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Friday,
September 13, 2002, Chandigarh, India   |
The world after 9/11 Rising pre-poll violence |
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India’s economic development
The curse of petty loyalties
Those
who own the world ought to govern it?
Milk, pregnancy affect cancer risk
Apology for suggesting bin Laden dead
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The world after 9/11 IT was a magnificent sight. And touching too. Across the globe people from different cultures, faiths and backgrounds held special services and ceremonies in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack on the USA's symbols of economic and military might. At the Pentagon President George W. Bush participated in a memorial service. In New York Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee represented India at a ceremony at Ground Zero. Television networks did a splendid job of exploring the depth of compassion and concern the September 11 attacks had generated among people who were several thousand miles away from the scene of the devastation. It brought tears to the eyes of people who were touched in a mysterious way by the tragedy that had visited a few thousand souls not even remotely associated with them either through friendship or kinship. Few moments in the history of mankind have made people shed their feelings of ill-will for those of other cultures, nationalities and faiths. September 11, 2002, was one such moment. Should this moment be allowed to become a glorious chapter in the contemporary history of a globe sitting on a lethal stockpile of imagined hurts and nursed hatred? Or should it mark the beginning of a new era in which love, not hatred, should rule the hearts and minds of every sensitive soul? The answer to these questions should be sought not from President Bush, who without doubt represents the most powerful nation on this planet, or from elected leaders of other nations. The answer to these questions should come from the people who felt the pain of others as they would have their own. A year ago President Bush put together an agenda for waging a relentless war on all forms of terrorism. The global community responded without reservation. He promised to bring to justice the perpetrators of the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The world is waiting for the outcome. The USA has much to explain. A year after the attack that raised visions of yet another world war the campaign against terrorism does not appear to have made much headway. Yes, Afghanistan was liberated from the clutches of Al Qaida and the Taliban. But the two outfits have not been completely destroyed. There is also still no clear evidence of the fate of Osama bin Laden and Mullah Umar. The avoidable loss of innocent lives in the Afghan campaign has made the supporters of America begin to question the effectiveness of a policy that uses the same weapons that the terrorists use for creating global insecurity. A memorial service for the innocent victims of the anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan should be held on the same scale that saw the global community hold hands and shed tears in memory of the victims of the WTC and Pentagon attacks. And also for the victims of the West Asian conflict. Why leave out the victims of ethnic cleansing and terrorism in Bosnia and Jammu and Kashmir? In fact, memorial services at the global level for victims of terrorism in any part of the globe would provide a clue that the world after September 11 is indeed moving in the direction of a just and fair order. A world that cares as much for the poor as it does for the rich. A world that cries for the victims of the WTC attack as also for those who die everyday in the continuing conflicts in other parts of the world. And for those who die of starvation. America had the military and economic power to lead the campaign against terrorism. The global response to the September 11 anniversary provided the evidence that America can also lead the campaign for true and lasting peace in the world. It has used its military and economic muscle to unleash counter-terror that has only raised the level of insecurity. It must now use its economic muscle for creating goodwill among people of different cultures and communities. A fraction of the amount that is spent on sustaining America's image as a super power would make it raise its standing to almost divine levels. Scriptural evidence too is loaded in favour of the power of good defeating the powers of evil. And the response of the global community to the September 11 anniversary provided proof, if proof was needed, that only love can defeat hate. This should be the new agenda that America should offer to the global community for lasting peace. Weapons of mass destruction in any hand are a threat to mankind. |
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Rising pre-poll violence WITH
the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections scheduled for September 16, terrorists have intensified their activities in different parts of the troubled border state. For the past few days terrorist killings have become a daily occurrence. On Wednesday militants succeeded in giving a major setback to the poll process by killing Law Minister Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, who was seeking re-election from the Lolab constituency. He was gunned down in full public view while addressing an election rally. They also attacked a gathering addressed by state Congress chief Ghulam Nabi Azad. Luckily, the Congress leader was not there, but four BSF personnel lost their lives. The same day a People’s Democratic Party public meeting was targeted in Surankot in Poonch district. On Tuesday, Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, younger brother of Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, escaped an attempt on his life at Nadirgund in Baramula district. Last week an Independent MLA, Mr Abdur-Rehman Sheikh, was done to death in the Handwara area of Kupwara district. This is not a complete picture of the spurt in terrorist activity with the election tempo picking up. But it vividly illustrates the emerging ugly ground reality. Almost every political party in the poll arena has been made to feel the terrorist wrath, with the ruling National Conference being the biggest sufferer. There is a marked change in the situation after September 10, the deadline fixed by the Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen for all those contesting the elections to withdraw from the race or face the consequences. That the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and the Lashkar-e-Toiyaba have been involved in most of the major incidents is a different matter. What is significant is that there has been an open challenge from terrorist elements for sabotaging the democratic process. Yet the security forces could do little to frustrate their unholy plans. Something is definitely wrong somewhere. No doubt, the security forces have eliminated a number of terrorist elements in the recent past, as they had been doing earlier. They have also seized explosives meant for disrupting the election process. But it is strongly felt that there is need for increasing the heat on the saboteurs. We have to leave nothing to chance. If there has been greater infiltration from Pakistan during the past few days, which seems to be a possibility, it should be highlighted to expose the belligerent neighbour’s designs. The international community must be kept fully informed of Pakistan’s involvement in sabotaging the democratic exercise. But our own housekeeping should be of top grade, at least during the election time when the whole world is watching the goings-on.The campaign of the anti-election forces----those boycotting the battle of the ballot, the militants and their mentors across the border---- must be defeated. Under no circumstances should they be allowed to dampen the spirit of the voters. |
India’s economic development NATIONAL security is the “ability of a nation to use its national power for the preservation, protection and furtherance of its core values or national aims and objectives”. What most people in India do not understand is that the concept of national security is much wider than the defence of the borders or territorial integrity. It is the total preservation of our State: our political, economic and social well-being, the inviolability of our territorial boundaries, and the maintenance of national interests. A realistic and comprehensive approach to national security, therefore, includes economic strength, internal cohesion and technological capability besides the strategic aspects. The security spectrum is very complex today. It is no longer visualised in narrow military terms. Conventional threats, as well as non-military threats, arising out of economic backwardness, poor governance, international and national terrorism, ethnic conflicts, fundamentalism, communal disturbances, migration and environmental pollution, all impinge upon the security of a nation. Since national security is a dynamic subject, it would be necessary to have a look at some global trends, which influence our concern in this regard. The essence of current global trends can be conveyed by two simple words: “global” and “change”. Even the insular and inward-looking nations have no options but to adopt “internationalisation” and “engagement”. Some important global trends are: There is a marked asymmetry of power and capability among nations in the world. This imposes concurrent “cooperation” and “competition” among them. International relations are issue-based, driven by functional national interests. They require greater flexibility than hitherto seen. Relations between the USA and China are a good example. Trade and commerce have made nations interdependent in a free market and export-oriented world. Technology is the engine of change as well as the currency of power. Microchip has, among other revolutions, triggered the revolution in military affairs also. Globalisation has made geographical borders transparent. Security problems, which emerge in a certain region, can no longer remain problems isolated to that specific area. Depleting energy resources is giving rise to new areas of strategic power play. By 2025 the world population will reach 8.5 billion and maximum growth will take place in the developing world. Large-scale migration in search of “greener pastures” will accentuate ethnic and other social divides which can result in conflict situations. Neither security nor economic development can be compartmentalised. There is a symbiotic relationship between economic development and security. A nation has to create an image of internal and external security and stability to encourage foreign investment. And faster and more broad-based economic development of a nation, the greater is its security. Economic issues play a dominant role in all inter-and-intra-state relations. More and more conflicts are emerging within nations and not between nations. The Soviet Union broke up because they had ample security but no food and purchasing power. Ethnic battles that break out everywhere are more often for sharing limited resources than anything else. Every State, therefore, has to work out its own reasonable and acceptable point on the “guns versus butter theory” curve, which enables it to have an appropriate fill of security and development planning. Geostrategy these days is being increasingly replaced by geo-economics as a measure of national strength. Negotiations through economic dialogue is the latest catchword replacing military confrontation. By forging strong economic bonds of mutual interest, we can reduce tension on the borders. It is also possible to gain strategic advantage out of an economic relationship to further economic goals. For example, several defence equipment-purchasing countries demand foreign investments (or support for a particular foreign policy) from defence equipment-suppliers. India’s markets too can become a major strategic asset, which can be exploited through better coordination among ministries and through some changes in the procedures. India’s security challenges are external, internal, and of a non-military nature. On the external front, nearly one-third of our borders are disputed. We have yet to settle our border with China. Pakistan continues to create trouble over Jammu and Kashmir and many other factors. Internal security challenges are no less. Our open pluralistic society continues to be vulnerable to several internal contradictions even after 55 years of Independence. Given our poverty, illiteracy, communal and casteist vote bank politics, these contradictions are unlikely to disappear soon. Some important non-military security challenges for India are: India’s growing population. Not enough attention is being paid to this important national issue. Mass migrations from neighbouring countries into India. Depletion of water sources. Already states are fighting over river waters in India. Rapid spread of HIV in several parts of the country. Pressure on the environment due to the continuing growth of population and uncontrolled exploitation of genetics and bioengineering. Our GDP is 11th largest in the world but we are at the 124th place in the United Nations’ Human Development Index with a high rate of infant mortality and adult literacy below 60 per cent. It appears that we are a rich country of poor people! Half a century of independent economic development has not been adequate in restoring our legitimate share of world income. In the same period, China’s impressive economic performance has enabled it to compete for global markets and capital. Increasingly, that has been translated into military power. Economic power is the cornerstone of a nation’s power. India must improve its performance, both quantitatively and qualitatively, to
improve its political and strategic profile. The developed world is no longer willing to extend special and differential treatment to developing countries. Sustained high, equitable and balanced economic growth combined with internal political stability, peaceful relations with our neighbours and with major economic and strategic partners will enable India to regain its share of world income and emerge as a global power. We also need to address distributional issues, socio-economic imbalances, and inequities in the growth process and poverty eradication. Higher output and incomes and improved inter-regional distribution of investment and incomes are critical for internal political stability and external security. This is one of the causes of disturbances and insurgencies in North-eastern India and some parts of Central India. If these economic challenges are not addressed, national integrity and security can be threatened due to the spread of disaffection and increasing political influence of anti-national, separatist, ethnic and communal organisations among the economically and politically marginalised groups or states. The emergence of China as a major trading power, with a close to 4 per cent share of the world trade, constitutes a big challenge for India, whose share is only 0.6 per cent. After watching the implementation of the economic reforms-based policies in the 1990s, most people believe that sound economic policies are not sufficient to ensure progress. They must be rooted in good governance. Only good governance can ensure that sound economic policies are implemented faithfully and expeditiously. That implies decentralisation and devolution of powers and functions, inducting specialised knowledge, experience and talent into civil administration, and enlarging the role of the market and the private sector. Good governance will also ensure greater public satisfaction and prevention of political cynicism. To sum up, a secure national environment is a multidimensional phenomenon, where the totalities of political, economic, technical, social, cultural and defence activities nurture an atmosphere of political stability and national progress. Sustained economic growth of 7-8 per cent, with a special focus on manufacturing and agricultural productivity, accompanied by reduced regional and social inequalities, is critical to India’s national security. A national consensus on policies aimed at increasing economic growth accompanied by good governance is required in the new phase of economic reforms. We have highly skilled technical and managerial manpower almost highest in the world. So, there is no reason why we cannot develop faster. General Malik is a retired Chief of Army Staff. |
The curse of petty loyalties THE social fabric at this time is flawed at many places. Pettiness is the root cause of all this. For petty gains the people can do any wrong thing. Narrow-mindedness generally leads to a dead end of the road. Now or never has come to be the slogan of modern living. intolerance and impatience are the hallmarks of both the older and the younger generations. The struggle is for the appeasement of one's cravings and the gratification of one's longings. Now thought is spared for the moment that is still at an embryonic stage. Lately I have been obsessed with the idea that petty loyalties have ruined the
scope for a better tomorrow. At the friendship level, petty considerations are given undue importance. Howsoever wrong the deeds of a person, he demands, and mostly gets, the loyalty of his friends. This type of faithfulness is in reality the negation of true friendship. The glorification of evil designs, abetted by the close circle of the like-minded persons, is nothing else but betrayal of all that is good and true in human life. Small people cling together for small motives. It is mostly true in all the walks of life. But this tendency has spilled over from the muddy stream of politics. The academics are no exception to it. They too betray their weakness of huddling together for some petty gain. The beaten path they mostly follow as it is the only course they can adopt without taxing their minds. In this manner they opt for an easy escape from the stern realities of life. They do not raise their voice when human rights are infringed. nor do they plunge into the vortex of social injustice and political ham-handedness. The mediocre persons always gain the victory of numbers. But the moral victory is reserved for the persons with lofty ideals. In the face of the crisis of cherished values, the best course is to go down fighting valiantly. It is not the victory that matters but the courage one displays at the time of giving the fight. To allow the opponents to go unscathed is something that snacks of cowardice. It is glorious to fight even the losing battle. This attitude highlights the standpoint that serves as the guiding principle for the right-minded persons. Instead of lying low in wait for an opportune time, it is commendable to surface decisively at the moment of crisis. Over the years the multitude have not been able to shed their beliefs steeped in ignorance. Collective unconscious still links the attitude of the man of today to the stone age. Devastation takes place when the caveman finds his existence threatened. He comes out of the cave with lethal weapons to kill those who do not toe his line. Nothing is acceptable to him except total subjugation. The law of the jungle holds sway over the minds of the unruly and the uncouth. Not merely lack of education but the wrong type of education is the root cause of such an irrational behaviour. It is difficult to disregard the cosiness one experiences when a replica of one's own self is projected at the time of decision - making. The calm mentality is still paramount in the dealings of the people who otherwise profess to be the harbingers of the new age. Nothing can stir in their minds the sublime feelings and noble concepts. They consider petty loyalties, born of petty jealousies, the be-all and end-all of their existence. But in reality essence precedes existence. |
Those who own the world ought to govern it? SO says John Jay of the tribe of Kipling. That is why we should not allow anyone to own the world, for, then, he or they will impose their rule over us. And since globalisation allows the rich nations to buy the world, we must oppose the buying spree. But nations do sell industries to foreigners. This causes less harm. If, however, a whole economy is allowed to be taken over by foreigners, then they will also rule over that country. But selling the media to foreigners is an entirely different proposition. By doing so, we sell ourselves body and soul. And we will be reduced to the condition of zombies. That is why we banned the entry of foreign media to this country in 1955. That is why the West banned the entry of communist literature to the Western world. Subversion of the mind is a far more dangerous thing. But the usual argument goes like this: “When winds of change are blowing in all other segments of economic life, why not in the print media? This is a fallacious argument. In 1999, our former President R. Venkataraman told the World Association of Press Councils: “There is absolutely no justification to even think of foreigners being allowed to own and manage the print media in this country...” What has happened in these three years for a change of mind? Sushma Swaraj says that 1955 was a long time ago. True. But we refuse to sell our land to foreigners even after millennia! Why? Because, if we do so, India will cease to be “our” country. By selling the media to foreigners, we may no more be what we are. It is not that the American media has no access to India. It has. Reader’s Digest has been in India for years. No one objected to its publication here. And Time and Newsweek have been selling tens of thousands of copies. And much of the news we publish have their source in the Western media. But these cannot build up a favourable image of America. In fact, America is hated all over the world although it almost controls the world media. Why, then are they interested in owning the Indian media? Why do they want to invest in the media when the returns in other fields are better? Because (1) owning is the first step to ruling and (2) because the Western media expects to be rewarded well. With about 100 million English-speaking people — the second largest in the world — the Western media expects to do well in India. Ever since globalisation began, there has been a rapid growth of the economic press throughout the world. With the flow of direct investment turning into a flood, the media coverage of business and industry has grown rapidly. No wonder, business journalists are perhaps the most pampered community today. It was feared that with the growth of the electronic media, the print media would suffer. It did not. In fact, it is flourishing, for the print media has advantages which the electronic media will never have. For example, one can read the print media over and over again, and it can give detailed analysis of complex issues. The electronic media can never do it. Wall Street says that with globalisation we are moving to an era of economics. Naturally, the media emphasis is on economics. But globalisation cannot solve religious, ethnic, caste and civilisational problems. And least of all national security problems. All these are important, and some of them more so. For example, national security. It is more important than globalisation to nations. But the Indian and foreign media are least interested in any of these subjects today. In any case, can it take an impartial stand? It cannot. That is its weakness. Media analyst Robert McChesney, fears the emergence of a global communication cartel with emphasis on business. Here “global” may be an
euphemism for America. McChesney writes: “A spectre haunts the world — a global commercial media system dominated by a small number of super-powerful, mostly US-based, transnational media corporations. It is a system that works to advance the cause of the global market...” It may denigrate anything that is not conducive to the bottomline, he fears. Some governments have banned the entry of foreign media because they fear erosion of sovereignty and perversion of the local culture. Singapore had to give a stern warning to the international media to keep off from domestic politics. Any entry of foreign (read English) media will only strengthen the Westernising process. It is not only news that is dominated by the USA. Films, TV, books, etc are all increasingly put into American packages. There has been little opposition in India to globalisation. In fact, Indian journalists act as cheer leaders rather than as critics. The Indian media is no more the watchdog it claimed to be. The issues that stir the nation are not the issues which get reflected in the pages of the national dailies. The Infohighway is a one-way traffic. The flow of information is from the rich to the poor. Never the other way round. This can lead to the spread of a monoculture in the world. Countries like France are opposed to this trend. Although the WTO has exempted culture from its rules under French initiative, this has had little effect. Few theorists predicted the apathy, increased alienation and dissolution of family life. The press appears to be losing its credibility and is criticised for its preoccupation with appearances. Claims that information educates men in politics, economics, etc. are bogus. And images cannot be built by propaganda. Joseph Nye, Director of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and former adviser to President Clinton, claims that the American “information edge” has given it the position of world leader. And America has almost a monopoly on data in English. This will make the 21st century the “American century.” We can’t say, we were not warned. America advocates free flow of information. Yet only 2 per cent of the US communication industry belongs to foreign parties. America imports very little of cultural products. And America seldom attends to the special needs of the minorities. The test is often whether a product has mass appeal and can generate
revenue. The shift to entertainment (this is true of both TV and print media) has devalued the office of the Editor, says Justice Sawant, former Chairman of the Indian Press Council. Both credibility and quality of the print media have suffered, he says. The entry of foreign media will not change this trend. In fact, it will make it worse. |
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Milk, pregnancy affect cancer risk PREGNANCY may lower a woman's risk of cancer but drinking milk could raise it, researchers reported. Both factors, as well as the use of hormone replacement therapy, affect levels of a hormone that may influence the development of some cancers, a team at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston found. The finding could explain why women who have had children have a lower risk of cancer -- something doctors have noticed but been unable to explain, Dr. Michelle Holmes, who led the study, said. Pregnancy, HRT use and milk drinking all affect levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 or IGF-1, a hormone linked to an increased risk of cancer, Holmes and colleagues report in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, which is published by the American Association for Cancer Research. "This is the first study to report that the more pregnancies a women had, the lower was her blood level of IGF-1," Holmes said. "Pregnancy is known to protect against several cancers such as breast and colon cancer. It is possible that the mechanism of this protection could be through lowering IGF-1 levels." Women who had four or more pregnancies had IGF-1 levels that were on average 15 percent lower than in women who had never been pregnant, the researchers found. Using data from a large, long-term study of more than 1,000 nurses who record their diets carefully and who are then watched for changes in health, Holmes' team also found that those who drank the most milk had higher levels of IGF-1. IGF-1 is important to the growth and function of many organs, but higher levels have been associated with an increased risk of prostate, colon, lung and breast cancer. "We concluded that greater milk consumption was associated with higher levels of IGF-1," said Holmes. "This association raises the possibility that diet could increase cancer risk by increasing levels of IGF-1 in the blood stream. However, more research must be done to determine whether milk consumption itself is directly linked to cancer risk." The role of HRT and cancer is less clear -- it can raise the risk of breast cancer, for instance. But Holmes's team found that women who were taking estrogen after menopause had the lowest levels of IGF-1, followed by women using oral estrogen plus progesterone. This may explain why HRT reduces the risk of colon cancer, Holmes said. Now more research needs to be done to find out why this does not counteract the effect of HRT on breast cancer, Holmes said.
Reuters |
Apology for suggesting bin Laden dead AN Arabic-language Islamist website apologised on Wednesday for alarming followers of Osama bin Laden by running a report suggesting the world's most wanted man was killed in Afghanistan in 2001. "I apologise to the readers for writing this report. I would like to start by telling them that Sheikh Osama bin Laden is alive," wrote a man who identified himself as Abou Ja'far al-Kuwaiti, apparently an alias that indicates that he is a Kuwaiti follower of bin Laden. The article appeared on website www.jehad.net with the headline: "Yes, Osama has been killed but the holy struggle will continue until doomsday." The author, who said he was an eyewitness to a U.S. raid in Tora Bora, Afghanistan, in December, said the man killed then was Osama al-Adani, while bin Laden survived.
Reuters Scientists develop quick test for TB British scientists have developed a quick test that can detect tuberculosis in two or three hours instead of weeks. It uses DNA fingerprinting techniques to confirm new outbreaks of the highly infectious disease without hours of receiving a sample. "We have already used the test many times to confirm that an outbreak has been controlled," Professor Mike Barer of the University of Leicester said. The professor of microbiology, who presented his research at a British science conference, used DNA microarray technology to take fingerprints of strains of the Mycobacterum tuberculosis (Mtb) bacterium that causes TB. The 400 genes that make up the genome of the bacterium were mapped in 1998. Barer and his team used the test during an outbreak of TB in the central English town of Leicester last year when 24 cases of the virulent infection, which was centered on a school, were confirmed. Tuberculosis, which is spread by coughing and sneezing, destroys the lungs and causes death through asphyxiation. Despite effective treatment, 1.5 million people worldwide still die from it each year.
Reuters |
Loharipa Yogi pleads: Know this the way of Yoga: Shun towns and highways Live in the forests under the trees, on roots and wild fruit. The yogis must live The contemplative life; Also for purification One must visit The place of pilgrimages. Nanak answers to Loharipa Even while living In towns and near highways, Remain alert. Do not covet Any of the neighbours goods. Without the Divine Name We cannot attain inner peace Nor still our inner hunger. As the Guru has shown The real life of the city The real life of its shops Is a life within us. We must be traders in Truth, We should eat but little, We should sleep but little, Thus saith Nanak, is the core Of the idea of Yoga. —From Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sidh- Gosht.
*** Loharipa expostulates But Yoga is a system Which I beg thee to adopt. Its symbols are patched coat, Earings, a beggar’s wallet. Out of the six systems, Adopt the system of yoga, Out of the twelve yogi’s sects, Enter ours, the leading one. Thou sayest, only those Whom God hath enlightened Have truly grasped God Control thy mind by my rules And thou cannot attain Yoga. Nanak answers My own system is constant Contemplation of the Word. My way of wearing earings: To discard pride and attachment, My patched coat and beggar’s wallet; Are seeing God in all things. Only God can make me free. The Lord is the Truth, Truth is His Name, says the Guru, He who will may test this. — From Sidh Gosht. |
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