Women's Reservation Bill

Welcome back Earthlings!

After a grand gap of 4 months, I am back! All I can say is I really needed a good long break, and now I feel ready to get some real work started.

A lot has passed since I was last here and I am not exactly in the mood to procrastinate over what is already past. So, this is the perfect time to look towards the future or more exactly, what we are headed towards or also what is coming at us.

There are two things that have grabbed all my attention at this time - the recently passed Education Bill, and more importantly - the pending Women's Reservation Bill.

Although I am extremely happy about the Education Bill and the effects that it's already begun to show, I am more concerned about the "pending" status of the Women's Reservation Bill (WRB). There is a lot of bills are are pending in either houses of Parliament, however, the sheer opposition faced by this particular bill is what makes it most enthralling.

Let' start at the basics. For the uninitiated, here is the lowdown on what exactly we are talking about here. The WRB was originally conceived by the Late Rajiv Gandhi and was first intro ducted in the Parliament in 1996 under I.K. Gujral. The Bill has provisions for 33.3% Woman's Reservation in Parliament and each level of legislation. It is a simple and beautiful idea. It just ensures a greater and more legible female participation in legislative and governmental circles. What can be wrong with that?

Point to be noted : For about 13 years now, every time the said Bill is presented in the Parliament, amongst huge uproars it has never been approved. In fact, this time around when Dr.Manmohan Singh suggested bringing the Bill back, one of the Lok Sabha members retorted by saying he would rather consume poison than let this bill pass. When we hear such strong statements being passed, one might wonder if there is actually something wrong within the Bill that is needs to be opposed so strongly.

Fact : The rule is applicable and existent at the Gram Panchayat level and is known to be running successfully. It has been helpful in liberating women throughout our villages. So far there seems to be nothing wrong with this bill. Nothing whatsoever.

Moving from the bird's eye view let's now descend upon the issue in further detail. In fact let's get into some statistics. At the present, our Lok Sabha has 545 seats. We can say approximately 500 of these are currently "male dominated". Looking at these figures it is clear that these 500 would obviously have a problem they are reduced to about 363. In the event the numbers go down, Darwin's law of "Survival of the Fittest"comes in action. That would mean, the not-so-worthy-about-137-something might not make it to the LS the next time around.

That also means more and more women will feel comfortable to step out and take up the bastion towards a better future of India Inc. Given that the President of India, President of Congress, Speaker of Lok Sabha, and Chief Ministers of several different states are women - I am still looking for the disconnect in letting women lead the way.

While I am really hoping (along with Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia & Rahul Gandhi) that the Bill will finally come into action and liberate our leading ladies, I feel a certain pity for all those who oppose it's passing. These are exactly the kind of selfish people who have been pulling us down, holding us back from taking India forward. And they feel no guilt in doing that either!

I believe the problem is more mental than constitutional. Our political netas have pulled us back long enough to have forgotten what is really right. It's now the time to right the wrongs. For most men, women are only made for the household - for such men a women leading from the front is unimaginable. It is the time they are reminded of Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, Edith Cresson, Kim Campbell, Angela Merkel, Sirimavo Bandaranaike - and these are just within the last 60-70 years. If you look back, history it is full of women leading from the front.

It's high time our petty politicians stop their petty "reservation" politics and stop being hypocrites!

Here is a brilliant-stroke-of-genius-idea! All institutions - governmental or otherwise should have a fixed 40% reservation for woman. No other reservations to be provided - whatsoever. Entry for men will be top 60% of the applicants. If you are good enough, you can be accepted. That way - you have a reservation & India gains most of it all!

WHAT SAY?

Dance of Democracy

Greetings Earthlings!

Welcome back after a month or so of silence. But no time for niceties right now. With Elections '09 coming up in swing now, no one seems to have the time. At least not our politicians!

A lot is being said, printed, published, blogged, bannered & sung about this time. I like to hear about what the "potential policians" wants to make of my country. I have personally always placed my faith in secular parties. Having said that, I must say my choice is usually restricted with a handful of parties!! But then for me, it's better to be secular and right, rather than being totally wrong & making a fool of myself and my country.

Now, coming back to politicians and their poll-promises.

It is really difficult to escape politicians at this time of the year. (How our youth have successfully managed to do so for so many years is praise-worthy!!) So, I barely scraped through an article in newspaper daily about BJP's Agenda. Have a quick look at it & then I shall ramble further on.

LOOK WHAT’S ON THE BJP’S AGENDA * Rebuild Ram temple in Ayodhya * Raise slab of Income Tax exemption for salaried class to Rs 3 lakh per annum * For women, the limit would be Rs 3.5 lakh pa * Income of all senior citizens by way of pension will be exempted from I-T * Exemption from I-T for armed forces * 'One Rank, One Pension' for armed forces * Separate pay commission for armed forces * Separate state of Telangana * Strong POTA-like laws to tackle terrorism * Waive off all current loans, provide fresh loans at 4 per cent to farmers * Abrogate Article 370 (giving special status to J&K) * 35 kg of rice or wheat per month at Rs 2 per kg for BPL families [Congress is offering rice at Rs 3 per kg] * Protect Ram Sethu (ancient stone bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka) * Promotion of alternative sources of energy, focus on wind and solar energy

Needless to say, it enraged me. I am still angry, but I am sure they can't care less - simply because they don't care what a tiny woman belonging to a minority community thinks or feels!

Looking at BJP's agenda reminds me of an old saying : कुत्ते की दुम को अगर सौ साल भी नल्ली में रखा जाए तो भी वो टेढी की टेढी ही रहेगी!! It means even if a dog's curly tail is kept in a straight pipe for 100 years, when released it will still continue to be curly! Even if BJP tries to portray : निडर नेता! निडर सरकार! For me this statement is a brute reminder of how brutally, shamelessly and lawlessly these "leaders" - Mr. Advani and Mr.Modi - have behaved in the past. I can never forgive or forget Mr. Advani for his behaviour, his statements & the consequences that followed(Babri Masjid riots). At least Mr.Advani has stayed underground for 15 long years. Mr. Modi has no sense of shame at all. It's only 2 years since the Godhra riots. Obama would be ashamed of himself if he learnt Mr.Narendra Modi is the "new Obama of India". I am sure he would commit suicide.

If Elections are the Dance of Democracy, then BJP is surely all about "Dirty Dancing". If you look carefully at their agenda, here is quick summary for you:

* Build Ram Temple

* Bomb Pakistan

* Change civil law for all minorities(Esp Muslims!)

* Defend Varun Gandhi, Pragya Sadhvi & others

* Attack women in pubs

* Ban cow slaughter

* Set Kashmir on fire

* Rewrite Modi-and-Advani version of History books

* Modi shall be Advani's heir

* Senselessly copy Manmohanomics

This is apart from emptying all the government coffers by providing tax exemptions, withdrawing sixth pay commission and any and every other means by which we generate legal revenue and the country is running happily today. Anything that provides happiness to India shall be destroyed.

My question is - if the writing on the wall is so plain, how come no one is opposing it? How come people can be so insensitive to want to vote for them? I feel despite of all the logic and common sense that I possess, simple things like these shall forever choose to evade me.

Can you help me understand?

Young Voter!!

The great Indian Democratic Dance is back yet again! And thankfully, only after five very eventful years. This time around a lot of young blood is entering politics. Look at Rahul Gandhi, Varun Gandhi or Milind Deora. However, in no way does it mean that the older blood is ready to exit politics. Not just yet. Look at George Fernandes, Mulayam Singh or LK Advani for that matter. It's true that internet has now captured a major advertising space in Indian National Election 2009. Yet the fact remains that politics does not happen at the click of a mouse. It is a lot more than just that. A lot of groups are doing their bit to spread awareness about the candidates after running a background check on them. However, the people who have voted for these goons all these years long have known it all along and have still voted for them. However, everything said and done, I believe these are merely ways to entice the younger voter or the "Resident Indian". When you look deep enough, politics is not about the number of votes or the sheer number of followers that you have. The important thing is that the "elected policy makers" keep India in mind before everything else. It is about formulating the right policies, taking the right stand on issues. When some of the major parties are busy enticing the young voter, the logic is obvious. The younger generation does not really or completely understand the nature and depth of politics. The older generation is usually not that hooked on to the internet, and more importantly, it has seen too much of them to vote for them anymore. The liberal meaning of the word democracy is "Of the people, for the people, by the people". Yet, most of our existing politicans would rather only work from themselves or their so-called priciples. Most of these ideals have never looked like ideal principles for a secular India. As a young voter, when I look at India 5 years from now, I would like to see a united, secular, stronger and forward India. Younger policians as well as younger voters are a need of the hour; however, it depends on you and me - to not just stop at logging on to wwww.jaagore.com. It means a lot more than just that. The sooner we realize that, the better for India.

Is simply getting an education being educated?

Greetings Earthlings!

It's the season of farewells. Before your mind gets distracted towards all the people dying of Hepatitis in Gujarat, let me assure you the farewells I talk of here are safer and more fun too. I refer to the all the kids who have just finished attending their farewell parties at school.

When we turn 18, our Constitution allows us the right to vote. The perfect age, not so young anymore, neither too old. The golden age when everything is possible. Petty things like doubts, and low self-confidence usually crops up after we start ascending the stepping stones of life. When you are 18, you want to change the world, you want to make the world what it ought to be.

Most of us would agree to this panoramic view of life and it's myriad landscape. However, that is what I used to think. The events in the past few weeks and months has changed my thinking a little bit. I am forced to accept the brutal loss of innocence in kids today.

While I really understand that not all kids are alike, and where is there bad, good also exists. However, more than the existence of this negativity, its the extent of negativity in most kids that baffles me. Negativity is bound to exist in some form or the other in most of us. However, usually, it is very subdued in kids, as they are not yet fully exposed to the harshness of life. In most cases, this harshness or hardness would set in when one has to struggle to step up in life. Also, earlier, harshness or negativity in character was mostly attributed to poor children. Now, it is different. Kids from all backgrounds, races, countries, etc. have broken such bonds. Now all of them suffer at the hands of this innocence-less harshness.

This is my personal experience. Very recently, I while I was using public transportation, I happened to notice a bunch of noisy, rowdy kids. My initial thought was biased. But when I turned around to check who it was, it turned out they belonged to a good school. I was left agape. I narrated the incident to my mother, who is a teacher, she just commented that the condition was more or less same in most schools. It no longer matters which school you go to, most of these kids are all the same.

Moving on. Recently, there has been a spate of reports in newspapers and television about all kinds of kids getting in the news for all kinds of reasons. There are kids who are prioritizing work over studies. There are kids who kill friends for money. There are kids who molest kids younger than themselves. There are kids committing suicide for seemingly no apparent reason. There are kids who will go to Oscars tonight. And for finale, there is also a kid in UK who is already a father.

I don't really wish to get into intimate details about any of these incidents. It's the undercurrent that bothers me the most. Before I go any further, a thought - when India was in her Golden Days, one of the things that India was widely famous for, was her Universities. Scholars and seekers of knowledge poured in from all over the world to study at Nalanda and other existent universities at that time and age.

Apparently, between then and now, a lot has changed. Society has changed. Parents and teachers have changed. Students have changed. While I understand that change is the only constant thing, I regret some of the changes that I see in the social scenario around me. The Guru-Shishya parampara for which India used to be famous, is a rare commodity now. With the rapidly declining parampara, the ideal guru and the ideal shishya too are fast declining.

Now, before I you think I am procrastinating or that I am a hypocrite, pause and think. What I am talking about is the value system here. Life, society and education moves the way the society is moving. So, when you look at the bigger picture you realize, that it's not just in the education system. The sense of mutual respect that is usually expected from elders and kids is diminishing, and it's disappearing rather fast. And talking about the bigger picture, this loss can be experienced anywhere and everywhere imaginable.

And no, I don't expect Harishchandras or Eklavya's. But I sure do hope that I have the right to expect decent kids who respect their elders and those around them. I expect kids to behave themselves, and not like riot mongers. I expect kids to have ingrained values that will help secure the future of my country and this world.

A lot more kids are getting educated than they were 20 years ago, yet the standards and morals are worse than ever before. That is what made me wonder - is education enough? If education is not enough, then what is? Where have we erred? Can we still do something to change it?

The kids today are a pointer towards the future that we shall have 20 years from now. I surely do not want these blood-stained hands to rule my country.

HAPPY

VALENTINE

DAY

शुभ

वैलेंटाइन

दिवस!!

Tiger Tiger Burning Bright - Who shall save thee??

Greetings Earthlings! I am an Indian, an Indian by the virtue of having been born here. I know my national anthem. I savour my national fruit. I believe in my national game & adore the national bird.

But I cry for my national animal.

Very recently, there was a report in the Hindustan Times that said that the Panna National Park had only one tiger remaining.

Only one. I cried for that lonely tiger.

Tiger. Panthera Tigris. Wikipedia states that the maximum number of tigers can be found in India. It's grace, it's beauty, it's agility - no wonder it's one of the most favorite animals world wide.

However, this royal that we are talking about here is also an endangered species. In view of all this, in 1973 Smt. Indira Gandhi had started Project Tiger and had earmarked 25 locations in India where tigers were to be conserved. Thanks to that the number of Bengal Tigers had tripled to roughly 3500 tigers. However, since then, thanks to poachers, the tiger fraternity has steadily been dwindling and is estimated at approximately just about 1000 more remaining.

The official website of Project Tiger : http://projecttiger.nic.in/ does not state the number of tigers at all. It does however provide a complete listing of the tiger reserves that we have and the areas covered under it. It just gives a basic geographical count. The tigers are somewhere missing all along.

So, where do all these tigers disappear?

There was a show on National Geographic, that showed Tibetan & other foreigners flaunting their tiger skins. It also mentioned tiger skin is easily sells at several thousand dollars apiece. The most royal animal, shredded away for people who do not value it.

Not very long back, there used to be a tiger reserve close to Delhi. Sariska. It is no longer a tiger reserve. All the tigers disappeared. Or shall we say they were poached and then sold away. Even on Project Tiger's website, the official numbers as far as poaching is concerned is meagre. Moreover, the Indian statisticians still do a tiger count using pug marks.

This is the most outdated way to count tigers worldwide. There are a variety of ways in which tigers can now be counted and tracked. Yet, things have always taken longer to change in our country. What I am scared about is by the time the government updates itself, all tigers will have been poached away!

But why should we care? In the worst care scenario, we will just have to change the national animal. After all, why should an extinct animal be our national animal? There are a plethora of animals, we can always vote for the cow, dog, rat, cat or maybe elephant. This is another interesting article on this topic : http://fractalenlightenment.blogspot.com/2009/01/india-to-get-new-national-animal.html

The way I see it, the problem is that no one cares. The government does not care. Project Tiger officials do not care. We the people of India do not care. And last but not the least, the poachers could not care less. They will rake all the moolah they can. They will happily kill the last tiger they can find - just for a few bucks. And we, we have have been told to look the other way. We have so many problems of our own, who cares about the last 100 national animals.

I will end with this thought. After reading the report when my mother put down the newspaper, she just said - That tiger must be so lonely. Just one. What must he do? If there were at least a couple of them they had a possibility of reproducing. What will a single tiger do?

Who decides the future of India?

Greetings Earthlings!

Hope life is keeping you all spice & very nice...

Some more uncontrollable activities and happenings have taken place since I was last here. One very noticeable thing - there seems to be so much negativity around us all, it keeps getting tougher and tougher to stay positive. Not wishing to indulge too long in the positiveness and negativeness' around me, I will just ramble on, for now.

There are two most prominent issues that are raising their ugly heads even while I type this. One is the avid discussion about who is the most capable of leading India into the future (in other words, who shall be the next Prime Minister of India!). And the second and equally disturbing is the movement that is catching on like jungle fire - the plight of the Hindu. Right at this point of time, these are the issues that shall rule the roost in the next couple of months. More importantly, these are the issues that will stand as a benchmark to the world - they will tell the world who we really are. Let's ramble on.

First things first.

Campaigns are on. All parties are out promoting themselves. "I am the cleanest of them all!" - so they all proclaim. And yet. Whether it's Advani, Kalyan Singh, Mayawati, Narendra Modi or most other "political leaders" - are they any different at all? I don't think so. Not in the least. As far as India is concerned, you cannot enter politics if your hands are not dirty. In any case, your hands will definitely get dirty by the time you get there.

The two major players for PM-ship are going to be Congress and BJP. Most other parties come in to complete the numbers and form coalition governments that fall more than they rise. In a beautiful consequence to the last elections (which were thankfully 5-years ago!!), Congress, with the help of coalition parties has managed to keep BJP in the opposition. Looking back at these 5-years, I personally think, as a country, we are far ahead from where we had started. So much for the able leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh. I know a lot of people are complaining about recession and that the Congress-led Government did not handle it correctly - I would just ask them to look at the larger global picture. While recession has already put half the world out of work, in India, it's only now that we are beginning to feel the heat of it all. A lot of us have lost jobs and the anger and anguish is understandable. I too am out of work at this point of time. However, had it not been for an able Prime Minister, who has also been a Finance Minister and Governor of Reserve Bank of India, we would have been down in the dumps by now. The situation of recession in our country is at a controllable level. It will take some time to heal, but I am sure with the right governance, we will be back on our feet soon.

The sixth pay commission that was being haggled over for the past several years has finally been released. With the fifth pay commission in action, government employees were receiving far less than their private sector counterparts. With the sixth pay commission the divide is finally filled up. Where people would quit government jobs for better pay slips, the tide is now turned.

Coming back to the topic of the contenders for the Post of the future Prime Minister. Two big contenders are rising at this point. While the Congress is rooting for Rahul "India's Obama" Gandhi, the BJP are swearing by Narendra Learned & Versatile" Modi.

The present global scenario shows a consistent trend towards youth power in politics. The biggest example is the US selecting Barack Obama over McCain. The idealist and supposed knowledgeable leaders are usually the most corrupt as well as tainted. Most of them have had the opportunity to make their mistakes and eat it too. And these leaders are going to be our allies and adversaries in the times to come.

The Prime Minister and his allies are usually the ones who pave the way for India's future. With Manmohan Singh leading the lot, we have seen our economy booming. We saw India being ushered into the powerful-8. There have been a lot of mishaps, no doubt - however, the government has steadfastly been secular all along. These are tumulus times where people and parties are creating rifts in society. If we want to move from our current position of number eight to number, India has to move together. There can be no other way. It is a secular India that will go forward. An India that is split into a million tiny regional and religious groups will never get anywhere.

I can never forget the day the terrorists attacked my Mumbai. Similarly, I have been unable to forget the Babri Masjid riots. I cannot forget the Godhra carnage. These incidents were a shocking news to me. They reminded me that I belonged to a minority community in a majorly Hindu country. I am constantly reminded that I should have no say in any matters for my country, just because Rama was a Hindu & Ram Rajya his dream. Even today, I know there might be a non-secular group waiting to strike out at people like me. I am sure after the Godhra carnage, no Muslim has ever felt safe in Gujarat. Mr. Modi's assurances do nothing to assure me.

Yes, he may have contributed to Gujarat's economy, but at the same time, somehow I am sure the economic progress he is talking about might be a greater proportion of lies than truth. If economy is really booming in Gujarat, how come the diamond workers were not provided any support. And mind you, the diamond workers of Surat are India's largest group.

More importantly, if I remember correctly, 5-years ago, BJP had run a campaign called India Shining or India Rising - something to that effect. Later on, it turned out, most of it was lies. I believe BJP might be using the old trick again. I refuse to be tricked along. L.K. Advani and Kalyan Singh were known to have openly made rousing speeches during the Babri Masjid Riots. It may be more than 15 years since that episode, but I truly believe you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. If I cannot forget that incident after 15 years, I am sure they are also incapable of forgetting the hatred that exists within them as far as minorities are concerned.

At such times, with such people, I will always choose to go with the most secular party. The Constitution of India proudly proclaims itself to be a secular & democratic country. I will stand by a party that stands by the people of India, not just the people of a region, or caste, or community. Rahul Gandhi may not have as much experience as Advani or Modi, but to me that just means he is still not tainted. He is young blood and the face of India's bright and shining tomorrow. I just hope he does not fall pray to the Gandhi legacy of assassinations.

I have decided. I will place my vote with the most secular party in India. I place my vote for Rahul Gandhi.

Jai ho!

Kasab or Raj Thackrey - what is the difference?

Greetings Earthlings!

It's been quite some time since I was last here. Since then, a lot has been happening in the world around us.

Good News : Barack Hussein Obama is now the President of USA. Bad News : Gaza Strip still knows no peace. Expected News : MNS activists rampaged a 5-star hotel & Mumbai University. More Good News : Slumdog Millionaire and A. R. Rehman are going places and getting famous there!

So much for providing news on the go... Time to ramble on.

Quite a few things have been said by a lot of different people that have left me so restless - with all negative vibes. For starters, the Chief Justice of India said that since terrorists should not be allowed human rights. Moreover, he detests people who represent these terrorists. Yeah right. In that case, Mr. Chief Justice, it's high time you first made a few changes in the Constitution. It's the Constitution that allows such terrorists to live. Not the lawyers alone.

Then, there is this whole new dimension about women going to pubs. Some mad-cap guy in Mangalore wakes up one morning and go about rampaging pubs and women. The newspapers think he is some big, long forgotten hero, decorate him on the front page will huge smiling images. It later on turned out that the mad-cap guy and his mad-cap gang meant to overthrow the government and set up their own king. Ram Rajya or something similar. Yeah right. They forgot one vital detail - India is still a democracy, & the largest one at that! To get things complicated, all the political parties have now joined the fray - there is a whole debate on which party should take what stand!!!

What I don't understand is why has there been no uprising about men going to bars, getting drunk and/or beating up their wives... Why has no one ever vandalized men who drink??? I never knew Rama or Krishna drank Kingfishers, Budweiser's and Old Monks?? Or did they??

As is expected, MNS is back to their rampaging ways again. First it was a 5-star hotel. I am still clueless as to why did they have to break glasses and destroy furniture of a 5-star hotel. Apart from that, when they were not allowed to meet the head of the University of Mumbai, they rampaged the place. The reason why they wanted to meet : Marathi should be compulsory.

Before I proceed, a quick flashback. This is an incident that happened a few months back. While I was waiting in the immigration queue at the Tehran airport, I happened to chit chat with the guy standing in the line behind me. He was an Iranian. As the flight was from Tehran to Mumbai, I asked him why was he flying to Mumbai of all places. He said he studied at the University of Mumbai. When I gave a puzzled expression he explained that there were definitely Universities in Iran, but none were as good as Mumbai University. The standard and syllabus of Mumbai University was quite high. That, coming from a foreigner, made me feel very proud of our Mumbai University and of being a Mumbaikar.

Return from flashback and I realize this is the same Alma Mater we are talking about here. It's such a sad thing - it takes years to build a good name and an even better reputation - but it takes only a few vandalizing MNS activists to destroy it all. I fervently hope and pray, the authorities at Mumbai University do not give in to their demands.

The Maharashtra State Government chooses to grin away at all these illegal vandalizing activities. If the MNS ONLY indulges in illegal, illicit & vandalizing activities, why is the government taking so long to declare MNS to be a terrorist outfit. What purpose does their existence serve apart from breaking bones, breaking news and disrupting life for the common man? I believe none whatsoever. If MNS is allowed to continue - it just means the government really does not care who does what. Kasab or Raj Thackeray - what is the difference. I am just reminded of a board that I had seen on the walls of Wipro. It said "There is black and there is white - there is no gray". So true. The gray area that the government chooses to stand behind does not exist. If the government does nothing to curb the menace, then our governments sides with MNS.

What options does a common man have in such circumstances? Very few.

There is another more surprisingly aspect. Whenever there is any such activity happening, the media fraternity reaches the place and gets live coverage of the incident. But Mumbai Police always manages to reach after the incident is over and most of the miscreants have escaped. So much like a Hindi movie. Simple question - how does the media find out what the police does not? And more importantly, if and when media finds out, why do they not inform the police so that the hooligans can be stopped before damage is caused? Very clearly, to create "Breaking News" media no longer cares what it has to break down. When the media has gone to the dogs, it only deserves to be curbed. It should be restricted.

To Dr. Manmohan Singh - I believe you are the ablest of Prime Minister my country has had for years. I believe in you and your policies. But is there nothing you can do to save the common hard working man of Mumbai? Please help us.

Breaking News - Kasab may not be punished!

Greetings Earthlings!

The past few weeks have been relatively calm. The calm is only relative. Complete global peace is still delusional.

Very recently, I came across a piece of information and have been feeling very disturbed since I have learnt about it. This time I hope to achieve more than ramble on about it. Though the issue is quite serious, most of us choose to take it lightly and ignore it. Let's get started right away.

The issue of the day - complete information.

Scenario : Approximately 10 cold-blooded terrorists enter Mumbai city. Rampage the city's finest hotels. Kill people ruthlessly. Commandos and the likes capture Kasab alive. Judiciary comes into action and Kasab needs to be tried in court - so that he can be punished. Lawyers refuse to represent Kasab. A few dare come forward. Brainless MNS activists rampage their homes/offices/lives.

Now, I am sure, most of you are updated so far. More or less. Now, here is the important part. Unless we try Kasab in court and he is declared guilty he cannot be punished.

Now, let's go back in time. Most of us have heard about the Parliament bombings that happened some time back. In case you have not been following up on that case - let me take the liberty of providing a short brief. Some time back, a few terrorists had managed to break the high security around Parliament House and had bombed / fired at the Parliament at a very close range. After all that ensued, one terrorist was caught alive - Afzal Guru. Lawyers did not wish to represent him. He was tried in court. Here comes the twist. Although he was tried in the court and found guilty, he could not be punished. He is still alive and breathing. The death punishment, that he so rightly deserved, could not be meted out - simply because, he claims he did not get a fair trial. Even President Kalam as unable to do anything about it. And when I say this, I am aware that the President of India has the power to release a guilty on appeal or punish someone, if needed.

The reason - the Indian Constitution cannot punish someone until and unless they are proved guilty. If a person does not get a fair chance at trial, he/she cannot be proved guilty as there was no one to speak for the accused. So, no fair trial equals to no punishment.

However, when Afzal Guru could not be punished, the media played it's great part in misleading us all. They told us what the newsreader thought, what the opposition said, how the ruling party reacted, what the "experts" had to say, etc. No one told us what the real reason was. All we know is Afzal Guru cannot be punished.

Like in most cases, media had absolutely no idea what was happening. The misled kept misleading...in the name of TRPs.

Welcome back to reality from the flashback.

Now, it's time we punish a bigger criminal/terrorist. An inhuman like Kasab deserves nothing less than death sentence. However, we need to remember there has been not many changes in the Constitution of India so far. So, if Kasab goes to trial - without a lawyer - he will never be punished. Moreover, the citizens of India will keep paying for his food, housing and security. What a shame!!

Now, that I know about this, I hate these mindless buggers. There are two groups of people I have come to detest. One is they lawyers. I understand a common man not knowing much about the nuances of Law and the Constitution, but I refuse to understand how a whole community of lawyers feigning to know nothing about it. When they say, they do not wish to represent someone like Kasab, they turn a blind eye to what happens if they don't. On a second thought, I now believe, these lawyers are the very enemies of the nation. They should be ousted before Kasab.

Secondly, the mindless-guerrilla-power-groups-like-MNS.

When Mumbai was burning and simpering, when Mumbai was looking for help and brotherhood, groups like MNS chose to go underground. In hiding. I know why. They are the original terrorists of Mumbai. Apart from trying to drive people away and turning a cosmopolitan city to a trash can, what productive or helpful thing have they ever done? None that I can think of. If they really cared even 1% about the city, they would have been out there - helping people. But from what I understand about them - they will not help with the Taj and Oberoi- just because these places are typically have more foreigners than Marathi Manoos. No Marathi Manoos no help. As far as CST is concerned, I can bet their next argument will be that these places too do not have many Marathi Manoos. So, typically, if you have not attacked Shivaji Park or some place like that - the MNS will not help.

When they go attacking lawyers, they men/women have absolutely no clue as to what they are doing. They refuse to acknowledge things like - Law & Order, Constitution, Rights of Citizens, Duties of Citizens, etc. They are a Law unto themselves.

Last but not the least, I feel unadulterated anger towards the media. Media in this country cannot be trusted anymore. All they care about is TRPs, sponsors, money, sales. The real news is now elusive.

I now know, the real terrorists are the citizens of my own country. The lawyers, MNS activists, media. The Police, commandos, army and NSG will save us from the external terrorists. Who will save us from the terrorists within?