Sunday, 14 August 2022

Looking Ahead After 75 Years

 


By APURVA RAI

WHAT a glorious moment for a country that struggled hard for almost two centuries to gain its Independence from British colonial rule. August 15, 1947, was the most magical moment of Indian history and will always hold the highest place of pride in the heart of every Indian. The independence didn’t come easy; almost every Indian made his or her contribution, several of them making supreme sacrifices, to see the dawn of a new era. India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru summed it up aptly: "At the stroke of the midnight when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” 

Like the story of the Indian freedom struggle, the story of India’s development and rise to its universal presence in the world today is no less significant. During these 75 years of its independence, India has made development leaps and bounds enabling it to stand tall, strong, rich, and resourceful. Today nobody can dare to even look at its borders, today India has a voice of its own, today India has its own identity, today Indian products are exported to almost every country in the world, today Indian people are respected everywhere for their knowledge and skills. No doubt, India has achieved so much and so fast in the last 75 years that today it can compete with the best.



The Indian government is celebrating 75 years of Independence as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ which is described as the elixir of energy of independence. It means elixir of inspiration of the warriors of the freedom struggle; elixir of new ideas and pledges and nectar of Aatmnirbharta (self-dependence).  The Mahotsav (celebration) commemorates 75 years of independence and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievement. The official journey of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ commenced on 12th March 2021 which started a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of independence and ends on 15th August 2023.

‘HAR GHAR TIRANGA’ and MY PATRIOTISM

The government has appealed to the people of India to hoist the tricolour in their homes to show their feeling of patriotism. The campaign comes as part of the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’.

It is fine to ask people to display Indian tricolour in their homes. To what extent does it prove my feelings for my motherland? Some people have objections as to why there should be a public display of their loyalties.

For decades I am in the habit of hoisting the tricolour in my home; sometimes on the railing of my roof or sometimes on the boundary wall. Believe me, I have never spoken a word about it to anyone so far; nor have I ever posted a picture of it on social media. It’s a practice that I love from my heart. Every year I purchase the flag from a small child selling them at road crossings. These little children, holding a bunch of tiny paper flags will come running and plead to buy one, at least. I have seen people misbehaving with them, yelling and mistreating, or bargaining hard. This hurts me. I have never bargained and will never do so. These are the street urchins who help their parents at that age when other children are enjoying a burger at McDonald's. Today when elders complain about their children not supporting them these little poor children teach us a great lesson in life— they have stood by their parents who are feeble and not able to meet family needs independently. 

My act is a reflection of my sentiments which are the result of my inner voice. I never waited for an appeal from somebody. There is so much of excitement, so much of happiness and what a joy of buying that tiny flag, bringing it home, tying it to the railing, making sure it doesn't fall and making sure the knot remains tight. Your emotions, the feeling of pride for your motherland cannot be described when you see the tiny tricolour flying in your home. 

All my family members will walk the whole day to the verandah, keeping an eye on the tiny flag. What a feeling watching Tiranga flying hundreds of times in a day! Every time we see we will talk about the freedom struggle, the current socio-political situation, the prime minister’s speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, and so on. One can’t think of anything but the nation, at least on this day. Isn’t it enough proof of my or my family’s patriotism?

It gives me goosebumps when I see the tricolour being unfurled followed by the national anthem on TV. We will stand in respect of the national anthem without fail. Moreover, we will not talk about it to anyone outside. And this does not happen with me only; it’s the story of millions of Indians hoisting a small Tiranga in their homes and standing to the tune of Jana Gana Mana. Millions of Indians, like me, do not discuss patriotism in society. They prove it to themselves not once or twice but thousands of times, year after year. The ‘silent’ feeling of patriotism is neither for public display nor needs any certification. ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ certainly infuses a feeling of pride; it cannot be a compulsory statement of patriotism. And that’s the second opinion! 

PAST Vs PRESENT

What kind of society prevailed when India attained independence? And, what kind of society prevails today when India is independent for 75 years?

Today’s India is a well-developed India, today’s society is a progressive society, people are better educated, more professional, more efficient, and modern in their outlook. There are big industries, improved agriculture, technology, sophisticated laboratories, long highways and much more. True. This means today’s society should be a close-knit society! People should have stronger bonding, they should be closer to each other and more helpful! False.

Modernization, westernization, and urbanization have impacted our lives beyond imagination. Ethics, moral values, mutual respect, tolerance, contentment, and happiness seem to have lost ground and today almost every one of us is living in a world of rivalry, jealousy, distancing, ego and selfishness.

Our forefathers didn’t have too many clothes, didn’t have a car, didn’t take the family to the cinema, didn’t have a plush drawing room, didn’t sleep on a mattress, didn’t have enough to give as pocket money, didn’t have enough to go for a family outing, didn’t eat fancy food and what not. Contrary to this, what they certainly did have was the happiness of the family which made them happier, the joy of sharing and caring even if it meant making personal sacrifices, a simple dal-chawal would suffice, and new clothes for the family, preferably the younger ones, once or twice in a year wouldn’t come without much of planning and some sacrifice, they will have enough time in the evening to sit with compatriots, gossip and the veranda which will be filled with bouts of laughter, they might not show it but did care for every member of the family, which was not small in any way, their neighbours and well-wishers, wouldn’t mind getting their footwear repaired again and again because they wanted to save a penny to pay for children’s fee, nobody would hesitate to knock the doors even at odd hours, marriages or social events would see everyone coming forward and sharing the responsibilities without complaints, and much more.

Those were the days when a good scolding by a father or uncle for any wrongdoings would not be looked down on, elders wouldn’t complain to the teacher if the child was punished in school for not completing the task, wouldn’t sleep if the children were in difficulty, wouldn’t even think of life without their parents in the home, wouldn’t forget to consult their siblings on any occasion. Those were the days when parents and grandparents, uncles and aunts would all live under one roof, wear what was provided, eat what was cooked, play in the open fields, study with old books and yet be happy. Joys and sorrows of life will be shared by every member of the family. This does not mean, however, mean that all sorts of goodness and noble thoughts prevailed; slyness was handled in a way that the dignity of the person was not compromised. Family values meant big.

Gradually time changed. Modern-day India has come a long way. The ways of life have changed. People have individual houses, they have individual cars, they go for parties and family outings, they send their children to the best schools and buy expensive clothes, take no time in filing a complaint against the teacher for punishing children, and maintain a standard of living, have all modern gadgets in their homes, meet only those who matter, give gifts to prove their status, etc, etc. 

After 75 years of independence, the life of an Indian is completely transformed. Ethics and moral values are forgotten, selfish thoughts rule the minds, social responsibilities have taken a back seat, and greed and avarice make them corrupt and selfish. Running after personal wealth, materialism, and purchasing several properties, even if not required, collection of precious jewellery defines prosperity. Ego, ill- temperament, ill- feelings, show-off, jealousy, and ‘I don’t care' attitude is what define modern Indian society. Lots of elderly are spending days in old-age homes, young ones make families but keep their children in crèches because career and earning are more important than the family.

You call somebody but they will respond saying, ‘busy in a meeting, will talk later'. And that ‘later’ would never come if you don’t have value for them. You fix a date for having lunch with your brother and his family. You arrange a get-together with friends. Be thankful even if this happens because there are others who won’t hesitate to ‘detox’ their relationship with you if you don’t meet their expectations. Your profile becomes the criteria of relationship. Don't be surprised if the same people return shamelessly to you when your fortunes change someday.  

Somewhere in the process, we have lost the fun of life, the joy of togetherness, the happiness that comes with sharing, the feeling of making sacrifices to respect relations, or the contentment that comes with simplicity. We don’t look at the sky anymore, don’t count the stars, do not enjoy the full moon, do not sit on the riverside, don’t stroll in the market, the concept of window shopping has diminished, evenings with uninvited friends or neighbours are not in the list anymore. The value of 'sitting idle' for some time, not doing anything today is not even in our remotest thoughts. Barging into a cousin's home or a friend's home is bad etiquette. We don't laugh anymore! instead, we smile.  Of course, loud laughing has become a morning exercise in a club or with a group of people. 

It would be appropriate to quote here a poem by William Wordsworth:

THE WORLD IS TOO MUCH WITH US

The world is too much with us; late and soon,

Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;--

Little we see in Nature that is ours;

We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!

This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon;

The winds that will be howling at all hours,

And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers;

For this, for everything, we are out of tune;

It moves us not. Great God! I’d rather be

A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;

So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,

Have glimpse that would make me less forlorn;

Have sight of Proteus rising in the sea;

Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.

 

MANY MORE ISSUES TO HANDLE

Seventy-five years of independence and lots of progress in technology, prosperity, modernisation, strengthening of the economy, development of society, better roads,  improved mobility, bigger industries, modern education system, vast media, stronger democracy, cultural growth, better health services, awareness for rights, fashion and fast life. Today’s India is different. The story, however, does not end here. It has its side effects too! Today’s family is more isolated, an individual is alone because there is no company, there are growing instances of depression, physical inactivity, avoidance has become a habit and an apathetic attitude defines the personality. We have become selfish and hesitate to think of others, 'me first, you afterwards' is the way of thinking, 'owner's pride, neighbours' envy' is what defines us; materialism rules.  

RESTORE THE LOST GLORY BEFORE 100th INDEPENDENCE DAY

Besides several social disorders, modern-day society grapples with many serious issues. One such issue is the growing communal divide. Our forefathers who lived in perfect harmony with people of all faiths are nothing but a dream in modern-day social structure.

Those were the days when brotherhood among different communities existed. Today things have become from bad to worse, trust is lost, goodwill is replaced by ill-will, love is on the wane, and respect for each other vanishes. Adding fire to the fuel are politicians who spare no opportunity in inciting people for the sake of votes and to win an election. Communal divide and enmity in the society are like fodder for their success in political life. How can they douse the fire if they have to see a bright political career?

Once again the seeds of bitterness among people of different faiths are taking roots. India has already lost Pakistan as well as East Bengal in the form of Bangladesh. Mistrust has taken its toll. The result is that geographically India stands reduced in size. Size matters, indeed.  Imagine our world presence if the two were with us, intact! We cannot afford more division based on religion.  



We have to open our eyes and settle down on the matter if we want to see a glorious India on 100th Independence Day. Vote bank politics, the declining level of politics, poor political leadership, and politicians with zero credibility are doing more harm to society than any good. It is time we look at politics of sacrifices and politicians with credibility.

Growing pollution, environmental issues, women's safety, education for all, health services for every person, curbing corruption, etc are some factors that need immediate attention.

India has awoken to its freedom; needs to awaken further to make life happier. One can anticipate a wonderful 100th Independence Day twenty-five years from now. Second Opinion feels a strong, honest, dedicated, and determined political will, and an efficient, honest and more professional workforce will make India stronger, better, and more beautiful. The countdown begins now!

Listen to a fantastic, memorable patriotic song by A R Rahman



 

Wednesday, 27 April 2022

FIRE IN THE FIELDS

 

 




By APURVA RAI

Some time ago, in the month of late February and early March, I had the opportunity to travel from New Delhi to Allahabad (now Prayagraj; though I still love to address it by its old name). I chose to travel by an early morning train, instead of opting for a night journey, simply for the reason that I wanted to enjoy huge wheat fields that gave me a reason to rejoice.

What a mesmerizing scene it was! The crop was ripening and it looked like a vast golden harvest. The hard work of the farmers had paid dividends as they proudly moved around the golden fields praying to the sun god to keep them blessed for some more time to come. Everyone knew even a little rain would deprive them of the rewards they were waiting for. 

After about a fortnight I returned home by a night train as my heart contended and I had that happy feeling within me.

This time, my stay in my home in Noida was not long as I had to come to Sidharth Nagar, a backward and poor district in eastern Uttar Pradesh, where my better half happens to be a professor of mathematics at the Sidharth University Kapilvastu (SUK). The newly-formed state university is situated away from the city and the railway station, amidst vast fields where wheat crops stood ready to be harvested.

Before I came to this remote area I took it as a god-sent opportunity to breathe some fresh air in the rural ambiance that I shall be getting here. Delhi and its surrounding areas have earned a poor reputation for rising air pollution which has become a nightmarish experience for all those living there.

By the end of April, most of the wheat crop had been harvested. It didn’t take much time as the farmers leased huge machines to accomplish the task. The machine would finish off the job in several hours which would, otherwise, take several days and lots of manpower. The crop was harvested and the residue left by the machine painted the earth with a golden hue. The machine is not capable of removing the plants from its roots so the stubs remain there. The wheat stubs are the bone of contention as the farmers do not have any method other than setting them on fire. 

Traveling from Delhi to Allahabad and again to Sidharthnagar, followed by some more road travel to the adjoining areas gave me ample opportunity to see the crops and their harvesting from a close distance.

While I rejoiced over the high yields I was shocked to see farmers burning the wheat stubs. Drive-in any direction and you come across black smoke billowing from the fields engulfing the entire atmosphere. The highways passing through the villages became dangerous as thick smoke reduced the visibility to zero.

I was dismayed at the condition of villages. So far I thought I would be happy spending some time in the rural areas where greenery and clean air would welcome me. The reality turned out to be far from the imagination as things were worse than the metro life where I had spent several decades of life.

I was shocked. I was in pain. I was helpless. I felt like crying.

It was not a one-day problem. Every morning I woke to inhale the polluted air. I had started going for morning walks but stopped it now. The air was not fresh anymore. The wind blew minute burnt particles, the odor coming out of the ashes made breathing much more difficult and there was itching in my eyes too.

Everywhere the agricultural fields were on fire. I am told it is more or less the same scenario in the entire state of Uttar Pradesh. Be it the day or be it the night it hardly matters. The scene at night is even more frightening. From a distance, you can see a red hue over the fields and thick black smoke going up in the sky. It’s fiery. The golden fields are on fire.

I could not stop myself. My mobile phone was in my pocket and I made the best use of it. No, I am not a ‘selfie’ guy, also, I do not spare any such opportunity that touches me or allows me to capture moments of significance. Some pictures were clicked during the day and some at the night too.

SLEEPY ADMINISTRATION

Of course, I used them to tweet to the state government or the administration though I knew it would hardly make any worthwhile impact. At the same time, I cannot keep my mouth shut and eyes closed. Not only that I am concerned about society I am also an aware citizen of my country. 

The grave matter refused to go away from my mind. I talked to everyone I could. Everyone showed concern. Many people, like me, had pictures and short video clips on their mobiles. However, none shared them on any social platform, unlike me. Why people are not moved or have they made videos just for their collections, I mused.

My interactions proved on point. Everyone in the society was seeing the wrong taking place except for those who should be noticing it. The administrative machinery has proved it is in deep slumber. Even the gravity of raging fire is not enough to wake it up. The entire state of Uttar Pradesh is burning and the authorities do nothing to stop it or find a solution. 

I thought even the ministers or top officials must be breathing polluted air full of burnt carbon particles. I wonder what stops them from reacting to the issue.

Shocking isn’t it! The villages too are victims of air pollution now. We in cities would often talk about spending some time in villages where you can eat healthy and breathe fresh. Things do not seem to be the same now. Things are no more the same in villages now as the sky is hazy, air is polluted and the water too is not clean.

ANY REMEDY

The problem of wheat stub burning is not a small issue. The farmers have found it an easier method to clean up their fields and leave them for some time before they reap another crop.

Burning the stubs is quick and simple. Otherwise, they would have to spend weeks in the fields to manually remove stubs from the ground.  I thought the root problem is the lack of a machine that could remove those stubs. If the engineers could make it possible through some innovation we shall, perhaps, be able to prevent fire, feels the second opinion

While talking to some people I came to know that in some places farmers grow onions as an extra crop which gives them some extra earnings too.  Also, this is the time to grow sunflowers in the fields. If farmers are educated to plough the stubs and grow sunflowers instead, perhaps, they will go for it as it offers them some lucrative alternative. After all, it is a question of good earning between two crops that governs the entire thought process of farmers. If adopted this will lead to double benefit. One, we will have beautiful fields full of smiling sunflowers and, second, the farmers will benefit financially.

BAD FOR SOIL

Burning crops offer no solution. The fire spoils the upper crust of the soil besides burning alive several insects including earthworms.

Small carbon particles cause breathing problems for everyone including the farmers living in the area. If taken for health check-ups most of the farmers will report lung problems and bronchitis symptoms.

Burn scars remain in the fields for some time. The farmers leave their fields because there is nothing to grow and cultivate during this period. They wait for the monsoon to set in and for the rain to wash away the ashes.

TIME FOR INNOVATIONS

It is for the government and local administration to prevent the farmers from ‘burning their fields’. It is for the government to push scientists and engineers to find an inexpensive and lucrative alternative that is widely acceptable to the farmers. 

Though rules ban burning in the open they remain ineffective. One thing has become clear for now that mere laws cannot stop malpractices there have to be better education as well as better solutions in hand.

If we do not want to see those golden fields turning black we have to be serious. The seriousness should be such that we see the end results in the fields and do not end up in debates, classroom discussions, and tall talks.

The Second Opinion feels if farmers and scientists join hands the fields will smile and remain green forever. This is what we all look forward to.

 

 

Wednesday, 23 February 2022

SUN GOES DOWN, TO...

 


Passion  for Places

BY APURVA RAI

SINCE childhood I have been visiting Varanasi, my ancestral town, and watching devotees offering water and worshipping  the rising sun on the banks of the holy Ganges. My father also took me to Darjeeling, West Bengal, where we booked a long hilly drive for Tiger Hill just to have a glimpse of the rising sun. We were unlucky as the sky was overcast. Nobody could not even notice when the sun tore apart the thick layer of clouds. The golden sun rays greeted the anxious tourists with a smile to say a very Good Morning. Everyone understood that its time to leave and better luck next time.  

We were, however, lucky next time during our visit to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, where the sun popped up from behind the ocean leaving everyone spell bound.

The rising sun is admired worldwide be it tourists or the devotees. It is rightly said that the rising sun brings with it new hopes and energy for the mankind. It is aptly said that the “people only worship the rising sun”.

It is true that the world worships the rising sun, but, it is also true that the beauty of setting sun can stop you on where you are. The setting sun can be seen anywhere whether you are in a city full of concrete jungle, whether you are in a village or on banks of a river or in the mountains or in a forest. The beauty is mesmerizing which no words can describe; simply spare a few moments, stand still, keep silence and enjoy!

While the rising sun fills you with fresh energy and enthusiasm the sun down is pure romance which gives you hope that the sun is setting today, to rise again tomorrow.

MANY PLACES TO SEE: There are many places in the world where people travel to witness the disappearance of the sun below the horizon. Some of them are Barcelona in Spain, Swiss Alps, Cairo in Egypt, Florida Keys in USA.

India too has several spots that one can visit to see the golden rays of the sun down. Some of them are: Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, Palolem Beach in Goa, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan and many more. 

VISIT TO LANSDOWNE: My passion for places took me to Lansdowne, the cantonment town and home to Garhwal Rifles,  in Uttarakhand some time ago with my family. It was a pleasant surprise for me to learn about the Sunset Point where one can stop to admire the beautiful skyline in the evening as the sun goes down at the other end hiding itself behind the hills. Just stay calm, sip a cup of coffee and drown yourself in the pure romance of nature.

Divine faith and the excitement to get the best view we pushed ourselves to the Durga Mata Mandir (temple). It turned out to be a bliss. Standing within the premises of a temple we could not but express our gratitude to the prowess and beauty of the nature. Nothing can measure your divine feelings as the deity within the temple blessed us while the sun bid adieu giving the message of yet another day and new hopes.

I made a small attempt to capture the scenic beauty with my mobile phone. Lost in admiring the nature’s gift I managed to take a couple of shots because I knew pictures can be clicked again but the beautiful sight, if lost once, is lost forever. I must admit that these photographs have been photoshopped to enhance their beauty.  

There may be a sun set everyday but it does not make them any less special. That is why, perhaps, my wife pulled a broken chair from the temple and immersed herself  in watching different hues of yellow and red spread in the skyline as the fireball went down the horizon hiding itself behind the hills.

Second Opinion brings some of the photographs along with some famous quotes.


Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully.

When the sun is setting, leave whatever you are doing and watch it.






A sunset is the sun’s fiery kiss to the night.







Sunrise is the start of something beautiful—the Day. Sunset is th start of something beautiful—th Night.





Enjoy a couple of lovely sunset songs: