26/11-Could not trust my Instinct

Bikash Choudhury


One year after 26/11 Mumbai blast, I still curse myself, for not being able to trust my instinct; that told me, Mumbai could be the next big terror target after Hyderabad-Jaipur-Bangalore-Ahmedabad and New Delhi. Therefore, today even after a year, I feel personally responsible for the condition of the two year child Moshe, other 170 victims of that unfortunate incident and all our valiant Mumbai Police and NSG commandos who perished in that sixty hours long fight. After Jaipur terror strike, I felt eastern region could be the next target and therefore cautioned the Orissa Govt. through media representative to be on guard for Puri Ratha Yatra and due to my input or otherwise also, State Govt. took commendable steps to sanities Puri town before the Ratha Yatra and the festival passed off peacefully. It was very difficult to figure out wheather, there was a terror plot for Puri; which was averted because of timely action by the Govt.or else, there was no terror threat for Puri? After Delhi bomb blast I had developed a nagging fear that now Mumbai suburban train or its busy central business districts could be an eminent target of Terrorist. Some how my intuition was telling me that it could be a very dangerous one and a big one. But, I could not summon the courage to discuss my feelings, even with my wife. My fear at that point of time was of being ridiculed by one and all; if dared to articulate my instinct in public. While 26/11 Mumbai blast was being unfolded on that fateful night, I switched off my TV at 10.30 pm in the Hotel room at Bangalore Majestic area near Railway station to concentrate on presentation for a business meeting next day; in the early morning and went out to have tea in the Cotton street, totally oblivious of the world at Mumbai that had changed for ever. After finishing the tea when I picked up the news paper and saw in big and bold letter “Mumbai under Terror strike” with Taj Hotel on the back ground; my heart nearly freeze. I could only mumble to myself “What I have done to my self and Mumbai city of mine”. Rushed to my Hotel room and remained in comatose just watching the live coverage of Terror Seize at Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel and Nariman House. That tragic event has locked in my memory and many times stir me out of my sleep with a visual of “terrorist driving in Police patrol vehicle entering the Taj Hotel spraying bullets from their AK-47 riffles on their way” playing in the backdrop of my mind.

Aviation Think Tank

A Friend Philosopher & Guide

Bikash Choudhury

What is missing in these trying times for Indian Aviation Industry? A credible- impartial-transparent-competent Think Tank of Aviation Industry. Air India, the National Carrier is going through one of its worst times since inception but, there is a dearth of Mature Voice from Aviation Industry for a larger interest of the National Institution (started by one passionate entrepreneur Late Shri JRD Tata) and the millions of air travelers. Little earlier, Private Air Lines on the pressure of high cost of aviation fuels demanded a bailout package from Govt. which was just a red rag for Indian Govt.’s proletariat image; without going to the merit of the case. Private Air Lines subsequently ganged–up and announced lay off for media consumption and to bring pressure on Indian Govt.; later, the lay-offs were withdrawn with much media fanfare.

It is imperative to understand for all concerned, Indian Aviation apart from offering quick passenger transport to people across the country is also an employer of Highly Skilled human resources and also an important link of the Economy. A healthy Aviation Industry would have a multiplier effect on country’s GDP. Country should have a vision for aviation industry. “Currently, only 40 cities are connected by air by scheduled air line; which must be raised to100 cities in few years. And, for that wish to happen; India needs to look at low cost transport aircraft manufacturing technology and low cost infrastructure & supply chain to service the passengers.”

The Current state of Air India is the net result of years of mismanagement by The Govt., Incompetent Management and highly paid employees with poor work ethics. Now, the current management of Air India seems to have the understanding of the problem and attempting a turn around with great difficulty without moral and material support of Owner (the Govt.) & Employees. In this time, having chosen the management, the Govt. should offer complete backing to the management for the task ahead (without looking at political fallout) and the employees trade unions like ICPA, IPG, ACEU and AIPG must rally around the management in their own interest. If need be, the trade unions must voluntarily accept a temporary deferred payment of a portion of their salary to tide over this difficult times in larger interest of the organization. If, Air India managed to spring back to life from this deep air pocket, then the maximum material benefit would go the way of the employees, apart from saving 30,000 jobs. Aviation Think Tank should be able to articulate a considered view point in the interest of Aviation Industry for long term growth and maturity of the sector. Is India short of Aviation Professionals?

Naxal Solution Lies in a Disarming Mindset

Bikash Choudhury

Hijacking of Rajadhani Express, Bhubaneswar-New Delhi by Naxal sympathizers in broad day light followed by continuous telecast on the event by news maker hungry 24/7 media has sent shock waves in the middle class consciousness living mostly in growing cities and towns much out side the red corridor. This is one of the tricks of Maoist to put pressure on astute, central home minister P.Chidambaram to halt and hold his fool proof plan of military style offensive to push the armed militia of Maoist into irrelevance in course of time, with a time frame. Recent spurts of Maoist violence across the country could also be attributed to the same objective of Naxals. Keen political watchers would have observed a section of intelligentsia having mass following siding or sympathsing with the core of Naxal movement at the same time dissociating with violence of any kind, be that of State sponsored ones. One view gaining currency through numerous live television debate and discussion with experts is that without some kind of mass public support, Naxal could not have grown to this level and may not have been able to conduct gruesome crimes against Police and Civilians with impunity. Psychologist and Philosopher would vouch, Violence is the only and last response of human being in a very trying circumstances; ordinarily, human race is skilled enough to resolve differences amicably. Knowing fully well violence would multiply loses in both sides in terms of human lives and military resources. When fight is between State and a group of its own subjects, the loses assume catastrophic proportion. Violence is not the solution either way. But, constructive debate and discussion on the subject of discord, towards a solution in an environment of Peace and mutual Trust with a time frame, would be able to thaw reciprocal violence further and save innocent lives. Complete and Permanent solution to vexed Naxal problem lies in Disarming the Mindset of all concerned.

In spite of over 60 years of independence, substantive Governance of a free State has not been able to reach the people of deep interior areas devoid of communication facility, Poor Law and Order machinery, Inadequate rendering of Justice and forgettable facility of civil administration in terms of succor at the time of disaster or education and health facilities in peace time. People, largely left to their own means and private arrangements are easy pawns at the hands of Maoist who professes to care for their rights and general wellbeing. But, many times their violent methods of justice rub the innocents the wrong way due to lack of any checks and balances in Maoist set-up. Those people living in and around deep forest area have a Hobson’s choice between devil and the deep sea. By rule of thumb, they favor who ever provides them maximum security and justice; at the moment Naxals looks like catering to their needs and quickly the State has to take over the Governance to stop the menace of Maoist in the red corridor.

Only a few brave hearts would corroborate with the fact that our current political system of governance is largely responsible for the feverish growth of Maoist militia. A truly representative Government in a democratic system would have a rare moral authority to drive the bureaucracy and others for an equitable social justice for long term peace and prosperity of the nation. Can we call our Govt. truly a representative one? Knowing fully well of the fact that only 58% of registered electorates of over 70 crores exercising their franchise and one candidate could get elected to Parliament with a margin of one vote and with, only 18-22% of votes polled in a multi corner contest. Need to examine if the first-past-post system of election still valid in Indian context. Further, modalities of funding of election by Political parties and Candidates are one major source of concern in Governance. If Barak Obama can raise 600 million dollars from people, transparently to fund his Presidential election; in India, our political parties and their Candidate can do the ditto from a billion plus population and save Police and Justice System from large scale malpractices on the weight of obligation of election funds for Political Parties and their Candidates. Central & State Govt. should collaborate proactively to push the long pending Police and Judicial reforms for not giving in to the Maoist, to beat the Govt. with the same stick, State sponsored violence on innocent people. That apart, honest and hard working Politician also, could minimize their stress level and lead a normal life of professionals without having to worry about election funds and politicians working on specific social issues could draw media attention and private sector funding.

These are the issues which will require a distinct disarmed mindset from both sides. Govt. should revisit the current assumption on Governance and restructure the same in line with the demand of the time and its own people. At least, the area of Red Corridor deserves a special attention in terms of Governance. As for the Maoist, they need to rethink if Violence is bringing them any closer to the people they profess to protect from the State machinery.

[Author is chief executives of a Strategy Consulting Firm based at Bhubaneswar, opinion expressed are his own]

Broad Strategic Input-UPA II

Bikash Choudhury

1. Foreign Policy can be shaped in such a manner that would spur Indian Economic Growth.

2. Our South East Asian Policy must be integrated to give India a central role in the regions economy.

3. Our Global policy should have muscles so that "India should be Seen and Heard with respect in Global forum, just like in the time of Nehru.

All this objectives are achievable if Congress President takes a Proactive Role.

1. In current times Indian Central Govt. can make little changes or find difficulties in recasting its foreign policy due to lot of protocol and lack of reciprocation from other Nations. However, Congress President should not be bound by conventions and Govt. protocol too much, and therefore can take fresh and bold initiative to refashion our Global as well as South East Asian policy. A new spin in National Interest; And, if Successful the Indian Govt. could lap up the Initiative as defacto Govt. Policy and pursue further to strengthen the arrangement in National Interest.

2. South East Asia: Our relations with Pakistan is crucial to our foreign policy in the region. I feel if we open up trade and commerce lock-stock and barrel with Pakistan and allow our private sector to Invest in Pakistan in large scale projects then apparently Pakistani Troika Could Relent in future to change their Black Box.

• Modalities: Congress President can take initiative in this regard and talk to the ruling party of Pakistan of this proposal and simultaneously, Congress President can encourage the Leader of Opposition to talk to Nawaj Sarif and other Opposition leaders in Pakistan on this issue for a long term prosperity of the region. This effort can also be reinforced by the Media & other civil society organisations, without of course any Media Hype.
• Congress President and the Leader of Opposition can jointly visit Pakistan with a Business & Cultural delegation and talk to Pakistan people/young people, about peace and Indian wish of equal friendship.
• Objective is let there be an free exchange of trade,commerce and culture which over time would lead to greater trust of the Decision makers and lead to substantive discussion at laterpoint by the two govt.to resolve all out standing disputes for good.
• Only, such Initiative alone; in current circumstances of Pakistan would make the Whole world situp and take Notice of India.And, Indian foreign policy would gain a substantial advantage across the Global High Table.

3.Global Peace Messanger: India has alwys stands for peace and non-violence. Let India Agrresively Promote Peace across the World by Appealing to all Young people with the proposition of Disarmament & Development of the Planet.[MORAL HIGH GROUND]

• Modalities: Congress President can take Initiative for a Global Tour along with other senior leaders of Opposition, Business and Cutural delegation to speak to University Students of Each countries and Women and talk about Indian wish for Peace, Disarmament and Development for a Sustainable Civilisation on this planet and also can promote Indian Business, Culture and Tourism simultaneously.
• In short period of time this effort would place India among G-5 in terms of Importance in foreign policy and would be consulted in Important global issues with respect and undivided attention.

BAPU’S VISION AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Only Solution for Climate Change

Bikash Choudhury

Complex problem more often than not have very simple solution. Current Global concern about climate change and hullabaloo on international protocol about control of green house gases, carbon foot print of life style and carbon credit is all tall talk and minimal commitment towards real action for abetting against climate change. It is very unlikely that Copenhagen summit would see a radical shift in mindset of developed Nations and Others. In the game of one-up-manship on the issue of survival of this planet and its climate, Nations should desist from playing politics and should not wait for the other to blink first. If today our Mahatma Gandhi would have been alive, then he would have probably advised the Global Leadership to convince their people about changing their life style to save this planet from the ravages of the nature and to lead by example. Why our life style is to be blamed so much? One simple calculation would prove the point beyond any debate. From morning while we get up from bed, and till the time we go to bed to sleep; one average person would have added 15 kilo to the carbon stock in the climate. Houses we live, the cars that we drive to office, cold water that we drink from freeze, Computer that we use to do our job in office, Mobile that we frequently use to communicate and food habit that we have mostly responsible for creating the large part of our carbon additions to already growing Carbon cycle. Further, the waste created out of conspicuous consumption also takes a heavy toll on the climate in the absence of 100% recycling infrastructure of wastes, world over, further worsening the climate condition. Mahatma Gandhi used a very simple technique of Satyagraha to fight with mighty British Empire in the early part of previous century and, eventually succeed in forcing British rulers to leave India.

The Global problem of Climate change also requires a Gandhian repertoire of simple solution for a sustainable civilization to thrive in this planet and only one, having life in our solar system. World population was 1.5 billion in the beginning of 20^th century and current figure stands at 6.5 billion. And, the current Global population is one of the biggest source of carbon harvest; keeping in view the per capita carbon production in our eco-system. Gandhian Idea for simple solution would have been to promote love and understanding between different Race, Religion and Culture. How love between Races would reduce population growth? Love is one immutable emotion if allowed to grow between two divergent communities then that would work as best contraceptives that human mind could have ever thought of, or designed.

“The world has enough for its needs and not for its greed.” Gandhi had coined this phrase when the current Intellectuals and Experts on climate change with pin striped suits had not taken birth. Gandhi had espoused a simple style in his life time at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.The principal corner stone of Gandhian way of life revolved around manual labor- to provide for one’s own need through manual labor and consume that proportion of the produce for living in consonance with nature. But, this is easier said than done. However, Global leaders in their next Copenhagen summit must examine to adopt the Importance of Gandhian way of simple life style to the extent possible in current times as one of the antidote for Climate change and towards a Carbon neutral healthy and sustainable life style to protect this fragile planet from impending ravages of Nature.

My Delhi Diary

Bikash Choudhury

Day-I There was a Assocham conference in Delhi on 4^th Nov 2009 booked my ticket and prepared to get away from Bhubaneswar for some time to get fresh perspective about work and life. Neelachal express was on time on 2^nd Nov.- Karthika Purnima full moon day, a very auspicious day for all Oriya people. My wife Suman and close friend Sibasis came to see me off at the station. And, Off I went boarded the train B-2 compartment of 3AC and occupied my lower berth. The middle berth person booked through Tathkal did not turn-up and therefore I was left to enjoy the perks of two berths. My 125 kg (lean body) perched comfortably in the berth and started looking out to get familiar with people and hunt if any pretty faces around? All were oldie type; therefore I concentrated on my official reading matter and magazine purchased from the station. While reaching Delhi, the train got late by four and half hours, arrived at Delhi at 10 in the evening, unearthly hour for an infrequent visitor to the metropolis, because this vulnerability earn Coolly, Taxi driver and Hotel staffs a very fast buck. One smart taxi driver suddenly came from the back and gave one irresistible offer to drop at Hotel @ Rs. 10. I looked at the guy and agreed. Only wondered, too good to be true. Still managed to reach a decent hotel and the hotel staff at the counter, first demanded an Identity proof; without any hassle gave my PAN card, after having a look at my face and the card, again, he asked for an address proof; after, 30 hrs journey had very little patience left to argue with him. Unintentionally drawing a big face offered my DL and surprisingly the man made a photo copy of the DL and kept in the file. First time in life some body is silently questioning that I could, too be passed off as criminal in spite of my innocent looking face of 42 years. Having completed the formalities rushed to occupy the room and then again ran out immediately to have a smoke out side the hotel to refill Nicotine. By this time stomach was burning with desire to have food and mind was searching for the taste of infamous Paharganj delicacy. After a few enquiry, located one Sardar run forty year old Hotel U-like in Chuna market adjacent to my hotel. Officially, I am supposed to be a vegetarian to shed flab as per unwritten mou with wife & family. But, the aroma of Non-Vegetarian food was filled in the Dhaba and was too much of a test of abstination. I gave in to my taste buds and ordered for Mutton Kimma Masala and Tangri Kabab with Butter Nan accompanied by cut Onions and mint chutney. The first connect of food with mouth sent a pleasant current of 440 volt inside the body and in a desire to eat fast, end up in burning the top roof inside the mouth. However, the experience was exhilarating and beyond words. After a good meal every smoker would be desperate to have a fag to relish the food little more. Did the same- Ditto after returning to the room lying down on the bed resting at the back and swirling the smoke, enjoying every bit of the experience while looking at the Cigarette packet with new graphic-Tobacco cause cancer and Kill. Wondering, if any guarantee of eternal life without smoking? Gone to bed with recent book of Chetan Bhagat Two States, on that page “while Annanya, the girl friend of Krish suddenly announcing break up with him for humiliation heaped on her parents by Kris’s mother”. Slept off thinking about poor Kris and her girl friend sadly being whipped up by their respective parents who otherwise, profess and claim limitless love for their own offspring but heaping misery on the love struck couple on the issue of North Indian vis-à-vis Tamilian? Why society is so much against Love? While Love is the bed rock for new creation of life and continuation of our civilization!

(To be continued)