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A common enemy New helmsman |
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Corruption zindabad It is the flip side of the right to livelihood THE Punjab Roadways bus conductors deserve a “shabash” for redefining the parameters of corruption. They are at least honest enough to admit that corruption exists and have suggested a ceiling that would starve the political class to death.
Licence fee on TV, radio sets
The music of sounds
Dateline Washington No sport in
our blood?
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A common enemy TERRORISM, which has spread its tentacles all over the globe, cannot be fought successfully by any country alone. Monday’s joint declaration by India and Britain to launch a drive against the menace together is significant in the sense that both have been its victims for a long time. India, which first faced the problem in Punjab, has been grappling with the monster in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989 because of Pakistan using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. The UK, which had been earlier targeted by Northern Ireland terrorists, is now on the hit list of those associated with Al-Qaida. The resolve of India and Britain to cooperate with each other in this crucial struggle can bring rich dividends as they have an extradition treaty signed in 1993. The treaty is designed to deny any escape route to those indulging in any kind of terrorist activity and fund collection for their destructive purposes. Terrorists have the capacity to sabotage any good work being done anywhere. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, therefore, rightly pointed out in London that the “threat of terrorism had to be kept under control” to ensure that the India-Pakistan composite dialogue process yields the desired results. In other words, terrorists must not be allowed to derail the peace process. Mr Tony Blair’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, “in relation to Kashmir or any other part of the world”, is encouraging for India. One hopes President Gen Pervez Musharraf, who will be meeting Dr Manmohan Singh in New York soon, takes note of it and agrees to an India-Pakistan joint drive against terrorism. Terrorism has emerged as the most dangerous enemy of mankind. In fact, the whole world should unite to eliminate the menace from the face of the earth. Terrorism in any form cannot be justified, whatever the pretext. Those indulging in this heinous activity deserve no sympathy, as their victims are mostly non-combatants, innocent people, including women and children. |
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New helmsman THE first orderly generational change has taken place in China with former President Jiang Zemin handing over the chairmanship of the party’s Central Military Commission to Communist Party chief Hu Jintao. This is the third and the final top post passed on to 61-year-old President Hu by the legendary leader. The transition is more than the handing over of the baton to a leader about two decades younger to Mr Jiang Zemin. Ever since the Communists took over in 1949, the transfer of power has seen a bitter struggle, which led to wild policy fluctuations. But this time China is unlikely to witness any shudder on policy matters. Contrary to what was expected, Mr Jiang is gently fading away from the centre-stage of the country’s politics and public administration. The way his political ally, Vice-President Zeng Qinghong, has stayed away from the Military Commission is indication enough that Mr Hu will hold the reins firmly in his hands. That this will be done forcefully is also a certainty, given the way he managed to sideline many other claimants to power. Mr Hu is the first top leader who has not taken part in the cultural revolution. Why, he does not even wear the regulation Mao suit, preferring suit and tie, instead. His advent marks the rise of the leadership which does not carry the weight of ossified ideas and can be depended on to take on the Western challenge on its own terms. Mr Hu does have the experience and CV making him the right man for the job. Mr Hu’s top priority is to maintain the phenomenal economic growth that China has witnessed in the recent past. He is expected to press ahead with market-friendly economic reforms. This job has to be done while keeping the relations with the US on an even keel. Then he has to take care of the Taiwan question. His statements so far indicate that he will not go in for any kind of softening of attitude. If the island declares independence, this may be met with the use of force. He is expected to strike a similar posture towards other pockets of dissent. |
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Corruption zindabad THE Punjab Roadways bus conductors deserve a “shabash” for redefining the parameters of corruption. They are at least honest enough to admit that corruption exists and have suggested a ceiling that would starve the political class to death. The main demand of the Punjab Roadways Conductors Union leaves no scope for doubt that no bank will ever be empty if the keys to the strong room are kept with them. They may nick small change, but banks go bust when politicians and bureaucrats extend patronage to the likes of Telgi. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh should order the reinstatement of the “victimised” bus conductors. In these hard times it is palpably cruel to terminate the services of workers for involvement in petty graft. The former maharaja can, if he wants to, pay each public transport employee the princely sum of Rs 25 from his personal Patiala ‘malkhana’. Who can survive on a measly amount as graft? Even beggars would laugh at them. It is not clear whether the union has sought immunity from prosecution of conductors, found with Rs 25 or less in their pockets, only once during their period of service or every month or week. Ideally, it should be treated as an informal daily allowance. Politicians make money and so do some judges and bureaucrats. The corporate culture has introduced the corruption bug among sports persons. Pen pushers are a tad coy writing about their acts of misdemeanour. The well connected are seldom harmed. The middle level moneymakers bribe themselves out of trouble. They believe that if “lay kay rishwat phans gaya hai/ day kay rishwat chhoot jaa”. Just about everyone is having loads of fun picking up easy money from here, there, everywhere. Heavens will not fall if bus conductors in all states are allowed to treat Rs 25 from the day’s collection as their well-deserved side income. |
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In most of mankind gratitude is merely a secret hope for greater favours. — Duc de la Rochefoucauld
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Licence fee on TV, radio sets THE idea of licence fee on TV and radio sets at the point of purchase is not new. At least twice in two decades such an idea was mooted. In fact, earlier the government was collecting licence fee on TV and radio sets through post offices, which was given up in 1975 after a review by a committee of which this writer was a member. The argument that Doordarshan is a public broadcaster and, therefore, it needs public funding was far more convincing at that time. And yet the licence fee was given up. It was found that, firstly, there was considerable inconvenience and even harassment to the public in that process and, secondly, most of what was collected was going into collection costs of the Postal Department. The need today is to remove all kinds of taxes on radio and television sets so that they become much cheaper and affordable. Such a move should be a priority of the ministry today. For, despite all that proliferation of media, there is stagnation in the penetration of the electronic media among one-third of the households of the country. That a public service broadcaster cannot survive on its own and that it needs to be supported by the government, or has to depend on “public funds”, is an accepted practice in many countries. However, the argument of the minister that since the government is funding mostly, “it was not possible to stop government intervention” needs to be questioned. For, by that logic one could ask whether the government is intervening in the operations of the Supreme Court of India or even in the tasks of the UPSC? Also, the assumption that “financial autonomy” ensures “functional autonomy” is questionable and, in fact, it is a fallacy. Functional autonomy, no matter what the source of the support, eventually depends on the organisational structures, status of functionaries and the caliber and concerns of the political leadership. Nevertheless, it should be the responsibility of the State to fund the same way as in the case of the Supreme Court. The best bet is to fund Prasar Bharati as a part of the annual budget, but on the basis of certain criteria. Financial support comes either from the market or from the State. In today’s competitive scenario, it cannot be this or that, but a mix of both where the role of the State by way of budgetary support should be definite but transparent. In the interest of the public broadcaster, its priorities and pre-occupations require periodical scrutiny by some public fora. As a public service broadcaster, Prasar Bharati has been closing and starting channels without a consistent policy. For example, what has been the pattern of cross-channel subsidisation? As a public service broadcaster, it should put its best foot forward to make programmes relevant to a large section of people as well as consistent with its mandate. Whatever that be. Prasar Bharati is of late overwhelmed with engineering opportunities when the need is all-out efforts on the programming front, on quality and marketing. Doordarshan and AIR have excellent infrastructure by way of transmitters spread across the country, making them the best equipped to be public service broadcasters. Abandoning such a unique potential for decentralised broadcasting in favour of centralised operations does not justify a public service broadcaster. How else Prasar Bharati could go for Direct-to-Home? (DTH) without first exploring the potential already on hand. DTH involves heavy investments and that is how it is being viewed as meant for affluent sections. Even more, as a broadcast platform, DTH implies putting public service channels and totally commercial ones, which include violence, vulgar and porno ones, at the doorsteps of the viewers indiscriminately and at par. Doordarshan and AIR do need financial support to pursue their mandate, and the commitment should be on a long-term basis, not on a year-to-year basis. It is unfortunate that certain senior officials of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, putting their own personal interests above that of the nation, had agreed a few years ago with the Planning Commission which treated Doordarshan and AIR on a par with a PSU steel mill or a hotel and insisted that two media units should compete in the market and “earn their revenue”. The mandarins in the Finance Ministry and the Planning Commission need to rethink today as to the role of a public service broadcaster and the need for budgetary support irrespective of the party in power. To pursue this, Doordarshan must have a vision and a mission. Because of the lack of understanding of the unique role, both AIR and Doordarshan are languishing for want of financial support. And yet most ministries, at the Centre and in the states, expect AIR and Doordarshan to do so much coverage and so often without any concern for their viability. Minister after Minister had talked of the need for financial support, but did nothing beyond. The need is the recognition of the role, relevance and status of the public service broadcaster and the compulsions for budgetary support, but based on certain criteria. That is a better way to ensure support than the minister going on appealing colleague ministers to “pay the public broadcaster for highlighting their programmes”. Another option that could also be examined is that many state governments and city administrations levy cess on education or libraries as a percentage of annual property tax. Why not a cess be considered on property owners or taxpayers for a more responsible public service broadcasting in the country. Covering Olympic games does not justify or pass a channel as a public service broadcaster, even if it amounts to a loss of Rs 20 crore or Rs 40 crore As a unique institute, contribution of AIR over the decades has no parallel for the public service it provided. AIR continues to make yeomen service in keeping the country together and enriching its people in so many ways. Doordarshan too can be credited for several initiatives over the years. But because of perceptions and priorities of the government, those concerns for which AIR and DD deserve praise were neglected. This includes the extent of the programmes for children, farmers, artisans and even women. The more obvious shift in the priorities of Doordarshan was perhaps because of all-out attention of the governments at the neglect of AIR. That apparently has saved AIR and helped retain some of its virtues so far. Yet another issue is dichotomising TV channels or even radio channels into public service, and commercial is uncalled for. In the absence of a pro-active national media policy, unfortunately, such a distorted view has taken roots. All channels should have some public service responsibilities as a licensing condition. The difference, however, could be by way of their priorities in terms of percentage of the broadcast time devoted for various types of programmes — in response to the market and in response to larger national goals. The minister’s concern to support and strengthen Doordarshan is welcome. However, the “initiative” to sound the nation about cess on radio/television sets is misplaced. The issue that should be raised first is the television scenario in the country and the direction in which it is going. The issue of levying cess cannot be taken in isolation. Public should be given an idea about what AIR’s and Doordarshan’s role would be in an intensely competitive scenario. Their vision and mission need to be reiterated. That is not possible without a national media policy, at least for broadcasting. In the absence of such a policy, ad hoc and isolated decisions are being taken, ignoring their long-term and larger
implications.
The writer is Chairman, Centre for Media Studies, New Delhi |
The music of sounds IT starts around four in the morning. There is the haunting cry of the peacock and suddenly it is no longer a lone cry. Many more join the chorus and the fairy tale magic continues for more than an hour. Then starts the throaty cuckoo and its refrain is picked up by its companion on the next tree and so the music continues for a little while. Then the little humming bird declares that it is nearly five and you wonder how such a small bird can emit such a clear chirp that floats with the morning breeze. The whistle of the pressure cooker of the next-door neighbour heralds the working woman has started on her morning chores. Then comes the van next door and with its horn declares it is ready to take the child to his school. The milkman blows his whistle to tell the people to take the milk packets and I silently marvel at the dexterity of the tenant who catches the milk packet deftly as the milkman throws the packet to the first floor, even as my heart does a somersault. Oh yes, how could I forget the paperwala and the abuses I utter when he throws it in the puddle left after a shower. The morning bus at eight in the morning is mostly punctual as its brakes which have a strange kind of whistle announce that it is about to pick up the commuters. The maids of the surrounding houses stand together for 10 minutes and discuss the latest horrors of their employers. Some of them enjoy a small puff. The nature takes a backseat and scooters, cars rush out to their respective destinations. Next is the turn of the sabziwala, “aloo ley, pyaaz ley, gobhi ley, matar ley, gajar leeeey” and suddenly there are a plethora of them yelling their hearts out. The most out of tune is the raddiwala to whom I have determined never to sell my collection. Then again suddenly there is a lull and the copper bird beats its drum on my front door pine. The dove goes coo, cooo. The “ugly” birds scream at the cat and the bulbul comes and pecks at my mirror outside, trying in vain to establish contact with its reflection. And so the sounds continue and inwardly I sway to these varied notes of everyday music which convey that everything is alright with the world...and I am glad that I am alive to hear
these. |
Dateline Washington
BHANGRA is quite the rage in New York City this summer. From dance clubs to health clubs to protests against President George W. Bush, the beat unites. Yet it wasn’t always this way. Less than a decade ago, “Bhangra was unknown outside the South Asian community,” says Rekha Malhotra. In her evening avatar, DJ Rekha has been instrumental in popularising the Punjabi beat in America. Rekha’s first exposure to Bhangra came as a teenager. Her mother, back from a visit to England, gave her a tape of the latest craze in the U.K. — Malkit Singh. “I got hooked (onto Bhangra),” Rekha says, with a soft chuckle. Born in London and raised in New York, Rekha says, “Bhangra is good music.” Her Punjabi roots gave her a familiarity with the language, but the music helped her learn it better. New York City’s most prominent female South Asian deejay, Rekha says her parents reacted “just like any other parents would” to her career choice. “Get a real job, they told me,” she laughs. Her mother, a nurse, and her father, a businessman, live in Long Island, N.Y. Rekha started her DJ career while still a student at Queens College in New York. She got her big break in 1997 when she opened for the Toronto group “Punjabi By Nature” at SOB’s (Sounds of Brazil) nightclub in downtown Manhattan. “It was a cold Tuesday night, in the middle of winter. but we had a huge turnout. The line wrapped around the block,” Rekha recalls. The club thought it was a good idea to build on and decided to give Rekha and her partner DJ Joy a regular night. “I said ‘Lets do Bhangra specifically.’ At that time there wasn’t anything devoted to Bhangra — and it just took off.” Basement Bhangra was born, headlining Bally Sagoo. “We’ve gone from being an ethnic curiosity to being a staple in New York nightlife and cultural life,” says Rekha. The response has been tremendous, she says, adding she’s always amused when people ask her if she attracts a “non-South Asian audience.” “The party started with New York City downtown folks. Now the word has gotten out. Yes, there is a strong South Asian presence, but it’s getting more diverse.” Rekha’s talent for mixing music rivals her skill at turning political activism into a good time. Sometimes you cannot find political significance in popular music, she says. Her Bhangra Against Bush dance nights have been a success in the predominantly Democratic city. “Creating Bhangra Against Bush to take a stand against the current government is, to me, a political act.” Bhangra, Rekha points out, has a streak of rebellion running through it. “In a lot of the earlier records, there were lyrics that said ‘we won’t take the white man’s disco’.” Through the years, she’s worked with many community groups. She started Your Attention Please, a fundraising organisation that partnered with groups addressing issues such as domestic abuse, human rights and police brutality. “One of the criterion (for Your Attention Please) was not to work with organisations that are raising money for India. The convenient way to assuage immigrant guilt is to write a check for people far away,” she says. For her, the priority is to focus on issues within the community in America. “The high school dropout rate is very high. One of the most dangerous professions in America is driving a cab or working at a gas station, and many South Asians are doing those jobs. Those are issues that need attention.” Rekha counts U.K.-based Apache Indian’s “funny and comical” songs among her big influences. Explaining the dearth of Bhangra acts in the U.S., she says: “In the U.K. South Asians are three generations deep. Growing up there, every kid is in a Bhangra band. The musicianship and the skill level isn’t here yet — but we will see it soon.” In New York, Rekha says Vikram Singh, an artist with a “tremendous voice and who writes his own music,” is someone to look out for. Dev Sharma, a dhol player who performed in Bombay Dreams, is another. “People like Dev are important because they teach others how to play the dhol. it’s a good way to spread the music,” she says. A self-confessed workaholic, Rekha, when not deejaying, is busy running Sangament, her event management firm. An avid reader, she says Salman Rushdie is her favorite author. So when the celebrated Mr. Rushdie and his wife Padmalakshmi asked Rekha to manage a party she was floored. “I couldn’t process it,” she says. “He’s a very nice guy.” Rekha, though modest about her own role in promoting Bhangra, is proud of how far the music has come. “That Bhangra beats are entering wider spectrums of musical genres says to me it is now a force to reckon with,” says Rekha. “Immigrants are always fighting to not be outsiders, and once we arrive on the scene culturally, there is a certain type of euphoria.” |
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No sport in
our blood? INDIA and China together have one-third of the world’s six billion inhabitants. In the recent Olympics China carried away 23 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze medals, and India could win just one silver. In India sports establishments, sportspersons, coaches, media, sponsoring houses, doctors and we the people, all must share the blame for our pathetic performance. Sports Minister Sunil Dutt should revamp the Indian Olympic Association and change the electoral college. The voters from various federations and associations, who dutyfully (and often under duress) keep electing the same old office-bearers. The stranglehold of a few gentlemen over their federations and associations also needs to be terminated forthwith, be they be from the IAS, the IPS or the political fraternity. Enough “tamasha” has gone on all these years in the IOA and the IHF. Next, why should we take part in every event? We need to identify certain games and sporting events where we can excel. Fewer sportspersons mean greater attention and better facilities for those in the race. We should take leave for the next two Olympics. First train our athletes and other players to some perfection before the bandwagon of
players, coaches, heads of associations, state observers, politicians and their cronies start hitting foreign shores like a swarm of locusts. By all means take part in national
events, but only venture abroad when you are ready for it. Of great importance is who should plan the search, selection, training and upkeep of our sporting contingents. Milkha Singh is not right when he says hand over everything to the Army. The Sports Ministry, aided by the Army, could be one answer. A countrywide search followed by a fair selection of sportspersons and coaches, and a rigorous uninterrupted training cycle at all altitudes and weather conditions, should be ensured. Sports must be handled professionally and coolly. Just as coolly and with steel resolve as an Army Major has recently shown. Or years back when a young soldier boy named Milkha Singh or Karnail Singh or Risaldar Major and Honorary Captain Parduman Singh from my cavalry regiment, who led the Indian Asian contingent for decades, had brought home many an Asian gold. The requisite funds — for like a victory in war, a gold in the games does not come cheap — must be made available in a Five Year Plan. The very best be provided to those selected in each discipline. Top testing laboratories to check for dope and other substances must be provided. Any athlete testing positive should mean the sacking of the sportsperson, the coach, the federation concerned and other accomplices involved. The control of the officials over the players should be restrained and sports friendly, enabling the player to give off his best. The gladiators in our sports organisations and in our player fraternity must now be given a rest. A sense of discipline and dedication be inculcated in everyone remotely connected with sports in our country. Picked up at the college stage on a statewise-basis, all those selected must be either absorbed in a particular discipline till they reach the top, or bid farewell with a master’s or other degree so that they can earn a living thereafter, teaching their particular subject. Lastly, is it not time that the rich sponsors countrywide also turn their attention from mega stage events of filmstars, singers and the like or say from cricket, to other spheres of sports which have so far missed their attention? |
I am always content with what happens; for I know that what God chooses is better than what I choose. — Epictetus A Divine Incarnation is hard to comprehend. It is the play of the Infinite on the finite. — Sri Ramakrishna When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has found. — Sufi Epigram You will not be delivered, O man, without cherishing love for God. — Guru Nanak It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. — Saint Francis of Assisi
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