The Toxic Legacy: No More Bhopals!

23 Years ago, this day, in the early hours (perhaps the same time), when India was sleeping, the worst industrial tragedy in human history, was slowly unfolding its toxic hood over thousands of people in the city of Bhopal. I still remember the newspaper story the next day, a big heading laid in black background. I felt sad, but never understood the gravity of the accident then. There were no discussions about it in the school, and it was 'just another accident' for us.

Years later, on the 15th anniversary of the accident, there were widespread campaigns and through my friends, I learnt more about the tragedy. The injustice to the Bhopal victims and the survivors was so shameful that the protests were widely noticed worldwide. No one can forget the photo of the baby, and the story of Sunil Kumar Varma. I was attempting translation of a few articles on the campaign for the NGO thanal. The campaign was based on the slogan "No more Bhopals". It was a revelation for me. I read many reports, most of them were convincing scientific reports, which clearly showed the thousands of Bhopals happening everyday around us. Industrial pollution and pollution due to pesticides are killing thousands, if not millions of people every year. Eloor, the town near the Periyar river in Keralam is one of such places, which is so heavily polluted that Greenpeace has declared it as one of the world's toxic hot-spots. The village Pedre in Kasargod, is another place where the deadly pesticide Endosulfan has killed hundreds of people.

It is disheartening to see that the toxic legacy still continues in various forms, and the shameful politics and businesses have given no relief to the suffering people and environment. The governments are more inclined to corporates and their rich owners when it comes to compensations and stricter law enforcements.

We are made to believe that Pesticides and deadly chemicals are integral part of our lives and that we cannot live without them. It is all the play of a powerful industrial lobby who cares for dollars and rupees more than life. Among all these political and business propaganda, we, as human beings, have to realise that we are not even fighting a battle for our future generations. No one would love to watch the face of her/his baby on that poster next time. But, the toxic tragedies happening around us should at least force us to that dreadful imagination. Only then we would start reacting.

Bhopal was an outburst, of an irresponsible business greed, a toxic volcano. But the Bhopals around us are slowly happening, perhaps without our knowledge.

This day, we have to realise that a Bhopal is happening slowly in our neighbourhood and that we have to stop it!

It may be the apparently simple, but stupid act of burning plastics in your backyard, or looking down at a protest against an incinerator in your town, or spraying pesticides on a rose in your garden, that is going to add up to the tragedy later.

So, act now. Discuss, and act. Adopt sustainable ways of life. For most Indians, especially those have a village background, it is not a formidable task. You just have to "remember" your old ways of doing things.

Please convey the message to your friends, and write another blog post, a letter to the newspaper, and educate people.

No more Bhopals here, or any where in the Earth.

Watch a music video on "No more Bhopals" here.

Watch a short video on Landfills here.

Che Guevara

"We must bear in mind that imperialism is a world system, the last stage of capitalism — and it must be defeated in a world confrontation. The strategic end of this struggle should be the destruction of imperialism. Our share, the responsibility of the exploited and underdeveloped of the world, is to eliminate the foundations of imperialism: our oppressed nations, from where they extract capital, raw materials, technicians, and cheap labor, and to which they export new capital — instruments of domination — arms and all kinds of articles, thus submerging us in an absolute dependence."

--Che Guevara

Salutes to the revolutionary.

My beloved teachers....

For my entire childhood, I'd never heard of a Valentine's day. Mother's day, Father's day, and Sister's day....? Nope! We did observe a Teacher's day. I knew, that it's the birthday of a great philosopher, our former president, a great Indian Teacher.

I wish all my teachers, on this teacher's day, the very best. I remember all of those great minds, who triggered my mind to learn.

I remember the sweet and loving Lalithambika teacher in my kindergarten, Narayani Amma teacher, my class teacher for the first standard, Meenakshi Teacher, Krishnan Nair Sir, Merci teacher, all in the humble Lower Primary School in my village, Kariyam. All of them were
very loving, and some, very strict.

In the upper primary, the nature of teachers slowly changed. I saw a number of dedicated teachers like Ramachandran Sir, Madhavan Nair Sir, Thomas Sir, Thankamoney Sir and Raveendran Sir. If I acquired some skills to appreciate poetry, it is due to Thankamoney Sir,
my class teacher for class 10. I still remember the way he taught us Daffodils. I remember the loving Raveendran Sir, who inspired us all to try our hand at poetry.

In the pre-degree college, only one Teacher got my respect and admiration. That's Sivasankara Pillai Sir, who taught Physics. I was lucky
enough to
be in his class in the next year, in College of Engineering also. He was a noble man, very cool and neutral, and I will remember him for his elegant teaching.

In the Engineering College, Dr. Krishnamoorthy Iyer, who taught us Network Theory, is in my memories in the first place.

Why I like Power Electronics? Beacuse I liked Jose sir, the professor who taught us Power Electronics, and he, with his unique style, initiated my interest in PE.

The greatest teachers that I have ever seen, in terms of the philosophy of teaching, and the dedication, commitment, are in IISc. Professor VR, and VTR. I adore them a lot.

I wish I could do some justice to their expectations.

I confess I didn't.

India Divided.

Shortly after celebrating 60 years of Independence from the British, I thought of writing this frustration in my mind out. It needed a trigger. Today, just a few minutes ago, when I glanced through Rediff.com's message boards, it spewed out by itself. I had promised myself several times that I won't read those ghastly posts by some mentally disordered people who calls themselves also "Indians"!. I am horrified at the sheer insult on the Indian values, the attacking our constitution in disguise, by these goblets of racist venom. But, the curiosity to know the state of affairs in the dark minds of Indian society, gets me again to these venomous posts.

India divided: Her weaknesses becoming stronger?

Almost every news item, from national/international politics, Cinema and art, ends up in an exchange of mad and cowardly ideas of racial/regional attacks in these forums. If you closely look at it, you can see people taking up most of their time to attack Muslims and the Left parties. And there are examples from the other side also. It is clear that majority of the affluent Indians are on the far right side, taking extreme stands against fellow citizens and ideologies. While the Left deserves strong criticism against their double standards and hypocrisies, is it to be done in a mentally deranged manner? I can point out instances of the same kind from the Left also : intolerant, violent and unilateral arguments. But the one, that being showcased in the message boards in Internet, and in cites such as orkut, is highly detrimental to the overall development of India.

Another divide that is strongly visible is the North-South divide. This is more evident in discussions on art and cinema. People go to any extent in fighting each other, and shows their real 'color' and 'culture'. What I understand is that the schools, the books, the parents and every other factor around a growing child in India is still contaminated with the racial venom. And we, condemn the whites for their racial discrimination.

How far we'll go?

How far we can go?

My dream home

I wish, Laurie Baker comes back from heaven for a short assignment.

:(

India Untouched- A story that we must spread across.

Tuesday, I saw a documentary "India Untouched", directed by Stalin K. The film was obviously on the plight of the Dalits in India, from Bihar to Kerala, and from Gujarat to Andhra. It focussed on 8 states (the number 8, for no specific reason as the Director himself told after the show), but clearly shows the cross-section of the India Untouched. The film is a rude shock to the urban Indian middle class who still thinks that untouchability is a thing of the past. The fact that the very argument it often becomes the background for hidden attacks on the dalit rights campaign, is also shown in the film when it interviews the rioting "Youth for equality" campaigners. One with no slaved mind cannot but support the director's opinion that the very name ("youth for equality") is ironical and stems out of total ignorance.

One who reads the real "news" in the country's papers carefully, would not be surprised at the film's exposes. The real unique thing about this film is that it reveals, perhaps for the first time about the current practices of untouchability and castes. Many films, even feature films have treated the subject, with the past as the time line.

One of the states the film focuses is Keralam. This one, was obviously speaking the truth only. Through the contradicting statements of a girl, we understand the deep rooted hypocrisy in Keralam's upper caste society. As a keralite, I know about this hypocrisy very well, the elements of which are plenty in my own mind. So, that was also not so shocking, but it gave more insight to the way an average upper middle class (non dalit) keralite thinks. Most people outside Keralam thinks that it is a "Left" state. Though it is a fact that (so called) communists have a strong hold in Keralam's political landscape, the feudal elements are very strong in the very party itself. An interview with a CPM activist shows the glimpses of this phenomenon. But the actual story may reveal far more frightening if probed into.

I have read in newspapers about the discrimination people are facing in the villages in Tamilnadu and Andhra, that they are forced to use different cups for tea in shops, and dalits have to walk without chappals in "upper caste streets" etc. This film shows, and reflects the humiliation a large section of India's citizen is facing in this "modern" century.

There was an interview, with a priest in Varanasi, who openly tells that Indian Constitution is a 'curse' and he will never accept it. He says idiotic arguments against dalits and sudras (dalits are out of the 4 classes of Manu) having proper education and rights to enter temples. I was reminded about the Guruvayoor issue. I was a little bit surprised by his statements initially. But later I remembered an engineering student in IISc, who believed in the chaturvarna theory. And the countless arrogant persons who participate in the most filthy war in Rediff's message forums prove the fact that India is indeed infested with an alarming number of such people. The most funny and ridiculous thing is that these people are referring to these idiotic theories as "shastras"!. I believe it is rather a "sastra", an arrow, aimed at the rights of the people as human beings.

There was another interesting thing about this film. It shows, for the first time perhaps, the discrimination in Islam, Sikhism and Christianity. It is a pity that the very reason why most of the dalits got converted into these religions from Hinduism, is following them in the same form. One observation made by a Muslim - "dalit Muslim" - interviewed in the film was very interesting and factual. He showed a pen and its cap, and referred to the short cap as the "upper caste Muslims" and the pen as the majority dalit Muslims. He said the cap, is sitting on the pen, but the job (writing) is done only by the pen. This applies to the general scene of dalits in India. Though there are several political movements like the BSP in U.P which aims to uplift the dalits, we know clearly the state of affair with such parties. Every one is taking a ride on the poor.

The film speaks about the urban faces of casteism in the form of Matrimonial columns in leading newspapers. One is not surprised again, in Keralam, there are particular newspapers which are sought as place for advertising for a particular cast. This is something which ensures that caste is firmly stamped in our minds, in the name of "same culture", same status, same beliefs, etc. How can we escape from that? I have not escaped it either. How do we raise our children without these mean beliefs of ours?

I hope I will get an answer from my soul, if I haven't lost it yet.

Every inspiring person I see reminds me that I am not even close to a radical mind. The director of this film, Mr. Stalin K, is such a person.

-D.

Earthlings

Yesterday I saw this movie: ''Earthlings".
Though I have heard about the cruel practices against animals before, this one was a real shock. I could not continuously watch the scenes. At times I fell in to severe depression. Even closing the eyes did not prevent my mind seeing those horrifying acts.

The main reason behind this violence is greed: greed for making profits, greed for food, greed for entertainment...

The difference between need and greed is destroying our planet.

Here is a link to the video:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1282796533661048967


:(

Robbery, the five-star way!

Today, I stumbled upon this , and it reminded me of my first (and last) experience with multiplexes. A few months ago, I went for a movie at "Mayajal" multiplex at Chennai with my relatives when I visited Chennai. I used to get 'descriptions' of such 'star' cinemas in Bangalore, where (mostly) IT guys show off their purchasing power. Though I was reluctant to get into such an extravagant experience, I could not say no to my cousin. When we arrived at the gates, I could not even guess about the extortion that is awaiting us inside, as the parking fee is a mandatory one every where in the metro, and we are 'so' used to it. Well, my cousin's husband was not as thrifty as me, he quickly went to the ticket counter and came with tickets for all of us. He said that only front row seats are vacant, and he paid Rs.50 extra and got the tickets (in black). The ticket was Rs. 150 per head, and now it's 200 bucks! How come you can expect the black market in a multiplex? Obviously I was unaware of the "usual" practices.

The Country within the State.

Then the real infuriating thing happened. I had to buy a bottle of carbonated drink (ironically I failed here in keeping my anti-soft drink policy) for one among us, and had to pay Rs.15 for a bottle, MRP of which was only Rs.10!! I could not resist my anger as I asked why is it so. Then the reply came, "this is mayajaal price!".

As I knew well about the theater managements in general, I did not ask further for my 'citizen rights'! In some theaters in my home town Thiruvananthapuram, people get manhandled for such 'endeavors'.

But I asked my self. Is mayajaal is another country within India?

Where Indian constitution is not valid?

Where Indian laws are not valid?

It is well known that if a packed commodity is marked with an M.R.P, one cannot charge more than that. But I understood that day, that the multiplexes are making lot of (black) money from the people.

Shock continued....

We went inside. The seats were more or less empty. Even behind our row. For this only he paid 50 rupees extra in 'black'. Obviously this is another "mayajaal" act.

The most horrifying thing about all this is that people are not responding. They think that asking such thing will degrade their 'status'. After all, watching a junk movie in a multiplex paying away 150/200 rupees is also a 'status' affair.

I pity them. I decided to avoid multiplex. And I did not wonder why more people are doing lesser crimes by watching pirated DVDs at home. First thing, you have to pay more for a possibly junk movie. Second, you dont have to bear the lawlessness in the Special Entertainment Zone.

Yeah, UPA can now think of giving all the multiplexes in the country a special status : The SEZ - Special Entertainment Zone, where Indian constitution is not valid. Another 'brilliant' idea for Kamal Nath to bring "development"!

I started this with a reference to a 'news' item. Though it came in a news channel, I identify it as an 'opinion'. It is another way to make people believe that we cannot live without multiplexes. It is just another way of 'rotten' journalism. I would rather see such reports as attempts to create a market of brainless consumers.

Our mainstream media is doing just that. Best examples in my opinion: Times of India and Malayala Manorama.

What will I do if....

What will I do if I had plenty of Money?

This question will reveal how much inconsistent I am, just like this blog. It depends, well, on when and where I ask myself. Given the fact that I am not going to earn a million (unless one of those spam messages from some unknown African "well wisher" proves true, and they transfer millions to my bank account without my permission), I can go any extent in dreaming.

If, today, some one asks me what I will do, if I am a millionaire, my answer will be : " Set up a New University!"

The trigger, was a look at the smooth and splendid brochure of "Indian Business School (IBS)" that was lying on the lab desk. The Brochure was impressive with visual description of the world class (read western class) 'class rooms', the network, the connectivity, the gym, the AC apartments, and the like...And finally, as I guessed, it even contained a list of banks from where you can get an educational loan.

I was very much impressed.

Then I was wondering at the model of education the B-schools and in general, top professional schools are following.

They get the top quality guys and girls, and boasts of the quality of their products.

Well, is there any real challenge involved? To mold (already seasoned) brains into top quality business/technical leaders?

What if you take in the most unprivileged, and "ordinary" young men and women, and give them fundamental training to get into the leadership...!

No constraints on the communication skills, no great 'analytical skills', no GMAT/CAT/GRE, no great CGPA, no great bank balance....

Impossible...huh? (and what a stupid idea, this man seems to be a ....?)

Why?

Because you need to attain a basic level for such 'higher education"? Now I understand the crux of the problem. Even money is not the important problem. It is the basic education that matters.

So then, why a University than a school? Well, a different school is definitely a great idea to begin with. But there are quite a handful of such unconventional schools already out there in our country. Only under privileged children are 'fortunate' enough to undergo such a brave training. But what after that? Most conventional universities allow students from with informal education to enroll in the regular courses.

That's why an unconventional university is needed.

The University's entry requirements will largely favour all kinds of unconventional learning, along with conventional qualifications. In effect, it will give ample opportunities for those in the marginalised sectors to have quality education.

I believe that at least a handful of graduates of such a University will not get lured in the lucrative 'careers' of the corporate world, instead do some thing really useful to eradicate poverty. This, may be because of the kind of open and inclusive education they receive in the University. It would also be stupid to expect Corporates recruiting from such a University.

To survive, the University may also sell the seats, contrary to my own belief that imparting knowledge shall not be business. The university may sell the seats to the rich, if they want to get an unconventional 'fashion' degree that will add more 'value' to their 'show-off' culture, at a very high price, which will be used to fund the education of the poor, in the University and in schools nearby. The university will also seek unconditional financial support from the public or companies to provide free education for all (except for affluent people).

There was a recent ruling, that in Self-financing Colleges, there cannot be two types of fee, as it is against the constitution. Well, my legal knowledge is limited, so taking a cue from the recent happenings, I would like to set up the University inside a SEZ (Special Economic Zone). The reasons are obvious. But this University will not be set up in agricultural land, rather it would use a barren land and have a mission plan to convert it into a green campus. Efforts will be made to get 'carbon credits' from Shell, Exxon Mobil and George Bush.

A few Indian companies may also be willing (or liable?) to pay the carbon credit ("Mera sapna, sabka 'maal' apna").

The Mission of the University will be to start many 'real' primary and secondary schools, through the alumni of the University. (What about the chain of not-for-profit schools called India Basic Schools - IBS?).

The vision of the University will be to impart open and just education. The University will not be impartial, nevertheless. There are "religious universities" in the U.S teaching "creation science". But our University will have a declared action policy towards welfare of the society in harmony with the natural world. The University will endeavour for the transformation of each member of the university (a student, a professor, alumni or any employee will be a member) along the ideals that it suggests.


I will update this dream in a second part.

:)

...before I forget, let me......

It's amazing! To understand things from their simplicity.

I am trying to do that.
I've met many persons till this time. Only a few remain in my mind as inspiring and great. Some are really popular, and well known in a larger circle of people. Many are not.

This is the time I realise, that I should reflect on the inspiring contributions from those persons. This is perhaps another way to look into myself, and get to know how I grew up and what shaped my individuality.

So I write.