The world is a dynamic place and nothing is static. Nations produce leaders who make their countries great and some do not have the vision and let their countries down. A classic example is China and India in Asia. The 19th and 20th century saw a see-saw between the two for a prominent position in Asia and as things stand the Chinese dragon is breathing fire all around while the Indian elephant scurries to find a place for itself.
Background
At the turn of the century, the omnipotent power in Asia was the British. They were astute and had de-fanged the dragon. By virtue of they ruling India, the country was much ahead of China. It was a safe period with Tibet a classic buffer state between India and China. Industry began to thrive in India and the British set up a network of rail and roads that was unrivaled in the world. Jamshedji was allowed to set up the first steel plant outside of Japan and an aircraft factory was operational in Bangalore. China at that time was involved in internal strife as warlords with massive private armies ruled and battled each other. There were near anarchy and no industry worth the name existed. There was also another two players in China namely the Kuomintang and Communist party who battled it out with each other.In contrast, India was peaceful and making progress.
Shifting Fulcrum
Towards the middle of the last century, the fulcrum began to shift towards China. The communists under Mao Tse Tung won a decisive victory and General Chiang Kai Shek fled to Formosa. At that time in 1948, even a bycycle was manufactured in China and agriculture management was primitive. In India, a steel plant was functional and cars and airplanes were being made.There was no comparison with China as the rupee had near parity with the British pound. The Chinese currency was worthless.
India also inherited all the rights of the Imperial British power. Tibet was a buffer state and the Indian army was allowed to station troops at strategic places in Tibet. Logically India, under Nehru, should have built on this platform, but within a decade China stole a march over India.The Chinese communists under Mao had one track vision to undo the wrongs of history and make China a great power. In contrast, this strategic vision was lacking in the Indian leadership led by Nehru and his successors. Almost all the rights the British had so meticulously built up in Tibet were given up. The right to maintain troops in Tibet was squandered and Nehru fearing a military coup decided to give the military the lowest priority.
Chinese supremacy
China attacked Tibet and occupied it and Nehru just sat and watched. This was the turning point in Asia and established China as the major power. A short border war in 1962 followed with a decisive Chinese victory and all at once India was reduced to a fifth rate power. All the gains of the British built up over 100 years were squandered as the Chinese began a massive military buildup. China also started a massive military-industrial base while Nehru wasted time in trying to be a "great non-aligned leader".
Rise of China
Within another 5 decades, the Chinese following Mao's Red Book encircled India, occupied vast tracts of Indian land and claimed the entire north East state of NEFA (now Arunachal Pradesh) as part of China. China concentrated hard and followed a system of reverse engineering that saw it catch up with the west. They took a head start as a nuclear power and in contrast the Indian president Dr. Rajendra Prasad talked of disbanding the army and getting all duties to be done by a police force. One cannot think of anything more ludicrous than this. Successive Indian prime ministers like Morarji Desai failed to understand the geopolitical power and let India slide down. Now China is supporting a hostile Pakistan and has weaned away Nepal and Lanka from Indian influence. The Chinese are surrounding India and their military-industrial base is 2 decades ahead of India. Considering that in 1948, China's industry was primitive this is a tremendous achievement. They are now the dominant power in Asia while India looks for ways and means to assert itself. Things won't be easy and the Chinese may well have the last laugh in this scenario.
The GOP is as good as over with the acceptance of Donald as the Republican candidate to face Hillary Clinton.It was not a smooth convention as there was a lot of acrimonies. Many, particularly from the old guard led by Mitt Romney are miffed at the success of Donald Trump. This man was not given half a chance a year back to bag the nomination and yet he has triumphed heads on. Donald was like a boxer fighting a ring battle with the referees biased against him. But he knocked out his opponents and the referees were sidelined.
Rise of Trump
The rise of Donald Trump is a grave blow to the ego of the older republicans and their supporters. Even now the opponents of Donald in the run up to the nomination have refused to endorse their opponent though they had been soundly defeated. Thus Ted Cruz and John Kasich have avoided endorsing Donald, in addition, many in the old guard have instigated agitations and sit-ins against Trump. One reason for this is that in case Donald wins at the hustings, these men would all be sitting outside the dining hall and only eating porridge. Donald is a strong man and not a candidate of the establishment. This has hurt the ego of the senior Republicans and it will not be a surprise if they support the opponent of Donald Trump, the democrat candidate Hillary Clinton to undermine a Donald victory.
All sorts of protests are being made against Donald. In one case 100 women stripped down and protested against the nomination of Trump. But the opponents forgot got one point and that is that Donald commanded grassroots support among the Republicans and that is what propelled him forward. Donald himself gave an excellent analogy of his victory. He said he was like a boxer fighting in hostile territory and the only way he could win was by a knockout, which he did.
Coming election
What about the election? at the start, many of the Gallup polls gave an advantage of 12 points to Hillary over Donald. But despite the massive lead., it has slowly been whittled down and Donald is almost abreast of Hillary. Many Americans like the views of Donald. Some of them are indeed those that affect an average American. He has talked of Islam as an opponent and suggested ways to crush Islamic terrorism by hitting the ISIS leadership at their bases. He has announced that he would declare war on ISIS. He has announced that he would stop migration from Mexico by building a wall. It may be an impractical suggestion, but it appeals to the American people. He has also announced that he would counter China and that again is a move that appeals to the common man, who feels that China is a threat.
Many Americans used to a policy that was something like appeasement as personified by Obama are happy with such opinions of Donald. He sometimes talks off the cuff and that shows that perhaps he will have to be more measured when and if he becomes the President. The Muslim world will not be happy at the rise of Donald and his victory at the hustings may well be a landmark in world history and hasten the Armageddon- the last battle between good and evil. The definition of good and evil is relative as to which side you are on. Hillary is the status quo candidate and to my mind, she will bring in only stagnation, both politically and economically.
Last word
Donald has got the nomination, now it is between him and Hillary. The lady has the advantage as she has a united democrat party behind her with the solid support of Obama who would like Hillary to carry on with his legacy. On the other hand, Donald has a splintered GOP behind him and many would like to cut his roots. But the acid test is the American people and they will decide. But again the American election system is in a way rigged as a candidate with a greater majority of votes may not win. This is because of the peculiar system of having elections by the electoral college. Thus in a particular state in case a candidate wins he bags ALL the electoral votes. One has now to await the elections in November to see who wins the greater number of electoral votes.
Introduction:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the earliest leaders of independence movement, gave the slogan ‘Freedom is my birth right’ .He along with two other leaders Bipin Chand Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai formed the trio popularly known as Bal, Pal and Lal. The British called him “ Father of Indian unrest”. .
Early life and career
He was born on 23rd July 1956 in Ratnagiri (Maharashtra). Tilak graduated in first class in the year 1877 and passed law in 1879.. He started his career as a teacher. He taught mathematics. He was also a journalist. He mixed religion with politics. According to him: "Religion and practical life are not different. To take Sanyasa (renunciation) is not to abandon life. The real spirit is to make the country your family work together instead of working only for your own. The step beyond is to serve humanity and the next step is to serve God." He organized the Deccan Education Society His emphasis was on nationalist ideas and Indian culture. .
Political role
He was a leading Freedom fighter before Mahatama Gandhi appeared on the national horizon. His contemporary Bal Krishna was a moderate leader He was considered radical. He was imprisoned on numerous occasions. The experience in Mandalay Jail considerably moderated him. . This moderation and softening of stand led to joining Jinnah and Annie Besant along with whom he formed Home Tule League. He joined Indian National Congress in 1890
Irrational opposition to even reforms
His radicalism and blind opposition to British administration often resulted in very ridiculous position. He would oppose British even when he agreed with their motive. He did not favour the 1891 Age of Consent Bill that he dubbed as interference with Hinduism The age of marriage of a girl was raised from 10 to 12 years. Tilak would not support the British government even in a laudable reform like raising age of girl’s marriage. Again he did not like strict measures by British government to deal with the wide spread plague. Tilak opposed even the measures taken for public benefit. He wrote inflammatory articles in Kesari. He quoted Bhagwad Gita to justify killing of oppressor. In the backdrop of murder of some British officers, Tilak was charged with incitement to murder and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. The imprisonment raised his image as a martyr and a national hero. He adopted a new slogan ‘Swaraj’ (self rule) is my birthright and I shall have it."
Social, literary and religious contribution
Tilak said, "I regard India as my Motherland and my Goddess, the people in India are my kith and kin, and loyal and steadfast work for their political and social emancipation is my highest religion and duty". He is also known for his book “Gita Rahasya’ that he wrote in Mandalay prison.
He ran two weeklies- Kesari in Marathi and Mahratta in English. His editorial contributions gave him recognition as 'awakener of India'. The weekly Kesari later became a daily and continues even today. His another contribution is .Ganesh worship as a grand event. Even now Ganesh Puja (worship) is celebrated every tear. He would use such events for patronizing swadeshi movement, glorifying Hindu/ national culture and raising political issues. He also founded ‘Shri Shivaji Fund Committee for celebrating ‘Shiva jayanti’. His deliberate act of mixing independence movement with religion also caused Hindi Muslim differences. His reverence for Shivaji has been taken up by Hindu political organization Shiva Sena.
Conclusion
To conclude, role or Tilak in awakening the nation against foreign rule can hardly be over stated. In fact, the credit for complete independence movement largely goes to him. The earlier leaders were content with getting more autonomy and better conditions for Indian officers and employees under British government. They would be satisfied with just dominion status. His slogan- Freedom is my birth right- brought a sea change in Indian independence movement. However, mixing freedom movement with religion had some side effects. The non Hindu nationals of India were skeptical of the movement. The activities like Ganesh Pooja and Shivaji jayanti alienated the minorities and thus to some extent weakened national unity so essential for genuine freedom movement. In this connection, we may contrast Tilak with Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose. The revolutionary movement of Bhagat Singh and the overseas military operation by Subhash Chandra Bose were genuinely secular without any communal or religious colour.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly " baat" ( talk) on the radio stated that India has an economic growth of 7.5%. One cannot fault him for this as there is no doubt that the Indian growth rate is at the moment the highest in the world. The growth rate is a figure and refers to many factors and one of these is the investment in the country and the growth of the industry
Growth rate vs prices
Yet this growth rate has not translated into any material benefit for the Indian masses who continue to subsist on the lowest intake of protein and healthy foods in the world. This has a repercussion on the national health and the resultant effect on good life and performance in sports. The fact is that food prices despite this 7.5% growth have shot up to the sky and the humble Daal( pulses) the main staple diet for the Indians is selling at 3 times the price what it was sold before Modi took over. Daal is the source of protein in India as the percentage of meat eaters is less and also because meat and other items are beyond the reach of the masses because of their exorbitant cost. Mutton sells at almost Rs 500-600 a kilogram and that is not what an average Indian can afford to pay.
A question which I have repeatedly raised is that what use is a Mars mission and another paraphernalia if food for the mases is not available and farmers who produce the food are forced to commit suicide. What relevance has 7.5% growth and missions to Mars have for a child who does not get enough protien to eat or goes to bed half hungry. Many so called nationalists don't want to see the problem from this perspective and the result is the government also has lopsided priorities and food security, wholesome and healthy which should be the first priority remains the last.
Economic priorities
Foodstuff and that includes vegetables so essential for vitamins are selling at a price which should be for meat products. Meats are in any case out of reach for the masses and the myth is created that Indians are vegetarians. The fact is that people are unable to eat meats and so a myth of vegetarianism is created. I wonder whether Modi has ever thought of these points in his favorite Man ki Baat radio talks. He has NEVER touched on this issue. The fact is that 40% of Indian live below the poverty line and in numbers, they are more than the destitute of all countries put together. Not a happy thought.
One is reminded of a famous quote by the queen of France during the French revolution. She stated in 1789 "If there is no bread let the people eats cakes". i wonder whether the Modi government has a similar answer. However having said this, one must state that the present crisis of rising in foodstuff prices is a legacy from the lopsided economic policies of the Congress party and emanated from the views of Jawaharlal Nehru. This man really was just a philosopher who was catapulted as India's prime minister and the results in all field were simply disastrous. He set up 5 years plan but agriculture got very less priority and during his time hunger stalked India and thanks to the USA who gave free grains under PL 480, the Indians could subsist. This is Nehru and Congress party's legacy.
The future
But the clock has to be arrested and Modi can not take refuge at the ills of the congress party. He has to turn the clock around and see that the priority is nothing but food and this I am afraid he has not done. He has been in power for 2 years and yet one does not find any visible change. Farmers continue to commit suicide and food prices have shot up to the sky and overall Indian have less to eat, yet the BJP government like the congress is just increasing taxes. So what does 7'5 % growth men and what meaning it has for the poor?. Modi has to address this issue otherwise, he will go down in History like Nehru, who promised much but achieved little.
The US Presidential election is now heading for the last lap. The conventions of the two main parties the GOP and the Democrats will be held next month and they will in all likelihood put the seal on the election of the two candidates who will represent the parties. Thus the stage is set for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to confront each other. As things stand Hillary has built up a tremendous lead over Trump as per the Gallup polls. This lead will be sweet music to the supporters of Hillary.
Assuming that Hillary maintains her lead, there is every chance she will be the president of the USA. Here is the fly in the ointment. Hillary as president will also be the Commander in Chief of the US armed forces. What sort of commander she will be is a question that many want to answer. One must understand that a C in C of the US armed forces is unlike any other commander as he or she also controls the nuclear button and the commander has to take momentous decisions on security matters and deployment of troops.
Last week I was in the USA and was a guest at a brunch with my American friend who is now out of the army as a Colonel. He in an animated discussion gave me a startling opinion. As per him, Hillary as a Commander in Chief is the most undesirable thing as far as the US is concerned. He pointed out that there is no record in the history of a woman having commanded any army and taken momentous military decisions. One is apt to quote the example of Indira Gandhi and say " look she was a woman and yet led in the war for the liberation of Bangladesh". But in reality, she took only political decisions and despite her exhortations the then army Chief Sam Maneckshaw made it clear that he would launch the invasion only at a time he decided and hence the invasion was delayed by a few months.
In the US such a scenario does not exist, as all executive power over the armed forces is the president. I must also grudgingly agree with my friend that there is no record of a woman taking military decisions in the army. Another friend, however, interjected and asked what about Razia Sultana and Joan of Arc of Orleans( France) ? My answer is the Razia ruled in the company of her lover and all military decisions were taken by him while Joan of Arc was a subordinate commander as the King of France was the defacto ruler.In any case in a history of 4000 wars, these are like flashes in the pan and overall women as commanders have not existed.
War is now more complex and there is the added danger of a nuclear conflagration. This is the real danger as the sole authority to authorize a nuclear strike is the US president and one wonders with the state of her health ( she fainted a few months back) how competent she will be to handle the nuclear button. In all likelihood, she will need an advisor and maybe her husband the ex-president Bill Clinton will chip in. She does not have the best of relations with him after his indiscretions in the oval office with Monica Lewinsky which almost led to his impeachment.
Being a woman has an effect. However competent she is Hillary, has not displayed any acumen that she is fit to handle the nuclear button. Women are associated with somethings soft and beautiful and one cannot associate them with the harsh decisions of deciding the policy of war. All in all an interesting aspect of politics in the US has come up. The voters are fickle and vote more by instinct than thought and some follow the sheep mentality. It happens in India also as the real capability of a candidate gets overlooked.
How good a commander Hillary will be is a question that at present finds no answer. Perhaps one does not question Donald Trump on his capability to handle the nuclear button, but in the case of Hillary these thoughts do crop up.The present election may well be a watershed in world politics.
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