Osama, Anna & the World Cup- News Events 2011

News is a subjective term. Journalists, communicators and sociologists have tried to define and interpret the term 'news' in their own ways. Despite the variance in the overall perception and definition, few characteristics remain universal in the term that has become so common in our daily lives. So, news is something that affects us directly, influences our thoughts/opinions and has certain 'proximity' and 'relativity' with us, the consumers of news.

2011 was a remarkable year in terms of news making and breaking. World, especially the Middle East, witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests against autocratic regimes, US killed the man who brought the Twin Tower down and our own Men in Blue won the Cricket World Cup at the home soil. All of this and much more shaped India's and the world's fortunes in 2011. With the new year already in full swing, its time to reflect upon 10 News Events that affected me, you and all of us the most in the year 2011-

1. Tere Bin Laden- He lived near one of the safest places in Pakistan, contrary to the popular belief that he must be hiding in caves and mountains of Afghanistan. After tracking his movements for several years, Uncle Sam finally struck, killing the World's Most Wanted Terrorist, right under the nose of an embarrassed and humiliated Pakistan. SEALs became a term synonymous with courage and US finally had something to cheer about in its War on Terror. And what about Pakistan? We all have been knowing and saying that. They are the ultimate bastards turned jokers. (Click here to read more on Laden)



2. I was alive when India Won the World Cup!- Exactly a month before Laden's killing, this dream drama unfolded at Mumbai's Wankhade Stadium. Dhoni hit the ball for a six to add that final jewel in Sachin's crown. Tears of joy, celebratory hugs, beer mugs, mad shouting- all of this followed after that memorable finale, both among the players and the fans. I had my share of fun at the India Gate. :) (Click here to read more)

3. I am Anna! to Who is Anna?- Anna Hazare, a 70-something Gandhian rose to national and global limelight for demanding a 'Strong JanLokapl' and leading an unprecedented mass protest against corruption. The sleepy middle class of India came out of its slumber and showed rare solidarity with Hazare's noble cause . Soon, metros and small cities across India were filled with angry protesters wearing 'I am Anna' caps. The UPA government buckled under pressure on few occasions, only to resume its cat and mouse game later on. After a long drawn slug fest with the government and his own over ambitiousness as well as stubborn attitude, Anna Hazare finally lost the plot towards the fag end of 2011. The anti-corruption movement as well as ailing Gandhian, now, look set to vanish in oblivion. (Read more on Anna Hazare)

4. A world of free Muslims- As most legends and romantic fables would have it, the story started when a vegetable seller set himself on fire in tiny Arab nation called Tunisia. He was not happy with autocratic president and his goons, who took away his livelihood. His sacrifice paved way for the JASMINE REVOLUTION. A first of its kind in Muslim world, at least in the recent memory. The flames of revolution reached Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya and Syria. It still threatens to engulf other Gulf nations, the iconic Monarchy of Saudi Arabia included in the list. Quite satisfactorily, social networking played a very crucial role in the build up. And we thought, Muslims only create groups on facebook to banish India, Israel, US and that Danish cartoonist. (Read more on Arab Spring)

5. End of Tyranny or the Beginning?- Rebels and the NATO forces finally hunted down Colonel Gadaffi  ending more than 4 decades of dictatorship in Libya. . He was severely beaten up, abused and finally shot in head. But the question is who gave the NATO and the US the right to kill Gadaffi? And who will care for human rights violations? Did not Gadaffi deserve a better treatment?

6. Price Rise/ Inflation- Petrol and Sachin got in an amazing duel in 2011. Who will first reach the 100 mark? However by now, we know that none of them have actually touched the coveted milestone. On a serious note, the Aam Admi suffered heavily due to rising food and petrol prices throughout the year. Government played hide and seek  by raising and lowering the petrol price as per its convenience. And of course, we know that the government has decontrolled the petrol prices and it does not have any say in fluctuation of rates. Yawn.

7. Bengal Tigress Conquers the Red Fort- No, no. I am not saying this literally. I am talking of Mamata Banerjee's historic assembly election victory in West Bengal. Didi's Trinamool-Congress Alliance drove the CPM-led Left Front out of Bengal, by securing a thumping two-third majority in the state assembly. Left's 34-year relentless rule finally ended, thanks to Banerjee's doggedness and never say never attitude. (Click here to read more on Bengal)

8. Japan Earthquake-Nuclear Disaster- World watched in utter horror as a devastating earthquake hit Japan triggering Tsunami. The quake was worst of its kind in Japan and one of the 5 most powerful earthquakes in recorded human history. Thousands of people were killed and millions were rendered homeless in this horrific natural disaster. Nuclear accidents further aggravated the situation, bringing back memories of troubled Japanese past. Many could not help but wonder is this the beginning of the end of this world?

9. Eurozone crisis-Indian bubble burst?- In 2011, European economy crumbled like a pack of cards. Greece was brought down to its knees, so were other EU giants including the UK and Italy. Back home, Indian economy also slowed down due to a dismal industrial growth and lack of reforms (FDI fiasco). Indian rupee fell sharply compared to the US dollar and the Sensex plummeted downwards. All of these developments sparked speculations about the Great Indian Story coming to an end.

10. Ra.One in your face!- Yes, Shah Rukh Khan's ambitious superhero flick Ra.One broke all the precedents by embarking on a never seen before promotional trail. Nearly two dozen brand tie-ups, 9 month promotional campaign on TV and Internet, add to it an energetic but frail King Khan hopping from city to city. Easily the most talked about and publicized Hindi film in recent memory, Ra.One went on to break some records at the Box-Office. The film set new record for highest ever collection in a single day (Rs. 25 Crore), Highest collection on Diwali day (Rs. 15 Crores approx) and highest opening weekend collection. The film received mixed reviews and garnered sharply divided opinions from the audience. (Read more on Ra.One)


I know it is very difficult to define what is important and what is not. The level of difficulty goes up b a few notches in case of 'news'. With so much happening each and every day, in all parts of the world and in all spheres of the life, it is almost impossible to keep track of everything that qualifies as news. Here, I have tried to list out all top news events not just from India but from world over/ The challenge was zero down on a few events from a sea of information. Also, let me clarify that the order of the news events does not matter, India winning World Cup may be top on your list or come further down. But I am sure, all these 10 news events must have affected you in some way or the other.

Let us hope for similarly eventful but a happier 2012!

When a Nation Churns

As children, most of us were exposed to those fantastic mythological tales in which 'good' mostly triumphed over the evil and the sanctity of the Almighty was restored. One such fascinating Pauranik story involved churning (समुद्र मंथन) of the Great Ocean of Milk (क्षीर सागर). The Great Churning was meant to consolidate the Devas and extract the 'nectar of immortality' from the ocean. The churning also symbolized the periodic 'clean-up' action undertaken by the nature, under the supervision of Almighty, to get rid of all the undesired elements and enrich itself with precious new endowments.

Now, the story may seem outlandish and way too unrealistic for us to digest. But as is the case with most of the Vedic scriptures and rituals, this story too has a very real and special connect with the current times. We need not go too far to find the churning analogy, the churn has begun, right under our nose, in our own backyard. Yes, India as a nation is tantalizingly poised to set foot into a new era. No, this is neither about our superpower obsession nor about UNSC seat fixation. This is about a nation that is getting rid of all its political, bureaucratic rust and demanding a 'change'.

Its only for the second time since independence (the first instance being the JP Movement) that the collective conscience of the nation seems to be awakened. Or at least, there are some people asking questions. There are debates over laws and bill drafts, calls are being made to amend the constitution. We have taken things lying down for most of the part of the history. After the first battle for independence in 1857, it took us almost another 100 years for becoming free. I wonder if it was not for stubbornness of a semi-naked man, India would have easily consumed some more time in getting independent. 

Even after being a 60-Year old, well-functioning democracy, we have forgotten to exercise our basic right. The right to ask questions. We have accepted the system the way it is. Our actions are routine, endorsing and always subscribing to the 'majority'. It is in this regard that the current scenario in India holds immense significance. Finally, there is a nation-wide debate over passing of a law, people are getting agitated about issues and patience seems to be running out. All these developments many appear dangerous on face value but one needs to take a closer look to examine them.

Anarchy is definitely not the best gift for a democratic country but absolute order is not good either. India was way too docile, its citizens way too passive in that regard. Hardly half of us vote in the elections, we take terror attacks in our stride, cry after loosing a cricket match and get back to work the next morning (for those who work). We had lost our volatility, zeal and had forgotten the immense potential we possess, in the process. We became used to corrupt politicians, non-functional governments, roads with potholes and electricity cuts. We stopped asking questions, seeking reforms and looking at the future. Our leaders had already set the future for us: India Superpower by 2020.

But the Windfall seems to have arrived. And a part of the credit must go to the team of social activists, led by Anna Hazare, who gave a kind of shock therapy to the nation. Suddenly, we appreciate the power our sticks wield. We want debates over issues, policies and laws. There is a will to shake-up the system, to make it more efficient, transparent and public-friendly. The churning is on its way.The battle is now not just against corruption, it transcends to issues such as electoral reforms, land acquisition, Kashmir, state reorganization and many more. Lets look at some examples:

• A so far non-political 'team' campaigns against the ruling Congress in a Haryana by-poll and contributes to the party's candidate's drubbing. Remember those Bollywood dialogues: 'Agar system to badalna hai toh isi system mein reh ke kaam karna hoga'. The team is enthused. And I am sure this is not going to be their last political engagement.
• For the first time in more than a decade, the country is debating over its future Prime Minister. Their seems to be a dislike for anything 'old'. Advani is being ridiculed in most quarters, praised in some for his undying energy. There seems to be a race for the 7 Race Course Road, a healthy one. Rahul Gandhi is the pin-up boy whose bottom we love to pinch. Not to forget other challengers like Narendra Modi and dark horses like Nitish Kumar. Every politician suddenly knows that politicking is no more about fooling people. They are watching their steps, tongue and all other body parts. The electorate is suddenly at the higher pedestal.
• Over last one year, a series of corruption cases have been exposed. While the magnitude of these scams is troubling, the exposure has shocked the political class and rocked the boats of the corporates. Heavyweights are being sent to jail, this is the season of resignations. All these developments set a great precedent and will act as deterrents for those who like to play with gray shades.
• There is intense debate over 'Right to Reject'. The Chief Election Commissioner of India has brought out some valid points against the proposed move. Those who are demanding this clause in citizen's Right to Vote will definitely respond. This is the essence of a functioning democracy. As free and aware citizens, we must know how to ask and engage. 

It is this environment of engagement, involvement and debate that Indian democracy always needed. It needed activism on part of its citizens, concern on part of its politicians. All of this churning will keep the government on its toes and the opposition on its mark. Change, Reform and other such loaded words are not so loaded after all. All we need is a bit of urgency and sensibility. India awaits its transformation from a sluggish, promising, developing country into a brisk, developed and awakened nation.

Each one must do his/her bit. Know more, ask more, do more. Are you in?

The Lawmakers' Revenge

No, This is not the title of a movie. Nor is this another attempt on my part to write a good short story. This is a simple story of a country and its lawmakers. More than 700 of them.

Saturdays are always sexy, I have believed. There is a genuine sense of relief, restiveness and calmness around this day of the week. The fact that a certain Sunday comes just after it, tilts the scale in favor of Saturday, big time. Anyways. Last Saturday was far from restive and calm for India, its people and their representatives.

Indian Parliament, for the first time since independence, sacrificed its Saturday Holiday to discuss the three contentious issues raised by Team Anna for inclusion in the much-debated Lokpal Bill. Let's not discuss what those three points were or how the events unfolded on the fateful day. We all know about it. Or at least think that we know. Media makes people believe.

Anna Hazare's intentions were never under the cloud. Nor was the significance of the cause taken up by him. However, as his agitation intensified, his demands became more and more unreasonable and methods questionable. There was a gang of activists around him, which left no stone unturned in turning the table on its head, till the very last moment. During the fag end of the agitation, uncalled for remarks were made against politicians from the dias in the Ramlila ground. A visibly drunk Om Puri's outburst was the most noticeable of all the tirades against politicians. Anna did nothing to stop it. Kiran Bedi did her own little skit to mock politicians. It was shameful to see her do so. Being an activist does not give you the right to demean politicians, who after all oversee most of the affairs of this country, howsoever lousily.

But as the saying goes, its your actions that speak louder than the words. Indian lawmakers did exactly the same by raising the bar when it was most required. They rose above the party lines and showed remarkable maturity, unity and composure in what was definitely a mini-crisis of sorts for them.

Whether it was sophisticated lawyer cum politician Arun Jaitley or a rustic grass-root level old warhorse like Sharad Yadav, they all gained some excellent brownie points against the self-appointed civil society members. The unanimous voice of the parliament condemned attempts to thwart the parliamentary procedure. By their sense of urgency, members of parliament showed that they can, in fact, carry out important business in a dignified and sensible manner.

I don't know whether Lokpal Bill will root out corruption from India or not. But, it has already made our defunct parliament functional. It was one of those few moments, when I felt proud of my country's 'parliamentary' democracy. I also hope that this good sense, urgency and togetherness of Indian Parliament continues. Saturday's proceeding was a slap on faces of those who hate politicians as if they were some undesired ice cream flavor. 


It was a revenge well-taken by that crucial leg of democracy, that we so love to trample upon. 

In the Parliament Lies Heart of the Indian Democracy

P.S.: Oh, I so loved Sharad Yadav's barbs at 'Dabba' (TV) and that 'Babu Moshay' News Anchor!

An Initiative Gone Awry

Anna Hazare and his team is back. This time, presumably, with a greater support and even more rigid demands. When Anna sat on indefinite hunger strike for the first time in April, it was largely driven by a selfless and honest ambition to root out corruption from India and demand formulation of a strong Lokpal Bill. Three months since 73-year old Gandhian rose to national limelight, the circumstances have changed a lot, plenty of political water has flown through various terrains of India.

Anti-corruption movement seems to be have been sabotaged by a self-elected civil society, half-baked political aspirants like Ramdev, and there is an increasing tendency to challenge every damn thing that the Government of India does. Credibility of the government is abysmally low and it is largely being perceived to be the most corrupt regime to have ruled India since independence. But again, one should not forget that perception is built through actions and hence, government itself is to be blamed for its misery. The Prime Minister seems to be lost in his own world, with little knowledge of whats happening in his cabinet. He is a crippled head of the government with little power to exercise and is mostly ill-advised by a bunch of sophisticated law-educated ministers. There is a serious lack of good governance and smart decision-making at the moment.

Nobody questions the sanctity of the cause taken up by Anna Hazare. I was more than willing to extend my support, in every possible way, to Anna when he first undertook fast unto death in April. But now, the current agitation seems to be a clear ego tussle between an arrogant government and a stubborn social activist. Anna's tactics are quite similar to black-mailing and set a very wrong precedent in a democratic country like India. The authority and supremacy of parliament can not be challenged, laws can not be made by 'civil society' activists. Yes, government's version of Lokpal is toothless and incompetent. But, fast unto death is not the only way to challenge the government.

But more than anybody else, it is the central government which needs to be blamed for taking a series of stupid decisions and paving way for such a logjam. What went wrong?

• Government failed to gauge the mood of the common public. There is popular anger against corruption, which is neither sponsored by US or fueled by RSS. It is a spontaneous upheaval among the masses, which is reeling under a series of infamous scams.
• Government failed to take opposition in confidence on Lokpal Issue. Anna initiated the movement against corruption in political class as a whole. By excluding opposition from all negotiations, the government made it an Anna Vs Govt Battle!
• Manish Tiwary, the young foul-mouthed spokesperson of congress crossed all limits of decency while taking on Anna. His personal tirade against the veteran activist has further infuriated the supporters as well as even those who were not very sure of supporting Anna.
• Arresting Anna Hazare even before he could move out of his house was perhaps a decision sillier than ordering that late night clean up action at Ramlila Grounds. Anna was made to look like a martyr even before he actually made any sacrifice! This move was a typical case of legal wiz-kids taking up wrong political decisions.

In totality, it does appear to be a silly deadlock. Anna Hazare must realize that the ultimate power of formulating and passing a bill lies with the parliament. He can, of course, put forward his view but that should not amount to blackmailing. He has all the legal options open. Yes, protesting is his right, the government was foolish to restrict it. Anna can move to the court and seek relief. Government, on the other hand, must shed its arrogance of power. Because, power, ultimately, is temporary. It should learn a few lessons from what Arun Jaitley said after PM's statement on Hazare's arrest in parliament yesterday.

The Greatest Misfortune of This Country is that it has a Prime Minister who simply does not know how to put forward his views. He is a terrible speaker. Even a sneezing Arun Jaitley and a Coughing Sushma Swaraj can outshine him. This naked reality was on full display yesterday in parliament, when BJP tore into PM Singh's statement. And all he did was to sit and listen!

Oratory skills are to politics what ink is to writing. Anna Hazare, even with strictly okay Hindi, is a fantastic speaker. He speaks his mind and hence, is able to connect with people immediately. Arun Jaitley is fluent both in Hindi and English, his reply to PM's statement was nothing short of historic. Manhoman Singh may not be a gifted speaker but he can at least try. He needs to take bold decisions. He can not expect a Chidambaram to rescue him all the time. These are historic times. Coming generations would judge Anna Hazare, Manmohan Singh and the others on the basis of how well they conduct themselves and put forward their sides of story in the coming days.