians misuse governmental positions and governmental funds for collecting money for their parties as well as for themselves. When an MP or MLA has to spend 5 – 10 crores of rupees to get a party ticket or to get elected, naturally they have to collect the same amount using the official positions in government. And hence the corruption reigns. To maintain a political party requires huge funds, which has to come from black money.
Such a state of affairs does not exist in European countries, having a democratic system, because in those countries government does not involve in economic and social development. Therefore, the only way by which we can stop the present state of shameful affairs is that the Government should leave these responsibilities to the private sector and not get involved in roles, such as owner, manager and controller of economic development. At the time of Independence, JRD Tata mentioned to Jawaharlal Nehru: “Govern the country and ensure Law and Order. Leave the rest to us”. Rajaji also told the Government not to get involved in business. He warned that the quota-permit-licence-inspector-raj would ruin the country's ethical fabric. What they predicted has come true. The Public Affair Centre in Bangalore has studied the amount of corruption in Government Departments. The police are found to be most corrupt. Actually, police is the instrument of the country to ensure Dharma.
Since we cannot change the Parliamentary democracy system with multiple parties, most of the ills mentioned above can be eliminated by effecting electoral reforms. Instead of electing individuals, we should go in for electing Parties to power. Thus each party should select three nominees for each Constituency, after taking into account factors, such as religion, caste, language, charisma, popularity, competence, character, public service, etc. They can also include industrialists, businessmen, professionals and experts from various fields. Thus the aggregate of nominees of all the Constituencies would form a LIST for each Political party. The LIST should be voted on, instead of individuals as at present. Instead of a simple majority, representation to the Parliament and Assembly should be based on proportion of votes poled for each Party. For the Parliament, Parties, getting less than 5% of all India vote, would not be eligible to send nominees to the Parliament, thus eliminating local parties with no all-India interest. Thus we can also avoid the present anomaly of small parties, with only local following, which are blocking all India policies. This scheme will also eliminate regionalism. Each Party should send nominees from the LIST, making sure that their nomination represents all India with a place for experts, professionals, business men and others, who in the existing system would never get elected. The present aberrations of coalition parties would go. All India parties will emerge. At present, there are only two all-India parties – Congress and BJP – and that too, as unnatural coalitions with no congruence in ideology or policy. This scheme would also eliminate linguistic parochialism, regionalism, etc. Thus we would be changing the system, while retaining the essentials of Parliamentary democracy and multiple parties. Ethics would then be possible.
The next reform required is to split the 10 large States into 30 smaller units. Our States are unequal in size and population as well as in development. Large States cannot be easily managed. So governance is poor in States like UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, as they are too large. Smaller States can be managed better. Government would be closer to the people. Central Government can delegate developmental responsibilities to the States, and concentrate on governance of the country, which is in a poor state of affairs now. There is now too much of centralization at the Centre. This can be reduced in the proposed set up.
Language is a strong divider of peoples all over the world. India is really facing a great danger of fragmentation, based on linguistic pride and chauvinism. India can be kept together only by having more than one State speaking the same language. Today bigger States are dominating and confronting the Centre, which can be eliminated by creation of small States with less population. Backward States will get better developmental inputs and would progress faster. Sub-regional identities will get fulfilment. Thus Vidarbha, Sourashtra, Marathwada, Telengana etc. will develop faster. Already there is a demand for formation of small States. Governance will improve substantially. More towns will develop as State capitals.
The proposed reorganization will look like this:
A.P 76 ¸ 3 = 26 Bihar 83 ¸ 3 = 28
Gujarat 51 ¸ 2 = 26 Karnataka 52 ¸ 2 = 26
M.P 50 ¸ 2 = 25 Maharashtra 97 ¸ 3 = 32
Rajasthan 57 ¸ 2 = 29 Tamil Nadu 62 ¸ 2 = 31
U.P 166 ¸ 5 = 33 West Bengal 80 ¸ 3 = 27
There will be no change in the other 18 States and 3 Union Territories. Population (in millions) is given below:
Haryana …… 21 Chatisgarh …… 21 Nagaland …… 2
Jharkhand …… 27 Delhi …… 14 Meghalaya …… 2
Orissa …… 37 J&K …… 10 Manipur …… 2
Assam …… 27 Uttaranchal …… 8 Mizoram …… 1
Kerala …… 32 H.P …… 6 Arunachal …… 1
Punjab …… 24 Tripura …… 3 Sikkim ……
Pondicherry
(U.T) …… 1 And'n & Nic'r (U.T) Lakshadweep(U.T)
The third reform required is in administration in order to ensure ethics. First of all, obsolete and archaic procedures, file notings, impersonal character of the Government, etc. should be changed. The Public Administration function for the Government can be continued as at present with simplified rules, regulations and procedures. The development part of the Government should be carried out by a different service, to be called ‘India Development Service (IDS)’. Those IAS officers, who are experienced, and show interest in a sector, should be seconded to the IDS. The Government system should be changed to suit development purposes by giving them more autonomy and powers.
Thus ethics in governance can be achieved by the proposed reforms and inculcation of managerial culture and personal touch in Government. Also, large scale training in managerial culture, together with ethical and moral values, should form an integral part of training and assessment. They should be introduced, replacing the present impersonal and routine procedures. Already, people are losing faith in democracy, Government and political parties. Newspapers are with full of stories of scams, scandals, purchase of MLA and MPs etc. Therefore, from the point of view of ethics and morals, the above reforms are essential.
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INDIAN CIVILIZATION FOR WORLD WELFARE
Prof. N.S. Ramaswamy
1. The theme of the souvenir is “Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavanthu”, which means : “May the whole world be happy”. This is one of the important tenets of Sanathana Dharma, which is popularly known as Hinduism. We will be examining in this article the significance of this ideal and to what extent India has achieved to implement it. In many ways, this concept is highly significant for this century. Vivekananda had predicted in 1895 in USA that the 21st century would be India’s. He had declared “Those barbarians and marauders, who conquered and plundered and also humbled and humiliated India for millennia, would come to India to seek solutions for the problems afflicting mankind, and also to pay homage to our ancient rishis, sages and saints, who wrote a million pages of spiritual, religious and philosophical thoughts and wisdom for the welfare of mankind”.
Indian Civilization – Uniqueness
2. Great men of other cultures have also expressed such noble sentiments. But it is only the Indian Civilization (IC), which conceptualized and formulated many such worthy goals and also adhered to them to a large extent for the last 3000 years. Others did not live upto these noble ideals. These were in fact used to subjugate other civilizations. This generation is not responsible for the cruelties and tortures inflicted on innocent people in the past in different parts of the world, where countries, religious groups and communities colonized others’ lands, with no concern for the welfare of the natives. Religion was used to rally followers and butcher innocents in other countries. In our continent, many uncivilized conquerors usurped the land, looted our treasures, converted locals to their religions, destroyed the culture and mercilessly killed those who opposed them. It is in this sense Indians can be proud of their civilization. Our hands are not red with blood, which other cultures and nations in the world cannot claim. Hindus also exploited lower castes, though they were not made slaves. This is a sad fact to be remembered by the present generation of leaders in 200 nations and the nine major religions, who control mankind. Some knowledge of the history of this ugly and unforgivable past would help them to frame civilized policies in order to avoid such tortures and tragedies. The need for such an understanding is obvious since such exploitation and atrocities are taking place even now, though different in form and motives. How can sane persons justify dropping of atom bombs or stockpiling of 20,000 Hydrogen bombs to annihilate life in the planet? Even India is guilty of keeping the Kashmir Valley, whose people want “freedom” from India. Therefore, this article is relevant for India’s rulers also, who are equally guilty of going against the principles of Dharma. The Commonwealth Games, intended for kindling the vanity of our leaders, cannot be justified when 300 millions are hungry, and who have no roof or clothes. To them our ideals are mere slogans.
What is a Civilization?
3. India became an independent nation in 1947 only. Prior to that, India was ruled by 550 kings and chieftains as well as the British who ruled major parts of India for 200 years. The word ‘Civilization’ has many definitions and interpretations. But we mean here as : “views and ways of life, which, in turn, is an integration, synthesis and amalgam of attitudes and behaviour of its people, their customs and traditions, religions and spirituality, philosophy and mysticism, approach to animals and nature, food and dress habits, art and literature as well as hundreds of other aspects of life, as practiced by majority of the people inhabiting a region or a nation”.
Plural Society
4. Throughout history, in most parts of the world, religions have played a major role in formulating values and ideals of life. At present, India’s population of 1100 million is composed of four religions born in India and four others which came from outside, consisting of 82% Hindus, including Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs, 13% Muslims and 4% Christians. There are a few thousand Parsis, and a few hundred Jews also. Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism are offshoots of Hinduism, but with separate identity and prophets. But there is a great deal of commonality among these four religions. Thus India is a highly diversified and plural society. But the Government, education
and public affairs are governed by the Constitution, which has declared that India will be a secular State, where there will be no discrimination or favouritism by the State and other institutions for one religion at the expense of the others. It will be interesting to note that Buddhism went to China, Japan, Thailand, Indo Chinese countries and Korea, where it co-existed along with local cultures, which are not strictly religions in the sense Islam and Christianity are. In these countries, teachings of Confucius, Lao Tse, Zen and others are also followed. Japan practices certain principles of Shintoism.
Hinduism – Not a Religion
5. It should be noted first that “Hinduism is not a religion. It is a “way of life and view of life”, as enunciated by thousands of saints and sages, who gave their views on life during the last 10,000 years. Hinduism has no a single prophet or a single book, as in the case of Jesus and Christianity, Prophet Mohammad and Islam, Moses and Judaism, Zoroaster and Parsis, Buddha and Buddhism, Mahavira and Jainism and Gurunanak and Sikhism. These religions follow teachings of their prophets. They are considered so sacred that their followers do not normally change the injunctions and stipulations in their holy books. But Hindus are allowed to delete, add, modify, rectify and interpret what is written in the spiritual literature, as per their conviction and conscience. Even Charvaka, who was an atheist, was given the status of a Rishi.
6. Hindus are highly religious and their life is governed by their religious convictions and their Acharas and Samskaras. The holy books of other religions are only about 1000 to 2000 printed pages. But the religious, spiritual and philosophical literature of Hinduism consist of 1300 primary texts, 10,000 adjunct texts, one lakh of subsidiary as well as one million pages of commentaries by sages, who have given expression to their views during the last 6000 years. In most cases, the names of authors are not known, since they did not care to put their name. Their only concern was welfare of mankind. Incidentally, in this vast literature, there is no mention of the word ‘religion’, nor is there a word ‘Hindu’, which was only an aberration of Sindhu. Iranians used to call Indians “people living on the other side of river, Sindhu”, which, over a period of time, became Hindus and Hinduism. The above background information would be helpful to understand the theme of the souvenir.
IC seeks Universal Happiness
7. It may be noted that Hindus did not say “Let Indians be happy, or the Hindus be happy”. They included the whole of mankind, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, etc.
World covers all entities
8. Another crucial difference between Hinduism and the four religions which came from outside is that in IC, the word ‘world’ is not only mankind, but also includes animals and bird species, plant life and Nature’s endowments, including soil, air, water, fire, ether and many other invisible and unknown elements and entities which inhabit planet Earth. Hindus believe that all these entities, inhabiting Mother Earth, are equally entitled to exist and continue their way of life. Hinduism does not postulate that God created Man as the pinnacle of his creations, and that the rest of his creations, that is, animals and plant life and Nature’s endowments, are meant for satisfying the needs of Man. Thus Hindus consider all entities as partners of Man, worthy of respect, concern, compassion and even reverence. That is why certain animal and plant life species are worshipped with equal fervour as shown to gods. Animals, such as, cows and bullocks, are considered as sacred and also the Billwa and Tulsi trees worshipped.
9. Thus it is noteworthy that Hindus pray for the happiness of all entities on the planet. It is unlike the Semitic religions, where they feel that animals and plant life have been created for Man’s needs and indulgence, that these do not have soul, and that they are not worthy of any concern or compassion.
Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaha
10. Though this ideal of concern for all entities has been declared as a sacred tenet, Hindus are equally cruel to the animal species and exploit Nature with the same attitude as they do in the West. Therefore, mere statement of intent does not mean that they are followed. For instance, Buddha was the first person to protest against animal sacrifice, practiced by a segment of Hindus. He declared: “By killing the animal you may go to heaven. But please kill me and you can go to a higher heaven”. In spite of such a noble ideal of the Buddha, 90% or more of the 600 million Buddhists in the world eat meat regularly. The concept of Ahimsa is unique to India only. Hindus accept the ideal ‘Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaha’. Buddha and Mahavira are apostles of Ahimsa and compassion towards animals. Hindu mythology is full of episodes and anecdotes on compassion towards animal species. Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas, was accompanied by a dog while he was on the way to heaven. At the gate, the dog was not allowed in. Hence Yudhishtira refused to enter heaven unless the dog was also given admission into heaven.
Vegetarianism
11. Most Hindus worship the cow and the bullock, while in the West – Christians and Muslims - eat cows without any concern that it is a Satvic animal, which does not harm anybody. Incidentally, meat eaters eat only vegetarian animals, such as cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, rabbits, camel, horses, etc. The four religions, born in India, recognise that animals have pleasure and pain as humans. Further, the concept of God is Chaitanya, the indweller in the heart, which is energy, information and intelligence, which pervade the whole universe, including electrons and galaxies, as well as cells of humans, animals and plant life. Thus we invoke “happiness” to all entities - animate and inanimate. Of course, approach is relative between rocks, plant life, animal species and Man. Plants have life. But they do not have pleasure and pain nerves, which animals have just like human beings. Plants do respond to human love or cruelty.
IC is only still living and vibrant
12. According to archaeologists, out of the 49 civilizations, which existed prior to the Christian era, only IC is still living and vibrant, with an unbroken continuity of at least 10,000 years. Rest of the 48 have disappeared from the earth, leaving no trace of their ancient glory. Even Athens, where Greek philosophers taught truth and philosophy, and which is the basis of Christian philosophy, is in ruins. What is left in the mighty ancient Egypt is only the Pyramid. And in Rome, only the coliseum stands as mute monument, where human beings were thrown in to be eaten up by lions. It also shows the barbarianism in those parts of the world.
13. If one genuinely desires the happiness of the whole world, his attitude to others should change. First of all, one has to understand others sincerely and learn from them such as those values, which are noble. Therefore, India’s second ideal was “Let noble thoughts come from everywhere”, which is the dictum given in the Rigveda, and which is repeated in every prayer meeting. No other civilization conceptualized such an ideal. In fact, the Alexandrian library was burnt, destroying thousands of books. In the name of their religion, conquerors condemned whatever was written in other books. They believed that others had no right to exist and that their holy book only contained the truth. Similar carnage of burning books and people and destruction of other cultures have taken place in many parts of the world by the earlier generations of Semitic religions. But the present generation is not at all responsible for the atrocities done in the past. But, even now, such madness takes place. Taliban destroyed Buddha’s rock statue. Thousands of Iraq citizens were killed to establish democracy. Terrorists are killing innocents in the name of religion.
Hindus are peace loving
14. We are only recording here what ancients did out of sheer ignorance or due to wrong interpretation of what was written in their holy books. In many regions where Christianity and Islam went, local people were killed and their cultures erased. For instance, Europeans took over North and South Americas, Australia and parts of Africa entirely by force by butchering millions of people and animals and wiping out vast areas of forests in order to colonize them. Western civilizations were established there by massive destruction of other cultures.
15. Based on Hindu tenets that the whole world should be happy, Indian soldiers never crossed her borders for conquest, though we were attacked 69 times. Some Muslim conquerors destroyed 3,600 temples, looted the treasures of palaces and temples, disfigured Hindu idols and established Mosques near Hindu shrines. Unleashing Jihad against Hindu idolaters, they converted millions. Islamic teachings were misinterpreted to justify such atrocities. Even now, the cry for Jihad can be heard. Hindus were forcibly converted in millions. Yet we did not retaliate. This is evident from the fact that Hinduism exists only in India and tiny Nepal, while 2.4 billion Christians are the majority in 120 countries and 1.2 billion Muslims in 58 countries. Thus India has proved in theory and practice that Hindus are not interested either in conquest or conversion. Even today, many monks are teaching Indian philosophy all over the world, giving their message of peace and harmony. Sri Satya Sai Baba is reported to have 50 m followers all over the world, drawn from all religions and races. Matha Amritanandamayi and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have large following in many parts of the world. Over 420 temples have come up in USA. There are Hindu temples even in Dubai and Russia. Several Ashrams of Yogananda, Ramakrishna, Dayannda and many other Swamis teach peace. There is no attempt to convert any body to Hinduism. Sri Narayana Guru had declared that man should be good irrespective of religion. Thousands visit Puttaparthy to have darshan of Sai Baba. He has not invited any body. They come on their own to seek his blessings. ISKCON has temples in many parts of the world, spreading the Krishna cult. All of them preach welfare of mankind, and not adding numbers to Hinduism.
Western Scholars accept Hinduism’s ideals
16. Western scholars have accepted the universality and the tolerance of Hindus. Will Durant and Arnold Toynbee, greatest
historians, have declared: “India is the cradle of civilizations, mother of the human race, grandmother of European languages through Sanskrit and great grandmother of Science and Mathematics”. Einstein said that the whole world owes to India for teaching mankind how to count, without which no science is possible. Over 400 scientific discoveries, now known as that of Copernicus, Leonardo Vinci, Galileo, Newton, Darwin and others, were all originally discovered by Indian Rishis. Though books are available on such truths, Indians do not know about India’s scientific genius and contributions to mankind. A wrong interpretation of secularism has prevented Indian intellectuals from studying about India’s ancient thought and glory. 50 American Universities teach Bhagavad Gita, as a part of Management Curriculum. The US Congress started their Legislative Session with a recitation from the Rigveda. Four State Legislatures in the US also had Vedic chanting by all the legislators. Sanskrit is being taught in a few US Universities. JC Bose discovered magnetism and electricity, while the credit has gone to Marcony. This fact is known to the world scientific community, except scientists in India. In fact, the modern elites in India condemn any thing that is ancient, belonging to Hinduism. It is the tragedy of India that, even after 62 years of independence, Hindus have no freedom to introduce Hinduism as a subject in schools and colleges. Private institutes are forbidden to teach Hinduism, as it is considered as communal. Anybody can make use of Hindu ideals without becoming a Hindu. Dr. David Frawley has written 30 books on Hinduism and the Saraswathi Civilization, which spread world wide.
Whole World is one family
17. Jesus said “Love your neighbour”. But IC hadclared: “For large hearted persons, whole world is one family”. This is not mere rhetoric or slogan. Over 60 m people of Indian origin (most of them Hindus) are living abroad as PIOs. They are carrying on life amidst other religions without disturbing the majority community there. We should acknowledge the openness of US citizens,who have accepted that Hindus can put up temples and can teach Hinduism there. We should also compliment the Indonesian Government who has allowed people of Bali Islands to continue as Hindus. In contrast, Pakistan and Bangladesh pushed out millions of Hindus as a process of cleansing their area of Hindu thought and practices. Christians and Muslims insist on Hindus changing their religion, if they get married to Hindus. Such is the beauty and strength of Hinduism, which strictly follows the fundamentals of humanism as the common denominator, which determines their relationship with other religions in the world.
Religions are different paths to same Godhood
18. The third tenet is that Hindus accept other religions as equally valid as different paths to the same godhood, stating “Truth is one or God is one, known by different names”. A Sanskrit sloka illustrates this: “Water raised from the ocean as vapour by sun’s heat becomes clouds, which falls as rain. Water flows through different rivers, but ultimately reaches the same ocean, losing their separate identity”. Ganga and Danube become part of the vast ocean. In the same way, whatever be the concept, name and form one may have about their God, as per their religion, ultimately all prostrations and prayers will reach the same God. This fundamental belief makes it easy for all to pray for the welfare of mankind. Gandhiji had the courage to openly start his speeches with a prayer “Iswar Allah there nam”, “Ram thume ho Rahim thume ho”. Similarly, in programmes of Sri Satya Sai Baba, people of all religions congregate. Festivals of all religions are observed with the same zeal and fervour. In many houses, the altar includes the Gods of other religions. In the logo of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, all major religions are represented.
Kerala – Outstanding example of secularism
19. Kerala is an outstanding example of a high degree of religiosity. But public conduct, relationships, transactions, outlook, attitudes and behaviour are governed by secular principles. In Kerala, 30 per cent are Muslims, 20 per cent Christians and the rest are Hindus of different castes. There is no communal conflict or confrontation. Temples, Churches and Mosques exist side by side. Christians and Muslims learn and give concerts in Carnatic music, which is mostly on Hindu devotional themes. In Hindu festivals, Muslims and Christians participate in the festivities. Educational institutions, particularly those of Hindus and Christians, admit students from all communities. Some Muslim institutions also have the same practice. Thus Kerala has demonstrated the possibility of co-existence of different religions, though they may differ entirely on concepts of God, philosophy, creation and fundamental beliefs of Man. Christians and Muslims have been influenced by Hindu culture. Divorce rate is the same in all the religions. Christians and Muslims wear Sari. Some customs are the same. Thus it is possible to adhere to one’s religion fully, while enjoying life together.
Jews and Parsis
20. The Hindu king of Cochin allowed Jews to settle down, and even allotted land for them to build a Synagogue, which still exists. Hindus are perhaps the only community, which have not persecuted Jews. Parsis, driven out from Iran, came to India, seeking refuge. They told the king of Surat that they will merge with people of India as sugar and salt in water. Thus, this small community of Parsis has India as their only home. This historical fact is an outstanding example of implementing the concept “Let the whole world be happy”. Hindus also should give credit to the countries in the Gulf, which have allowed Hindus to work and settle down there. The ugly part of communal hatred in the past has been forgotten, which is a good augury for the future. Only in the Indian Sub-continent, Pakistan and Bangladesh still encourages hatred to Hindus. And India has 140 m Muslims, the second largest country of Muslims. We have to live together.
21. Hindu concepts give the theoretical base and practical methods by which such tolerance and mutual acceptance can be implemented by different religions while retaining their identity and beliefs.
IC’s ideals of Universal Value
22. Indian civilization has many other unique features, which will be useful to the rest of the world. These are to be understood first by Indians themselves. It is their duty to propagate these ideas to the rest of the world – not to convert them but to allow them to choose on their own, based on their relevance to their lives. The two million pages of India’s philosophical literature clearly lays down that nothing should be accepted as blind belief. Einstein said that “Religion should be scientific, rationale and logical,which can be proved by experiment or experience”. Secular knowledge is acquired from books and teachers. Discoveries are based on experimentation using equipments and scientific methods. In Indian philosophical and spiritual concepts, it is emphasized that whatever has been stated in the Vedas can be proved by experience. IC insists that religion and philosophy should be logical, rational and should pass scrutiny by science. Nothing should be believed without questioning. Most inter-religious conflicts have arisen due to blindly believing in the Koran and Bible and misinterpreting what is written there. Jesus and Mohammed would not have said nothing which go against the welfare of mankind. But more have been killed in inter-religious conflicts and battles. Except for the exploitation of lower castes, again due to misinterpretation.
Concept of God
23. India is the only country where her sages boldly declared that they have experienced God – Ramakrishna, Ramana and many others. God cannot be seen nor touched, heard or felt by the five senses. God can be only experienced by methods, such as, devotion, yoga, meditation, desireless action, knowledge, etc. Modern technology has already enabled the world to prove many truths discovered by our ancient sages. They had estimated speed of light, movement of planets, gravitation and such scientific discoveries by simply sitting in meditation and accessing knowledge from the COSMOS. When a proposition or a theory is propounded, as has been done by our ancient Rishis, they were amenable for verification by scientific methodology. There are three kinds of knowledge: “manifestation, inference and authority”. Even modern science uses the same formulae. Therefore, it is the duty of Indians to study and spread ancient knowledge, particularly those which are useful to mankind. Just because such knowledge is ancient or because our ancient rishis discovered it, they need not be accepted. Only those, relevant for utilitarian purposes or discovering the ultimate truth, have to be accepted. The whole purpose of India’s religious, spiritual and philosophical literature is for removal of sorrow and suffering and to attain happiness and peace and, that too, in this world and not after death. Even God has to be experienced in this birth itself, which has been proved feasible by our saints and sages.
Anti-Hindu attitude to be changed
24. During this India’s Century, Government, Educational institutions and the Media should change from their present anti-Hindu attitude to one of identifying those, which would be good for mankind. A precious treasure of ancient wisdom is now being ignored on the ground that it is communal and may hurt the feelings of minorities. The world would benefit, if India’s scientific approach towards Man, Animal and Nature are examined dispassionately and scientifically for its relevance to current life in order to remove ills, afflicting mankind. Even if Indian Government and Educational institutions ignore it, Indian thought will be revived by the Business and Industry sector some day. Thanks to technology, ten TV channels are daily broadcasting Hindu thoughts, Acharas and Samaskaras for 24 hrs. Many others are showing aspects of Hindu thought for 3 to 4 hours a day. Meanwhile, there is tremendous interest in the United States on Indian approach to Animals and Nature. Their findings would slowly come back to India and gain respectability among our intellectuals and elites, who are now indifferent. English media is openly hostile to Hinduism. They are belittling Hindu thought and practices. But that could not stop 80 m poor and middle class Indians attending Kumbha Mela and 80 m going to temples every day.
Marriage
25. Civilization began with domestication of animals for food and work as well as constituting marriage as a social institution for harmony in society. In some western countries, 30% of marriages break and sanctity of marriage is slowly eroding. Marriage is a sacred alliance, which is essential for society’s survival. India has so far resisted this trend, where children are becoming parentless. But the influence of commercial movies is slowly affecting harmony and promoting violence and vulgarity. But the two Ithihasas and 36 Puranas, Vidura Neethi, Bharthruhari’s advise, Sastras, Smrithis, etc are all intended to inculcate virtuous values to mankind. These are ingrained in the minds of most Hindus and hence are not directed against others. The concept of welfare should have promoted the principle which protect the weaker sections of society – physically, economically, socially and culturally. India has done it.
Approach to Women
26. Indian concept towards women is also unique. Most important entities are considered as women. While Prophets of eight other religions are males, the ultimate power in Hinduism is Parasakti, which is considered as a woman. Planet Earth, rivers, mountains, food, Gayatri, learning, wealth, energy, etc are conceptualized as woman. This has been done in order to give women respectability and protection. The two Ithihasas, namely Ramayana and Mahabharata, are centred round Sita and Draupathi. Rama is known as Sita’s husband - Sitapathi. Most Rishis led a householders’ life, where women also learnt the Vedas. Women were considered as manifestation of divine virtues. There are more temples for women goddesses, such as Saraswathi, Bhagawathi, Durga, Kali, Parvathi, Annapoorneswari, etc than for male deities.
Commercial era of Kaliyuga
27. Unfortunately, in the Commercial Era of Kali Yuga, attitude to women is slowly being distorted and perverted. Women are glamourised and used in advertisements to induce people to buy. Sensuality and sexuality are being used to seduce consumers. This tendency is dangerous. Marriage is a social institution and not merely a contract between man and woman. The relationship is sacred. This would slowly fade away and would be replaced by commercial considerations. Mankind cannot be happy without respecting women as the basis of society’s virtues, modesty, values, love affection, service, sacrifice, suffering, etc. India’s ancient civilization remained the same, mainly because of women and their sacrifice. Happiness of the family depends on the woman of the house. Aggregation of all families makes up the society. If women become mere commodities for pleasure, that society’s culture will be vulgarized, as is happening in many parts of the world, including India’s upper classes in Metros. Blind imitation of degenerated Western values can only bring unhappiness. Children would lose character.
Animal Welfare
28. The next important Hindu ideal is in respect of treatment of animals, which is one of companionship. India is the only country, where 30% are vegetarian. It is universally accepted that meat eating is bad for physical and mental health, environment and ecology. Therefore, vegetarianism has to be propagated. 90% of food produced in the form of meat is a waste, which is the heavy burden on Planet Earth. New diseases are emerging mainly due to meat eating. 10 kgs of food are fed to cattle, which gives only one kg of meat. Rest is wasted. US citizens eat two tones of food grain per head per year, as against 200 kg by an Indian. Soil is getting sterile by input of artificial ingredients. Food wasted on the table in US and Europe can feed the whole of Asia. One billion people in Asia and Africa are starving. Westerners and upper classes in Asia are wasting food by feeding animals and then eating their meat. 10 vegetarians need only one acre of land for survival, while meat eaters need one acre per head. The other tragedy is the enormous suffering inflicted on animals in raising and slaughtering livestock. India is the source of veg concept and reverence to animals. But suffering of work and meat animals is beyond imagination. Livestock gives 7% of GNP. But government allocates only 0.1% of GNP for their feed and welfare. This is not only a shame but also a criminal act.
Environment and Ecology
29. The next element of IC is the approach towards Environment and Ecology. Air and water are being polluted, forests are being denuded, desertification is taking place in many parts of world and Global Warming is a threat to survival of life. The present rate of exploitation of earth is likely to endanger the Planet’s capacity to sustain life. Studies have shown that the fragile atmosphere is being polluted by Man’s greed, avarice and exploitation of Mother Earth and its endowments, like water, air, soil, plant life, etc. India’s approach towards Nature is one of ‘mother’. We are all children of Mother Earth. A Sanskrit sloka pleads to Mother Earth: “Please forgive me for hurting you”. Such a spiritual or cultural approach towards Environment and Ecology is the only way by which man can sustain life in the Planet. IC is the only one which has divinized Nature’s endowments. While scientific and managerial actions can continue to prevent further damage, only religious fervour to protect Mother Earth would give impetus and inspiration for reducing reckless exploitation of Mother Earth. Already, floods and droughts are threatening many regions. Rise in temperature would melt ice in the mountains and the two poles, which would inundate many low lying areas. Therefore, for welfare of mankind, Nature’s endowments should be protected as an essential policy of government and citizens.
India is equally guilty
30. In spite of all the glorious wisdom inherited, we are equally guilty of flouting most of the above ideals. The greatest crime is the distortion brought about by the caste system, which took entirely a different turn from the original idea of the four Varnas, which was intended to be based on attributes and tendencies. Caste was not intended as per birth, but by attitude and values. A Brahmin is one who has “Brahma Jnana”, who should live an austere life, possessing nothing, and working for welfare of mankind. That is why our Rishis remained anonymous, seeking no name, power or wealth. The fact that it is not based on birth can be proved by the fact that Vyasa was son of a fisher woman, Vidura son of a servant maid, Valmiki of a hunter, Rama as a Kshatriya and Krishna as a Yadava. Many Rishis were born to low caste women. Even now, Satya Sai Baba and Matha Amritanandamayi belong to OBC. Indians practiced untouchability for millennia like Europeans practiced slavery. Unfortunately, the inappropriate political economy model has perpetuated the caste system, which will continue till that system is changed. The Business and Industry sector has succeeded in eliminating caste within their organizations. But 22 million in the government machinery and the whole political process is caste based.
India – not following Dharma
31. Though India is a single cultural entity for 10,000 years, the kings, ruling small and big States, were quarrelling and fighting each other. Only the British conquest enabled India to get united as a modern nation-state. Indians are also taking meat in large scale and are imitating the bad practices of the Western countries. In spite of our religiosity, we are the most corrupt country in the world. Our Government is obstructive to development and lethargic in dispensing justice. Three crore cases are pending in courts. 300 million are below the poverty line and 400 million are illiterate. Therefore, in spite of lofty ideals, and having our logo as ‘Sathyameva Jayathe’, the present generation of India has not been able to implement the sacred ideals given by our Rishis. However, India is progressing well materially, and it is hoped that the establishment would accept the principles and methodology enunciated by our ideals for welfare of mankind.
Gratitude
32. The present generation also ought to thank the British who enabled this ancient cultural entity to become a modern nation-state and for having given many institutions for upholding India’s ideals. Hinduism is also grateful to Islam for giving them music, architecture and teachings of Sufi masters. India is also thankful to Buddhism, which rescued India in 500 BC from becoming merely ritualistic and casteish. Hindus are also thankful to Jains for having given the concept of Ahimsa and vegetarianism. Indian civilization is also grateful to all great scholars and philosophers of the world, who have appreciated India’s ancient wisdom and in helping to put them into practice - not only in India but also all over the world. It is our duty to implement the aspiration and prediction of Swami Vivekananda to make this Century India’s, which will pave the way for the whole world to take advantage of India’s ancient thought and wisdom for the welfare of Mankind, Animals and Nature.
Conclusion
33. India’s spiritual and philosophical teachings can help to reduce stress and tension, manage life for enhanced happiness and to attain peace of mind. Also, world peace is feasible only with Indian thought and wisdom. These are beyond the scope of this article. India also accepts that wisdom of other civilizations may help. IC does not claim monopoly of wisdom. We are a poor country. We have not been able to give a decent living to our teeming millions. We have no right to preach to other nations. Till we improve our standards of health and peace, we have no right to condemn others. We should clean our house before condemning, and preaching to others.
“Service to Man is service to God
Nara Seva – Narayana Seva;
Manava Seva – Madhava Seva
Jana Seva – Janardhana Seva”
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SIX DEGREES
Telecast by the National Geographic Channel at 9 p.m. on 10th October titled ‘Six Degrees’ might have been watched by many viewers. During the one hour telecast the experts on climate change gave a grim but a realistic picture as to what would happen to our planet for each degree of temperature rise. I did not take down the specific details of the telecast. However, I recollect some of the points which I am putting down in brief:
· Rise of 1 degree C : This can damage corals which exist near the Equator and the Southern ocean in the Great Barrier Reef around the northern coast of Australia. This beautiful colourful corals may become lifeless. Around the polars, glaciers will melt down considerably.
· Rise of 2 degrees C: Sea level would rise resulting in the submergence of low lying areas like Bengladesh and low lying islands. Polar bears’ habitats will be destroyed and they may become extinct.
· Rise of 3 degrees C: Western regions of United States of America will face drought and desertification takes place as the top soil will vanish because of high speed wind. Amazon forest which gives 20% of oxygen to the world will substantially vanish because of forest fires giving rise to further temperature rise. Himalayan glaciers will melt substantially, flooding will occur in Indo-Gangetic plains and main land China. Large scale migration of people would take place and ultimately drought conditions would prevail because glaciers would have melted down and river water flow would substantially decrease. Many of the European cities will become unlivable because of temperature rise and outbreak of diseases. Mumbai will be in danger of submergence.
· Rise of 4 degrees C: New York city will be under 6 meters of water. High winds will be regular and serious threat to life will take place. Cold regions of Canada will become temperate and many inhospitable places under permanent snow will become cultivable and agri friendly.
· Rise of 5 degrees C: Most of the living habitats will be seriously affected and human population will keep on moving to safer places resulting in massive migration.
· Rise of 6 degrees C: The entire landscape of the Planet will change and all living organisms and human population will be wiped out.
The narrator mentions the fact that the present temperature rise from earlier times is around 0.8 degrees C and if all concerted actions are taken nationwide and globally we can save the Earth. This is a very serious matter and need the most urgent consideration of all mankind.
- Compiled : T.N.K. Kurup
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LIVESTOCK &ENVIRONMENT
ORANISED BY CARTMAN IN ASSOCIATION WITH KVASFU,
HELD ON 28TH AND 29TH OCTOBER, 2010,
AT VETERINARY COLLEGE, HEBBAL, BANGALORE
(Compiled by R. Ramalingam & T.N.K. Kurup)
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Points from the inaugural speech of Shri D.V. Prasad, Principal Secretary to Govt. of Karnataka, Dept. of Animal Husbandry & Fisheries.
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Agricultural practices are also causing considerable damage to environment. For almost for 50 years we did not approach this issue in our own country. With aggressive paddy cultivation, 50% of the land is now degraded.
Conferences and seminars at the National level will provide a platform for innovative thoughts and ideas which could be considered by the Policy Makers and implemented for the common benefit.
Experts in the field of livestock and environment such as Prof. N.S.Ramaswamy, Prof. Suresh S. Honnappagol of the KVAFUS and delegates from all over the country present here could interact on region based problems and then come up with appropriate recommendations for consideration of the Government.
Salient points of the address of Prof.Suresh S. Honnappagol, V.C. KVAFSU
Livestock of the country has low productivity but heir cumulative contribution to national exchequer is steadily rising unlike agriculture which is dwindling. Bottom 60% of rural households of the country own only 4% of total milch animals, but their share in bovine ownership is showing a rising trend. Two thirds of the livestock particularly cattle are maintained by small marginal farmers and labourers. Thus, there is a steady growth in livestock population to provide nutritional security for the growing human population.
Livestock productivity has both positive and negative effects on environment.
Positive Effect:
Mixed farming enhanced water infiltration and recharges ground water reserves.
Mixed farming system sustain the resource base
Mixed farming effects resource enhancement & support
For Organic farming, livestock is the primary source.
Negative Effects:
Land degradation by over grazing
Waste production
Pollution of land, water and air particularly after slaughter or natural death.
Hot spots of Livestock – Environment interaction:
Land degradation – specially – semi arid region
Extensive grazing & large scale forest degradation
Animal waste production that exceeds the absorption
Capacity of land and water – Emission of harmful gasses
Methane & Nitron oxide – The result in Global warming
Ground contamination and pollution
Slaughter house waste management
Policy Interventions:
Growing imbalance between livestock & environment to be corrected
Govt. – Clear understanding of ecosystem &their linkage of Eco Systems.
Measures to correct institutional weaknesses
Incentive policies – Equity-benefit sharing like
Joint Forest Management(JFM), Watershed development, etc
Creating good infrastructure
Intensification of livestock production system – There is a separate department in KVAFSU.
More of stall feeding
Mitigative measures to limit the entire greenhouse gases
To protect, maintain and develop available uncultivated public land
Optimizing the grazing density of livestock.
Environmentally controlled livestock system – have a thought of Animal Right Activists.
Integrate Livestock System – Dept. of KVAFSU
KEY NOTE ADDRESS,
Prof. Ramaswamy said that in the sophisticated urban life the silent role played by livestock and environment to man’s sustenance and prosperity is ignored and neglected. He also reminded that India still lives in her six lakh villages, most of which have not received the attention due to them from planners and policy makers. Livestock is the major instrument of production of 70 million marginal and small farmers and 30 million landless labourers and the major beneficiary would be the poor women of rural India. He further said that though the Government has been pouring in soft credit and huge subsidy for food security, our inefficient and indifferent delivery system has not delivered food to the intended beneficiaries. Only 10% of the budget of Agriculture Ministry, of which Animal Husbandry is a part, is allocated for livestock. Output value of the food sector is Rs. 4 lakh crores and that of livestock Rs. 2 lakh crores.
He said that in the livestock sector, the milk, poultry and fisheries sub-sector have done very well, the two major sub-sectors of livestock, viz., Draught Animal Power and Meat have not received any significant attention. He said that modernizing these two sub-sectors will result in great boost in rural employment and earnings. He pointed out that livestock contribute 7% of GNP but they receive less than one per cent of Plan allocation.
In respect of meat sector, he pointed out that 10% of the meat sector has been modernized since Independence and the 150 m. livestock undergo unimaginable suffering while they are taken from their home State in rural areas through their long journey to distant urban based slaughter houses, where they are slaughtered. Their suffering for the service of man ends only when they are finally killed in filthy and dirty slaughter houses. He pointed out that to reduce the suffering of the animals, the best proposition is establishment of rural based abattoirs and transporting meat only to consuming centres, by which we can eliminate all the ill-effects of the existing system. In conclusion he said that CARTMAN has been campaigning for the improvement of animal drawn vehicles and for establishment of rural based abattoirs for decades. Government at the Centre and States have not taken up this in a big way so far. This would add another Rs.20,000 crores annually to the exchequer and would greatly benefit the rural areas comprising marginal farmers and landless labourers.
Points raised by Prof. S. Yathiraj, Director of Research, KVAFSU, Bidar
In this conference, the issue and conflict pertaining to Livestock and Environment is discussed. Livestock production increases emission of green house gases. Milk production and the related activities generate methane, carbon-dioxide and nitrus oxide contributing to global warming increasing pollution by 3%.
With global warming in the past 30 years, temperature has gone up by 0.6 dec.C. In the next 30 years it will further increase.
In Lancashire of UK certain breed of cattle emits 250 to 500 litres of methane per day. With 1.3 million cattle emitting methane is an important factor, contributes 3% out of 20% per cent emission by the animals.
Environmental changes also affect the health of animals in many ways.
The Conference should discuss all these issues and come up with suggestion for consideration.
The deliberations on the of the presentation of the delegates are not included in this article.. These are separately published in the Souvenir released at the Conference. Around 100 delegates from various States participated in the Conference. The recommendations emerging out of the Conference are being compiled and these will be submitted to the Government of India.
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CARTMAN is holding a
BIO DIVERSITY WEEK
From 15.11.2010 (Monday) To 20.11.2010 (Saturday)
At
BBMP-CARTMAN ECO PARK
Civic Amenity Site No. 18,
(Behind Koramangala Club)
6th Block, Koramangala
Inauguration : 15.11.2010,10 AM
Exhibition Timings : 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
|
ALL ARE WELCOME
IMPORTANCE OF BIO DIVERSITY
T.N.K. Kurup
Biosphere is the thin outer layer of Earth. It consists of the living organisms and their environment. It is the only habitat for all living beings including us. It is a system. For a system to function efficiently and continuously all its constituents should perform in unison without upsetting the balance. We, as members of the biosphere, should understand that we are part of the system and not its consumers. As the quality of environment improves so does the quality of life for us.
Plants have been the source of food for us and also the source of medicines in treating various diseases. The diversity of plants and animals has also been the source for the products we use – fibre, leather, paper, to name a few. It also provides us with beautiful and breathtaking landscapes, exotic flora and fauna and natural climatic control.
Preserving the diversity that has given so much is essential for the continued well being of the earth and its inhabitants. Larger the number of diverse species, the greater will be the resilience of the biosphere and its eco system. The loss of bio-diversity will make our lives poorer.
To understand and appreciate the Bio Diversity, Cartman is presenting an exhibition of photographs of Biomes comprising Arctic Tundra, Deciduous forest, Tropical Rain forest, Desert Region, Oceans along with typical flora and fauna of the region. Biomes are major ecological community of organizations maintained under a particular climatic zone and are characterized by its flora and fauna.
Cartman is also showing flora and fauna, typical of Himalayan and Western Ghats. Also exhibits include variety of Animals, Birds, Trees, Marine life and a few pictures illustrating Global Warming.
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