101 - Prabhakars Discussion Thread,

Prabhakar Konath
Sat, Jul 25, 8:53 PM (2 days ago)

to IITM1970, iit, Rambo

This is purely my opinion. I may be wrong, may not be reading recent events right. I would love to hear your opinion, especially those who disagree. But I regret that I do not want to get into arguments for which I am ill equipped and serve no purpose at our age.

Most batch mates, who have settled abroad over many years, still keep at least some perceptions of India based on their experience many years ago. India has changed and the thinking has changed. They may not be well aware of the new realities here. There seems to be a disconnect in their thoughts compared with those who live in India. My view.

Certain factors like the dominance of forward castes are much less now. It is more prevalent in rural India, that too on a scale, much less, than 50 years ago. Mobility is the biggest enemy of caste. The lower castes with their huge numbers are aware and able to control political power in a democracy and assert themselves. They are aided in Education, Jobs and Social advancement by reservations and grass root mobilization, politically, especially in local bodies.

Long ago the Mandal wave brought its own leaders and banished the higher castes from power in the body politic. Much earlier, in Madras Presidency, the defeat of C Rajagopalchari by Kamaraj was the watershed event. Even conviction of their leaders in criminal cases did not shake the faith of the backward masses. They seem to think that the earlier dispensation was not any better as far as honesty was concerned. This is probably true. This is the reason why the Laloo Yadavs and Mayavatis are still going strong, politically.

Similarly, lately, a new wave of the disenfranchised masses like the poor of the forward castes, lower middle class urban and rural, of all castes and religions, have risen against those who benefited from the rule of British and later independent India. During that time, the beneficiaries were mainly urban, English educated, close to the National capital, sophisticated or feudal classes. The masses cannot understand why the well off among the minorities and backward castes should deny them the same benefits. The new wave has been helped by the fact that there has been less scams at high places. There is bound to be an inward flow of the intellectuals, who were hounded out by the intolerant ideologists, who opposed them during the 70 years of independence.

Another significant change is Hindu resurgence. After centuries, they feel a glimmer of hope that they now have a chance to live with dignity and their religion will have equality with others. They will not tolerate ridicule of their religion and humiliation of their way of life. This thrust for equality cannot be brushed aside by clever arguments of the then Sarkari intellectuals. Again for the first time since independence, Hindu devotees have a hope of obtaining control of their temples, like other religions have for their houses of worship.

Definitely the establishment; people who are going to have reduced power and wealth are going to play nasty. In the coming years more of a class, rather than a caste war is going to play out. Irony is that in this class war, the Indian leftists are on the wrong side. They are blinded by their virulent anti-Hinduism and love for PRC.

The flow of history cannot be stopped. It can only be delayed in the short time. In both the above, clever, sophisticated arguments do not cut much ice with the masses. In the final analysis, only the votes matter in a democracy.

I am sure, many will disagree. But let us not be intolerant again, and ridicule the opinion of those whom we disagree with.

Prabhakar

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Prabhakar,
Well stated. And I like the caveat right in the first paragraph: I do not want to get into arguments.
I hope we get posts like this more than those trying to prove the other man wrong.
Varada

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Prabhakar,guys,

Well stated, can understand the angst.
With so many parties,we have perfected the divide ,rule n fool which the Brits,even moguls left behind.
Mafias abound..drug,liquor,gold,hawala,reservation,radicalism ,now covid all controlling ...vote bank.
How can any country run,even with Gods help!?
Tushar

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E.V. Jagannathan <shantijagan@gmail.com>
Jul 26, 2020, 12:34 AM (1 day ago)

to IITMAA1970, Prabhakar, IITM1970, Rambo


Great analysis Prabhakar. One of the main issues I believe is the reluctance of the urban educated group to go for casting votes. The polling is only around 60% of the eligible voters which means 40% who argue very strongly how messed up our democratic system is would not bother to vote. I believe they should realise that their votes can make all the difference for a vibrant democracy.
EV

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m g machayya
Jul 26, 2020, 2:00 AM (1 day ago)


to IITM1970, iit, Prabhakar, Rambo


Prabhakar,
I have posed some questions with the objective of having a better understanding of the views you have expressed. These are given in red below:

Chiku
Subject: Present India - My view

This is purely my opinion. I may be wrong, may not be reading recent events right. I would love to hear your opinion, especially those who disagree. But I regret that I do not want to get into arguments for which I am ill equipped and serve no purpose at our age.

Most batch mates, who have settled abroad over many years, still keep at least some perceptions of India based on their experience many years ago. India has changed and the thinking has changed. They may not be well aware of the new realities here. There seems to be a disconnect in their thoughts compared with those who live in India. My view.

Certain factors like the dominance of forward castes are much less now. It is more prevalent in rural India, that too on a scale, much less, than 50 years ago. Mobility is the biggest enemy of caste. The lower castes with their huge numbers are aware and able to control political power in a democracy and assert themselves. They are aided in Education, Jobs and Social advancement by reservations and grass root mobilization, politically, especially in local bodies.

Are forward castes and ruling castes usually the same group of people today?

Have reservations improved the administration character/efficiency for other castes in general?

Well before Mandal commission, Karnataka govt had reservations that were above 50%. Today Karnataka govt has a bad reputation where corruption is concerned.

Long ago the Mandal wave brought its own leaders and banished the higher castes from power in the body politic. Much earlier, in Madras Presidency, the defeat of C Rajagopalchari by Kamaraj was the watershed event. Even conviction of their leaders in criminal cases did not shake the faith of the backward masses. They seem to think that the earlier dispensation was not any better as far as honesty was concerned. This is probably true. This is the reason why the Laloo Yadavs and Mayavatis are still going strong, politically.

How do lower castes get information today? To the extent literacy is still a problem, is it mainly by political rallies? Do different opinions from commentators on TV make any difference?

Similarly, lately, a new wave of the disenfranchised masses like the poor of the forward castes, lower middle class urban and rural, of all castes and religions, have risen against those who benefited from the rule of British and later independent India. During that time, the beneficiaries were mainly urban, English educated, close to the National capital, sophisticated or feudal classes. The masses cannot understand why the well off among the minorities and backward castes should deny them the same benefits. The new wave has been helped by the fact that there has been less scams at high places. There is bound to be an inward flow of the intellectuals, who were hounded out by the intolerant ideologists, who opposed them during the 70 years of independence.

I understand that there are already significant entitlements such as free rations and govt hospitals for people below a certain income level. Is this not being distributed in an equitable manner?

Another significant change is Hindu resurgence. After centuries, they feel a glimmer of hope that they now have a chance to live with dignity and their religion will have equality with others. They will not tolerate ridicule of their religion and humiliation of their way of life. This thrust for equality cannot be brushed aside by clever arguments of the then Sarkari intellectuals.. Again for the first time since independence, Hindu devotees have a hope of obtaining control of their temples, like other religions have for their houses of worship.

What was the original reasoning for govt control of temples/revenues only for the Hindu faith? Is there any move afoot for Modi govt to relinquish this control?

Definitely the establishment; people who are going to have reduced power and wealth are going to play nasty. In the coming years more of a class, rather than a caste war is going to play out. Irony is that in this class war, the Indian leftists are on the wrong side. They are blinded by their virulent anti-Hinduism and love for PRC.

Why does Indian media lean to the left? We have a similar situation here in the US.

If there is a class war, what is the assurance that the new leaders will be more straightforward compared to the earlier lot?

The flow of history cannot be stopped. It can only be delayed in the short time. In both the above, clever, sophisticated arguments do not cut much ice with the masses. In the final analysis, only the votes matter in a democracy.

I am sure, many will disagree. But let us not be intolerant again, and ridicule the opinion of those whom we disagree with.

Prabhakar
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Prabhakar
This is a well analyzed report - very balanced. Explains the current happenings In the right perspective
Well written
Regards
DC

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Sri Kumar Ramanathan <rsrikumarips@yahoo.co.in>

Jul 26, 2020, 12:38 PM (1 day ago)



Good Show Prabhakar. Nice way to keep the dialogue going.

Chiku, I am attempting to put down some of my observations to your questions in red. Since there has to be a colour distinction, I have chosen to go Green!

RSK

This is purely my opinion. I may be wrong, may not be reading recent events right. I would love to hear your opinion, especially those who disagree. But I regret that I do not want to get into arguments for which I am ill equipped and serve no purpose at our age.

Most batch mates, who have settled abroad over many years, still keep at least some perceptions of India based on their experience many years ago. India has changed and the thinking has changed. They may not be well aware of the new realities here. There seems to be a disconnect in their thoughts compared with those who live in India. My view.

Certain factors like the dominance of forward castes are much less now. It is more prevalent in rural India, that too on a scale, much less, than 50 years ago. Mobility is the biggest enemy of caste. The lower castes with their huge numbers are aware and able to control political power in a democracy and assert themselves. They are aided in Education, Jobs and Social advancement by reservations and grass root mobilization, politically, especially in local bodies.

Are forward castes and ruling castes usually the same group of people today?

IMHO they are a set with the same motivation – that of self interest. The individual elements do vary. Those who have managed to come forward in the journey, rule the roost- by trying to keep all others out of the railway compartment.

Have reservations improved the administration character/efficiency for other castes in general?

Reservations paved the way for some to find ring side seats. The administrative character and efficiency has only deteriorated further as Nepotism and self interest have the upper hand. Others trying to get themselves included find the going very tough. They have to pay through their bloody nose. There is no place for Merit and Truth.

Well before Mandal commission, Karnataka govt had reservations that were above 50%. Today Karnataka govt has a bad reputation where corruption is concerned.

Absolutely. Absolute power has corrupted those in power absolutely. Toxic mixture, where caste, community, corruption and all other considerations outweigh all else, in self serving interest. Let humanity go to dogs!?

Long ago the Mandal wave brought its own leaders and banished the higher castes from power in the body politic. Much earlier, in Madras Presidency, the defeat of C Rajagopalchari by Kamaraj was the watershed event. Even conviction of their leaders in criminal cases did not shake the faith of the backward masses. They seem to think that the earlier dispensation was not any better as far as honesty was concerned. This is probably true. This is the reason why the Laloo Yadavs and Mayavatis are still going strong, politically.

How do lower castes get information today? To the extent literacy is still a problem, is it mainly by political rallies? Do different opinions from commentators on TV make any difference?

Living in the Age of Information, Communication and Technology information payoff is available at the lowest levels too. Self learning, Peer pressure and experience sharing teaches a lot more than all levels of formal schools. which have anyways become money spinning module for a few. Political rallies are irrelevant but politicking has become a way of life even in a family, and ofcourse in every community. Opinions are made based on emotions, not on facts. There is no attempt to research or verify facts, simply accept what satisfies self serving interests.

Similarly, lately, a new wave of the disenfranchised masses like the poor of the forward castes, lower middle class urban and rural, of all castes and religions, have risen against those who benefited from the rule of British and later independent India. During that time, the beneficiaries were mainly urban, English educated, close to the National capital, sophisticated or feudal classes. The masses cannot understand why the well off among the minorities and backward castes should deny them the same benefits. The new wave has been helped by the fact that there has been less scams at high places. There is bound to be an inward flow of the intellectuals, who were hounded out by the intolerant ideologists, who opposed them during the 70 years of independence.

I understand that there are already significant entitlements such as free rations and govt hospitals for people below a certain income level. Is this not being distributed in an equitable manner?

All freebies are cornered by those in control and have access! In a superspeciality hospital in Hyderabad where we introduced an ERP, we could see that all benefits for the poor were being siphoned off for those in control of the hospital. The same is true in Karnataka where we have many medical institutions boasting of international standards. But a municipal doctor fighting Corona, ultimately had to die.

There is simply no empathy for the have nots!! Poverty of the plenty !!!

Another significant change is Hindu resurgence. After centuries, they feel a glimmer of hope that they now have a chance to live with dignity and their religion will have equality with others. They will not tolerate ridicule of their religion and humiliation of their way of life. This thrust for equality cannot be brushed aside by clever arguments of the then Sarkari intellectuals.. Again for the first time since independence, Hindu devotees have a hope of obtaining control of their temples, like other religions have for their houses of worship.

What was the original reasoning for govt control of temples/revenues only for the Hindu faith? Is there any move afoot for Modi govt to relinquish this control?

A guess- perhaps intrinsic discriminatory practices, holier than thou attitude, vote bank politics, mismanagement and all of it and more,

The SC decision in Anantha Padmanabha Case is to be trend setter. Openly, the Modi Govt has kept a studied silence- good for it.

Constitutionally speaking, there is a case for looking closely a the word Denomination, and wonder at how the framers introduced that word in Article 26.

Definitely the establishment; people who are going to have reduced power and wealth are going to play nasty. In the coming years more of a class, rather than a caste war is going to play out. Irony is that in this class war, the Indian leftists are on the wrong side. They are blinded by their virulent anti-Hinduism and love for PRC.

Why does Indian media lean to the left? We have a similar situation here in the US.

Left liberals have had better access to resources till now. Those in power kept using them for their own ends. The rightists were in opposition and perhaps were weighed in with fear and stigma of being called Status quoist.
If there is a class war, what is the assurance that the new leaders will be more straightforward compared to the earlier lot?

In a dynamic society, when the tipping point is reached, there is bound to be a shift, a change for the better- not worse I hope.
My thought - just to keep the ball rolling!
The flow of history cannot be stopped. It can only be delayed in the short time. In both the above, clever, sophisticated arguments do not cut much ice with the masses. In the final analysis, only the votes matter in a democracy.

I am sure, many will disagree. But let us not be intolerant again, and ridicule the opinion of those whom we disagree with.

Prabhakar

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Sri Kumar,
Thanks so much for your insightful answers.
It leaves me a little depressed in terms of wondering how the character and standard of governance and public administration is to be raised. My takeaway is that even if you throw one set of bums out in an election, it is only replaced by another set of bums, while the self-serving outlook continues lower down the rank and file.

Yet a few jewels like you managed to make it to the top of the crown. Apart from being very hard in dealing with these egoistic attitudes, there must have been a significant personal cost to you in doing the right thing. One would never guess so looking at your always cheerful countenance!

Chiku
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Thank you Chiku.
Our generation was lucky.

I could stall, duck , or withdraw, and live to fight another day by learning my lessons and acquiring new skills & technology . God sent help all the time. Happily I could decipher some of these and grab them for my welfare and benefit.

“They “ of course always knew when and where they could use one and when they could simply bypass or use and throw.

The present generation has to face more arduous times. Toe the line or get lost, is the challenge. This generation would have to have to watch every step, else could be brought to heel like Achilles, sooner than later. Hence perhaps the despondency.

With technology and information at their finger tips, the next generation has learnt things like fact check are sure to make it to the tipping point. After all, one cannot fool all the people, all the time.

Knowing that life is a journey to be enjoyed, positivity pays, so let us hope for the best that we may even see and experience the change in our life time.

Cheers.
RSK

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Chiku,
I will try to give my thoughts on your queries, one at a time. I am fortunate to have the benefit of Srikumar’s feedback.

Backward castes, I refer, includes, MBC, OBC, ST, ST etc.

After independence, much of the ruling class was of forward castes. This is due to them being economically and educationally stronger. Also the backward castes though numerically larger, were less aware of their democratic rights. Today in most states, backward castes are in control of governments. In the Centre too, this is the case. That is why caste is today not a major factor in political power.

We have to look at reservations. Most will agree that Constitutional reservations for SC, ST have been good, compared to a situation if they did not exist. The Devil is in the detail. Its formulation and implementation left much to be desired. So also the State laws for MBC, OBC, minorities etc.

Following are the various complaints/solutions on reservations:

SC, ST

# The Constitution required review of this schedule and ratified every 10? years. Politically it was impossible. No party would support review and modification due to the vote bank. In fact they added a few to the list. The perils of Democracy.

For all reservations.

# The creamy layer continues to benefit and take a large slice of the pie, and does not allow less fortunate from obtaining the benefit. There should be an amendment to disallow the benefits to families of Elected Representatives, Class I Govt. officers, rich persons, so that others can benefit.

Rich families of all castes are already restrained in Kerala. This is circumvented by raising the threshold defining the ‘Rich’ from time to time. We have had a few known cases in Kerala where family income is halved by working parents divorcing each other!

Again, the reservation given to various castes and minorities should be in proportion to their share in populace. Their share should be equal to the total intake from merit and reservation. This is fair and should be implemented, if not already. States like Kerala, where minorities are financially much better off than the general population corner their share of reservation plus their share from merit. In fact if any community meets their share in merit list, they should be taken off the reserved list or reservation reduced. Again political will is absent for implementation.

# Education is a vital determinant of social change. I have pointed out earlier, Prof Indiresan’s [our ex Director] statement that reservations in higher education and jobs do not solve the problem permanently. It creates an inferiority complex, leading to psychiatric problems. The more cost effective, permanent and fair system is to give them quality education at school level. Once this is given they will be able to compete on their own. More importantly they will jettison the politician.

The simple solution, cost effective is to choose disadvantaged students early, give them admission in good schools private and public, with full scholarships. An additional allowance for private tuition may be given as their parents may not be able to supervise at home. Some who are willing can be admitted to residential schools with all expenses met by Govt. Studying with children of other castes, they will know that others are just like them. Upper caste children will know that these kids are just like them. Two generations ago all village students went to the same school and received the same good quality education. The only problem then, was to get the less advantaged children to attend school. Unless the doors of good schools are open to the disadvantaged classes, and they are allowed to study together with others, justice will not be met.

For those who oppose inclusion of all classes, exclusive girls’ schools for those who desire will be a practical solution. [If you cannot figure it out, nothing to worry. You are liberated]

It is a fact that many rural schools which are community based may not have competent or most times, have no math teachers. Special attention should be made to recruit committed teachers with special pay for these schools. May be, have interested graduate Engineers work one full academic year as teachers with special pay. Give them extra marks for GATE entrance. They will get experience in teaching, which will stand them in good stead later.

The costs above are negligible compared to the present. I am told that in Kerala, Govt. and aided school teachers get Rs 25,000/ per month. Hopefully, in one generation the disadvantaged castes will be able to take care of themselves.

Prabhakar

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Tushar,

I feel that we should not lump together, all the people who came to India over the centuries. After all, most of the people now in India, except the Proto-Dravidian must have come from outside. To find the original natives, we have to probably go back to Lemuria and the lost continent.

We need not break our heads on this. I would separate them into two categories. Invaders who came to plunder, loot and rape and go back to their homes like Alexander, Nadir Shah, Mohammed of Ghazni & Ghor, Western colonialists and others, who used more sophisticated method of Trade.

Second, people who were attracted by stories of wealth & splendors, knowledge and culture whose origins were outside, but made India their home. No loyalties elsewhere, as their capital was in India. Like many people in over 5000 years. Lately the Khiljis, Slave Dynaty, Mughals etc. Wealth was not taken out of the country.

There were other small groups of scholars of various nationalities who came only to seek religion, knowledge and culture like Chinese, Germans, Arabs, SE Asians and South Asians. The special place that most educated Indians have for Germans is because they were the only white people who came here as students to learn at the feet of the masters. They seem to have taken the lessons learned on racial equality here seriously, for when they got a chance they tried to colonize Europe and white people, which was a strict No, No. They did not know that by White man's standards only black, brown and yellow people were to be colonized. In spite of propaganda of the victors in war, our direct experience detailed above and their respectful treatment of Netaji makes us have a soft corner for them. Even if the figures given by the victors are correct, their allies, Stalin and China [Mao] each murdered more people. I cannot help thinking that if a section of people in any country helped the enemy when it is at war, they would have been treated any differently.

From the beginning of history till three centuries ago, this was the richest country and the main center of both spiritual & scientific knowledge. We cannot blame the rogues and the saints for being attracted to India.

Prabhakar

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Prabhakar,

You have come up with some really good ideas.

I completely agree that the 'rich' threshold should be raised from time to time. The problem with handing out any benefit is that it becomes an entitlement in due course. I wonder if there any moves to shrink the govt, just as the Republicans try to do in the US?

Your views on education really caught my attention. From what I read, India has invested more on higher education and proportionately less on education at the school level. One issue though is, if the village student has the means to attend a good school (which likely would be in a big city), would he be interested in coming back to his family/village to help those left behind, or is he more likely to become ambitious (like most well-educated people) and focus on becoming upwardly mobile? It may lead to quota and/or reservations in private schools and colleges which imposes other kinds of social costs.

The overriding assumption here is that public character can only be improved by a good education. I wonder if that is fair. I have met many elders in my mother's and grandparent's generation who were not educated but were of high ethical and moral standard (more women since men got whatever little education could be afforded). Education can make people super-ambitious which is also corrupting - it does not guarantee that we have more ethical people in place. What it does is to widen one's world-view so instead of thinking locally (eg caste) one thinks at the national level. It is only one of the pillars by which national character needs to be improved.

Chiku

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s. rajaram <sepprajaram@yahoo.com>
1:21 PM (7 hours ago)

Tushar,
I fully agree with your views. The political class along with the bureaucracy and big businesses have managed to convert the country into one of beggars. In a country where Science and spirituality coexisted as Prabhakar has stated, toxic mix of Religion ( not to be confused with spirituality), Caste and Politics seems to have replaced a more rational mix of Economics and Politics in decision making. Major institutions considered as 4 pillars of democracy appear to be compromised. Is our society more united or more divided now? My view is we are more divided than ever. Law and judiciary works only for the rich and powerful. Likewise quality Healthcare and quality education is out of reach of common man. Our per capita GDP may have gone up but happiness index has gone down. Silver lining is that we still get to hear some sane voices plus large number of individuals and individual groups are carrying out activities which is bringing positive change in our society for a Better India. They are the real unsung heroes and I really pray that their numbers grow.
Rajaram

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PK,

Yes very interesting post by you. Having said that you have painted everything in India today with one sweeping stroke of your brush, meaning your post has included too many aspects of India, making it difficult to stay on course and discuss and debate. So let me share my thoughts freely if I may. No need to agree or disagree

1- As you are aware History depends on who records information and his personal views. In the same way how each one of us sees "India" is totally dependent on our upbringing and life experiences. For example if we were all asked to write about Covid Management in India, we will have a million views.

2- You have categorically stated that those of us who have left India, believe India is what it was during our stay and are out of touch by 50 years. Basically I have been told I am an NRI meaning "Not Really an Indian" and my reaction is "Not every one who stayed Back in India is a Neta either"  

I left India as I did not want to be a corrupt Engineering Professional. I stood my Ground and tried to Fight corruption as JE Pamban Bridge and I was threatened with a knife to my throat at Rameswaram and as I did not yield there was a Plot by my Own Divisional Engineer (an SC)  to kill me and dump me in the sea to be eaten by the sharks. 

I may be an NRI but my Heart is still very much Indian. 

Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani..Doston

3 - Upto age 30 I was in India and last 43 years I have been in Australia. Not everything is perfect in OZ yet there are a million things I see here and I wish we could have the same in my India.

4- Basically India is a Divided Nation in almost every respect. Let me try and list the things that irk me even now.

- In India You are either a North Indian or a South India....Big Problem.
- You are Either Hindi speaking or Non hindi speaking Indian
- the Biggest divide is you are either rich or poor
- Educated or Illiterate
- Hindu or Non Hindu
- Upper Caste or Lower caste
- in the south you are either a Mallu, or a Tamilian or a Telugu or Kannadiga
- we Indians are all about ourselves and our families. Thus mis because life is a struggle to survive and this means lack of social consciousness and social obligations. Mind you the Chinese are the same too and this comes from poverty and insecurity.
- Indians are not very Charitable either.
- basically I cannot think of one aspect of life that binds us all together as Indians. Yet we are.
- the caste system is a curse that has divided and splintered the hindu way of life again and again. I am not saying "Hindu Religion" as it is not a Pyramid structure like Christianity or Islam where the self appointed members of the Church like the Pope control enormous wealth extracted from the masses to control and brainwash the masses. The Church is full of Paedophiles who have been exposed in OZ. I can think back and realise that many orphan boys at my school were abused by Irish Priests and there was no one to protect them.

Yet the caste system and oppression of the Dalit or Untouchables / Harijans was the very reason why people born into the Hindu Faith converted to Islam and Christianity that promised them equality and dignity of life. However unfortunately the caste system found its way into Christianity and Islam eventually. I heard one muslim refer to another as "Labbe Muslim". Stupid me asked him what do you mean "Labbe Muslim" and he says Oh Ram he is a very low caste Hindu who became a Muslim. So what about you I asked and he says I am from Goa and my ancestors were highly educated upper caste Brahmans and that made him an upper caste Muslim. In Kerala the Dalit Christians cannot worship in the Syrian Christian Churches. Believe it or not.

- The Law and Order in Australia is for all. No One is above the Law. The Opposition Leader's son was arrested for Drink Driving and his licence suspended. Imagine this happening in India.

- The way I see it "Laws in India are applicable only for the have nots". One Night I was riding my bicycle near Royapettah Police station and two constables stopped all the cyclists and made us get down and frog marched us all to the Royapettah Police station. None of us had a clue why ?. It was the end of the month and the Constables had a quota of arrests to fulfil. All bicycles were confisticated for frivolous reasons. I stood my Ground I told the sub-inspector that I was a Gazetted officer and that I would take him to task and started noting down his name and details. Next this he tells me to sit down and orders a tea for me and tells the constable "you idiot, you should know who to catch and who not. Now you have got me into trouble. Go and Brings Saars Bike and give it back to him".

- as a Petty thief you can have your back broken by police beating but a rich man like Nirav Modi gets free passage out of the country. Not to forget Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi.. Basically if you are powerful and rich you can do whatever you want no questions asked. what about driving your Ferrari and killing vagrants sleeping on the pavement and going scot free, or Sachin Tendulkar going for an early morning spin in his million dollar jalopy and crashing and blaming his 63 year old Driver for the accident..

- most disappointing bit is that the Judiciary in India reports to and takes instructions from the executive.

What I'd like to see in "My India" which will not happen ever is "Governance Sans Religion", and "no one is above the law" and "a casteless society".

The Only people who need a hand are the BPL Population. Change the India constitution to scrap any reference to Religion or Caste making all people EQUAL and govt aids and scholarships to be based on means test alone.

During and before my Time the Upper Caste Hindus dominated and in the last 50 years the lower and Backward class people have dominated and looted the country. The really poor are down trodden even more. I am aware of all the atrocities committed by the upper caste Hindus of Dalits of India More Rampant up north. Rapes and Murders and beatings and Dalits being forced to eat their faeces.

There is no Dignity of Labour in India and this is linked directly to our Curse called Caste.

In Sydney when we renovated the house the contractor botched up the sewer which cracked. So I phoned my Plumber. He pulled up in his mercedes Van inspected and told me the large ceramic sewer pipe had broken in two and the whole thing had to be replaced and it woulde cost me 3 Grand. I agreed. the next day he arrived slipped into his water proof full suit, crawled under the house and worked for about two hours and when he crawled out he was covered with shit and I was asked to use the garden hose and wash him down. Then he stripped off his suit and asked to use my shower. He changed and came out and he and I sat at the table and shared a nice cup of coffee. I was the Engineer and he the Plumber and this did not matter. Ths is what I call Dignity of Labour. Will we ever see this in India... Never as we have too many people and the have not will be trodden upon to eternity.

I come from a Poor Non Brahmin Background and I can write a Book on how Badly I was treated as a kid by the rich people of all faiths and upper caste Hindus. 

At one party at woodlands I picked up a Piece of Sweet and the Rich Host grabbed it from my hand and said that is not for You...and put it back on the plate.

How can I ever forget that insult ?

Yes most of us bear many scars that will never go. Will be there for ever.

Lastly Covid has proved that Religion is just a myth in my opinion.

Today I believe more in spirituality and extracting the best aspects of each and every religion as I see fit to guide my way of life which is Love is God, Truth is God and my Inner Voice I call "Conscience" is God.