A SUNDAY FULL OF CONTENTMENT

This Sunday, the Jan 30^th was an eventful day for me, worth sharing with you.

First one of the day, was a fortune to meet the Nobel Laureate His Holiness, the Dalailama, the Great Tibetan Spiritual-Religious Leader. Over half an hour’s interaction it was, the room we were seated was brightened by the avid persona of His Holiness. His smile was infectious and so was his communication. The Great Personality never exhibited any airs and his was a child like conduct. And it occurred to me as if was speaking to an elder member of my own family.

The way His Holiness treated a four year old kid (Arnav), son of a passport Officer whose family was also around in the same room was just a great sight. Incidentally, the boy shared his birthday with the Dalai Lama. His Holiness made the boy to sit near him, cuddled him up and said “I will never allow you to go away”. The little child and his parents were beaming with happiness with the blessings they got.

I was curious when I asked him, how has it become possible for him to maintain the spirit of Tibetan movement even after sixty years of exile. The answer he gave was an absolute revelation for me. “We believe in truth”- said he and recollected an incident of Sixties. The then Indian Home Minister late YB Chavan while sharing his experience of Freedom movement had said to him, “we never knew if freedom will come at all. If it has to come we didn’t know when. Yet we never lost faith in the movement.” These words of Chavan had become a guiding philosophy said His Holiness. The attitude of Chinese administration too might have strengthened the Tibetan resolve to keep the movement alive. Even the younger generation, which had not seen Tibet, today dream to visit the place if they get a chance. I was fascinated by his humility.

He also explained the passion of the Youngsters who, in spite of modern education have maintained their emotional, religious chords intact. They steadfastly adhere to the Tibetan Cultural habits.

His Holiness recollected his association with our State’s former Chief Minister Late Nijalingappa. He went nostalgic of an incident with him that happened in 1956.  

When I came out of that ambient interaction and the benign caress of His Holiness, I was engulfed with a sense of pleasure hard to define. All I can say, it was a real contentment.

The second fortune came in the evening. Jan 30^th is incidentally observed as Martyr’s day in memory of martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhiji. Mahatma was assassinated on this day 63 years ago by Nathuram Godse.   I attended an event with a difference held at a unique place. 

Many of you might remember my letter to Mrs Jyothsna Suri, the Chief of Hotel Lalit Ashok requesting her to instruct the concerned officers at Hotel Lalit Ashok to do away with serving of liquor near Jyothi Vriks, the monumental tree under which Mahatma used to conduct evening prayers during his visit to Bangalore in 1927 (June to August). I was assured that my sentiments will be taken care of and thanks to her proactive pleasant response; this year’s martyrs’ day was observed under the same tree in the premises of Lalit Ashok. I was approached by her Officers last week with an invite for the event. 

When I went there yesterday, the 5-Star Hotel was abuzz with Bhajans reminiscent of those that were held when Mahatma was around. Yes, Bhajans in a star hotel might look incongruous or strange. But it happened. With hundreds of students from Sevadal School being there to magnify the memories, it was an event which went on to etch a lasting place in my heart. Flowers were offered to the statue as a tribute to Mahatma.

One little effort of an email to Mrs Jyothsna Suri yielded this result of remembrance of Mahatma at his own place of visit, a true tribute to the Mahatma I believe.

I am yet to come out of the nostalgia this Sunday has offered me.

S.SURESHKUMAR

VYAKTHI VICHARA

The write up appeared in KANNADA PRABHA daily on 30-01-2011. This article is written by well known writer Sri Sathyanarayana. Let the enjoyment of reading be yours.


S.Sureshkumar

THIS REPUBLIC DAY HAD NO PLACE FOR POLITICAL STATEMENTS

I was in Chikmagalore yesterday on the occasion of Republic day. After the National flag Hoisting function, there was a customary Press Conference. Friends from the media were eager to get my reaction/response/views about the Governor- Government imbroglio, post sanction scenario etc., But I decidedly excused myself from making any political statement “on this particular day”. 

My belief is that at least on occasions like Independence day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanthi and other days of national significance, we should suspend declaring political statements which seems to be the stuff on any other day. These days must surely be utilized to discuss larger and the serious issues. I am happy to say that my Journalist friends agreed and endorsed my views.

I seriously ponder “why the Republic Day remains just a Government Function? Why common man does not participate? Why the occasion has failed to become the Society’s celebration? Why only School children, NCC/Sevadal/Scouts-guides/police.. are only the mandatory participants? And why the ‘public’ is nowhere in Re’public’ day function?!

In the stadium where the flag hoisting function was held, citizen was conspicuous by his/ her absence. One should perceive Republic day as the one which gave you the Freedom (of speech, expression) and Fundamental Right (Yes including the duties) to Indians (Citizens) through Constitution, where as Independence day was the day that gave Freedom to India. But, generally Republic Day goes unobserved by the public and it will be an extra Holiday (paid Holiday for those in organized employment) For a Country to become vibrant, these occasions should be used to recharge the national resolve for a confident tomorrow, in spite of happenings and lacunae in the system which makes us cynical.

S.SURESH KUMAR

New write up in Vijay Karnataka

My new article appears in Vijay Karnataka.

Let the happiness of reading be yours.

S.Sureshkumar

DENOTIFICATION OF NATIONAL INTENTIONS- A PAINFUL ISSUE TO PONDER OVER

History is repeating… My Party will be observing its 60^th birth anniversary this year. It was on the 21^st of October 1951, Bharathiya Janasangh was born. First President of our Party was Dr Shyam Prasad Mukherjee, who had the credit of becoming the Vice Chancellor of prestigious Calcutta University at an age as young as 33.

Thanks to Rahul Gandhi’s great Grandfather’s act, Kashmir is still being haunted by the same issues for decades. Incidentally, the appeasing policies of Nehruvian Politics, detrimental to Indian Integrity made our Founding President walk out in protest from the First cabinet after Independence.

Many of you must know, the immediate days after Independence, the Chief Minister of Kashmir was called as Pradhan Manthri of Kashmir. Dark days as they were, one had to seek permit (Yes, Permit Raj of a different genre) to enter into Kashmir although it was an integral part of our Country. Under the able leadership of Dr Mukherjee, Jan Sangh took the revolt to the people. In fact, Dr Mukherjee raised a great slogan “Ek Desh mein Do Pradhan, Do Nishan, Do Vidhan Nahi Chalegi... Nahi Chalegi” and started a Kashmiri movement. Our seniors, even now recollect the great moments of his energizing address to a well – attended public during his visit to Bangalore during those days.

Dr Mukherjee, was a man of impeccable integrity and untiring principles. His commitment to oneness of this great Nation was an unquestionable issue. His strong willed commitment against the Permit Raj made him to take the extreme step of entering Kashmir without any ‘permit’. The result, he was abducted and incarcerated in Kashmir. He was no where to be seen for quite sometime. Finally, the news of arrival of his dead body shook everyone and it took a lot of time to get back to our normal being. Dr Sham Prasad Mukherjee had laid down his life as the first martyr of post independent India.

In 1992, four years after terrorism raised its ugly head in Kashmir, a separatist movement was picking up its heat. The Terrorists had openly challenged ‘Indians’ with a statement – “whoever had consumed his mother’s milk, might dare to come down to Lal Chowk and hoist National flag there”.  This obviously confounded our sentiments and our Party had taken it as fitting challenge to overcome. Our then President, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, announced Ektha Yatra which was a huge success across the Nation. I still recount my participation too in “Ektha Yathra”. We had train-traveled all along to jammu from Bangalore to reach Kashmir in a bid to ensure the National Flag is hoisted at Lal Chowk. All we could dream was a fluttering tricolor on Lal Chowk. In mid way, all of us were rebutted when we had started our journey to Srinagar from Jammu. Never the less the then Union Government facilitated Dr Joshi and few members (There were few from Karnataka too) amidst the threat to hoist ‘Tiranga’ on Lal Chowk. Incidentally, the Chief Organizer of Ektha Yathra was Narendra Modi, who is the reformist Chief Minister of Vibrant Gujrat. Although, we couldnt be there at Lal Chowk, we were very happy, our motives were met.

Today, BJP’s attempt to counter the separatists’ challenge again is being countered more by the “secularist” establishment at the Centre. Only yesterday, the Opposition Party leaders of Loksabha and Rajya Sabha, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley were literally snubbed away from entering Kashmir. They were detained at Jammu Airport before being packed back to Punjab.

According to Dr Manmohan Singh, hoisting national Flag at Lal Chowk on the 26^th would vitiate the atmosphere there. In UPA’s dispensation, “separatists’” call to question Kashmir as the integral part of India is tolerable secular act, while BJP’s attempt to take up the cudgels to prove Kashmir very much a part of India by hoisting tricolor is a preventable nuisance.

Is that not a dis-service by the UPA to the Indian sentiments? Is that not an act of crawling when the separatists ask the Government to bend? Is that not a case of “de-notifying” the national intentions by the UPA? Many hearts with sentiments of nationalism bleed although

S.Suresh kumar

Stray dogs and the stray lives! Who is to account for the death of hapless kid Prashantho?

The death of Prashantho, that eighteen month old child is heart rending. That this innocent kid’s life was put to an end by street dogs in the early hours, when the Bangalore was sleeping makes the incident more sordid.

In the just now - abruptly or forcibly - ended Legislature session Prashantho’s death was one and the only issue pertaining to the common man. Nandeesh Reddy, the first time MLA from KR Puram, Bangalore raised the issue of Prashantho and urged for steps to prevent such tragedies.

On behalf of the Government, I responded. The following day, on 14-1-2010, I chaired a meeting in BBMP to look into the issue. An estimate tells, there are some 3.50 lakh dogs in Bangalore out of which nearly two lakh are street dogs. Anyone who goes for a morning walk, or who comes home after those late night shifts or any two wheelers would have faced the brunt of these dogs. The plight of the rag pickers who search for their “treasure’ near garbage heaps in the wee hours is still more pathetic. In that meeting, the possible remedies, the issue of Animal lover’s passion towards their “man’s best friend” also came for the discussion.

In this conflict, between the prevention of cruelty to animals as well as humans, the question is how to balance the safety of human society and merciful handling of the street dogs? How to do justice to Society for Prevention of cruelty to Animals and Society for Prevention of cruelty to human beings. (Children included) at the same time.

Please advice. Your opinion goes a long way to arrive at a solution.

-          S. SURESHKUMAR 

I Wish; I See

EVERYONE MUST KNOW THAT WE HAVE NO PRICE!

Hi, 

'WE MUST HAVE NO PRICE; EVERYONE MUST KNOW THAT WE HAVE NO PRICE'- so goes the title of one of Arun Shourie’s classics.  What a message in this era of scams and lobbying! Shourie means that we shouldn’t become purchasable Commodities. Once the persons at the key positions become purchasable with definite price, society witnesses negative happenings and the larger faith dwindles to oblivion.

NOW voters of around 23 villages in Koppal District seem to have emulated Shourie’s point.  'Neither am I on sale, nor is my vote' is the stern message from these villagers to those politicians who want to purchase them. Today's Times of India at page 7 has given this energizing story. Is that not a healthy transition to the regular disgusting stories of electoral illegalities? Wish this becomes contagious. Hats off to those villagers who have shown us the light & Times of India too for its coverage which has made us cognizant of this welcome change.

S.SURESH KUMAR

WRITEUP IN VIJAY KARNATAKA 22-12-2010

Hi,

The sacrifice that our Army Jawans make for our safety is an issue which doesn’t find the attention it really deserves. There are oasis like associations with nation-first sentiments who do their bit to pay back the debt we owe to our Jawans. “Flags of Honor” is one such Organisation in Bangalore which is doing a commendable job to instill the faith amongst Jawans - which “we” too are with them.  My admirable experience of this year’s Vijay Divas celebrations finds a mention in today’s write up in Vijay Karnataka. Pls do read it. Let’s remember and salute to those who protect us!

S.SURESH KUMAR

BANGALORE PATROL - TIMES OF INDIA RANKS MY RAJAJINAGAR AT NO 1

Hi, 

Here is an instance for a broad cheer on our faces. Times of India today, has come up with a list of top seven constituencies of Bangalore. This survey tackles various civic parameters such as water, sanitation, public amenities, environment, crime and so forth. 

I am so humble in letting you know this sweet news. Rajajinagar constituency in Bangalore which I represent stands tall at number ONE in this survey. I would misinterpret a little if I just say I am contented of our achievements. I am happy of course, more so because, our larger mission for a people friendly governance is on the right track. 

Three years down the line, we have ensured progressive and sustainable development by identifying key problem areas people face. Success of Janaspandana programs clearly reflected the people’s woes and gave us a room to brace up. Officers were routinely asked to follow up the problems; there were regular review meetings, routine follow ups which ensured all round development. 

It’s refreshing to know that development politics is being recognized and acknowledged by the people and the media too. First it was the overwhelming success at the elections that have happened during the last three years, MP elections and later the Corporation elections. Now the Times of India’s survey reinstates our faith. 

Rajajinagar residents have re-ensured their support to the development. I am humble before them. I thank Times of India too for their extensive society oriented initiatives. 

- S.Sureshkumar

SUN SHINES IN THE DULLING MOMENTS OF DISTRUST

Hi,

My friend who is a senior journalist of a national English Daily has really made my day. He was recipient of Rajyothsava Award this year. He was very reluctant to accept as it is his belief that a journalist should be free of any type of strings. The award carried cash component of Rs 1 lakh. He promptly handed over the money to his management, seeking to institute an award for budding reporters out of it. His employers accepted the suggestion, but promptly refused to accept the money as it rightly belonged to him only. My friend only got disturbed to hold the riches, he never thought was his. After much pondering he thought of donating it to some institution with dire need of money. He set off to his native and donated the entire money to a kannada school there. AND what is more interesting & pressing is he is yet to pay few more installments towards his housing loan. This strange person in the present day milieu is Mr Arun. Is this not a case which redeems our faith? Thanks a ton Mr Arun. Aruna means SUN. He has shone and yes, he has shown us the light too in these dulling moments of mistrust.

While I pondered over Arun’s impressive temperament, one more news about a person whom the whole nation adores and idolize captivated me again. Sachin, the highest run getter in tests and one days has politely refused a Rs 20 crore offer to endorse a top liquor brand. They say, Character builds your strength. But these kinds of people have their strength built on character.

They never cease to amaze me!

S.Sureshkumar

TIBETAN DAY

 Hi, 

Today I participated in a function to commemorate the conferrment of Nobel Prize on His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Yes, 21 years ago on this day, Nobel Prize committee honoured itself when it conferred the prize on His Holiness.

There were about 120-150 Tibetans in that function. Most of them were youth, many of them were students studying in different elite colleges. BUT, the total Tibetan atmosphere in that premises just memsmerised me. The warm welcome, the Chief representative’s speech, cultural events, their attire, the warmth of the tea served- all took me to a different world. I felt, I was in Tibet itself!

Yes, the Tibetan brethren who were hounded for their survival, half a century ago, have neither forgotten nor allowed to go away their cherished culture. They were forced refugees. Yet, they have carried forward their culture, nurtured it, imparted to their younger generations and never lost their identity. AND most important, they have never behaved as a separate nation in the Country they have settled and blended well with it.

I was reminded of the first batch of Parsis, who landed in India few centuries ago in search of their livelihood. Their leader had promised the then King of the Territory, that they will be like sugar in the milk, so blended, so part of it, that they will only enhance the taste of it. Tibetans have lived like the same way in India. And they have only enriched us.

It was enriching day for me. 

S.SURESHKUMAR

NEW WRITEUP IN VIJAY KARNATAKA 08-12-2010

Those were the good old times when there was still a pleasant and healthy relationship between the voters and their representative. Times appear to have changed thanks to the ever transforming desires. Bihar has shown a metamorphosis this time. It appears as a glittering spark. I have recollected few instances of mutual trust of yesterdays. Everyone wishes those days of mutual responsibility are back again. Pls read my new write up.

- S.SURESHKUMAR

NOVEMBER 24th - THE DAY OF THREE CM'S

November 24^th- The day of three CMs. Nitish kumar was re-endorsed, BS Yeddyurappa was asked to continue and  Rosaiah was allowed to resign.

Huge, massive, thumping, unprecedented, landslide, overwhelming… … …  dictionary/ vocabulary is unable to define the verdict of Bihar. It was a clean victory in a clean election, where development was the only Issue. No false promises, no allurements, no big money involvement. More cheerful news: It was a clear case of “cast your vote and not vote your caste!”  Votes were not purchased, not stolen, not manipulated and not managed too. It was a sheer stamp of a massive approval.

As Nitish kumar, the harbinger of New Bihar, in all his humility puts it- “it was a victory of the people of Bihar rather than NDA. It was a people’s election. They had choice- either to march towards a better, developed, prosperous Bihar OR walk towards the dark days of the past.” They voted for their own future. And that too in what number? Mind boggling might just the better word which can describe it.

WILL the other states be able to emulate the example of Nitish and the voters of Bihar? Will the future elections are fought similarly only on the developmental issues rather than the “petty verbal stone throwing” ones? Will the gawky dance of the brutal money power stop? Yes. The people of the so-described “backward” state have surely opened the eyes of those so-called “forward” states. It is a lesson for both the elected and electors. Hats off to Nitish.

AND the BJP’s performance?  It is more astonishing and just fantastic. It had contested 102 seats and was successful in 91 seats. One of the best or the best STRIKING RATE in a       20-20 match if described as a cricketing slang. And the money that is learnt to have spent in the elections is also very negligible. Sushil Modi the crusader, surely deserved congratulations. Top of all, both Nitish and Sushil Modi were “calmness personified” in their moments of glory.

Should not these “best practices” be emulated elsewhere?

S.SUERSHKUMAR

New Article in Vijaya Karnataka 24-11-2010

Humility now a days is a hard found commodity. When success lies at your foot, there is every chance you set your heads only high and pretend to neglect those who were the  strings of ladder. Here is Amitabh Bachan, the cult figure of India who remains humility personified even after tasting success for many decades. When the Idiot box is increasing the couch potatoes , Amitabh nurtures a healthy culture through KBC which is captivating by each passing day. Tumultuous political scenario couldn’t check my praises for him. I can only wish his tribe increase in each and every field. Please read my new article in today’s VK

NEW WRITEUP IN VIJAYKARNATAKA

The thinning of distinctness between resident non Indians and resident anti Indians is a new found affliction for the nation. It has become a fashion-contemporary to question the integrity of the Country by our own Countrymen who ill-pose themselves as intellectuals. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been attempts to correlate a nationalistic Organization as RSS with the anti-national SIMI. Unless we nip this raising phenomenon in the bud, our Country is surely in for a bleak future. My new article appears in today’s Vijay Karnataka today. Pls read on. 

S.Sureshkumar