**[txt. f01**]
0010F01 **<*3UNDERGROUND *LITERATURE *DURING *INDIAN *EMERGENCY*0**> $^Does a
0020F01 seat in *5Lok Sabha*6 require jettisoning of certain basic human
0030F01 qualities too? ^*I wish you would take up this issue in your party
0040F01 and withdraw all your members from the *5Lok Sabha*6. $^For obvious
0050F01 reasons, it is not possible for my party to_ take formal decisions
0060F01 or even positions on any issue. ^Almost the entire National Committee
0070F01 of my party is in prison, as are most members of States and
0080F01 districts Committee all over the country. ^Hardly any active Socialist
0090F01 is out, though a few seniors like *(0N.G.*) Goray and *(0S.M.*)
0100F01 Joshi have not been arrested. ^But that_ is not because of anything
0110F01 they have said or not done. (^That_ is a party of diabolical
0120F01 style of the dictator.) ^*I would, however, like to_ assure you that
0130F01 my party stands fully committed to all our mutual agreements. $^With
0140F01 greetings, $^From the underground $somewhere in India, May-2-1976
0150F01 $^*Com Jyoty Basu $^*Communist Party of India(Marxist) ^Yours
0160F01 sincerely, $0Sd/- George Fernandes ^*Chairman, Socialist Party
0170F01 $\0N.B. ^This letter was printed and circulated by sympathisers.
0180F01 ^It is printed here in its original form. ^No correction has been
0190F01 made. $*<*3^AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL*0*> $*<*3^*International Secretariat*0N
0200F01 $53 Theobald*'s Road $^*London *(0WCIX 8SP*) $^Telephone
0210F01 :01-4045831 $^Telegrams: Amnesty London $28 May 1976 $\Mr
0220F01 Sukumar Ghosh $^Acting Secretary $^*Socialist Party $^86A Lower
0230F01 Circular Road $^*Calcutta 700014, India $^Dear \0Mr Ghosh,
0240F01 $^*Amnesty International, as you may know, is a worldwide human
0250F01 rights organization which is independent of any government, political
0260F01 faction, ideology or religious creed. ^It works for the release
0270F01 of men and women who are imprisoned anywhere for their beliefs, colour,
0280F01 language, ethnic origin or religion provided that they have neither
0290F01 used nor advocated violence; these persons are termed "prisoners
0300F01 of conscience". $^We would very much like to_ be in touch with you concerning
0310F01 members of the Socialist Party who are imprisoned in West
0320F01 Bengal. ^If you know personally any Socialists who are in prison,
0330F01 we should be most grateful if you could supply us with details concerning
0340F01 the date of their arrest, the legislation under which they were
0350F01 arrested, their present place of detention, and some personal details,
0360F01 such as the names and addresses of their family or relatives.
0370F01 $^*I look forward to hearing from you. $^Yours sincerely, $^*Janet
0380F01 Hunting $^*Asia research department. $^From: Sukumar Ghosh, Acting
0390F01 Secretary, $^*Socialist Party West Bengal, $^86A, Acharya
0400F01 Jagadish Bose Road, $^*Calcutta- 700014-- West Bengal (INDIA)
0410F01 $^15th June, 1976 $^Dear \0Mr. Hunting, $^Thanks for your letter
0420F01 of 28.5.76. ^After promulgation of Emergency many Socialist
0430F01 cadres were arrested or offered *4Satyagraha.
0440F01 ^The *4Satyagrahis have been released after 8 months. $some prominent
0450F01 leaders are still detained, their details are given as follows:--
0460F01 $1.\0Prof. Samar Guha (56), a Member of the Parliament detained
0470F01 in Rohtak Jail in Haryana. ^A well known politician and educationist
0480F01 he fell ill 4 times during imprisonment. ^A cardiac patient
0490F01 as he is, imprisonment since June, 1975 is telling upon his health.
0500F01 ^His wife is also a political worker and has got a daughter of 14 years.
0510F01 ^Address: \0Mrs. Basana Guha, Central Park, Calcutta-32.
0520F01 $2. ^*Biman Mitra (55), Chairman, Socialist Party, West Bengal,
0530F01 48, Sambhu Babu Lane, Calcutta-14. ^Detained since June, 1975
0540F01 in Hooghly Jail 30 miles away from Calcutta. ^A patient of diabetis
0550F01 and low blood pressure. ^Denied all facilities due to political
0560F01 prisoner, no sufficient medical facility is available. $3. ^*Swaraj
0570F01 Bandhu Bhattacharya (55), Secretary, Socialist Party West Bengal.
0580F01 ^Detained since June, 1975. ^Received special honour for his contribution
0600F01 in the freedom struggle. ^Now in Burdwan Jail 80 miles from
0610F01 Calcutta. ^He is now kept in a condemned cell of 8*'6 x 4*'6 size denied
0620F01 movement within Jail, not allowed to_ see co-prisoners. ^Every
0630F01 morning he is awakened by armed guards who would undress him for a
0640F01 thorough search. ^His old mother aging **[sic**] 95 appeal to the PrimeMinister
0650F01 of India and Chief Minister of the State for proper redress
0660F01 against inhuman torture goes unreplied. ^Address: *(0K. B.*) Bhattacharyya,
0670F01 371/8, Asoke Nagar, *(0P.O.*) asoke Nagar, \0Dist.
0680F01 24-Parganas. $4. \0Prof Sandip Das (40). An important leader
0690F01 of Socialist Party detained since January, 1976 in Presidency Jail.
0700F01 ^He is now on hunger strike with some 60 other political prisioners
0710F01 for the last few days against the inhuman treatment of the Jail
0720F01 authority. ^Their grievances have not been taken into account. $5.
0730F01 ^*Ashoke Dasgupta (50). ^Detained since June, 1975. ^Now in Suri
0740F01 Jail, some 130 miles away from Calcutta. ^An employee of New India
0750F01 Assurance, is suspended for his imprisonment. $^All these prisoners
0760F01 are detained under Maintenace of Internal Security Act (\0MISA)
0770F01 under which no trial is executed. ^Several amendments have
0780F01 been made after Emergency, as a result none can question or challenge
0790F01 the legality of Government action. ^*Government is not liable to_
0800F01 show reasons for detainment, detention may continue for indefinite
0810F01 period without any trial. $^With respectful thanks, Yours sincerely,
0820F01 \0Sd/- $To $\0Mr. Janet Hunting, $Asia Research Department
0830F01 $Amnesty International $London. $(Sukumar Ghosh) \0Actt.
0840F01 Secretary, Socialist $Party, West Bengal. $*(0N.G.*) Goray
0850F01 $Editor, Janata 1813 Sadashive Peth, Pune 411030 $date 3-7-76
0860F01 $^Dear friend, $^Once again they have hit Janata hard, this time
0870F01 on the head. ^Last time the Government had told Janata*'s printers
0880F01 in Bombay not to_ print anything that_ came to them from Janata
0890F01 Office. ^So we approached the Bombay High Court for redress.
0900F01 ^That_ case is still to_ be decided. $^In the meanwhile we thought
0910F01 of having Janata printed in Sadhana Press, Pune. ^The welcome that_
0920F01 was extended to Janata on its reappearance was really heart-warming.
0930F01 ^*Janata had never believed in abusing the Government or the party
0940F01 in power but it did not believe in flattery either. ^Its credo has
0950F01 been fearless advocacy of truth and defence of the underdog. $^Evidently
0960F01 Indira's government was not amused. ^They wanted to_ silence
0970F01 the voice of Janata, which they have tried to_ do now by peremptorily
0980F01 laying down under \0D.I.R. that \0*4Shri *(0N.G.*) Goray,
0990F01 the editor and \0*4Shri *(0G.B.S.*) Choudhary, the publisher
1000F01 be "prohibited from making or publishing the said English Weekly
1010F01 Janata and also from using any press for the purpose aforesaid". $^And
1020F01 still our great Prime Minister wants us and the world to_ believe
1030F01 that in India the press is free. ^Can there be greater travesty
1040F01 of truth? ^On this occasion also we propose to_ approach the Court
1050F01 for redress, but we are not sure whether the Court under the new
1060F01 dispensation has the power to_ give us relief. $^So good-bye dear
1070F01 friend till Janata comes again to_ meet you-- may be in a new *4avatar.
1080F01 $Yours sincerely $Editor, Janata $*<*3George Fernandes to
1090F01 *(0J.P.*) $My dear Jayaprakashji, $^There are certain aspects of
1100F01 the present situation that_ have disturbed me and alarmed me. ^First,
1110F01 there is this orchestration of statements by many sundry leaders
1120F01 and some leader writers urging you to_ call off the movement. ^Second,
1130F01 one sees constant efforts by some busy-bodies to_ somehow or the
1140F01 other secure an invitation to_ sit across the table with \0Mrs. Gandhi.
1150F01 ^Third, there is a stubborn refusal to_ realise that Vinobha*'s
1160F01 first loyalty is to the Court and that he will never lift a little
1170F01 finger to_ help the fighters for freedom and democracy in the
1180F01 country. ^Fourth, there is reluctance to_ make an honest evaluation
1190F01 of the changes that_ have taken place in our body politic since \0Mrs.
1200F01 Gandhi turned dictator on June 26, 1975. ^Concomitant with all
1210F01 this is the delusion that \0Mrs. Gandhi is still not a dictator.
1220F01 ^A recent refrain from those who seek to_ have a dialogue is that the
1230F01 first task before \0JP and others is to_ secure the release of
1240F01 those in prisons. $^*I had hoped that this growing cacophony of normalisers
1250F01 is but only a manifestation of the frustration and despondency
1260F01 of some of the leaders and not one of those diabolical moves of
1270F01 the dictator to_ drive a wedge in the ranks of those opposed to her
1280F01 dictatorship, sow confusion among the masses and demoralise those
1290F01 who are uncompromising in their fight. ^This move to_ negotiate has,
1300F01 I believe, been motivated by a desire to_ prevent or in any case
1310F01 postpone the creation of a one party through merger of various parties
1320F01 of the opposition by presenting a new set of priorities. $^The
1330F01 frantic efforts that_ are being made, and a series of meetings that_
1340F01 have been arranged of opposition party leaders have confirmed my
1350F01 fears of a "sell-out". ^*I could not believe that any reasonable leader
1360F01 from any party could formally put down the kind of terms that_
1370F01 are reported to_ have been suggested as the basis for talks that_ are
1380F01 scheduled for the next few days. ^Neither the demand to_ revoke the
1390F01 Emergency nor for release for all political prisoners surprisingly
1400F01 is set for negotiations. ^Whatever the result of these talks, it would
1410F01 affect the already low morals and sagging determination of political
1420F01 workers and others who have been opposing the dictatorship. $^*I
1430F01 must say the opposition parties in India have neither learnt nor
1440F01 unlearnt anything since June 26, 1975. ^When will they realise that
1450F01 they are facing a woman who will never surrender power? ^Can they
1460F01 not see that if Nehru went about grooming his daughter in a subtle
1470F01 and sophisticated way to_ succeed him, the mother lacks even a modicum
1480F01 of shame while indulging in a crude and vulgar exercise to_ anoint
1490F01 her son as the successor? ^This is not to_ say that Nehru*'s
1500F01 method was commendable or was less dishonourable, but only to_ point
1510F01 out that like then so now the opposition refuses to_ understand the
1520F01 designs of the ruling clique. ^Over the years, opposition politics
1530F01 in India has been of reacting to the initiatives of the ruling party
1540F01 and of never taking the initiative on its own and make the ruling
1550F01 coterie run for its chairs. ^In the mid-sixties, \0Dr. Lohia took
1560F01 the initiative, united the opposition by dragging them literally by
1570F01 the scuff of their necks and routed the Congress in 1967. ^But since
1580F01 then, except for the initiative which the youth took in Gujarat
1590F01 and later in Bihar, there has already been no effort to_ confront
1600F01 the Congress by the opposition parties. ^The developments since June
1610F01 26, 1975 indicate that the opposition leaders lack not only in perspective
1620F01 but also in nerve. ^Or else how can anyone say that the primary
1630F01 task today is to_ secure the release of those in prisons? ^This
1640F01 is not the stuff that_ can oppose and overthrow a dictatorship; if
1650F01 anything this is the stuff that_ breeds and nourishes dictators. $^*I
1660F01 am aware of your own frustrations with the opposition leaders, and
1670F01 also of the kind of pressures they are building on you. ^But I want
1680F01 you to_ know that there are people who are committed to_ carry the
1690F01 fight against the dictatorship to the bitter end and for as long
1700F01 as is necessary. ^*I believe that there can be no compromise with
1701F01 the dictatorship. ^*I believe that there are certain issues which are
1710F01 simply non-negotiable. ^These are: Revocation of the Emergency
1720F01 and scrapping of (\0MISA); Release of all political prisoners
1730F01 and others held without trial; Freedom of the Press; independence
1740F01 of the judiciary; Immediate dissolution of the illegitimate *5Lok
1750F01 Sabha*6 and the holding of election after fulfilling certain preconditions
1760F01 to_ ensure a fair poll; and repeal of all Constitutional amendments
1770F01 adopted since June 26, 1975. $^*I know that \0Mrs. Gandhi
1780F01 will accept none of these terms. ^If she can accept these conditions
1790F01 now, she need not have, in the first place, usurped power and become
1800F01 a dictator. ^And it is not merely that it is impossible for her
1810F01 to_ reverse what she has done. ^With an opposition that_ does not
1820F01 show much will to_ fight, what is there for her to_ be worried, about?
1830F01 ^So what precisely do the "negotiators" want to_ "negotiate" about,
1840F01 even if they realise at this last moment to_ add to their demands
1850F01 for discussion at the negotiating table? $^Instead of spending their
1860F01 time drafting statements seeking negotiations with \0Mrs. Gandhi
1870F01 and being over enthusiastic at the prospect of talks on whatever terms,
1880F01 I with the opposition parties applied their collective mind to_
1890F01 build an effective movement among all sections of our people to_
1900F01 resist the dictatorship.*#
        **[no. of words = 02025**]

        **[txt. f02**]
0010F02 **<*3Namibia: Challenge to the United Nations**> $*<*3Appeal to
0020F02 the Friends of South Africa*> $^The attitudes of the South
0030F02 African Government was unquestionably one of utter defiance of,
0040F02 and non-cooperation with, the United Nations in finding a just and peaceful
0050F02 solution to the problem of South West Africa. ^Almost the
0060F02 whole world was seemingly ranged against her. ^In fact, no state was
0070F02 supporting her apartheid policies in South Africa or in South
0080F02 West Africa, and also no state was justifying the continuation of
0090F02 her administration of South-West Africa. ^Yet that_ Government
0100F02 was not feeling any diffculty in defying scores of the United Nations*'
0110F02 resolutions adopted till then. ^Such a defiance of almost the
0120F02 entire world by any state, in modern times, is possible with, and
0130F02 impossible without, the tacit support of some big powers. ^If these
0140F02 powers could be persuaded to_ exercise their influence upon the
0150F02 South African Government, a reversal in the attitude of that_ government
0160F02 \0vis-a-vis the problem of South West Africa could be expected.
0170F02 ^It was on these lines that most Member States had started
0180F02 thinking, and their thinking is reflected in Resolution 1593 (*=15)
0190F02 of 16 March 1961 which, *8inter ailia*9, urged the close friends of
0200F02 South Africa Government to_ $bring as a matter of urgency all
0210F02 their influence to_ bear on that_ Government with a view to ensuring
0220F02 that it shall adjust its conduct to its obligations under the
0230F02 Charter of the United Nations and shall give effect to the resolution
0240F02 adopted by the General Assembly. $^The Western powers who
0250F02 are the "close friends" of South Africa did not seem to_ have taken
0260F02 any positive step in pursuance of the above Resolution, otherwise
0270F02 the stalemate in the problem of South-West Africa would have been
0280F02 broken long ago. $*<*3Efforts for a Limited Trade Embargo*>
0290F02 $^Having thus far failed to_ secure any solution to the problem
0300F02 of South West Africa through persuasion and negotiation, the General
0310F02 Assembly, in the year 1963, switched over to a policy of putting
0320F02 some stronger pressures upon the South African Government
0330F02 so that she might be compelled to_ yield at last. ^Realizing that
0340F02 South Africa was deficient in respect of certain indispensable
0350F02 commodities like petroleum and petroleum products which she was compelled
0360F02 to_ import from abroad at a considerable cost, Member States
0370F02 who had sponsored Resolution 1899 (*=18) in the General Assembly
0380F02 thought-- and rightly so-- that if the imports of those commodities
0390F02 could be stopped, South Africa might not be able to_ offer resistance
0400F02 for a long time. ^This was, indeed, a great 'if', for hardly
0410F02 any country at that_ time seemed to_ be prepared to_ incur financial
0420F02 loss as a result of the stoppage of exports by it to South Africa.
0430F02 $^Any way, Resolution 1899 (*=18) called upon Member States
0440F02 to_ refrain from supplying arms and other military equipment, petroleum
0450F02 and petroleum products to South Africa for which it depended
0460F02 almost entirely on imports. ^Obviously the intention of the General
0470F02 Assembly was to_ have a limited trade embargo imposed on South
0480F02 Africa in order to_ force it to_ change its policy and attitude
0490F02 in relation to the problem of South West Africa. ^In this connection
0500F02 it may be appropriately mentioned at this stage that just one
0510F02 year before, the General Assembly had already requested Member
0520F02 States to_ impose diplomatic and economic boycott of South Africa
0530F02 vide Resolution 1761 (*=17) adopted by it on the report of the
0540F02 Special Political Committee. ^Para 4 of this Resolution had asked
0550F02 Member States to_ take the following measures, separately or
0560F02 collectively, in conformity with the Charter to_ bring about the
0570F02 abandonment of apartheid policies of the South African Government:
0580F02 $(**=1) breaking off diplomatic relations with the Government
0590F02 of the Republic of South Africa or refraining from establishing
0600F02 such relations; $(**=2) closing their ports to all vessels flying South
0610F02 African flag; $(**=3) enacting legislation prohibiting their ships
0620F02 from entering South African ports; $(**=4) boycotting all South
0630F02 African goods and refraining from exporting goods, including all
0640F02 arms and ammunition, to South Africa; $(**=5) refusing landing
0650F02 and passage facilities to all aircrafts belonging to the Government
0660F02 of South Africa and companies registered under the laws of South
0670F02 Africa. $^This meant stopping of trade with South Africa in respect
0680F02 of all the commodities since no particular commodity was mentioned
0690F02 in the foregoing Resolution. ^Therefore, when one resolution
0700F02 had already called for the stoppage of all import and export trade with
0710F02 South Africa without any exception by all Member States, there
0720F02 seemed to_ be no need to_ issue a special appeal vide para 7 (a)
0730F02 and (b) of Resolution 1899 (*=18) to Member States to_ stop trade
0740F02 with South Africa in respect of a limited number of commodities
0750F02 such as petroleum, petroleum products, arms and ammunition only, while
0760F02 leaving out other commodities. ^Better course would have been for
0770F02 the General Assembly to_ reiterate the above quoted provisions of
0780F02 para 4 of Resolution 1761 (*=17) in toto in Resolution 1899 (*=18)
0790F02 dealing with the problem of South West Africa. ^The problem of
0800F02 South West Africa was not proving less formidable than the problem
0810F02 of apartheid in South Africa and the record of defiance of the
0820F02 United Nations by the South African Government was not less formidable
0830F02 in respect of one problem than it was in respect of the other.
0840F02 ^Therefore, it would have been more appropriate if the General
0850F02 Assembly had favoured a comprehensive trade boycott of South Africa
0860F02 by all States as already approved by the General Assembly
0870F02 vide Resolution 1761 (*=17) adopted in respect of the apartheid problem
0880F02 and not a limited one covering only four commodities-- petroleum,
0890F02 petroleum products, arms and ammunition-- as was done vide
0900F02 para 7 of Resolution 1899 (*=18) adopted in respect of the problem of
0910F02 South-West Africa. $^When Clause 7 (b) of Resolution 1899 (*=18)
0920F02 providing for sanctions in respect of four commodities only was
0930F02 voted upon in the Fourth Committee, there were fourteen states which
0940F02 had voted against it and there were 18 abstentions. ^The fourteen
0950F02 states included the parent-countries of all the world*'s major oil
0960F02 companies, the United States being one of them. ^The opposition
0970F02 of this clause by such a large number of States indicated that not
0980F02 only most of the big powers but also smaller ones were opposed to
0990F02 an oil and arms embargo at that_ stage. ^Besides South Africa*'s
1000F02 traditional friends, Iran which possesses enormous quantities of
1010F02 oil also voted against this clause though it voted for the resolution
1020F02 as a whole. ^The United States*' companies controlled about 58
1030F02 per cent of the world oil production with the result that even if
1040F02 all other sources of oil were denied to South Africa, about 58 per
1050F02 cent source of oil supply would still remain open to her. ^Similarly,
1060F02 the British and British-Dutch companies controlled 16.3 per
1070F02 cent of oil supplies of the world. ^Refusal of the United Kingdom
1080F02 to_ accept para 7 (b) of Resolution 1899 (*=18) implied that this
1090F02 source of oil would also remain open to South Africa. ^*Austria
1100F02 and Japan also controlled a small per cent of the source of oil supplies
1110F02 and they too did not approve of oil embargo envisaged in para
1120F02 7 (b) of Resolution 1899 (*=18), which is evident from their abstentions
1130F02 on this particular paragraph. $^The United States Govenment
1140F02 informed the Secretary-General that in her view the situation
1150F02 in South-West Africa did not at that_ time justify the use of such
1160F02 measures under the terms of the United Nations*' Charter.
1170F02 ^The Canadian Government also informed the Secretary-General that
1180F02 the imposition of sanctions of the kind envisaged in para 7 (b)
1190F02 of Resolution 1899 (*=18) was the primary responsibility of the Security
1200F02 Council. $^Although the Resolution as a whole including para
1210F02 7 (b) was finally adopted by the Fourth Committee and later by
1220F02 the General Assembly, its underlying purpose was defeated on the floor
1230F02 of the Fourth Committee itself since all the major oil-produccing
1240F02 countries had refused to_ lend their support. ^The Resolution
1250F02 was, thereafter, no more than of historical or academic interest.
1260F02 $*<*3Role of Foreign Companies Condemned*> $\0^*Rev. Michael Scott,
1270F02 appearing before the Fourth Committee, made a request that the
1280F02 United Nations should conduct a thorough investigation into the
1290F02 real and active forces which for 17 years had prevented a solution
1300F02 of the problem of South West Africa, despite all the warnings given
1310F02 and the conclusions reached by several United Nations*' organs. ^In
1320F02 particular, he wanted that an enquiry should be made into the way
1330F02 in which the foreign companies, specially the mining companies operated
1340F02 in South-West Africa and the influence that they exercised. $^Accordingly,
1350F02 the General Assembly requested the Special Committee
1360F02 on the situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration
1370F02 on the Granting of Independence to colonial countries and
1380F02 Peoples (also briefly called as Special Committee of 24), vide
1390F02 Resolution 1899 (*=18), to_ consider the implications of the activities
1400F02 of the mining industry and other international companies having
1410F01 interests in South-West Africa in order to_ assess their economic
1420F02 and political influence and their mode of operation. $^The Special
1430F02 Committee of 24, in its report to the General Assembly,
1440F02 stated that the foreign capital occupied a dominant position in the
1460F02 economy of South-West Africa, that the main sectors of production
1470F02 were controlled by foreign enterprises or by settlers of European
1480F02 descent who were mainly from the Republic of South Africa and that
1490F02 the mining and other industries of the Territory were entirely
1500F02 owned and managed by foreign companies or individuals of European
1510F02 origin. ^The Special Committee of 24 also pointed out that an extremely
1520F02 small proportion of the profits from those industries accrued
1530F02 to the Africans who comprised 86 per cent of the population, and
1540F02 an overwhelming proportion of the profits went to the United Kingdom,
1550F02 the United States and South Africa and also to some other countries
1560F02 which had invested their capital in South West Africa.
1570F02 ^The committee also pointed out that the exploitation of the resources
1580F02 of the country was taking place at such a rapid pace 'that the country
1590F02 runs the risk of finding itself, in no distant future, without the
1600F02 raw materials which now provide the main support for the money economy'.
1610F02 $^The conclusions of the Special Committee of 24 were that
1620F02 the desire of the South African Government to_ annex South West
1630F02 Africa was directly connected with the activities of international
1640F02 companies which were interested in keeping the Territory as a field
1650F02 for their capital and a source of raw material and cheap labour.
1660F02 ^Continuing, the Report said that foreign companies operating
1670F02 in South-West Africa, motivated by high profits rather than
1680F02 the development of the Territory and its people, shared South Africa*'s
1690F02 interest in perpetuating the existing system of administration
1700F02 as long as possible. ^In the view of the Committee it was precisely
1710F02 from those Member States whose nationals owned companies and
1720F02 had financial interests in the Territory that the Republic of South
1730F02 Africa derived its main support which encouraged its continued
1740F02 non-compliance with the Charter and the numerous resolutions of the
1750F02 United Nations concerning the question of South-West Africa.
1760F02 ^Finally, the special Committee of 24 concluded that the activities
1770F02 of the international companies in South West Africa constituted
1780F02 one of the main obstacles to the country*'s development towards
1790F02 independence. $^*Member States of the General Assembly, during
1800F02 the debate following the report of the Special Committee, were critical
1810F02 of the role of the big powers in the suppression of the legitimate
1820F02 rights and aspirations of the people of South-West Africa
1830F02 by the South African Government. ^The western states, as expected,
1840F02 put up a strong defence of their position. ^The attitude of the United
1850F02 States was symbolic of the attitude of western powers. ^Describing
1860F02 the conclusions of the Special Committee as 'a largely unfounded
1870F02 series of condemnations of gratuitous calls for action which
1880F02 at times became undisguised propaganda attacks on the United States
1890F02 and the United Kingdom', the United States delegate said that
1900F02 his Government had no power to_ dictate to American companies
1910F02 what investment policy they should pursue. ^This naturally implied
1920F02 that the United States was not prepared to_ impose necessary
1930F02 restrictions on the activites of its companies and firms operating
1940F02 in South-West Africa. ^The United Kingdom delegate also said that
1950F02 the interests concerned were privately owned and that his Government
1960F02 had no direct control over them.*#
        **[no. of words = 02043**]

        **[txt. f03**]
0010F03 **<*3Politics of Peace and \0UN General Assembly**> $^If the force
0020F03 is to_ come into being with all the speed indispensable to its
0030F03 success, a margin of confidence must be left to those who will carry
0040F03 the responsibility for putting the decisions of the General Assembly
0050F03 into effect. $^The idea of such a force was not wholly new to
0060F03 the United Nations. ^The first Secretary-General, Trygve Lie,
0070F03 had put forward a proposal for the establishment of a \0UN guard
0080F03 force in the early years of the Organization. ^The plan, however,
0090F03 fell through. ^The idea that the United Nations should act through
0100F03 an international force was originally mooted by Sir Anthony Eden
0110F03 in his speech before Parliament on 1 November 1956. ^But the developed
0120F03 form of the idea came largely from Lester Pearson of Canada
0130F03 and was formulated by Hammarskjold and formally approved by the
0140F03 Assembly. ^Only three days after the passage of the resolution authorizing
0150F03 the formation of the United Nations Emergency Force
0160F03 (\0UNEF), the first contingent of troops arrived at the staging
0170F03 airfield in Italy. ^They awaited only the consent of the Egyptian
0180F03 Government to_ enter Egypt. ^On 15 november the first \0UN troops
0190F03 landed in Egypt. ^A unit of these, which had formed part of
0200F03 the \0UNTSO, had been in Egypt earlier still. ^The Secretary-General
0210F03 was the chief architect of the force and was also the chief
0220F03 administrative and executive officer. ^It was under his supervision
0230F03 that the vague idea of a \0UN force became the reality of a force
0240F03 operating in the field. $^It was a unique organization in the history
0250F03 of peace-keeping activities. ^It was also certainly an improvement
0260F03 upon the \0UN force sent to Korea. ^The \0UN force in
0270F03 Korea was a force organized and controlled by the United States
0280F03 and its allies under the banner of the United Nations. $^The \0UN
0290F03 force in Egypt, however, was not without precedent. ^The predecessor
0300F03 of the United Nations, the League of Nations, had also sent an
0310F03 international police force to_ supervise a plebiscite in the Saar
0320F03 in 1935. ^It was an unprecedented and yet successful experiment, and the
0330F03 secret of its success was the character and impartiality of the
0340F03 force. ^It was a peace force, not a fighting force. ^The League Council
0350F03 "entrusted to it, simply, the function of performing police duties.
0360F03 ^The Saar experience solidly fixed the doctrine of the interdependence
0370F03 of impartiality, consent, and non-coercion". ^Hence the Saar
0380F03 Police Force can be regarded as the forerunner of the \0UNEF.
0390F03 $^The \0UNEF went to Egypt to_ put an end to aggression and
0400F03 to_ facilitate the withdrawal of the invading forces from Egyptian territory.
0410F03 ^It was not there either as an occupation force nor as a force
0420F03 charged with the task of clearing the canal of obstructions or of resolving
0430F03 any question or of solving any problem, whether in relation to the Suez
0440F03 Canal or Palestine or any other matter. ^It was there to_ police
0450F03 the border between Israel and Egypt, from the side of Egypt. ^It gave
0460F03 an opportunity to the parties concerned to_ solve the dispute through
0470F03 peaceful methods, and it succeeded considerably in its objective of maintaining
0480F03 quiet between the two hostile neighbours. ^The \0UNEF
0490F03 was thus an insurance against any resumption of trouble and a good
0500F03 deterrent against trouble. $*<*3Constitutionality of the \0UNEF*>
0510F03 $^The \0UNEF was hailed as a new and unique instrument
0520F03 in the peace-keeping devices of the United Nations. ^It was a paramilitary
0530F03 force, and as such it was something more than an observer
0540F03 group but less than a military force with military objectives and
0550F03 methods. ^It undertook responsibilities not explicitly stated in Chapter
0560F03 *=7 of the Charter. ^Thus the experience from Korea to the
0570F03 Congo and even Cyprus provides a reliable code of reference. ^The
0580F03 Soviet bloc, however, challenged the constitutionality of the
0590F03 \0UNEF and levelled a series of objections as enumerated below:
0600F03 $1. ^The resolutions under which the force was created or operated
0610F03 did not refer by way of justification to any specific Article of the
0620F03 Charter. $2. ^The introduction of this international force into
0630F03 Egyptian territory means taking the canal away from Egyptian control.
0640F03 ^This was indeed the main object of France and the United Kingdom.
0650F03 ^The force might well turn into an occupation force in course of
0660F03 time. ^That_ was why it was termed an "enforcement action" within
0670F03 the meaning of the Charter. $3. ^The intention of the framers of the Charter
0680F03 was that every kind of enforcement action should be undertaken
0690F03 only under the provisions of Articles 39 and 43 of the Charter
0700F03 and the special agreements made by the Security Council under the
0710F03 terms and conditions of the said Articles. $4. ^Articles 10 to 14
0720F03 and 22 could not provide a legal basis for the \0UNEF, and they
0730F03 should be read in conjunction with Chapter *=7, which made all
0740F03 military action the exclusive prerogative of the Security Council.
0750F03 $^The Soviet representative stated that it was only because Egypt
0760F03 had given its consent to the stationing of the \0UNEF on its
0770F03 soil that his country was abstaining from the vote. ^Or else it would
0780F03 have been voting against the creation of the \0UNEF, for the
0790F03 whole field was outside the competence of the General Assembly.
0800F03 ^The authority of the Assembly was limited to discussions, considerations,
0810F03 and recommendations. $^On the contrary, according to majority
0820F03 opinion the General Assembly was constitutionally within its rights
0830F03 in the creation of the \0UNEF. ^The arguments ran as follows:
0840F03 $^The \0UNEF was an organ established by the General Assembly,
0850F03 and its existence and operations depended upon the "consent" not
0860F03 only of the host state but also of those states which had sent contingents
0870F03 of troops to_ make up the force. ^To take enforcement
0880F03 action against a state might be the exclusive prerogative of the Security
0890F03 Council, but the \0UNEF was concerned only with "policing
0900F03 action" based on the "consent" of the host state and of the states
0910F03 contributing troops. $^In discussing the legal foundation of the
0920F03 \0UNEF, the Secretary-General, Hammarskjold, had referred
0930F03 most frequently to Article 22 of the Charter. ^For example, in an
0940F03 agreement concluded with Egypt in February 1957 on the status of
0950F03 the \0UNEF, the force had been referred to as an organ established
0960F03 in accordance with Article 22 of the Charter. ^The regulations
0970F03 of the force (\0ST/ \0SGB/ \0UNEF/ 1) affirm its character
0980F03 as a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly. ^The Assembly wanted
0990F03 the force to_ be only a temporary phenomenon. ^The force was
1000F03 to_ be wound up as soon as the emergency was over. ^The legal basis
1010F03 of the force and the tasks to_ be performed were matters to_ be
1020F03 defined only by the Assembly. ^Article 22 specifically permitted
1030F03 the General Assembly to_ establish such subsidiary organs as it
1040F03 deemed necessary for the performance of its functions. ^The General
1050F03 Assembly had already more than a hundred subsidiary organs of various
1060F03 kinds under this provision. ^Whether the \0UNEF was just an expanded
1070F03 observer group or a paramilitary force, it did not so differ
1080F03 from other subsidiary organs as to_ be beyond the pale of the authority
1090F03 of the General Assembly. ^On the other hand, there was no
1100F03 other Article in the Charter expressly permitting the General Assembly
1110F03 to_ create a "military" or even a "paramilitary" force for
1120F03 the purpose of maintaining international peace and security. $^The
1130F03 Secretary General often invoked the "Uniting for Peace" resolution
1140F03 also as a source of authority for the creation of the \0UNEF
1150F03 and emphatically referred to the fact that the force would function
1160F03 "on the basis of a decision reached under the terms of the resolution
1170F03 377 (*=5) Uniting for Peace... without elaborating their relationship".
1180F03 ^The "Uniting for Peace" resolution, in both sections "A"
1190F03 and "C", envisaged use of armed force against an aggressor. ^Although
1200F03 the \0UNEF was not established for the purpose of dealing
1210F03 militarily with an aggressor, its validity might be assumed on the
1220F03 premise that the "right to_ establish such a smaller force was implicit
1230F03 in the right to_ establish a more ambitious force". ^In a
1240F03 similar situation, the Council of the League of Nations, though
1250F03 bound primarily to_ use economic sanctions in dealing with aggression,
1260F03 did have the power, indeed the "duty", under Article 16, paragraph
1270F03 2, to_ recommend to the several Governments concerned the size
1280F03 and character of the forces they should severally contribute for
1290F03 any action it intended to_ take in protecting its covenants. $^*Articles
1300F03 10, 11, and 14 of the Charter gave the General Assembly
1310F03 broad powers of discussion, consideration, and recommendation with
1320F03 regard to any question within the scope of the Charter and relating
1330F03 to the maintenance of international peace and security. ^The General
1340F03 Assembly, therefore, might establish *8ad hoc*9 forces on the
1350F03 basis of the authority derived from Article 11, paragraph 1 of the
1360F03 Charter, which empowered the General Assembly: $...to_ consider
1370F03 the general principles of co-operation in the maintenance of international
1380F03 peace and security and to_ make recommendations with respect
1390F03 to such principles to the members or to the Security Council or
1400F03 both. $^Not all the powers of the United Nations were explicitly
1410F03 spelt out in the Charter. ^Some of the powers were only implicit
1420F03 in the Charter. ^That they existed was clear from the fact that without
1430F03 them the United Nations would not be able to_ perform its duties.
1440F03 $^The International Court of Justice examined the validity
1450F03 of \0GA Resolution 1000 (\0ES-1), which established the \0UNEF.
1460F03 ^The first paragraph of the said resolution stated that the object
1470F03 of the force was "to_ secure and supervise the cessation of hostilities"
1480F03 in accordance with the terms of \0GA Resolution 997 (\0ES-1).
1490F03 ^The word *1secure might imply "enforcement action", but such
1500F03 a construction would not be valid in the light of the reference,
1510F03 further on, to "consulting" the "nations concerned". ^The Court, therefore,
1520F03 decided that the "action" of Article 11(2) did not refer
1530F03 to "enforcement action" and that the action taken by the General
1540F03 Assembly constituted "measures" within the meaning of Article 14.
1550F03 ^The court thus endorsed the constitutional basis of the \0UNEF.
1560F03 ^Significantly it did not regard Article 11(2) as the constitutional
1570F03 basis of the force. ^Nor did it rest the constitutionality of
1580F03 the \0UNEF on the "Uniting for Peace" resolution of 3 November
1590F03 1950. $^In establishing the \0UNEF, the Charter laid down
1600F03 two distinct procedures: (1) conciliation procedure for pacific settlement
1610F03 of disputes, and (2) collective action under Chapter *=7,
1620F03 which was a function of the Security Council. ^If collective action
1630F03 should prove impossible because of a veto in the Security Council,
1640F03 then, under the "Uniting for Peace" resolution the matter would
1650F03 stand transferred to the General Assembly, where it would be
1660F03 subject to the counciliation procedure of Chapter *=6. ^The General
1670F03 Assembly could authorize the use of force only in cases of individual
1680F03 or collective self-defence. ^Apart from such authorizations for self-defence,
1690F03 the General Assembly could not take any decision involving
1700F03 the use of force or order any collective measures, because, under
1710F03 chapter *=7, to_ do so was a function of the Security Council.
1720F03 $^One may, thus, conclude that the \0UNEF represented a practical
1730F03 effort to_ achieve the aims and objects of the United Nations.
1740F03 ^The validity of its establishment was inherent in its functions,
1750F03 as well as in its mandate, which was unchallengeable. ^The responsibility
1760F03 of the Security Council in the matter of maintaining international
1770F03 peace and security was "primary", not "exclusive". ^Thus, in
1780F03 the creation of the \0UNEF the General Assembly utilized its
1790F03 broad powers under Articles 10, 11, and 14 to_ discharge a "residual
1800F03 responsibility" that_ had devolved upon it in consequence of the
1810F03 failure of the Security Council to_ act. $*<*3^*Withdrawal of the
1820F03 \0UNEF and the General Assembly*> $^From 1956 to 1967 both parties
1830F03 were continually preparing for war. ^In spite of efforts by the
1840F03 United Nations and diplomatic activities outside the United Nations
1850F03 tensions mounted day by day. ^On 18 May 1967, in view of the
1860F03 possibility of a war with Israel, President Nasser demanded the withdrawal
1870F03 of the \0UNEF from Egypt. ^He then sent his troops to_
1880F03 occupy the area that_ the \0UNEF would be vacating. ^When the
1890F03 Secretary-General was informed of the decision of the \0UAR Government,
1900F03 he consulted the permanent representatives of the seven states
1910F03 which had contributed contingents of troops for the formation of the
1920F03 \0UNEF.*#
        **[no. of wordds = 02044**]

        **[txt. f04**]
0010F04 **<*3The Nehru Epoch: From Democracy to Monocracy**>
0020F04 ^Of course, as Patel, who
0030F04 had already left Wardha, was not my informant, I am not in a position
0040F04 to_ say whether the editor of the *3Hindu or my informant had
0050F04 received the correct report. ^However, in view of Nehru*'s anti-axis
0060F04 attitude, his speeches after the failure of the Cripps mission, and
0070F04 in the absence of more reliable information, it would perhaps be
0080F04 better to_ hold that at the time Nehru was not in favour of the resignations
0090F04 of Congress ministries. $^Although Nehru*'s attitude towards
0100F04 Gandhi*'s stand in regard to our freedom struggle after the
0110F04 failure of the Crips mission made me strongly critical of him, still
0120F04 after resumption of ministerial offices by the Congress in 1946
0130F04 I continued to_ write to him on various administrative matters.
0140F04 ^*I have been a lifelong supporter of Hindi but have always held
0150F04 that a conciliatory attitude rather than fanaticism would pay us better
0160F04 in the long run. ^*I sent a copy of a speech I had delivered
0170F04 on this controversial subject to Nehru and on receipt of it, on 25
0180F04 March 1949, he wrote to me, "I am inclined to_ agree with you that
0190F04 the difference of opinion on this issue is not so great as some
0200F04 people imagine. ^There is, I believe, a certain difference in approach
0210F04 and perhaps in the ultimate ideal. ^But factually the difference
0220F04 is very little and should be easily capable of adjustment. $"^*I
0230F04 have been rather surprised and distressed at the usual attitude
0240F04 taken up by strong advocates of Hindi. ^In fact they have rather spoiled
0250F04 a very good case by overemphasis and aggressive language. ^Personally
0260F04 I am quite clear that if our language is to_ grow, we must
0270F04 not put it in a strait-jacket and allow it to_ develop according
0280F04 to its genius." $^Another controversial subject, on which I found
0290F04 myself in agreement with him, was prohibition. ^Since it still continues
0300F04 to_ be hotly debated I am giving here the correspondence that
0310F04 had passed between us. ^On 10 December 1950 I wrote to Nehru
0320F04 giving detailed information about the precarious financial position
0330F04 of my state and then said, "^Prohibition was introduced in the Central
0340F04 Provinces in 1938 and the area under it has been progressively
0350F04 increased, with the result that at present eight large districts
0360F04 involving an area of 39,643 square miles, are under prohibition. ^This
0370F04 means a little less than half the state. ^Whether prohibition has
0380F04 yielded any substantial results is very doubtful. ^It is true that
0390F04 open drinking in the dry areas has been almost eliminated; but the
0400F04 testimony of many a competent observer has it that there has been
0410F04 no real decrease in drinking and, on the contrary, it has assumed more
0420F04 dangerous and insidious forms. ^Despite every method to_ suppress
0430F04 illegal distillation and smuggling, there appears to_ be no fall
0440F04 in the number of such cases, and it can be safely premised that the
0450F04 cases detected constitute but a small fraction of the total number
0460F04 offences of this kind. ^Illicit liquor is more harmful to the human
0470F04 system and is commanding vary high prices with the result that the
0480F04 people are paying enormously more for more deleterious stuff. ^There
0490F04 have been also cases of the craving for liquor-drink finding an outlet
0500F04 in other injurious potions such as methylated spirits. ^The increase
0510F04 in crimes against prohibition is also responsible to a large
0520F04 extent for disregard of, and contempt for, law, increase in *4goondaism
0530F04 and other forms of crime. ^The effect of prohibition on inflation
0540F04 needs no emphasis. $"^It is diffcult to_ make an estimate of the
0550F04 real loss of revenue as a result of prohibition of liquor. ^The budget
0560F04 estimate from country spirit during 1950-51 is 156 *4lakhs ^The
0570F04 districts under prohibition include big towns and populous areas
0580F04 and it is not unreasonable to_ estimate that the loss of revenue due
0590F04 to prohibition is of the same range. $"^Thus, though the state
0600F04 is losing very substantial revenue, which it could use for objects
0610F04 of public utility and amelioration of the condition of the people,
0620F04 the consumer is paying through the nose for more unwholesome stuff,
0630F04 and it is only the illicit distiller and the bootlegger who benefit.
0640F04 $"^It appears, therefore, that in our desire to_ reform the people
0650F04 by legislation and purge the country of the evil of drink, we have
0660F04 been too precipitious and have followed the wrong path. ^*I am as
0670F04 firmly opposed as ever to the evil of drink; but it seems to me that
0680F04 we should be prepared to_ re-examine and reconsider the policy
0690F04 which has inflicted such serious injury to the consumer and the state,
0700F04 but has nevertheless proved unsuccessful. ^*I feel that honest
0710F04 and wise administration demands that if a wrong step has been taken
0720F04 one should have the courage to_ retrace it. ^It seems to me, therefore,
0730F04 that the only method of retrieving to some extent the economic
0740F04 situation at the present juncture is to_ scrap the policy of prohibition
0750F04 as followed so far and, if necessary, to_ substitute it with the
0760F04 more rational policy of rationing, wherever conditions are propitious
0770F04 for it. ^In pursuance of our policy of prohibition, we should, in
0780F04 addition to this, continue education and mobilization of public opinion
0790F04 and raising the standard of living and culture. ^It is only thus
0800F04 that the drink-evil can be successfully combated in due course.
0810F04 $"^*I have come to this conclusion after a most anxious and careful
0820F04 consideration, but before I make any move in the matter, and even
0830F04 consult my colleagues, I should like to_ know what your reactions
0840F04 and views are. ^*I know you are busy, but I should be most grateful
0850F04 for an early reply." $^On 30 December he replied,"^Your letter is
0860F04 a cogent argument for going back on the policy of prohibition. ^More
0870F04 than two years ago I advised strongly against extending prohibition
0880F04 in Bombay and Madras. ^My advice was ignored. ^*I am quite clear
0890F04 that introducing prohibition in the way it was done was an unwise
0900F04 step. ^Financially, of course, this was so. ^But we cannot make
0910F04 finance the final consideration in a matter of social morals. ^However,
0920F04 sometimes we have to_ balance even social morals. ^Thus, for
0930F04 instance, I think bad housing, or no housing at all, is a greater evil
0940F04 for the community than even drink. ^If the money from excise was
0950F04 used for two or three years for good housing, it would have improved
0960F04 social conditions much more than any attempt to_ stop the drink
0970F04 habit by law. $"^But, apart from this, I do not think that this
0980F04 kind of legislation stops the drink habit. ^You have yourself given
0990F04 reasons for this. ^We know, to our cost, that illicit distillation
1000F04 is going on all over the place. $"^*I am therefore,entirely at one
1010F04 with you that we should reconsider our policy of prohibition for a
1020F04 variety of reasons. ^Among these reasons is to_ deal more effectively
1030F04 with the drink habit. ^The only thing to_ be considered is the manner
1040F04 of proceeding in this matter. ^Any attempt to_ scrap prohibition
1050F04 completely would undoubtedly lead to a public outcry from many
1060F04 Congressmen and the like. ^Therefore, this change of policy should
1070F04 be a well thought out one with some kind of an alternative offered.
1080F04 $"^In England and in some other countries of Europe, even in wartime,
1090F04 drinking has become much less than it used to_ be. ^This is due
1100F04 to a number of causes, one of them being that alcoholic drinks are
1110F04 far more expensive. ^Also it is not considered good form to_ drink
1120F04 too much that_ is, public opinion does not approve of it. ^Nevertheless,
1130F04 the revenue from the drinks has gone up tremendously. ^Both alcoholic
1140F04 drinks and cigarettes, cigars and tobacco are taxed terribly
1150F04 heavily. ^Indeed, many people have had to_ give up smoking because they
1160F04 cannot afford it. ^You will be surprised to_ know the revenue from
1170F04 duties on alcoholic drinks and cigaretters, tobacco, \0etc., in England,
1180F04 this amounts to about *+900 million, \0i.e. about three or four
1190F04 times our total central revenue. ^Indeed, England would have collapsed
1200F04 but for this source of revenue. $"^*I am, therefore, quite
1210F04 agreeable to any step that_ you might take as indicated in your letter.
1220F04 ^*I might inform you that I am dealing with this question in a
1230F04 broad way in my fortnightly letter this week." $^In the same year,
1240F04 1951, in my reply to one of his letters I raised a couple of administrative
1250F04 points. ^My letter, which was this time written in Hindi,
1260F04 began with a complaint,"^Some of us in the states have come to_ hold
1270F04 the view that you always make us hear what you have to_ say but
1280F04 never give us an opportunity to_ have our say. ^Whenever you come
1290F04 to us we receive you at the aerodrome and after a couple of days bring
1300F04 you back to it. ^During the interval your whole time is spent in
1310F04 addressing meetings \0etc. ^You never ask us about our administrative
1320F04 problems and offer advice to us about their solution. ^We have,
1330F04 therefore, begun to_ call you *4Akashvani which we can listen to but
1340F04 which cannot listen to us. ^*Delhi has been, as the saying goes, far
1350F04 off, but you have become even more distant." $^In this very letter
1360F04 I drew his attention to increasing *4goondaism in our cities and
1370F04 towns and to the entry of these *4goondas in our political organizations,
1380F04 including the Congress, with the result that the dividing line
1390F04 between politics and crime was gradually getting obliterated. ^Later
1400F04 on, when I met him in Delhi and asked him whether he had received
1410F04 my letter he laughed and said, "*5^Ji Janab, wahi Akashwani
1411F04 walla khat na*6 (^Yes sir, you mean your *4Akashvani letter?)"
1420F04 $^In view of the concentration of huge areas of *4raiyatwari land in
1430F04 the hands of a few individuals in Berar, the \0MP government decided
1440F04 to_ limit the acreage under personal cultivation but our law
1450F04 secretary held the view that our proposal was repugnant to Article
1460F04 19(**=1)(F) of the Constitution. ^*I then wrote to the Prime Minister
1470F04 on 29 April 1951 requesting him to_ get Articles 19 and 31
1480F04 of the Constitution amended to_ enable us to_ get over the objections.
1490F04 ^*I personally went to Delhi to_ place our point of view before
1500F04 the central cabinet. ^*Nehru was sympathetic but *(0C.*) Rajagopalachari
1510F04 strongly opposed our proposal and we were forced to_ drop
1520F04 it for the time being. $^Even after I left the Congress, I continued
1530F04 to_ write to him. ^*I have already referred to my letter regarding
1540F04 the formation of the new Madhya Pradesh. ^On 4 January 1954,
1550F04 he was to_ come to Nagpur. ^Before his arrival I was approached
1560F04 by *(0S. N.*) Mehta, an \0ICS officer of the state already referred
1570F04 to earlier, who told me that Chief Minister Shukla had done
1580F04 his best to_ get the proposed steel plant in Bhilai but Orissa*'s
1590F04 pressure for its location at Rourkela was increasing. ^When he
1600F04 said that I should write to Nehru I replied that in view of our
1610F04 strained relations my letter to him would do no good to the state.
1620F04 ^But he disagreed and persisted in his request. ^Accordingly I addressed
1630F04 a letter to Nehru and within hours got the following reply,
1640F04 "^We have given a great deal of consideration to the problem of the
1650F04 new steel plant and its location. ^All the factors that_ you have mentioned
1660F04 as well as other factors have been before us. ^We have come
1670F04 to no decision yet, because we have to_ await the report of the German
1680F04 engineers. ^As soon as that_ is received we hope to_ come to a decision.
1690F04 ^*I have personally taken a great deal of interest in this
1700F04 matter. $"^*I might inform you that we are inclined to_ think that
1710F04 it will be necessary to_ have more than one new steel plant. ^Of course
1720F04 it will not be possible to_ start two simultaneously. ^But one
1730F04 may follow the other". $^*I sent for mehta and showed him Nehru*'s
1740F04 reply.*#
        **[no. of words = 02002**]

        **[txt. f05**]
0010F05 **<*3One-Way Free Flow**> $*<*3THE TRANSNATIONALS*' REACTION*0*>
0020F05 $*3^THE*0 Western Press as a whole, and particularly the news
0030F05 agencies concerned, have reacted somewhat violently to the Non-aligned
0040F05 countries*' move. ^They have seen a sinister motive behind it.
0041F05 ^They have charged even Unesco with grave misdemeanour
0050F05 in tending to_ view with sympathy the Third World*'s grievance
0060F05 against the Western news media. ^They have sought to_ dismiss
0070F05 the charges as "a lot of generalisations" and the news pool move
0080F05 itself as impracticable. ^They then alleged that the news put out
0090F05 by the Pool would be tainted because the participating national
0100F05 agencies are owned or subsidised or controlled by their respective
0110F05 governments, and that their news would not be free and objective. $^In
0120F05 the present communication-conscious era, the principle is univresally
0130F05 accepted that the news media is a vital limb of modern society
0140F05 and that it is duty of a modern state to_ help the media to_ function
0150F05 viably. ^This is an axiom acknowledged and practised by even the
0160F05 advanced states of Western Europe. ^The French government subsidises
0170F05 the *8Agence France Presse,*9 France*'s national-cum-transnational
0180F05 news agency. ^Many a government in Western Europe subsidised
0190F05 even its daily press by diverting to it excise duty collected from
0200F05 import of news-print or advertising revenue gathered from television.
0210F05 ^On that_ account, the European press or agencies are not considered
0220F05 more tainted or less free. ^In the perennial crisis that_ the
0230F05 British Press has been going through for the last several years,
0240F05 many leaders even in Britain have given serious thought to the
0250F05 possibility of offering governmental or some other kind of financial
0260F05 crutch to_ enable the press to_ survive. $^For the bitter choice
0270F05 is between aided press and no press. ^This is even truer in the case
0280F05 of the developing countries, in the circumstances, what is relevant,
0290F05 and all that_ one can ask for, is that the press, and news agency,
0300F05 should be professional in its functioning and operated by professionals.
0310F05 ^Indeed, the choice before the Third World is between news
0320F05 'tainted' from the Western sources and news 'tainted' from their own
0330F05 governmental sources. $^For there is of course the risk of many
0340F05 a government among them misusing the media for putting across their
0350F05 own propaganda. ^But that_ they would do in any event, whether the
0360F05 agency is owned by government or not. ^For no national agency dare
0370F05 ignore the behests of its government. ^But an enlightened government
0380F05 would not want to_ forfeit its credibility by such conduct; for
0390F05 in this case, its credibility with its neighbouring countries is involved,
0400F05 as it is the regional news pool that_ is expected to_ broadcast
0410F05 the news item. $^When Unesco convened the conference on Communication
0420F05 Policies in San Jose, Costa Rica, in July 1976, it encountered
0430F05 powerful opposition from vested interests, who alleged that
0440F05 it sought to_ impose curbs on press freedom in Latin America.
0450F05 ^The American-dominated Inter-American Press Association declared
0460F05 that it was opposed to drafting of communication policies that_
0470F05 might restrict news media operation in all nations of the region."
0480F05 $^Indeed, M*'3bow reported to the General Conference of Unesco
0490F05 at Nairobi in November, 1976: "^A number of difficulties were
0500F05 encountered in the organisation of the conference at San Jose. ^A
0510F05 late change was necessary in the venue and, prior to it, a press campaign
0520F05 was launched which tended to_ misrepresent the purposes of the
0530F05 conference and the concept of communication policies." $^On the eve
0540F05 of the San Jose conference, representatives of the Inter-American
0550F05 Press Association met top officials of Unesco, and after the
0560F05 meeting, the \0IAPA issued a statement which insisted that, despite
0570F05 its disclaimers, Unesco*'s "tendency to_ recommend official
0580F05 communications policy that_ could undermine freedom of the press remains
0590F05 unchanged." ^The statement went on to_ say: "^The highest authorities
0600F05 of Unesco have repeatedly stated that it is not their intention
0610F05 to_ limit or undermine freedom of expression. ^It is clear however
0620F05 that freedom of expression means one thing to Unesco and another
0630F05 to \0IAPS." $^*Leonard *(0R.*) Sussmann, ex-Director of the
0640F05 Freedom House of New York, dubbed the Unesco attitude to the
0650F05 question as "strictly a Marxist approach to journalism." $^The Director-General
0660F05 of Unesco retorted: "^The charge that_ the Unesco
0670F05 conference in San Jose is aiding groups trying to_ gag the free
0680F05 press is a case of seeking freedom of expression for themselves without
0690F05 allowing others to_ express themselves." $^The San Jose conference
0700F05 charged that international news agencies operating in the region
0710F05 (Latin America) "are not greatly concerned or interested in
0720F05 reflecting the real motivations, the whole truth or background of
0730F05 regional events." $^The declaration of San Jose stated: "^It should
0740F05 be joint responsibility of the state and the citizen to_ establish
0750F05 plans and programmes for the extensive and positive use of communication
0760F05 media within the framework of development policies." $"^National
0770F05 communication policies should be conceived in the context of
0780F05 nations realities, free expression of thought and respect for individual
0790F05 and social rights." $^The Third World countries have a legitimate
0800F05 right to_ organise their own regional news services. ^Whether
0810F05 it is practicable or not is entirely their business, though it happened
0820F05 that the international telecommunication facilities currently
0830F05 available to them make the proposition technologically feasible, thanks
0840F05 largely to the communication satellite and other electronic aids
0850F05 available in common to all. ^Then again, it is for the Third World
0860F05 countires, as customers, to_ decide whether the news services they
0870F05 pay for, satisfy their requirements. $^Nor is it the present intention
0880F05 of the promoters of the News Pool project to_ supplant the Western
0890F05 transnational news agencies and start a rival one in their place
0900F05 to_ supply them foreign news. ^The project, it has to_ be noted,
0910F05 is a very modest one. ^The New Delhi Declaration makes it clear
0920F05 that the "non-aligned Press agencies*' Pool is not a supranational
0930F05 news agency." ^The Western transnational agencies will continue
0940F05 to_ operate in the Non-aligned countries subscribing to the project
0960F05 and supply their foreign news services to the latter. ^The non aligned
0970F05 countries have found certain deficiency gaps in the foreign service
0980F05 they receive from the Western agencies, and they propose to_ fill
0990F05 those gaps through their own joint, pooled effort. $^Indeed, the
1000F05 non-aligned states*' decision in favour of organising a News Agencies*'
1010F05 Pool is entirely in conformity with Unesco*'s "^Suggestions
1020F05 to member states on measures to_ promote the free flow of information
1030F05 and international exchange", as approved by the 18th session of
1040F05 its General Conference. ^This document also encourages countries
1060F05 lacking a national news agency to_ set up organisations for the collection
1070F05 and distribution of domestic news and for carrying out international
1080F05 exchanges. $^The document states: "^Regional unions of news
1090F05 agencies are a means to_ assist the development of national agencies
1100F05 as well as to_ facilitate cooperation between them... ^Member states
1110F05 may wish to_ encourage their national news agencies to_ participate
1120F05 in regional unions designed to_ strengthen the national agencies
1130F05 and to_ increase the two-way flow of the news." $^The business maxim
1140F05 "the customer is always right" is as relevant in news business as
1150F05 elsewhere. ^It would appear to_ be the duty of a transnational news
1160F05 agency to_ study, understand and appreciate the political philosophy
1170F05 and news needs, and even idiosyncracies, of its customer. ^It has
1180F05 to_ accept that there is a clear difference in values and priorities
1190F05 between the Third World and the advanced and industrialised countries
1200F05 of the West. ^Here as elsewhere, what*'1s one man*'s meat may
1210F05 indeed be another*'s poison. $^To the developling countries, grappling
1220F05 with the complex and gigantic problem of improving the quality of
1230F05 life of their people assumes the supreme priority. ^To them the main
1240F05 aim of economic development is banishing poverty and assuring social justice
1250F05 for the entire population. ^In other words, what they are attempting
1260F05 is a veritable social revolution, which calls for drastic measures
1270F05 and ruthless methods. ^To them, the political system-- democracy
1280F05 or what-have-you-- is only a means to an end. ^And they would not
1290F05 hesitate to_ modify, change or altogether discard the political system
1300F05 if it fails to_ measure up to the imperatives of social progress.
1310F05 $^Whereas, to the advanced, highly evolved, affluent Western societies,
1320F05 democracy is an end in itself, satiated as they are in their
1340F05 basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter. ^And in their smugness,
1350F05 convinced that theirs is the only right way, the latter would seek
1360F05 to_ impose their concepts and values on the people of the developing
1370F05 countires, which are irrelevant and even detrimental to the latter*'s
1380F05 milieu and priorities. $^The Third World*'s charge against
1390F05 the Western news agencies is threefold: a) their inward (foreign news)
1400F05 file is inadequate and out of focus with the news needs of the developing
1410F05 countries; b) they do not get adequate and relevant information
1420F05 from their own region through the Western agencies; and (c) the
1430F05 Western news agencies project a wrong, biased and prejudical image
1440F05 of the developing countries to the world. $^In effect, the proposed
1450F05 news pool seeks to, and indeed can, remedy only a) and b). ^The Western
1460F05 transnational agencies themselves cannot honestly pretend that
1470F05 their regional news coverage of the Third World-- that_ is reportage
1480F05 of news between neighbouring countries in the same region-- is
1490F05 either adequate or of the right kind. ^Generally the reason for it
1500F05 is that news is primarily gathered, selected and edited for the needs
1510F05 of the Western agencies*' home markets, \0i.e., America or Western
1520F05 Europe-- notwithstanding the regional desks maintained by them
1530F05 to_ cater for such needs. ^The regional news is selected from such
1540F05 a scanty pool and filed to countires of the region. ^It obviously
1550F05 could not be a satisfactory arrangement. ^Firstly, because the norms,
1560F05 values and the very definition of news differ as between the affluent
1570F05 industrial society of the West and the backward, developing countries
1580F05 struggling to_ make the grade, with varying degrees of success
1590F05 or failure, in the face of heavy odds. $^*Richard Gott of *3Guardian*0
1600F05 illustrates this point by citing a hypothetical example of nationalistation
1610F05 or expropriation of a foreign firm a Third World country,
1620F05 which is "normally written about with barely veiled hostility by
1630F05 journalists from the international agencies catering for their 'home'
1640F05 market in the advanced capitalist world. ^Yet the world audience
1650F05 might be delighted to_ hear how some other country in a similar predicament
1660F05 had made mince-meat of a transnational company." $^*Gott draws
1670F05 upon his personal experience as foreign editor of a Tanzanian newspaper
1680F05 to_ cite an instance of what he calls ideological misrepresentation".
1690F05 ^That_ newspaper took Reuter*'s "Africa Service". "^This service
1700F05 assumed," Gott comments, "that its purchasers subscribed also
1710F05 to the general Western belief that \0US was fully justified in occupying
1720F05 Vietnam and invading Laos. ("incursion" was the word used)
1730F05 and what is more, was actually winning the war-- which was "indeed on
1740F05 ideological misrepresentation of the facts." $^Secondly, the developing
1750F05 countries are thirsting for not only a different kind of news
1760F05 but also more and more news about their immediate neighbours and of
1770F05 their mutual experience in the field of development, socio-economic
1780F05 reform and political experimentation. ^This is not the kind of news--
1790F05 not "hard" enough-- that the Western transnational agencies would
1800F05 consider commercially viable to_ transmit exclusively for the benefit
1810F05 of the region, when their own market at home is uninterested in
1820F05 it. ^The developing countires, who are vitally interested in that_
1830F05 kind of news, have therefore to_ fill the deficiency through other
1840F05 means. ^This is what the Non-aligned News Pool is all about. $^There
1850F05 is, then a lot of room for improvement in the quality of the inwards
1860F05 file of foregign news received by the developing countries from
1870F05 the international news media. ^This deficiency can be effectively filled
1880F05 up through the proposed News Pool*'s own special correspondents
1890F05 posted at strategic points abroad-- appointed by the national
1900F05 news agencies of the Third World. $^But alas, it is not within the
1910F05 power of the developing countries to_ get the deficiency, c) redressed,
1920F05 namely, rectify the biased and unbalanced image of the developing countries
1930F05 projected to the rest of the world by the Western transnational agencies--
1940F05 unless the News Pool is able to_ sell its news service to the
1950F05 West through an arrangement for reciprocal distribution of their
1960F05 respective news, which is practicable only when the News Pool*'s
1970F05 news service is able successfully to_ compete with the transnationals,
1980F05 in quality, content and speed.*#
        **[no. of words = 02038**]

        **[txt. f06**]
0010F06 **<*3The Kayyur *4Ryot*0**> $^In Malabar, when the Company established
0020F06 its authority in 1792, there still remained many native *4rajas
0030F06 and the conquest was based on a partnership with them. ^Therefore,
0040F06 lands in Malabar continued to_ be the 'private property' of native
0050F06 landholders and in Kasaragod it became the 'leasehold' property of
0060F06 the people. ^The landlords in Kasaragod belonged to ordinary *4ryotwari
0070F06 *4pattadars and the assessment they paid to the Government was
0080F06 land-rent at a high rate. ^In the land registers the land was classified
0090F06 as '*4Sarkar'. ^Naturally the landlord was only a tenant or
0100F06 *4wargdar (the holder of a *4warg-- a palm-leaf account of the lands
0110F06 allotted to a person). $^In Malabar all unoccupied land and forests
0120F06 belonged to the landlords. ^The reason usually given in support of
0130F06 this view was that Hindu polity which recognised private ownership
0140F06 in the soil survived longer in Malabar than in other parts of India.
0150F06 ^But in South Kanara including Kasaragod forest tracts \0etc.
0160F06 belonged exclusively to the Crown. ^*Sturrock, the author of the
0170F06 South Kanara District Manual, described the terrain of South Kanara
0180F06 as follows: $^South Kanara is essentially a forest district.
0190F06 ^The slopes of the western ghats from north to south clothed with dense
0200F06 forests of magnificent timber and the forest growths, stimulated
0210F06 by the heavy rainfall approach within a few miles of the coast. $^There
0220F06 was scarcity of suitable land for agriculture. ^The practice
0230F06 was that the *4wargdars or *4muliwargs, farmers and *4ryots, were in
0240F06 the habit of encroaching the forest lands, clearing a part of the
0250F06 jungle and raising a temporary crop on it. ^When the crop was reaped
0260F06 this patch was abandoned and some other part was taken up. ^For that_
0270F06 cultivation, they had been paying a small fee to the Government.
0280F06 ^Those patches are called *4Kumris and the lands so desultorily cultivated
0290F06 are designated as *4Kumri lands. ^When the exploitation of
0300F06 Indian forests became an integral part of a colonial economy, the
0310F06 Government noticed the "chief evils of this crude system" of cultivation
0320F06 which contributed to the "destruction of valuable timber at
0330F06 present urgently required for ship-building and railways and rendering
0340F06 of land Enfit for coffee cultivation." ^The government, therefore,
0350F06 restricted the *4Kumri cultivation in virgin forests, cardamom
0360F06 and pepper forests, forests which were not cultivated for 12 years
0370F06 and upwards and all forests outside of the *4wargs. ^A judgement of
0380F06 the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council held, in an appeal
0390F06 where the appellent claimed certain forest lands exclusively in favour
0400F06 of his *4Taraward, that the Government had an absolute title
0410F06 to all forest tracts. ^Such proceedings restricted the scope for further
0420F06 expansion of occupational means to an increasing population by
0430F06 the traditional cultivation of *4Kumri in Kasaragod. ^It actually
0440F06 intensified the pressure on the cultivating lands already available.
0450F06 ^In the circumstances, the *4wargdar demanded an exorbitant rent from
0460F06 his tenants. $^The land tenures prevailing in the southern portion
0470F06 of Kasaragod *4taluk were the same as those of North Malabar. ^A
0480F06 landlord was normally styled a *4janmi; *4Kanam was practically a
0490F06 mortgage and the *4verumpattam or *4chalageni was indistinguishable
0500F06 from the *4verumpattam of north Malabar. ^In South Kanara the *4mulgeni
0510F06 tenure (*4kanam) was controlled by the provisions of the Mulgeni
0520F06 Rent Enhancement Act, (Act *=8 of 1920). ^The Malabar Tenancy
0530F06 Act of 1929 had not been extended to Kasaragod *4taluk. ^Therefore,
0540F06 a revision of rent was possible at any time by the landlord
0550F06 and practically, there was no fixity of tenure. $*<*3LAND-REVENUE*0*>
0560F06 $^The faulty system of land-revenue under the British Government
0570F06 was responsible for placing the peasants in a miserable condition.
0580F06 ^As the Government realised rent and not 'revenue' from the landholders
0590F06 in this district, the rate was considerably higher than the
0600F06 rate that_ prevailed in Malabar. ^In principle a tax on land was really
0610F06 a tax on the actual yield of that land. ^The soundness of the
0620F06 principle is incontestable. ^The fluctuations in price had no effect
0630F06 on the incidence of tax as the payment was permissible in kind according
0640F06 to custom. ^Even now the wages for certain labourers connected
0650F06 with paddy cultivation, its harvest, plucking of coconuts, \0etc.
0660F06 are customarily paid in kind. ^But under British rule the revenue
0670F06 was realised in cash. ^For the fixing of land-revenue the land was
0680F06 classified wet, garden and dry. ^Paddy, coconut and *4ragi were adopted
0690F06 as the standard crops for wet, garden and dry respectively. ^The
0700F06 yield of an experimental acre was first converted into money value
0710F06 at a fixed commutation rate and deductions were allowed for vicissitudes
0720F06 of season and cultivation expense. ^The balance was treated as
0730F06 net profit derived by the *4ryot (*4wargdar) from his land and half
0740F06 of this was fixed as the dues to the Government. ^It was assumed
0750F06 that the land-holders were the direct cultivators of their holdings.^Including
0760F06 the expenses everything was based on commutation of the value
0770F06 of the commodity producted. ^In the last re-settlement of this *4taluk
0780F06 the average price of the last twenty years, *4faslis 1323-42, (1913-32)
0790F06 were calculated which resulted in an increase of 84 per cent of the
0800F06 commutation price in the previous settlement. ^However, the price
0810F06 of the commodity is not guaranteed by the Government. ^Naturally,
0820F06 a fall in the price of produce like paddy, pepper, coconuts, \0etc.
0830F06 below the commutation price adversely affected the *4wargdar and made
0840F06 his position critical. ^In such a situation the *4wargdar took all
0850F06 possible steps to_ get more rent from his property by leasing it
0860F06 to the highest bidder. ^There was nothing to_ prevent him from this
0870F06 action. ^A leading lawyer analysed the situation in the following words:
0880F06 $^In that_ event the rent is apt to_ cease to_ be fair. ^What
0890F06 is worse, when the market falls far below the commutation price adopted
0900F06 at the settlement, the share of the produce that_ must go towards
0910F06 the revenue rises as it must rise proportionately. ^Its repercussions
0920F06 must tell on the tenant. ^That_ is to_ say, when the land-revenue
0930F06 becomes oppressive the land rent becomes necessarily oppressive.
0940F06 ^It is a vicious circle. $^In fact, the impact of the colonial land-revenue
0941F06 system on
0950F06 landlords and peasants in South Kanara was disastrous as it was everywhere
0960F06 else. ^But historical process varied from region to region. $^The
0970F06 cultivable lands in Hosdrug *(sub-taluk*) had been possessed
0980F06 by a few land-lords among whom 18 landowners paid more than \0Rs.
0990F06 5000 per annum as land-reveue. ^Actually, these landlords and the
1000F06 intermediaries monopolised the land and collaborated with the British
1010F06 *4raj. ^They continued illegal exactions like *4Vasi, *4Nuri and
1020F06 *4Mukkal from their tenants. ^They also compelled their tenants
1030F06 to_ pay several feudal levies on festivals like Onam and Vishu.
1040F06 ^Some of such levies were even incorporated into lease-contracts and
1050F06 they were compulsory payments.13 ^The impact of this system of absentee
1060F06 landlordism was thus assessed: $^The lot of the vast majority
1070F06 of tenants is certainly not a happy one. ^He has no fixity of tenure;
1080F06 and he has no incentive to_ improve the land. ^He must quit the
1090F06 land at the whim or caprice of the landlord. ^It may be that if the
1100F06 landlord is wise he will not generally turn out a tenant who is regular
1110F06 in the payment of his dues. ^But the dependence on the landlord
1120F06 for the continuity of his daily bread tends to_ dwarf and stunt his
1130F06 soul and rob him of that_free outlook on life which is so necessary
1140F06 to the advancement of a nation. ^It does not conduce to the healthy
1150F06 development of any country that any of its members should live in an
1160F06 atmosphere of dependence. $^The coercive measures adopted by the
1170F06 revenue authorities for the realisation of land-revenue always became
1180F06 detrimental to the interests of peasants. ^By persuading a village
1190F06 headman who normally belonged to a landed family, a landlord can
1200F06 attach standing or harvested crops for revenue arrears and sell them
1210F06 in public auction. ^Even in free India, the small farmers were put
1220F06 to innumerable difficulties when the revenue recovery rules were enforced
1230F06 against them for realising the revenue payable by the landlords
1240F06 in this district. ^This can be explained by an example. ^A landlord
1250F06 has to_ remit a sum of \0Rs. 1,000 to the Government as revenue.
1260F06 ^His *4patta or holding is comprised of wastelands and wetlands.
1270F06 ^All usufructs and standing crops of that_ holding are liable for attachment
1280F06 towards the revenue arrears. ^The revenue officials could distrain
1290F06 the standing crops even in one or two survey numbers for the
1300F06 entire arrears. ^Although the tenants in possession of those plots
1310F06 had paid their rent to the landlord, or *4pattadar, their crops are
1320F06 not exempted from attachment. ^However, the amount realised from them
1330F06 by the officials could be adjusted towards future rent. ^Such rules
1340F06 placed the tenants always under the mercy of the local officials
1350F06 and the respective landlords. ^These evils were particularly found
1360F06 in the *4ryotwari system of South Kanara. ^There was no certainty
1370F06 that the tenant could harvest his crops. ^An attchment for realisation
1380F06 of arrears of revenue brought considerable loss to him. $^Such practices
1390F06 were justified by the courts. ^In a particular case, the lower
1400F06 court decided that Section *=2 of Madras Act *=2 of 1864 did not
1410F06 empower the revenue authorities to_ distrain gathered products in
1420F06 the possession of a tenant for arrears of revenue and referred the
1430F06 matter to the Madras High Court. ^They decided that "the products
1440F06 liable to distraint are products of
1450F06 the defaulter*'s land, though such products may belong to the tenant".
1460F06 ^However, the High Court recognised the right of the tenant to_
1470F06 deduct the value of the same from the rent then due or thereafter
1480F06 to_ become due to the landlord on account of the land on which the
1490F06 products were grown. $^In the light of the above judgement the responsibility
1500F06 of payment of land revenue virtually came upon the shoulders
1510F06 of the tenants. ^The system compelled them to_ borrow money at
1520F06 a high rate of interest from urban money-lenders to_ clear off the governmental
1530F06 dues on behalf of the landlords. ^But it was a thankless
1540F06 job and the landlords never gave any compensation to the tenant for
1550F06 his loss of money towards interest. $*<*3KASARGOD *4TALUK *4KARSHAKA
1560F06 *4ANGHAM*0*> $^The organisation of Karshaka Sangham in a region
1570F06 like Kasaragod was intended to_ safeguard the interests of the peasants
1580F06 and thereby create maximum political and national awareness
1590F06 among the weaker sections of society. ^The first village to_ witness
1600F06 a peasant organisation in this *4taluk was Kotakkat. ^The organisation
1610F06 of Abhinava Bharat Yuvak Sangham included the villages
1620F06 of Vellur, Peralam, Karivellur and Kotakkat. ^The leadership in
1630F06 organisational work was given by *(0A. V.*) Kunhambu and others.
1640F06 ^*Koyyan Kunhikannan, Elachi Kannan, *(0T. V.) Sankaran Master,
1650F06 Paringan Kunhiraman Nambiar, Puliruvittil Krishnan and
1660F06 others actively participated in promoting the *4sangham in Kotakkat
1670F06 and other villages in this *4taluk. $^In 1935, a special conference
1680F06 of the peasants was convened at Karivellur presided over by *(0A.
1690F06 K.*) Gopalan. ^This was the first conference attended by the peasants
1700F06 in Kasaragod *4taluk. ^Within a period of three years, the village
1710F06 units of the \0KPCC and Karshaka Sangham were organised
1720F06 in each village of the *4taluk. ^These units enlisted a good number
1730F06 of peasants in the Congress and *4Sangham and united them against
1740F06 imperialism and landlordism. ^This was the emergence of political
1750F06 consciousness at mass level in this region. ^The formation of the Kasaragod
1760F06 Taluk Karshaka Sangham was mainly due to the leadership
1770F06 given by *(0K. A.*) Keraleeyan, *(0A. V.*) Kunhambu, Vishnu
1780F06 Bharatiyan, *(0V. V.*) Kunyambu, *(0T. S.*) Tirumumbu, *(0N.
1790F06 S*) Namboodiri, and \0K. madhavan. ^They were, later joined
1800F06 by several local leaders like \0K. Kunhikannan \0P. Ambu Nair,
1810F06 \0N. Narayana Varier, *(0T. V.*) Kunhambu and others. ^The first
1820F06 conference of the Kasaragad Taluk Karshaka Sangham was convened
1830F06 in 1937, at Kanhangad and it was presided over by *(0K. P.
1840F06 R.*) Gopalan. ^By 1938, the local secretaries like \0M. Narayanan
1850F06 Nair (Kilaikkot), *(0A. V.*) Govindan (Kamballur), *(0K.
1860F06 V.*) Chandrasekharan (Pilicode), *(0M. C.*) Ambadi (Thuruthi),
1870F06 \0M. Ambadikunhi (Puliyannur), \0P. Kunhambu (Andole) and
1880F06 *(0E. C.*) Pokkan (Mayyicha) of different units of the Karshaka
1890F06 Sangham actively participated in promoting the Sangham in their
1900F06 respective villages.*#
        **[no. of words = 02010**]

        **[txt. f07**]
0010F07 **<*3Alimony and Maintenance in the changing Concept of Marriage and
0020F07 Divorce*0**> $^In the discharge of this duty by the court, solicitors
0030F07 are considered as officers of the court and have duties of helping
0040F07 the court in carrying out its judicial responsibility. ^Accordingly,
0050F07 where the parties to divorce proceedings have made an arrangement
0060F07 settling the question of support and maintenance, either themselves
0070F07 or with the help of the solicitors, the solicitors should place
0080F07 such results before the court "in a spirit of unreserved candour."
0090F07 ^By doing so, as Scarman, \0J., once remarked, "they will have
0100F07 lived up to the honourable tradition of their profession in a changing
0110F07 world, and will have discharged their duty to their client, the
0120F07 court and the public." $^Thus, the existence of the court*'s overriding
0130F07 power to_ consider the question of awarding maintenance quite
0140F07 independently of any contract the parties may have entered into may
0150F07 be termed one of the legal effects of divorce. ^Whether or not
0160F07 such a power should be exercised in a particular case is, however,
0170F07 a different matter. ^All depends upon the "equities" of the case.
0180F07 ^Normally, the presence of the "settlement" and its "terms" are most
0190F07 relevant factors in reaching a decision in this respect. ^Moreover,
0200F07 the power to_ override does not necessarily mean to_ ignore all
0210F07 the terms of the settlement. ^*Tyrwhitt-Drake, \0J., very aptly stated
0220F07 in Lee \0v. Lee. $"...^As no agreement can exclude the court*'s
0230F07 jurisdiction to_ deal with maintenance as a matter of public policy,
0240F07 similarly no provision in the agreement itself can prevent the
0250F07 court from considering the covenants therein as circumstances bearing
0260F07 upon the main question in issue." $^As a result, the fact that the
0270F07 maintenance agreement has been entered into by the parties, the fact
0280F07 that it was executed by the wife voluntarily and upon independent
0290F07 legal advice, the extent of finality attached to the agreement in
0300F07 the light of all relevant factors such as fulfilment of the terms of
0310F07 the contract by the parties-- all these elements may be considered
0320F07 by the court in determining what is "fit and just" to_ do in the particular
0330F07 case before it. ^In Wells \0v. Wells, for instance, the
0340F07 husband, in consideration of the wife*'s covenant not to_ seek maintenance,
0350F07 conveyed his equity in the matrimonial home to her. ^Subsequently,
0360F07 in divorce proceedings the wife claimed maintenance. ^The
0370F07 court refused to_ exercise its discretion in her favour because she
0380F07 failed to_ bring the proceeds from the sale of said house and, thus,
0390F07 restore in effect the parties to their respective position before
0400F07 the execution of the said agreement. \0^*Mr. Justice Gould stressing
0410F07 "the equities of the conduct of the parties" remarked that it would
0420F07 be unfair to_ permit the wife "to_ retain such fruit of her bargain
0430F07 as she finds sweet, but to_ be spared by the Court the taste of
0440F07 such fruit of the same bargain as she deems to_ be sour..." ^Similarly,
0450F07 in Moshenko \0v. Moshenko the main question for consideration
0460F07 of the court was whether the wife in view of the terms of the
0470F07 existing separation agreement providing maintenance was entitled to
0480F07 maintenance as corollary relief in divorce proceedings within section
0490F07 11 of the Divorce Act. ^In the light of all the facts of the case,
0500F07 including particularly the terms of the agreement providing maintenance,
0510F07 the court held that the mere fact that one party had assets
0511F07 and the other had none was not itself sufficient to_ grant relief in
0520F07 its discretion on grounds of public policy. $^On the other hand, if
0530F07 there is in existence an agreement providing maintenance which has
0540F07 not been brought before the court in divorce proceedings, nor has
0550F07 the court made any other order for maintenance as ancillary relief,
0560F07 then the agreement will remain "binding and enforceable" notwithstanding
0570F07 the decree *7nisi of divorce, and the court will determine the
0580F07 maintenance rights in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
0590F07 $^Under English law, maintenance agreements are often made in contemplation
0600F07 of divorce "subject to the approval of the court". ^This
0610F07 has been so ever since the enactment of the Matrimonial Causes Act,
0620F07 1963, which validates a bargain on its disclosure to the court
0630F07 provided it represents an honest negotiation between the parties.
0640F07 ^Since the divorce Reform Act, 1969 it is also common for agreements
0650F07 to_ be made "subject to the approval of the court" and to_
0660F07 seek the opinion of the court under section 7 as to the reasonableness
0670F07 of them. ^But here too, if the parties have reached agreement on
0680F07 all essential matters, the clause "subject to the approval of the
0690F07 court" does not mean that there is no agreement at all. ^There is an
0700F07 agreement, but the operation of it is suspended until the court approves
0710F07 it. ^It is the duty of one party or the other to_ bring the
0720F07 agreement before the court for approval. ^If the court approves, it
0730F07 is binding on the parties. ^If the court does not approve, it is not
0740F07 binding. ^But pending the application to the court, it remains a binding
0750F07 agreement which neither party can disavow. $^From the above
0760F07 discussion it may be inferred that where there is already in existence
0770F07 an agreement settling the question of support and maintenance, the
0780F07 court, whether in exercise of the overriding power as under the Canadian
0790F07 Divorce Act or owing to the "subject to the approval of the
0800F07 court" clause as under English law, will not supersede the agreement
0810F07 or settlement until or unless there is something palpably unjust
0820F07 or unreasonable about it. ^In the present context the important thing
0830F07 to_ observe about these voluntary agreements or settlements, however,
0840F07 is that the problem of support and maintenance is resolved in
0850F07 terms of adjustment which generally involve the transfer of property
0860F07 or capital assets from one spouse to the other. ^A very recent case
0870F07 exemplifying this trend is Lee \0v. Lee. ^On the matter of support
0880F07 and maintenance in this case, the husband agreed to the wife*'s
0890F07 buying out his interest in the matrimonial home for a specified sum
0900F07 in lieu of settlement of all future claims of alimony and maintenance.
0910F07 ^Upon granting the decree *7nisi of divorce, in view of the said
0920F07 settlement and all other attendant circumstances, no other order of
0930F07 maintenance, not even a nominal order, was made for the wife. $^On
0940F07 the other hand, when there is no such agreement by way of over-all
0950F07 property settlement already in existence, the modern trend is rather
0960F07 to_ *3encourage*0 the parties in divorce proceedings to_ resolve the
0970F07 maintenance issue preferably through an all-embracing property settlement.
0980F07 ^The reasons which appear to_ prompt the courts to_ adopt this
0990F07 course are mostly the resulting consequences of divorce that_ may
1000F07 seriously affect the issue of maintenance. ^On the dissolution of
1010F07 marriage by divorce, for instance, the homestead rights of the wife
1020F07 will cease; the matrimonial home, if it is in the name of the husband,
1030F07 will pass on to his estate on his death, and the former
1040F07 wife might even be dispossessed of such a home. ^She as a divorced
1050F07 wife is neither entitled to any maintenance relief under the Dependents*'
1060F07 Relief Act, nor does she have any right or interest under
1070F07 the Devolution of Estates Act. ^Such consequences, if not considered
1080F07 upon granting a decree *7nisi of divorce, would certainly affect
1090F07 the wife*'s right to maintenance. ^Thus, in order to_ do justice,
1100F07 the court, in the first instance, on granting decree *7nisi
1110F07 of divorce, even *8ex proprio motu*9 will induce the husband to_
1120F07 seek solution to the maintenance problem through an over-all property
1130F07 settlement. ^In \0J. \0v. \0J., for instance, Davis, \0J.,
1140F07 while dealing with the problem of support and maintenance as ancillary
1150F07 relief to_ divorce, stated: $"^The monetary difficulties could
1160F07 be solved, I belive, if the petitioner (husband) would transfer to
1170F07 the respondent (wife) the Kindersley property together with one of
1180F07 his quarter sections of land. ^With the home and the returns from
1190F07 the farm it may be that the respondent would be able to_ get by.
1200F07 ^With this in mind I made the suggestion during the trial but the
1210F07 petitioner refused to_ make any concessions...." $^But in the exercise
1230F07 of ancillary powers under the federal Divorce Act the court is
1240F07 said to_ have no power to_ "compel" a spouse to_ enter into a property
1250F07 settlement involving transference of property to another in lieu
1260F07 of alimony and maintenance. ^Substantial justice in a situation where
1270F07 an over-all property settlement is deemed appropriate is, therefore,
1280F07 being achieved through the award of lump sum payments-- an award
1290F07 which the court is now empowered to_ make "if it thinks fit and just
1300F07 to_ do so" within the provisions of section 11 of the Divorce
1310F07 Act. ^In the case of \0J. \0v. \0J., *3supra*0, on the husband*'s
1320F07 refusal to_ make any concession in favour of the wife by way of negotiating
1330F07 a property settlement, Davis, \0J., said that "the only
1340F07 way to_ enforce obligation to his family is direct payment of a lump
1350F07 sum and secure this against his reality". ^Accordingly, all the
1360F07 existing real property of the husband together with any other real
1370F07 property which the husband might own was charged with payment to the
1380F07 wife of a sum of *-25,000. ^His lordship, however, "hoped" that
1390F07 "the petitioner (husband) will reconsider the suggested settlement".
1400F07 ^In another case Hutchinson \0v. Hutchinson *(0et al.*)-- in addition
1410F07 to periodical payments, the husband was required either to_ transfer
1420F07 furniture and personal chattels to the value of *-5,000 coupled
1430F07 with a lump sum payment of *-10,000 to his wife or to_ pay a lump
1450F07 sum of *-15,000 if he did not transfer the said property. ^Similarly,
1460F07 in Morrison \0v. Morrison, upon being granted a decree *7nisi
1470F07 of divorce the wife was held entitled to maintenance. ^In his report,
1480F07 the Registrar, *8inter ailia*9, recommended that "two-thirds
1490F07 (2/3) of the interest in the matrimonial home... be registered in the
1500F07 name of the Respondent (wife), and the remaining one-third (1/3)
1510F07 interest in the home is to_ remain in the name of the Petitioner
1520F07 (husband)." ^*Seation, \0J., refused to_ confirm this report because
1530F07 in his opinion "the Court had no authority to_ deprive the husband
1540F07 of property and give it to the wife." ^His Lordship, however,
1550F07 suggestd that "there should be a lump-sum payment, secured against
1560F07 the petitioner*'s interest in the property." $^It is clear from
1570F07 the analysis of the above case law that the courts feel that in a divorce
1580F07 situation it is better to_ tackle the problem of support and maintenance
1590F07 as ancillary relief by reaching an all-embracing property
1600F07 settlement. ^Since it is believed that the court under the federal Divorce
1610F07 Act has no jurisdiction to_ "compel" a spouse to_ transfer his
1620F07 or her property to the other spouse in lieu of maintenance, the
1630F07 desired object is achieved through the award of a lump sum or sums
1640F07 if the spouse obliged to_ pay maintenance does not agree to the
1650F07 suggested settlement. ^But in our view it makes little difference whether
1660F07 the husband is asked to_ transfer his property as a part settlement
1670F07 of the maintenance obligation or to_ pay a lump sum by the
1680F07 sale or transfer of such property. ^Moreover, we have argued elsewhere
1690F07 that so long as the court is touching upon the subject of "property"
1700F07 in relation to maintenance as ancillary relief, there exists
1710F07 no constitutional impediment on that_ count. ^So far as voluntarily
1720F07 agreeing to over-all property settlements is concerned, we may surmise
1730F07 that if the trend of presenting a petition for divorce on the grounds
1740F07 of breakdown of marriage within section 4 of the Divorce Act
1750F07 continues, such settlements will be more frequently negotiated with
1760F07 candour and dignity. $*<*3(d) Fusion through Lump Sum Awards*0*>
1770F07 $^Traditionally, the court had no power to_ award payment once
1780F07 and for all of a sum in gross for alimony; nor would the court sanction
1790F07 an arrangement between the parties for the payment by the husband
1800F07 to the wife of a gross sum in lieu of periodical payments. ^An
1810F07 order for maintenance once made was considered as "inherently variable";
1820F07 that_ is, it must remain alive for all time to_ come, and no
1830F07 consent of the parties could ever put an end to that_, and any order
1840F07 of the court purporting to_ do that_ would be *8ultra vires*9.*#
        **[no. of words = 02038**]

        **[txt. f08**]
0010F08 **<*3How I Wrote the Time Capsule*0**>
0020F08 $*3^THE*0 Time Capsule controversy, which has been raging in our
0030F08 country since September 1973, is likely to_ reach its end shortly.
0040F08 ^At this closing stage of the controversy, I wish to_ share with
0050F08 my fellow citizens the moments of anxiety and concern I experienced
0060F08 from this episode, with which I had to_ relate myself unfortunately
0070F08 almost from its beginning. $^My involvement in this issue originated
0080F08 early in May 1973 when the Indian Council of Historical Research,
0090F08 an autonomous body founded by the Government of India
0100F08 to_ promote historical research in the country, assigned to me a project
0110F08 which involved the writing of a brief account of the major developments
0120F08 in India since Independence. ^As I was then in the middle
0130F08 of a serious academic research on the role of the Madras Legislature
0140F08 in our freedom movement, which had been assigned to me by the
0150F08 \0ICHR in October 1972, I hesitated at first in accepting this
0160F08 responsibility. ^However, when I was told that the project for the
0170F08 Time Capsule was only for a month and that the \0ICHR could
0180F08 not find a suitable person to_ write this account on such a short notice,
0190F08 I committed myself to the task and went to New Delhi for
0200F08 a month, leaving instructions with my research assistants in Madras
0210F08 to_ continue their work on the legislature project. $*<"*3India Since
0220F08 1947*0"*> $^On reaching the office of the \0ICHR at 35 Ferozshah
0230F08 Road, New Delhi, the Secretary of the organisation provided
0240F08 me with an office room, two research assistants and a typist to_ do
0250F08 the project. ^She told me that my account of INDIA SINCE 1947 should
0260F08 not exceed 10,000 words and that my draft should be ready
0270F08 by the end of the month. ^She also gave me a copy of the guideline
0280F08 for the project, prepared by the project committee, headed by
0290F08 *(0S.*) Gopal, Professor of History, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
0300F08 New Delhi. $^This guideline contained, in about half a page,
0310F08 a list of almost all the major events that_ had occurred in India
0320F08 from 1947 till 1972, such as the rehabilitation of refugees from
0330F08 Pakistan, integration of the princely states, formation of linguistic
0340F08 states, drafting of our Constitution, Five Year Plans and
0350F08 so on. ^A copy of this guideline should still be available in the
0360F08 project file of the \0ICHR and, if it is published by the Government,
0370F08 it would at once remove the suspicion that several pepole have
0380F08 expressed subsequently that this project was intended to_ eulogise
0390F08 and pay tribute to \0Mrs Gandhi and her family. $^It may sound
0400F08 strange to persons with strong political involvements and party
0410F08 affiliations but it is nevertheless true that it did not occur to
0420F08 me at all at that_ time that there could be any politics in the account
0430F08 that I was to_ write. ^This was because I was then, as now,
0440F08 a completely non-political person in the sense that I was not particularly
0450F08 attracted towards any political party; nor did I hate any,
0460F08 even though I have held for long a strong intellectual conviction
0470F08 that mankind is steadily and inevitably moving towards an egalitarian
0480F08 social order and that all the crises it has been experiencing
0490F08 all over the world would represent the birth pangs of this new world
0400F08 order. ^Some call me a socialist for this reason and, if this is
0510F08 where socialism will take humanity, I have no objection to being called
0520F08 so and I would appreciate all those who genuinely support this
0530F08 cause irrespective of their party labels and symbols. $^Lately, some
0540F08 journals have been circulating a rumour that I have joined the \0CPM.
0550F08 ^This is absolutely untrue. ^*I have never been a member of
0560F08 any political party; nor will I ever join one so long as I continue
0570F08 to_ teach. $^I feel that it is neither desirable nor legal for a
0580F08 teacher to_ do any party work. ^*I did not even exercise my franchise
0590F08 in any of the general elections till March 1977. ^Only in the last
0600F08 election I went to_ vote and it was a negative vote that_ I cast.
0640F08 ^It was a vote against the Emergency and not *3for anyone. ^This
0620F08 was the only active political role that_ I played since Independence.
0630F08 $^During my stay in Delhi when I wrote the Time Capsule
0640F08 account in May 1973 I did not meet any politician or Government
0650F08 official in any Ministry in the Government of India. ^Not even a
0660F08 *4chaprasi from any Government office came to_ see me either in the
0670F08 \0ICHR guest room where I was staying or anywhere else. ^Having
0680F08 spent most of my life in teaching and research, I generally feel
0690F08 extremely uncomfortable in any non-academic community, particularly
0700F08 in the company of politicians and Government officials. ^It is for
0710F08 this reason that I feel quite amused when anyone asks me whether
0720F08 \0Mrs Gandhi or any of her agents had asked me to_ write this
0730F08 Tine Capsule account. ^Such questions show how politically involved
0740F08 people are in our country. $*<*3Not Seeing is Believing!*>
0750F08 $^According to the persons who ask such questions, whatever \0Mrs
0760F08 Gandhi had done was wrong and crooked and whatever happened
0770F08 in her period was also wrong and crooked. ^And as this Time Capsule
0780F08 was done in her period, they presumed that she must have bribed
0790F08 me or threatened me to_ do a work in praise of herself, her party and
0800F08 her Government. ^They jump to such conclusions without even seeing
0810F08 the document. ^They do not even seem to_ want to_ see the document,
0820F08 for they find it convenient perhaps to_ believe, and to_ make others
0830F08 believe, that as this document was prepared in her period, it
0840F08 must be a eulogy of the Congress and of \0Mrs Gandhi particularly.
0850F08 $^One prominent newspaper went to the extent of misleading
0860F08 the public by writing in its editorial that the Time Capsule
0870F08 was buried during the Emergency (it was buried on August 15,
0880F08 1973) in the same editorial, the paper appealed to historians not
0890F08 to_ mislead the public! $^*I do not know how to_ react to such baseless
0900F08 charges and rumours. ^*I, as a social scientist, view this problem
0910F08 from a different angle altogether. ^*I do not think, for example,
0920F08 that whatever \0Mrs Gandhi did was wrong and crooked; nor
0930F08 do I think that whatever she did was right and creditable. ^Whatever
0940F08 the journalists and the politicians might say and write, academicians
0950F08 must wait for some more time to_ make an objective assessment
0960F08 of her role in India*'s modern history. ^The purpose of the
0970F08 Time Capsule document was not, in any case, to_ make an assessment
0980F08 of this kind. ^Its purpose, as I understood it, was to_ communicate
0990F08 to some distant generation in a remote age what we, as a nation,
1000F08 had achieved in the first twentyfive years of our free history. $^And
1010F08 now to the question which many persons have asked: ^Why did I agree
1020F08 to_ write the document for the Time Capsule? ^Whenever my friends
1030F08 asked me this question, I noticed in their faces a great sense
1040F08 of pity for me. ^Some of them and even some of my relatives were
1050F08 supsicious that I must have taken some bribe. ^It was circulated that
1060F08 I was paid a fabulous sum, \0Rs 30,000, for writing the account.
1070F08 ^Another rumor was that \0Mrs Gandhi had sent Yash Pal Kapoor
1080F08 with a huge sum of money for me to_ write this account.
1090F08 ^*I could only laugh at these people and their rumours, for
1100F08 I knew that they were all wrong. ^When I went to Delhi in May 1973,
1110F08 I neither asked, nor was I told by anyone in the \0ICHR, how
1120F08 much I was going to_ be paid for this work. $*<*3Got Only \0Rs
1130F08 200 Out of it!*> $^After I completed my work and before returning
1140F08 to Madras, the Secretary of the \0ICHR called me to her
1150F08 office and gave me a cheque for \0Rs 1,000 as my remuneration for
1160F08 the project. ^*I thought that it was a reasonable amount and accepted
1170F08 it. ^The \0ICHR did not charge me any rent for its guest house
1180F08 where I stayed for the month. ^My plane fare to and from Delhi was
1190F08 paid by the \0ICHR. ^My food and transport expenses for the
1200F08 month, which I paid, came to about \0Rs 800. $^*I thus earned from
1210F08 the project a net profit of \0Rs 200 and a lot of wild publicity.
1220F08 ^*I can produce a voucher for the \0Rs 1,000 I received. $^Whether
1230F08 people believe it or not, the only reason why I accepted the project
1240F08 was that I did not wish to_ shirk a responsibility that_ was entrusted
1250F08 to me by an eminent historian of the country, Professor *(0S.*)
1260F08 Gopal, whom I admire and respect. ^In the document that_ I wrote,
1270F08 I made no mention of his eminent father, \0Dr Radhakrishnan, one
1280F08 of our former Presidents, because I thought that there was no place
1290F08 for him in the kind of narration I made. ^*Professor *(0S.*) Gopal
1300F08 would not have even noticed this omission (which certainly
1310F08 was not deliberate). ^This is what I call greatness. ^*I am always
1320F08 reminded of this incident whenever people complain that my document
1330F08 omitted this leader or that_ leader. ^*I have already explained
1340F08 in my earlier writings how the names of several of our leaders
1350F08 came to_ be omitted in my document and I will clarify this issue
1360F08 further when the document that_ has been dug out is published. $*<*3Why
1370F08 Confidential?*> $^The primary reason for all the wild suspicion
1380F08 about the Time Capsule was the previous Government*'s decision
1390F08 to_ keep the document confidential. ^If it had been released
1400F08 prior to its burial or at least after the Opposition parties began
1410F08 to_ demand its release, the commotion on this subject would have ended
1420F08 then and there. ^*I do not know why the Government decided to_
1430F08 treat the document as confidential. ^In fact, it seems to me that
1440F08 this decision was taken only after the document was leaked out through
1450F08 \0Mr Badrinath Chaturvedi, to whom I had given a copy some
1460F08 time in September 1973. ^The Secretary of the \0ICHR did
1470F08 not tell me throughout the period of my stay in Delhi in May 1973, or
1480F08 even subsequently till the leakage had occurred, that I should treat
1490F08 the project as confidential. ^*I do not think that even the Secretary
1500F08 of the \0ICHF knew till then that the project was to_ be kept
1510F08 confidential. ^And I also do not think that Professor Nurul Hasan,
1520F08 the former Education Minister, himself had any idea that it
1530F08 should be a confidential work; otherwise he would have told his Ministry
1540F08 and instructions would have been sent to me. ^It was only
1550F08 after the leakage had occurred that the Secretary of the \0ICHR
1560F08 wrote to me a letter marked "Confidential", asking me to_ explain
1570F08 how the leakage had occurred. $^In my reply, I told her that I did
1580F08 not know that I was expected to_ keep the document confidential
1590F08 and that it was I who had given a copy to \0Mr Badrinath, because
1600F08 he had wanted to_ see it. ^*I also expressed in this letter my deep
1610F08 regret for having put her in a difficult position by my unitentional
1620F08 mistake. $^While this was the offical position, I still do not
1630F08 think that the previous Government had any moral right to_ keep the
1640F08 document confidential. ^It is true that, according to one of the old
1650F08 rules of the Government, no contemporary official document pertaining
1660F08 to the period within the previous twentyfive years could be given
1670F08 to the public for perusal without special permission from an authorised
1680F08 source; but I wonder how the rule could be applied to the Time
1690F08 Capsule document. ^It was prepared by an academic body and it
1700F08 was concerned with our national history in which many people are interested.
1710F08 ^But then the Government might have argued that the document
1720F08 was prepared by the \0ICHR only on its request and that it became
1730F08 its property after it was handed over by the \0ICHR. ^All this
1740F08 may be legally right, but the decision to_ keep the document confidential
1750F08 proved disastrous.*#
        **[no. of words = 02014**]

        **[txt. f09**]
0010F09 **<*3Who should be more powerful, Centre or State?**> $*3^OUR*0 founding
0020F09 fathers were greatly concerned about the unity and integrity of
0030F09 the nation. ^And for good reasons. ^We had a 2,000-year history of disunity.
0040F09 *4^*Bharatavarsha was only a poetic or religious concept and
0050F09 not a reality. ^Terms like *4Himavatsetuparyantam (from the Himalaya
0060F09 to Setu) determined the extent of a mythical India, for neither
0070F09 under Asoka, Samudragupta nor Akbar was the country one. ^It was
0080F09 the British, as admitted by President Sanjiva Reddy in his controversial
0090F09 Republic Day message, who unified India. ^Our founding fathers
0100F09 were anxious to_ preserve this unity. ^Also, we should remember,
0110F09 they wrote the Constitution after the traumatic break-up of the subcontinent
0120F09 in 1947 and they wanted to_ assure themselves that there would
0130F09 be no further fragmentation. $*<*3Unitary Bias*0*> $^The constitution
0140F09 that_ we thus got is guaranteed to_ nurture the integrity of the
0150F09 nation. ^Its makers opted for the word 'Union' rather than 'Federation'
0160F09 in describing the Republic of India. ^And, though our Constitution
0170F09 is often referred to as federal, its unitary bias is unmistakable.
0180F09 ^According to Professor Wheare India is a unitary state with
0190F09 subsidiary federal principles rather than a federal state with subsidiary
0200F09 unitary features. ^And Sir Ivor Jennings calls it a federation
0210F09 with a strong centralised tendency. $^Whatever the view of *4pandits,
0220F09 India remained a monolithic polity for the first few years after
0230F09 the Constitution came into force in 1950. ^This was because the same party
0240F09 ruled at the Centre and in the States. ^During this period the
0250F09 destiny of the entire nation lay in the hands of the Congress High
0260F09 Command and the Congress High Command meant Jawaharlal Nehru who
0270F09 was also Prime Minister. ^It was not as much the writ of the Centre
0280F09 that_ ran throughout India as the personal writ of Panditji. ^No
0290F09 Chief Minister, even of the stature of Govind Ballabh Pant or
0300F09 \0Dr *(0B.C*) Roy, dared to_ question him. ^*Centre-state relatiions
0310F09 remained ideal and it appeared the Constitution worked to perfection.
0320F09 $^Trouble arose with the formation of the first Communist State
0330F09 Government in Kerala in 1957. ^People awoke to the possibility
0340F09 of Centre State tension and began to_ wonder if the Constitution
0350F09 was flexible enough to_ prevent ugly situations. ^It emerged before
0360F09 long that the Constitution was flexible enough-- but unfortunately
0370F09 only for the Centre. ^This was demonstrated in the dismissal of the
0380F09 Namboodiripad Ministry of Kerala in 1959. $^It was, however, also
0390F09 during Nehru*'s time that we had to_ face the fury of regionalism.
0400F09 ^The fast unto death by Potti Sriramulu in 1952 forced him to_ create
0410F09 a separate Andhra and to_ appoint the States Reorganisation
0420F09 Commission. ^The map of India was drawn and redrawn to_ satisfy the
0430F09 aspirations of Maharashtrians, Sikhs, the hill people of north-eastern
0440F09 India, \0etc. ^Regionalism had been fostered by the Congress itself
0450F09 in pursuance of Gandhiji*'s idea of linguistic provinces and decentralisation.
0460F09 $^All this did not seriously endanger Centre-State
0470F09 relations until after the general election of 1967 which radically altered
0480F09 the party position in a number of States. ^The \0DMK*'s accession
0490F09 to power in Tamil Nadu (then Madras) horrified those passionately
0500F09 wedded to the idea of one India and a strong Centre. ^The party was
0510F09 professedly secessionist and the father of the Dravidian movement,
0520F09 Periyar Ramasami Naicker, launched a movement to_ burn the Consitution.
0530F09 ^*Chief Minister Annadurai, however, was statesmanlike enough
0540F09 to_ give up the secessionist stand, but his successor Karunanidhi
0550F09 pursued the demand for State autonomy with almost a vicious fervour.
0560F09 ^The Rajamannar Committee appointed by him recommended far-reaching
0570F09 changes in the Constitution. $^The most serious Centre-State
0580F09 confrontation so far has been after the formation of the United Front
0590F09 Government in West Bengal in 1969 with Jyoti Basu as Deputy Chief
0600F09 Minister. ^The Ministry was dismissed in 1970 and the Assembly dissolved.
0610F09 ^According to \0Mr Basu the Centre could not tolerate his Government
0620F09 because it "refused to_ follow the Congress line of carrying
0630F09 on the administration in the interest of a handful of people in
0640F09 land and industry". $^Today Jyoti Basu, whose party is an ally of
0650F09 the Janata, has asked for a wholesale review of the question of State
0660F09 autonomy. ^In this he has the support of Sheikh Abdullah, Chief
0670F09 Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, which State in any case has a special
0680F09 status granted by Article 370 of the Constitution. ^The Chief
0690F09 Minister of at least two Janata run States-- Gujarat and Bihar--
0700F09 have also asked for more powers for States. ^And President Sanjiva
0710F09 Reddy has, probably to the embarrassment of the Janata leaders
0720F09 at the Centre, lent his voice to this chorus of autonomy. $^Since
0730F09 the Union Government is Janata, Vasantdada Patil, Chief Minister
0740F09 in the Congress-Congress (\0I) Coalition of Maharashtra, and Chenna
0750F09 Reddy, his Congress (I) counterpart in Andhra Pradesh, have
0760F09 thought it fit to_ join this chorus. ^Does not \0Mr Reddy remember
0770F09 that a basic tenet of the political philosophy of his leader, Indira
0780F09 Gandhi, is a powerful Centre? ^Or is he preparing himself for
0790F09 a confrontation with New Delhi? ^It is otherwise hard to_ understand
0800F09 the new-found enthusiasm of Congress and Congress (\0I) leaders for
0810F09 State autonomy. $^Notwithstanding the apparent hypocrisy of Congress
0820F09 and Congress (\0I) Chief Ministers, one cannot deny there is a
0830F09 need to_ re-examine-Centre State relations in the light of our experience
0840F09 of the past 28 years. ^One may not accept all the radical changes
0850F09 suggested in the memorandum of the West Bengal Government. ^At
0860F09 the same time there is no need to_ take an alarmist view of it. '^Balkanisation'
0870F09 and 'fissiparous tendencies' are cliches that_ will not
0880F09 help. (^Why hasn*'4t the phrase 'oviparous tendencies' come into vogue
0890F09 among political commentators?) $^In regarding the question of State
0900F09 autonomy one must clear one*'s mind of the cobwebs of past thinking.
0910F09 ^We have been conditioned to_ look at the Centre with awe. ^The tendency
0920F09 to_ contemplate it mystically as if it were a *4Tantric *4bindu
0930F09 must be discountenanced. ^The Centre has no independent existence.
0940F09 ^It exists for the States and because of the States. ^It is an abstract
0950F09 entity and if it has any personality it is made up of components
0960F09 deriving from the States. ^Even if authority may seem to_ flow from
0970F09 the Centre to the States, such authority has accrued to it only
0980F09 from the States. ^If we take the analogy of geometry, there is no centre
0990F09 if the circumference describing the circle is erased. $^The Government
1000F09 of India has come to_ mean New Delhi-- not only metaphorically,
1010F09 but in a real sense. ^Worse, it is sometimes confined to South
1020F09 Block. ^And the vision of some of our Union Ministers does not extend
1030F09 beyond India Gate or the Yamuna Bridge. ^They hardly have a
1040F09 'feel' for the problems of Gauhati, Bhubaneswar or Trivandrum. $*<*3Like
1050F09 a Mother-in-Law*0*> $^Being, as said before an abstract entity
1060F09 and functioning in a vacuum the Centre is not as much directly inolved
1070F09 with the people as the States. ^It is logical therefore that
1080F09 the latter should be vested with adequate powers so as to_ give a
1090F09 better deal to the citizens. ^Unfortunately, the Centre, already constitutionally
1100F09 blessed with more than its legitimate share of power,
1110F09 is greedy for more. ^It is the view of some constitutional experts that
1120F09 over the years the Union Government has made inroads into sphers
1130F09 that_ clearly belong to the States. ^It has been playing the role
1140F09 of a jealous and niggardly mother-in-law, ever suspicious of her daughters-in-law
1150F09 and regarding them as outsiders wanting to_ snatch away
1160F09 the house hold keys. $^If the States have to_ implement welfare
1170F09 schemes they should be provided with the wherewithal or enabled to_
1180F09 raise resources. ^The States*' authority to_ impose taxes is limited
1190F09 and the allocations made to them by the Finance Commission are
1200F09 not always in consonance with the real needs of a State or in proportion
1210F09 to its own contribution to the national exchequer. ^The Study
1220F09 Team of the Administrative Reforms Commission (the \0ARC*'s
1230F09 first Chairman was Morarji Desai) has suggested that a "valid method
1240F09 of decreasing the dependence of the States on the Centre would
1250F09 be to_ see that the States get more through assured devolutions".
1260F09 (^By assured devolutions are meant divisible taxes and geants-in-aid.)
1270F09 ^The Study Team further says: "...we are of the view that the
1280F09 base of devolution should be widened by including more Central taxes
1290F09 in the list of sharable taxes." ^A case can also be made for including
1300F09 corporation tax among the items to_ be shared. $*<*3Planning Commission*0*>
1310F09 $^The Planning Commission is another Central body which
1320F09 has a crucial role with regard to the States. ^Unlike the Finance
1340F09 Commission, it is extra-constitutional, but it is regarded as a government
1350F09 within the Union Government. ^Its manner of functioning
1360F09 has come in for much criticism. ^It is a matter for debate if a few
1370F09 experts, however eminent they are, can make recommendations that_ are
1380F09 valid for so big and so varied a country like India. ^If economic
1390F09 planning has not been as much a success as it should have been it is
1400F09 because it has been too centralised without any sense of participation
1410F09 by the States. ^The Planning Commission must be enlarged with the
1420F09 inclusion of representatives from all the States and it should be
1430F09 made an independent body free from the pressures of the Union Cabinet
1440F09 which normally reflects only the opinion of the party ruling at the
1450F09 Centre. $^Both the Centre and the States have an *7alibi now. ^If
1460F09 no progress is made in carrying out economic programmes or welfare
1470F09 schemes, the Centre finds fault with the States. ^And the latter,
1480F09 for their part, plead that the Union Government did not provide them
1490F09 with sufficient funds or authority to_ mobilise resources. ^For too
1500F09 long has the progress of the nation been held up by this sort of mutual
1510F09 fault-finding. ^The only way to_ end the stalmate is to_ discover
1520F09 means by which the States will be empowered to_ raise greater resources
1530F09 and making it obligatory on their part for these to_ be more
1540F09 effciently used than now. $^A fresh look is needed into the Union,
1550F09 State and Concurrent Lists. ^While the Union, it may appear, has
1560F09 been overburdened, the Concurrent List contains items likely to_
1570F09 create confusion in the matter of legislation. ^The Centre could be
1580F09 divested of some subjects both from the Union and Concurrent Lists.
1590F09 ^One may not go as far as the \0CPI (\0M) in claiming that the
1600F09 Union should deal exclusively only with Defence, Finance, Foreign
1610F09 Affairs and Communications. ^There is a strong case, for example,
1620F09 to_ make Education an exclusively Central subject, at least for 20
1630F09 or 30 years, so as to_ resolve the present chaos. ^However, it should
1640F09 be managed by a national council with respresentatives from all regions.
1650F09 $^The only point to_ consider in deciding the Lists is how best
1660F09 the nation*'s interests are served. ^The Centre and the States
1670F09 are not to_ be treated as two parties opposed to each other. ^If State
1680F09 autonomy is to_ be enlarged it is only to_ translate national policies
1690F09 more effectively than now. ^It would be so much the better if,
1700F09 in the process, legitimate regional aspirations are also fulfilled.
1710F09 $^*National aspirations need not be at variance with regional aspirations--
1720F09 they can be, should be, the sum total of regional aspirations.
1730F09 ^Care, however, should be taken that *3Regionalism*0 does not become
1740F09 a disease and give rise to symptoms like the pernicious doctrine of
1750F09 "sons of the soil" which of course is the ludicrous doctrine of "sons
1760F09 of the regional soil". ^We should set our face against any change
1770F09 in the Constitution that_ will undermine the inviolable principle
1780F09 of one citizenship for the whole nation and the right of every citizen
1790F09 to_ work and live anywhere in the country. ^It should be the concern
1800F09 of every State to_ provide employment to all its inhabitants without
1810F09 detriment to this principle. $*<*3Emergency Powers*0*> $^There
1820F09 are certain provisions in the Constitution which are ostensibly
1830F09 in the interest of the nation and its unity but which are likely to_
1840F09 be misused by the ruling party at the Centre to_ promote itself.*#
        **[no. of words = 02008**]

        **[txt. f10**]
0010F10 **<*3Should The Congress Be One?*0**> $*3^THE*0 two Congress parties
0020F10 continue to_ be at loggerheads. ^After the recent State Assembly
0030F10 elections, many had expected that the wounds of the latest split
0040F10 would heal and that the two major opposition forces, each
0050F10 claiming the Nehruvian mantle of the Congress and swearing
0060F10 by its ideology, would unite, consolidate their strength and help
0070F10 to_ keep the Janata Government on its toes. ^But these hopes have
0080F10 been belied. $^Obviously, it is in no one*'s interest-- not even the
0090F10 Janata*'s-- that the Congress split should deepen and harden.
0100F10 ^When the split came last January, many top Janata leaders publicly
0110F10 regretted the fact that the Opposition was being splintered. $^They
0120F10 may have secretly wished, of course, to_ see \0Mrs Gandhi
0130F10 purged by a united Congress Party and altogether eliminated
0140F10 from the political arena. ^But despite her obvious handicaps of
0150F10 a makeshift organisation and an unfamiliar election symbol, the electorate
0160F10 in three of the four States that_ went to the polls last month
0170F10 has willed otherwise. ^The Janata*'s leaders can now hardly wish
0180F10 to_ belittle this verdict or indeed to_ see the Congress remain
0190F10 a house divided against itself. $^For the two Congress factions, the
0200F10 consequences of disunity are nothing less than disastrous. ^Right
0210F10 now, when no general election either to State Assemblies or to Parliament
0220F10 is in view, unity may not seem an urgent goal. ^And
0230F10 *8ad hoc*9 cooperation between the two groups-- in the form of joint
0240F10 functioning in opposition and as united fronts wherever they form
0250F10 the Government-- may seem to_ serve the present purpose. $*<*3Split
0260F10 Was Inevitable*0*> $^But this is an illusion. ^Elections
0270F10 will soon and increasingly be due at various other levels of the
0280F10 administration-- municipal, district or *5zilla parishad*6 and *4panchayat.
0290F10 ^And, with each Congress claiming to_ be a national party
0300F10 with a following in all States and regions, it is difficult to_ see
0310F10 how they will avoid mutually disadvantageous contests. $^The result
0320F10 for one or other of the Congresses, if not for both-- and most likely
0330F10 for the (Chavan) Congress-- will be political suicide, much
0340F10 to the dismay of the country because of the necessary result that
0350F10 the Janata will then have what ultimately ruined the Congress:
0360F10 a legislature without a united and strong Opposition to_ reckon with.
0370F10 $^In one sense, the Congress split in January was inevitable. ^After
0380F10 the 1977 *5Lok Sabha*6 election results, it was bound to_ come
0390F10 sooner rather than later. ^If it came late it was no doubt because
0400F10 the Congress had been dealt so mortal an electoral blow in the Northern
0410F10 States that it took the party a few months to_ recover from the
0420F10 shock. $^Actually, there were features about those results that_ were
0430F10 both pulling the party away from and pushing it towards a
0440F10 split. ^In March, 1977, it will be recalled, the Congress was completely
0450F10 and totally swept out of the Northern States. ^It won
0460F10 not a single seat from among 286 in a belt of eight contiguous States,
0470F10 all situated in what is often called the country*'s Hindi heartland.
0480F10 ^The Janata Party had truly massacred the Congress
0490F10 in the North, inflicting on it a defeat unparalleled in the annals
0500F10 of election history anywhere in the world. $^In the four contiguous
0510F10 and homogeneous Dravidian States, the Congress and its
0520F10 electoral allies had scored an equally overwhelming and almost
0530F10 total victory over the Janata. ^Together, they bagged some 95 per
0540F10 cent of the *5Lok Sabha*6 seats in the four States-- losing none
0550F10 in Kerala, one in Andhra Pradesh, two in Karnataka and
0560F10 three in Tamil Nadu, a mere six out of a total of 128. $^All this
0570F10 pointed to a simple conclusion that has since been confirmed by the
0580F10 recent Assembly poll in Andhra and Karnataka; that \0Mrs Gandhi
0590F10 is the only North Indian leader who enjoys a massive and
0600F10 enthusiastic following in the South. ^And the curious thing about
0610F10 it is that, despite her well-known tendency to_ concentrate power
0620F10 in the federal Centre and, indeed, in her own hands, the electorate
0630F10 in the South-- which is far more conscious of State rights and
0640F10 autonomy than that_ of the North-- continues to_ place faith in
0650F10 her. ^By contrast, the Janata, whose leaders never tire of stressing
0660F10 their commitment to a decentralised polity, have failed to_ carry
0670F10 conviction in the South. $*<*3North-South Divide*0*> $^This indeed,
0680F10 is \0Mrs Gandhi*'s principal asset for whichever party
0690F10 she ultimately leads. ^It assures her a position in the Indian political
0700F10 picture that_ can only be ignored at the peril of taking the
0710F10 South for granted, of which there is too ready a tendency in the North.
0720F10 \0^*Mrs Gandhi has, of course, yet to_ show that she has retrieved
0730F10 some of her lost status in the North before she can lay claim
0740F10 to the national party stakes. $^The North-South electoral schizophrenia
0750F10 revealed by last year*'s Parliamentary poll was a confusing
0760F10 development for a national party like the Congress to_ absorb,
0770F10 which may have been one reason why the split was a long time in
0780F10 coming. $^On the other hand, there was implicit in those same election
0790F10 results another factor which was pushing the party towards
0800F10 a break. ^Despite the ambiguities, senior Congress leaders realised
0810F10 that it was \0Mrs Gandhi who had been so decisively rejected by
0820F10 the electorate in the North and not the Congress Party. ^For anyone
0830F10 sporting the Congress badge had lost heavily, no matter
0840F10 how well he might have served his constituency. ^Correspondingly, anyone
0850F10 who wore the Janata label had won handsomely, no matter how
0860F10 insignificant his record of past service to the community. $\0^*Mr
0870F10 *(0D. K.*) Barooah, Congress President during the Emergency,
0880F10 had expressed himself neither well nor wisely when he proclaimed
0890F10 that "^*Indira is India and India is Indira". ^Had he, however,
0900F10 made even so small an amendment to his slogan and declared instead
0910F10 that "^*Indira was the Congress and the Congress was Indira", he
0920F10 might have been celebrated as a prophet! $^For even before the Emergency
0930F10 but certainly after it had been promulgated, \0Mrs Gandhi
0940F10 had sought to_ bring the party structure within her sole control.
0950F10 ^Since her Double personal triumph in 1971-- in the *5Lok Sabha*6
0960F10 election and the Bangladesh war-- she had steadily succeeded in
0970F10 acquiring a dominance over the party that_ even Nehru did not enjoy
0980F10 at the height of his popularity. ^By 1977, the Congress had become
0990F10 synonymous with \0Mrs Gandhi so that its successes were her successes,
1000F10 its failures her failures. $^*Senior Congress leaders (including
1010F10 such stalwarts as \0Mr Jagjivan Ram, \0Mr *(0Y. B.*) Chavan
1020F10 and \0Mr Brahmananda Reddi) watched her progressively tighten
1030F10 her grip on the party, but did nothing in protest. ^This may have
1040F10 been because, even as she did so, she notched up one spectacular
1050F10 national or international achievement after another in the middle
1060F10 good years of her Prime Ministership. ^Through these, she brought
1070F10 greater glory to the party and ensured for them what must have
1080F10 seemed like their eternal continuance in ministerial office. $*<*3"Strong"
1090F10 Leader*0*> $^*Congress leaders cheerfully accepted \0Mrs Gandhi*'s
1100F10 "strong leadership" and meekly submitted to it. ^In doing
1110F10 so, they no doubt showed a lack of gumption, especially before the
1120F10 Emergency. ^But they may also have acquiesced because at some stage
1130F10 they felt it was in the best interests of the party and the country.
1140F10 $\0^*Mrs Gandhi had, moreover, repeatedly shown that she had
1150F10 an uncanny, almost infallible, instinct for the right decision at
1160F10 the right time. ^She could now move left, now right; now act pro-,
1170F10 now anti-nationalisation now stand for bonus and the next moment against
1180F10 it. $^The presence of such a leader at the helm of a heterogeneous
1190F10 and pragmatic party-- one that_ has no strong ideology to_
1200F10 serve as a sort of compass in case of directional disputes-- may well
1210F10 have seemed to them an unpleasant necessity in the early stages
1220F10 of a country*'s development. ^This is what the 30-year-old history of
1230F10 many independent countries of the Third World showed. $^As in the
1240F10 other countries of the Third World, so in India, \0Mrs Gandhi
1250F10 was not the first strong leader to_ emerge. ^*Nehru himself was a
1260F10 charismatic personality who commanded the willing cooperation of his
1270F10 senior colleagues through a fully operative two-way channel
1280F10 of communication and back-slapping camaraderie with them. $\0^*Mrs
1290F10 Gandhi*'s real difficulty arises from the fact that, unlike Nehru,
1300F10 she is no good at communicating with or placing trust in her colleagues.
1310F10 ^She may listen carefully to them, but she keeps her own counsel.
1320F10 ^When she acts decisively, she does so with no notice and without
1330F10 taking her partymen into prior confidence. ^After the event,
1340F10 too, she is often unable to_ articulate her reasons for the decision
1350F10 or share its glory with them or involve them heartily in its follow-up.
1360F10 $^She is a loner in politics-- insecure and uncommunicative. ^This
1370F10 may have something to_ do with her being a woman in a world of men.
1380F10 ^But it seems more like a personality failing which will continue
1390F10 to_ dog her relations with those with whom she must work. ^She can
1400F10 claim by way of compensation that she communicates effectively with
1410F10 the masses and indeed is able to_ establish a close rapport with them.
1420F10 $*<*3Atmosphere of Centralism*0*> $^With unity of the two Congress
1430F10 factions now the most important concern of all interested in
1440F10 the future of that_ party, it would be helpful if the tallest among
1450F10 them were to_ begin by honestly conceding the truth underlying this.
1460F10 ^It is tempting but inaccurate to_ read today*'s values as having
1470F10 informed yesterday*'s decisions. ^There was both before and during
1480F10 the Emergency a ripe atmosphere of centralism and conformity and the
1490F10 reasons why senior Congressmen acted in the way they did had
1500F10 a certain powerful and, in its own context, patriotic logic. $^Even
1510F10 the Emergency was seen by many of them, after it had fully established
1520F10 itself, as something of a boon, a blessing in disguise. ^Some
1530F10 senior Congress leaders may in the early days have had lively
1540F10 misgivings about its wisdom. ^And they may have restrained themselves
1550F10 form expressing these because of the fear of landing in jail. $^But,
1560F10 as time went on and the emergency*'s visible "gains" piled
1570F10 up, they (like many others, including judges) began to_ see the
1580F10 whole situation in a different and far from fearful light. ^They actively
1590F10 endorsed the Emergency or coasted along on it in part
1600F10 at least because they deemed it "a necessary evil", "a dose of
1610F10 bitter medicine" which might help the country make breakthroughs
1620F10 in coping with some of its endemic and stubborn problems. $^*Congress
1630F10 leaders in particular can hardly make out today that they were totally
1640F10 unaware of the Emergency "excesses" or of the malevolent influence
1650F10 of "the caucus" on party and national affairs. ^They may
1660F10 not have known of all that_ was happening in those censorship-bound
1670F10 days. ^But, as public men, they had sufficient inkling through
1680F10 the usual grapevine of some of the more flagrant misdeeds. $^After
1690F10 the big mistakes \0Mrs Gandhi made during the memergency, totally
1700F10 destroying the party*'s position in the North, no responsible
1710F10 leader whether of the Congress or Congress (\0I) is likely to_ have
1720F10 the same old faith in her political judgement. ^That_ phase is over
1730F10 for partymen. \0^*Mrs Gandhi*'s mystic hold over the Congress
1740F10 has come to an end. ^Things can never again be the same. \0^*Mrs Gandhi
1750F10 would do well to_ recognise and understand this turn of the tide.
1760F10 $^The rhetoric of mutually hostile exchanges between the
1770F10 two factions of the Congress on the eve of and since the split would
1780F10 suggest that four issues underlie it: "the Emergency", "the influence
1790F10 of the caucus", "inner-party democracy" and "collective
1800F10 leadership". $^Of these, the first two are now non-issues, mere
1810F10 scoring points in an arid debate. ^They belong to the past and, as
1820F10 the expression goes, are as dead as the dodo. $^After all that_ has
1830F10 happened in the past year, none but a military ruler could reimpose
1840F10 an emergency in India and make sure that his writ runs throughout
1850F10 the country. ^And if \0Mrs Gandhi*'s defeat in 1977 has one lesson,
1860F10 it is that no one, not even a Prime Minister, can foist his or her
1870F10 son into national prominence or politics and make the decision democratically
1880F10 stick.*#
        **[no. of words = 02032**]

        **[txt. f11**]
0010F11 **<*3Marriage-- Indian style*0**> $*3^ALTHOUGH*0 education and social
0020F11 changes have improved women*'s status, their functions as wives and
0030F11 mothers and the man*'s continuing role as the bread-winner tend to_
0040F11 perpetrate discrimination against them. ^*India provides a classic
0050F11 example of the conflict between tradition as enshrined in marriage vows
0060F11 and ritual and the emergence of women as equal partners of men in
0070F11 the new society. $^The ideal of a Hindu marriage is summed up in the
0080F11 *4mantras recited at the nuptial ceremony. **[verses**] $^A Hindu
0090F11 marriage is a sacrament and not a contract. ^It envisages a permanent
0100F11 and enduring tie. ^The Christian concept of "holy matrimony" is similar--
0110F11 "to_ have and to_ hold... till death do us part" and "Whom
0120F11 God hath joined together, let no man put asunder". ^But this sacrament
0130F11 has been used to_ perpetuate an unequal relationship-- man*'s dominion
0140F11 over woman. $^The underlying concept is, has always been, that
0150F11 a woman needs protection and must therefore be subservient to her
0160F11 protector: father, brother, husband or son. ^The Hindu rite of *4kanyadana--
0170F11 the giving of one*'s daughter in marriage-- is praised in the
0180F11 *4Smritis as the best of all *4danas. ^The father of the girl gets
0190F11 the same merit as he would by giving away money equal in weight to his
0200F11 ownperson. ^The daughter is the property of her father who then hands
0210F11 it over to his son-in-law. ^Her wish is irrelevant to the transaction.
0220F11 $^The question of consent depends on the age of the bride and
0230F11 the groom. ^In *4Vedic times, marriage between consenting adults was common.
0240F11 ^By the time of the *4Smritis, however, it was considered shameful
0250F11 for the father not to_ get his daughter married before puberty.
0260F11 ^Boys were considered ready for marriage only after their education
0270F11 had been completed. ^*Manu regarded marriage between a man of 24 and
0280F11 a girl of 10 as normal and desirable. ^With the passing of centuries,
0290F11 child marriages became so prevalent that there was no question of
0300F11 seeking the consent of either bride or groom. $^In 1929, the Sarda
0310F11 Act fixed the minimum age for marriage at 14 for girls (amended in
0320F11 1949 to 15) and 18 for boys. ^According to the Hindu Marriage Act
0330F11 1955, 18 is the age of consent. ^To_ be married before 18, a girl required
0340F11 her guardian*'s consent. ^Under Muslim personal law, a girl who
0350F11 has attained puberty has the right to_ decide on marriage without reference
0360F11 to her guardian. ^For Parsis and Christians, the age of consent
0370F11 is 21. ^While the guardian*'s consent is required for girls under
0380F11 21 to_ marry, it would be diffcult, in either case, for a minor
0390F11 girl to_ be forced into marriage. ^The Christian ceremony requires
0400F11 the bride*'s participation-- she can always say "^*I don*'4t" to the
0410F11 question: "^*Dost thou take this man to_ be thy lawful wedded husband?"
0420F11 ^Among Parsis, the bride*'s consent has to_ be confirmed by
0430F11 the priest during the *4ashirvad before two witnesses. $^The Muslim
0440F11 bride also has this right of having her consent verified at the *4nikah
0450F11 ceremony. $^Under the Special Marriage Act 1954, however, any
0460F11 Indian, on attaining majority, can marry without the parents*' or the
0470F11 guardian*'s consent. ^This Act provides for a civil wedding ceremony.
0480F11 $^In May, the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act 1978
0490F11 was passed, raising the minimum age for marriage to 18 for women and
0500F11 21 for men. ^But why should men be denied the right to_ marry at 18
0510F11 when women are allowed to_ do so? ^Why should it be illegal for two 19-years-olds
0520F11 to_ marry? ^The assumption behind the law seems to_ be
0530F11 that a man must, necessarily, be at least three years older than his
0540F11 wife. $^Even after reaching the age of consent, the bride-- sometimes
0550F11 even the groom-- has little or no say in the choice of a partner. ^The
0560F11 most acceptable form of marriage in India is still the arranged
0570F11 one, fixed by parents and other elders on the basis of caste, custom
0580F11 status and, above all, economic considerations. $^The field is, of
0590F11 course, restricted to caste, subcaste and even regional groups. ^Custom
0600F11 prohibits *4sagotra and *4sapinda relationships but the Hindu Marriage
0610F11 Act 1955 has legalised the former. $^The law bows to custom by accepting
0620F11 the prescriptive and prohibitive rules of each community as
0630F11 being binding on those belonging to it. ^The Special Marriage Act
0640F11 forbids marriage within prohibited degrees of relationship unless it
0650F11 is the custom in the community of at least one partner. $^The rules
0660F11 vary widely. ^In the South, cross cousin marriages (between children
0670F11 of a brother and a sister) are common-- even desirable while they
0680F11 are avoided in the North. ^A man can also marry his elder sister*'s
0690F11 daughter in many castes in the South. ^In some matrilineal communities,
0700F11 marriages are allowed between descendants of brothers but not between
0710F11 those of sisters. $*<*3Caste Taboos*0*> $^*Muslims and Christians
0720F11 also observe the caste taboos of their Hindu forbears. ^A "*4Brahmin"
0730F11 Muslim or Christian will only marry into a family which was
0740F11 also *4Brahmin before conversion. ^A Syrian Protestant will not
0750F11 only not marry a Syrian Roman Catholic but will also not consider
0760F11 marriage with another Protestant who is not a Syrian Christian.
0770F11 ^*Muslim communities-- like the *4Moplahs are equally restrictive.
0780F11 $^The *4Moplahs of Kerala are divided into two communities-- patrilineal
0790F11 and matrilineal. ^Marriage customs among the latter are very
0800F11 similar to those of Kerala*'s *4Nayars. ^In both cases the basic social
0810F11 unit is the matrilineal joint family, *4tharavad. ^It includes
0820F11 a woman, her brothers and sisters, her and her sister*'s children and
0830F11 their descendants in the female line. ^Marriage between members of
0840F11 the same *4tharavad is forbidden: while the children of two sisters
0850F11 cannot marry, those of two brothers or of a brother and a sister can
0860F11 do so. ^Traditionally, *4Nayar and *4Moplah husbands do not set up
0870F11 house with their wives but only visit them at night while they themselves
0880F11 live in their mother*'s *4tharavad. ^This system is now breaking
0890F11 up but where it is followed it naturally requires that families connected
0900F11 by marriage live in the same place to_ enable husbands to_ visit
1000F11 their wives regularly. $^Before the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 forbade
1010F11 it, polygamy was acceptable but not commonly practised. ^Its rationale
1020F11 was the necessity to_ beget a son without which a man*'s soul cannot
1030F11 rest in peace. ^Strict monogamy is the Christian rule while Muslim
1040F11 law allows polygamy. ^*Polyandry is much less common. ^A few Kerala
1050F11 castes-- the *4Nayars among them-- practised it until recently.
1060F11 ^Tribes like the *4Todas and the *4Kotas of the Nilgiris, the *4Khasa
1070F11 of Jaunsar Bawar and a few other North Indian castes also practise
1080F11 polyandry. ^Among the *4Todas and certain Himalayan tribes,
1090F11 fraternal polyandry is common. ^In such cases, the eldest brother is
1100F11 the legal father of all the children. $^While the more uncommon marriage
1110F11 practices are being abandoned except in remote areas, tradition
1120F11 is still strong with regard to arranged marriages, dowry and the secondary
1130F11 role of woman in the family. $^In most Indian communities, the
1140F11 parents of the girl have to_ make the first move through professional
1150F11 matchmakers or friends. ^Nowadays, well-to-do urban familes sometimes
1160F11 resort to the matrimonial columns of newspapers. ^After the matching
1170F11 of horoscopes, the "girl-seeing" ceremony takes place. ^The prospective
1180F11 bride is dressed up and exhibited to the groom and his family,
1190F11 made to_ sing or play an instrument and her housewifely talents are
1200F11 enumerated. ^Through it all, she sits with eyes modestly downcast. ^Among
1210F11 Tamil *4Brahmins she has to_ prostrate herself before the guests.
1220F11 $^Once the girl is "approved", the fathers turn to the important
1230F11 question of dowry. ^The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 is one of
1240F11 our most ineffectual laws. ^Some of the communities in which the dowry
1250F11 has become a curse are the *4Namboodiris of Kerala, the *4Chettiars
1260F11 and the *4Brahmins of Tamil Nadu, the *4Patidars of Charotar
1270F11 in Gujarat, the Rajputs, the Jains, the Sikhs and the Syrian
1280F11 Christians. $*<*3Financial Security For The Bride*0*> $^Dowry
1290F11 derives from the Hindu custom of *5stri dhan*6 which was supposed to_
1300F11 ensure financial security for the bride but was appropriated by the
1310F11 groom*'s family. ^*Muslim law provides for the husbands to_ give
1320F11 a *4mehr in money or property-- to his wife, to_ be settled on her
1330F11 in absolute ownership before the marriage can be legally recognised
1340F11 or consummated. ^It is an example of the insidious influence of Hindu
1350F11 custom on the more equalitarian Muslim law that *4mehr nowadays is
1360F11 fixed and announced-- to_ make the marriage legal-- but seldom given.
1370F11 ^Instead, many Muslim communities have adopted the custom of dowry
1380F11 from the bride*'s parents to the groom*'s. $^Among some tribal people, the
1390F11 groom is required to_ pay a bride-price to his father-in-law. ^Says
1400F11 the *5Baudhayana Dharma Sutra*6 of this custom: "^The woman purchased
1410F11 by money is not a lawfully wedded wife. ^She is not to_ accompany
1420F11 her husband either in sacrifice to the gods or in the rites performed
1430F11 for the forefathers. ^Selling one*'s own daughter is a great sin
1440F11 and leads to terrible hell. ^It destroys seven families." $^Most of
1450F11 the expenses of the wedding are borne by the bride*'s family which
1460F11 acts as the host. ^Where dowry is common, it is also the custom for
1470F11 the groom*'s family to_ expect to_ be waited upon hand and foot during
1480F11 these days. ^They are entitied to_ make exorbitant demands and create
1490F11 a scene over the most insignificant details. ^The bride*'s family
1500F11 lives in tense apprehension of offending them so much that they may
1510F11 walk out and break up the wedding. ^If this should happen, it is the
1520F11 bride*'s family which stands disgraced and it will be next to impossible
1530F11 to_ find another match for her. ^So the groom and his parents must
1540F11 be appeased at all costs. ^The bride sees her father humiliated but,
1550F11 already, she is expected to_ value loyalty to her husband*'s family
1560F11 more than affection for her own. $^The essential rites of *4Vedic
1570F11 marriage are five: *4Panigrahana or *4Hastagrabha, the grasping of
1580F11 hands; *4Asmarohana, stepping on the stone; *4Agniparinayana, going
1590F11 round the fire; *4Lajahoma, offering of puffed rice; and *4Saptapadi;
1600F11 seven steps. ^The last is the binding rite. ^The *4mantra chanted at
1610F11 the time invokes various blessings for each step, ending with: "^The
1620F11 seven steps are for friendship. ^*I shall not leave thy friendship,
1630F11 Thou shalt not leave mine." $^<*3Extraneous Rites*0*> $^The Hindu
1640F11 marriage ceremony has been added to and elaborated so much that it
1650F11 extends for several days and is extremely expensive. ^There is now a
1660F11 tendency towards simplifying it but it still contains many extraneous
1670F11 rites which most Hindus would not care to_ abandon. $^Even the
1680F11 *4thali or the *4mangalsutra on which so much value is placed is not essential
1690F11 to the *4Vedic rite. ^While it is most inauspicious for a woman
1700F11 to_ remove her *4thali, the groom does not need to_ wear any sign
1710F11 of marriage. ^Among the higher castes, the strands of the holy thread
1720F11 are increased but this is not a very visible sign of marriage. ^The
1730F11 Hindu bride*'s role is passive. ^The groom repeats the *4mantras
1740F11 and takes all vows. ^There are frequent indications of the woman*'s
1750F11 submissive role in marriage, like the bride prostrating herself at the
1760F11 groom*'s feet. ^In some communities the bride washes the groom*'s
1770F11 feet. ^In others, her parents perform this task. $^In the Christian
1780F11 wedding, the bride promises to_ "love, honour and obey" her husband.
1790F11 ^Among sections of Muslims, the bride is not even present during the
1800F11 ceremony and is represented by a male relative. $^Unlike Hindu and
1810F11 Christian marriages, the Muslim wedding is a social contract rather
1820F11 than a sacrament. ^But many Hindu customs have now been incorporated
1830F11 into it. ^In some parts of the South, it is common for both Muslims
1840F11 and Christians to_ match horoscopes and consult a *4Brahmin to_
1850F11 fix an auspicious time for the wedding. ^Some of them even have a
1860F11 Hindu ceremony as well as a Christian or Muslim one. $^A unique form
1870F11 of marriage recognised among Muslims of the *4Shia sect is the *4muta
1880F11 or temporary marriage. ^Its duration is fixed by agreement.*#
        **[no. of words = 02004**]

        **[txt. f12**]
0010F12 **<*3Foreign policy is changing*0**> $^Governments often find it easier
0020F12 to_ do better in the realm of foreign affairs than in the hard soil
0030F12 of domestic realities. ^The Janata Government, in its first year
0040F12 has not been able to_ assemble a coherent and dynamic economic policy
0050F12 which is recognisably different from that_ of the Congress. ^On the
0060F12 other hand, it has constructed a foreign policy, both in conceptual
0070F12 frame and diplomatic operation, that_ is distinctively different from
0080F12 the foreign policy of the Nehru era. ^Remarkably, the change has
0090F12 not stirred any public controversy, although its principal author, \0Mr.
0100F12 Atal Behari Vajpayee, has drawn the wrath of a section in his
0110F12 own former Party, the Jana Sangh, and its "cultural" arm, the \0RSS.
0120F12 \0^*Mr. Vajpayee, and his principal aide, the scholarly and thoughtful
0130F12 Jagat Mehta, have so skilfully couched the content of change
0140F12 in a prose of continuity that not many have noticed the altered diction,
0150F12 the newly set nuances. $^The credit for this achievement goes, in
0160F12 part, to the Prime Minister who, as head of Government, inevitably
0170F12 plays a significant role in foreign affairs. ^The ancient image of
0180F12 Morarji Desai as a rigid, egoistic man with set ideas and therefore
0190F12 unfit for diplomacy has been shattered. ^He has conducted high-level
0200F12 negotiations with the leaders of the Soviet Union and the United States
0210F12 as well as the King of Nepal and the chief of the Bangladesh
0220F12 Government. \0^*Mr. Desai has shown himself firm with the strong, and
0230F12 mellow with the weak, and thereby has earned the trust and respect of
0240F12 both. $^During the entire Nehru era, India*'s world view remained
0250F12 fixed on the centrestage of world politics, on the two superpowers and
0260F12 the competing blocs headed by them. ^Nonalignment worked as a platform
0270F12 to_ mobilise the newly liberated nations to_ defuse, as far as
0280F12 possible, the global confrontation. ^The principal thrust of India*'s
0290F12 foreign policy was to_ etch for New Delhi a strategic niche in, or
0300F12 close to, the centrepiece of superpower relations. ^The political elite
0310F12 became obsessed with its perception of India as a *3power if not
0320F12 a world power, a major regional power meriting, on its own right, a
0330F12 strategic salient in global power equations. $^An inevitable consequence
0340F12 of the global intimations of India*'s foreign policy during the
0350F12 Nehru era was a relative neglect of, and indifference to, the immediate
0360F12 neighbourhood. ^*India*'s relations with the two superpowers gradually
0370F12 acquired a stable pattern: friendship with the \0USSR and
0380F12 an unstable relationship with the United States oscillating between friendship
0390F12 and unfriendliness. ^But our relations with neighbours remained
0400F12 in a state of disharmony, at times, of severe disarray. ^Except for the
0410F12 brief years of India-China *4bhai-bhaism we did not succeed in knitting
0420F12 a tapestry of regional relationships based on neighbourly trust,
0430F12 cooperation and commonality of outlook. $^To_ be sure the fault did not
0440F12 always lie at India*'s door. ^The realities were often recalcitrant.
0450F12 ^The pre-natal hostility with Pakistan gathered uncontrollable destructive
0460F12 dynamics. ^Nevertheless, realistic and dispassionate retrospection
0470F12 should advise us that our neighbours (apart from Pakistan)
0480F12 smelt in our power psyche a
0490F12 familiar scent of imperiousness, if not imperialism. ^They were afraid of
0500F12 India, and suspicious. ^A nation that_ pressed so passionately at
0510F12 world forums for the equality of the smaller powers, failed to_ reassure
0520F12 its much smaller neighbours-- Ceylon, Nepal, Burma and Bhutan--
0530F12 that within a regional scheme of relationship they would be treated
0540F12 as genuinely equal, sovereign partners. $^The only defence one can marshal
0550F12 of the neglect of the neighbourhood during the Nehru era is that
0560F12 the prose of international politics of the Fifties and Sixties was
0570F12 written by the superpowers; the small and the weak could only offer some
0580F12 footnotes. ^The international system was *3centralised; power became
0590F12 overly concentrated around the two blocs; the juniors of the world
0600F12 community were left with little options and initiatives of their own.
0610F12 ^No regional subsystems could grow without the direct involvement of
0620F12 either of the superpowers. $^This argument has some force, but it ignores
0630F12 the cardinal fact of world politics-- that a nation dervies much
0640F12 of its strength and weakness from the state of its relationship with
0650F12 its neighbours. ^This is particularly true of the developing nations,
0660F12 feeble in resources, their political and social muscles perilously
0670F12 soft. ^The Arabs, for instance, have remained weak and vulnerable because
0680F12 they have seldom been able to_ act in unison and cooperation;
0690F12 when they could, in 1973-74, they became a formidable force. ^Regional
0700F12 differences and conflicts provide the ambience for external intervention
0710F12 which the leaders of the nonaligned world, including India, have
0720F12 so vehemently condemned and opposed. $^The harvest of keeping the neighbourhood
0730F12 in disrepair has been the three wars India has had to_ fight
0740F12 with China or Pakistan. ^Defeat or victory in these wars has produced
0750F12 an equally traumatic impact on the Indian elite psyche. ^That_ psyche
0760F12 collapsed at the Himalayan foothills in 1962; rallied in the wheatfields
0770F12 of Punjab in 1965; and swelled with imperial pride in the paddy
0780F12 fields of Bangladesh in 1971. ^The Bangladesh victory, which led
0790F12 to the dismemberment of Pakistan, sowed, with a grim irony which we
0800F12 refused to_ notice, the seeds of the Emergency imposed by Indira
0810F12 Gandhi five years later. ^The elite, divided into either admirers or
0820F12 worshippers of \0Mrs. Gandhi, created and fed the cult of personality,
0830F12 which became a major input of India*'s foreign policy during the
0840F12 second half of Indira Gandhi*'s regime. $^*Indira Gandhi continued
0850F12 with the foreign policy of the Nehru era, introducing at the same time,
0860F12 certain changes which were in part reflections of her own personality,
0870F12 and, in the rest, of the significant changes that_ occurred in world
0880F12 politics in the Seventies. ^In the euphoria of the Bangladesh
0890F12 victory, few of us paused to_ subject \0Mrs. Gandhi*'s foreign policy
0900F12 to any rigorous scrutiny. \0^*Mrs. Gandhi did comprehend that the
0910F12 world was passing through a period of power dispersal, that the mighty
0920F12 were not all that_ strong, and that a lot of initiative had passed
0930F12 to the junior actors on the global stage. ^She took the initiative to_
0940F12 intervene in the Bangladesh war, liberate Bangladesh, and later,
0950F12 engage Pakistan in a bilateral enterprise to_ promote good neighbourliness.
0960F12 \0^*Mrs. Gandhi, during the last two or three years of her regime,
0970F12 also moved cautiously towards a better relationship with China.
0980F12 ^To some extent, then, she did realise that India*'s destiny lay primarily
0990F12 in the neighbourhood, and that whatever power stature India might
1000F12 claim in the world would emanate essentially from its standing in South
1010F12 Asia, more precisely, in the subcontinent. $^The main problems
1020F12 of \0Mrs. Gandhi*'s foreign policy mirrored the problems of her personality
1030F12 and behaviour. ^In India*'s transactions with nations, there
1040F12 was a lack of openness and candour, which marked \0Mrs. Gandhi*'s difference
1050F12 from her father. ^She probably showed more courage than Nehru
1060F12 in grappling with the Bangladesh crisis. ^She displayed guts in dealing
1070F12 with both the Soviet Union and the United States. ^However,
1080F12 her secretiveness, lack of communication, and want of candour made
1090F12 both Moscow and Washington look at her with suspicion. ^The Soviet
1100F12 leaders could not trust her as they could her father; that_ could be one
1110F12 reason why they sought to_ *3*4gherao her, as it were, with their
1120F12 ebullient support for the Emergency. $^Far less trusting were the
1130F12 United States and China for reasons not difficult to_ understand.
1140F12 ^But in the subcontinental neighbourhood, \0Mrs. Gandhi acted with a
1150F12 benign imperial flourish which at once fascinated and frightened her
1160F12 admirers and traducers. ^Her attitude towards Bangladesh was the traditional
1170F12 attitude of the liberator. ^The annexation of Sikkim frightened
1180F12 Bhutan and Nepal. ^She developed a low-level personal rapport with
1190F12 Zulfikar Ali Bhutto-- both have an insatiable lust for personal power.
1200F12 ^The ruler \0Mrs. Gandhi clicked with most is, however, the shah
1210F12 of Iran. ^Each fascinated the other. \0^*Mrs. Gandhi conceded to
1220F12 Iran a power role in South Asia, and virtually recognised Pakistan
1230F12 and Afghanistan as a zone of Iranian influence. $^During the three
1240F12 decades of the Nehru-Gandhi rule, India, then, failed to_ perform
1250F12 the main task that_ is expected of a major power, global or regional.
1260F12 ^That_ task is *3integrative, the ability to_ integrate the neighbourhood
1270F12 into a cooperative subsystem. ^The failure of almost all nations
1280F12 except the \0U.S. and the \0U.S.S.R. to_ play integrative roles
1290F12 during the post-war period is the reason why there has been no dominant
1300F12 regional power in the proper sense of the term during the post-war
1310F12 period. ^China has stood out in its forlorn glory in the East; the
1320F12 France of de Gaulle in the West. ^The world*'s two integrated forces
1330F12 are still led by the superpowers. (^The \0OPEC became an integrated
1340F12 international force wielding considerable power, but it is in the process
1350F12 of dispersal at the end of 1977. ^Another Arab-Israeli war might
1360F12 lead to its revival.) $^India has more integrative potentiality than
1370F12 most other regional giants. ^The subcontinent is already integrated
1380F12 by geography, history, culture, language and religion. ^*India is by
1390F12 far the strongest country in this region, eminently suitable for an
1400F12 integrative role. ^Integration, it must be made clear, does not mean anything
1410F12 more than strategic harmony and goodneighbourly intercourse on
1420F12 the basis of sovereign equality of each member of a cohesive group of
1430F12 nations. ^Geography, culture, language, history and shared aspirations
1440F12 by themselves do not necessarily argue integration; an essential
1450F12 factor is leadership. ^This leadership must command the trust and
1460F12 confidence of the entire community, or must be backed by overwhelmingpolitical,
1470F12 military and economic strength. $^The Janata Government
1480F12 has accorded the first priority to the repairment of India*'s relations
1490F12 with the neighbouring countries. ^The neighbourhood has, then, replaced
1500F12 the centrepiece of world politics as the first item on our foreign
1510F12 policy agenda. ^A peaceful and broadly cohesive neighbourhood and a
1520F12 balanced relationship with the two superpowers are, in Janata thinking,
1530F12 the best guarantee against tension and conflict. ^A balanced relation
1540F12 does not mean equal relationship, equi-closeness or equi-distance.
1550F12 ^A balance means the maintenance of the core of the *8status quo*9 with
1560F12 necessary adjustments to_ measure up to new realities. $^The goodneighbourly
1570F12 policy of the Janata Government has made a greater impact
1580F12 on the neighbours than the regional policy of \0Mrs Gandhi. ^The reason
1590F12 is a welcome change from the imperial attitude of \0Mrs. Gandhi
1600F12 to an attitude of equality. ^The Janata Government has assured Bangladesh
1610F12 that while people seeking political asylum in India will be given
1620F12 hospitality, no one would be allowed to_ carry on anti-Bangladesh
1630F12 activity on and from Indian soil. ^Quick implementation of this assurance
1640F12 has sanitated India-Bangladesh relations for the first time
1650F12 since the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. ^The Farakka agreement
1660F12 only cemented the newly hewn understanding; essentially the terms
1670F12 of the agreement did not depart from what \0Mrs. Gandhi had offered
1680F12 Bangladesh. ^The new policy has already reaped some rewards. ^There
1690F12 is a change in Bangladesh perception of India. ^Not that all attacks
1700F12 on India have ceased; but the edge has gone out of the attacks.
1710F12 *3^*Dainik Sangram, once a morbid India-baiter, sang the new tune on
1720F12 December 2: "India*'s goodneighbourly intentions have been evident
1730F12 since the present Desai Government came to power... it has given rise
1740F12 to hopes that India would shed its hegemonistic attitude towards
1750F12 Bangladesh." ^The united front of all reactionary, obscurantist, unsecular
1760F12 elements cemented by the image of a hostile India has been largely
1770F12 scattered. ^In the more relaxed atmosphere, public pressure for
1780F12 the restoration of representative democracy has gathered some momentum.
1790F12 ^The rulers of Bangladesh have been robbed of an effective instrument
1800F12 with which they had, on the one hand, whipped up the anti-India
1810F12 wave and, on the other, suppressed the people*'s urge for secular democracy.*#
        **[no. of words = 01932**]

        **[txt. f13**]
0010F13 **<*3Holy diseases and 'miracle cures'**> $^Sometime ago, Indian newspapers
0020F13 published a photograph of a pious lady from Kerala and highlighted
0030F13 the claim that she exhibited wounds in the form of a cross
0040F13 on a particular day of the week. ^It was also said that the wounds bled
0050F13 from time to time. ^A famous Bombay weekly even went to the extent
0060F13 of interviewing her. ^And then in an article, it proclaimed that
0070F13 the doctors had tested the wounds and found them genuine. ^The lady
0080F13 claimed that it was the will of Lord Christ. $^Following this, many
0090F13 more cases were reported in the Press to_ thrill the gullible public.
0100F13 ^But unfortunately, the Press and the public did not bother
0110F13 to_ follow these up. $^And strangely, the people who exhibited such
0120F13 'miracle' diseases never allowed themselves to_ be tested. ^No effort
0130F13 has been made by doctors to_ find out the causes for such diseases.
0140F13 ^It is sad indeed that so far no medical team or commission has
0150F13 been appointed to_ find out the scientific reason for such abnormal
0160F13 occurrences. ^A few doctors who verify these cases generally approach
0170F13 the phenomena with pre-set ideas. $^But in the West, these mystic
0180F13 diseases and cures have been analysed by eminent medical practitioners
0190F13 and categorised according to their nature. $^Let us examine some
0200F13 of the 'divine' diseases, their causes and effects. $\0^*St Paul
0210F13 was the first staunch believer in Christianity. ^In the beginning,
0220F13 he was an inquisitor. ^He was instrumental in the killing of men,
0230F13 women and children belonging to the Christian faith. ^On one such
0240F13 mission, when he was walking on the road to Damascus, he is supposed
0250F13 to_ have got the vision of Christ. ^In his own words: "I saw on
0260F13 the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining
0270F13 round about me and then which journeyed with me. ^And when we had
0280F13 all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speak unto me and saying
0290F13 in the Hebrew tongue Saul, Saul why persecutest thou me? and I
0300F13 said, 'Who art thou Lord?' ^And he said, 'I am +jesus whom thou persecutest.'
0310F13 (Acts *=26: 12-15)." ^During this time, he lost his eyesight
0320F13 and regained the same only after three days. ^From that_ moment
0330F13 he became a staunch soldier of Christ. $^According to \0Dr *(0W.
0340F13 A.*) Brend, religious assaults are frequent during times of great
0350F13 excitement. ^He attributes these symptoms of Paul to hysteria. $^*Mandsley,
0360F13 in his book *3Natural causes and supernatural seemings,
0370F13 has suggested that Paul was mad but he did not specify the nature
0380F13 of mental disorder. ^The orthodox medical view for a long time was that
0390F13 Paul suffered an epileptic fit. \0^*Dr Jung explains the disease
0400F13 in the following way: $'^Although the moment of a conversion seems
0410F13 sometimes quite sudden and unexpected, yet we know from repeated experience
0420F13 that such an occurrence always has a long period of unconscious
0430F13 incubation. ^It is only when the preparation is complete, that
0440F13 is to_ say, when the individual is ready to_ be converted that the
0450F13 new view breaks forth with great emotion. $'\0^*St Paul had already
0460F13 been a Christian for a long time, but unconsciously; hence his fanatical
0470F13 resistance to the Christians, because fanaticism exists chiefly
0480F13 in individuals who are compensating for secret doubts. ^The incident
0490F13 of his hearing the voice of Christ on his way to Damascus marks
0500F13 the moment when the unconscious complex of Christianity became
0510F13 conscious. ^That the auditory phenomenon should represent Christ
0520F13 is explained by the already existing unconscious Christian complex.
0530F13 $'^The complex, being unconscious, was projected by \0St Paul onto
0540F13 the external world as if it did not belong to him. ^Unable to_ conceive
0550F13 of himself as a Christian, and on account of his resistance
0560F13 to Christ, he became blind, and could regain his sight only through
0570F13 submission as a Christian; that_ is to_ say, through his complete
0580F13 submission to Christianity. ^Psychological blindness is, according
0590F13 to my experience, always due to our unwillingness to_ see, to_
0600F13 understand and to_ accept what is incompatible with the conscious attitude.
0610F13 ^This was obviously the case with \0St paul. ^His unwillingness
0620F13 to_ see, corresponds with his fanatical resistance to Christianity.'
0630F13 $^There was another case of Teresa Neumann, a poor peasant
0640F13 girl who lived in the remote Bavarian village of Konnersreuth. ^When
0650F13 she was an adolescent she met with an accident which paralysed
0660F13 her for years. ^On Sunday, 17 May 1925 after five years of immobility,
0670F13 Teresa reported a vision of Christ, got out of bed and walked.
0680F13 ^After that_ she began to_ exhibit wounds in her hands, feet and
0690F13 side with blood from the eyes. ^The bleeding occurred every Friday.
0700F13 ^She abstained from food and drink for more than five years. $*<*3Speaking
0710F13 unknown language*> $^It was also claimed that in certain States
0720F13 she spoke the Aramaic language, the tongue of Christ. ^At the
0730F13 time of these occurrences, two Catholic nurses were put by her side
0740F13 for 14 days as witness for her abstinence from food and water. ^During
0750F13 the 14 days, Teresa gained in weight. $^Medical experts analysed
0760F13 her case and their verdict ran as: "The phenomenon was neither
0770F13 spiritual nor miraculous. ^It is only a disease. ^The clinical picture
0780F13 of Teresa*'s state is that of a typical hysteria, a disease that_
0790F13 always affects the whole nervous system without discoverable cause
0800F13 in organic disease. $"^Its characteristics are exaggerated self-consciousness,
0810F13 a tumultuous emotional state and a passion for sympathy and
0820F13 notoriety. ^*Teresa fits in exactly the true pathological picture
0830F13 of the hysteric. ^Her fast-- the *8anorexia nervosa*9 (hatred of food)
0840F13 of the hysteric-- began with motor disturbance-- the *9globus hystericus.*9
0850F13 ^Hysterical symptoms manifest themselves always in the presence
0860F13 of others. $"^Now it has been scientifically demonstrated that the
0870F13 human body connot live for 14 days without food or liquid. ^Yet, Teresa
0880F13 is supposed to_ have lived like this for years. ^And in 14 days
0890F13 under observation, girl gained weight. ^The inference is overwhelming--
0900F13 namely that the watchers were (a) sympathetic and consciously
0910F13 or sub-consciously desirous of a result favourable to a verdict for
0920F13 supernaturalism, (b) that Teresa in some way obtained both food and
0930F13 liquid. $"^Next, the sudden recovery from paralysis. ^Here again there
0940F13 is a simple explanation without bringing in the superanatural hypothesis.
0950F13 ^The disease was functional, that is induced by abonormal
0960F13 mental disturbance in much the same way as the so-called *3Shell Shock.
0970F13 $"^In hysteria, accompanied by *8anorexia nervosa*9 the trophic
0980F13 or digestive derangement may lead to the dropsical condition known
0990F13 as *3blue aedema. ^If hands or feet be pressed, they puff up,
1000F13 the skin becomes stretched and glossy, and violet-red marks result.
1010F13 ^Skin in such a condition may easily be self-induced to_ bleed, and
1020F13 a wound thus self-inflicted may be easily kept open. ^The so-called
1030F13 miraculous bleeding is nothing but *3conversion hysteria, that_
1040F13 is a type of hysteria in which emotional conflict is resolved in the
1050F13 form of physical symptoms dissimulating organic disease." $*<*3No historical
1060F13 evidence*> $^The reported vision of Christ to teresa was only
1070F13 a hallucination. ^There is no historical evidence for the physical
1080F13 features of Christ. ^The universally received portrait of Christ
1090F13 is the product of art-- a subjective figure without objective reality.
1100F13 $^During the time of Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor,
1110F13 the Roman gods were cleared and Christ got their place. ^The
1120F13 artist craftsmen went to the crude catacombs, drawings or models
1130F13 and formalised and improved upon these representations. ^Later, the
1140F13 same was linked with Michaelangelo*'s *3Perita which finally gave
1150F13 the shape of Christ. ^The same figure was reflected in Leonardo
1160F13 da Vinci*'s *3Last supper. $^So when Teresa said that she had
1170F13 seen the vision of Christ as depicted in the familiar drawing, it was
1180F13 nothing but the powerful influence of great art upon a psychological
1190F13 type of abnormal suggestibility. $^Lourdes is a town in south-west
1200F13 of France. ^In this town, in 1858, a young peasant girl reported
1210F13 that she had seen the vision of Virgin Mary. ^Later on, she was made
1220F13 Saint Bernadette by the Roman Catholic Church and the place
1230F13 was declared with all pomp and show as a place for pilgrimage.
1240F13 ^About a million people, sick and handicapped, visit this place every
1250F13 year for miracle cures. ^The Canonical Commission, a church affiliated
1260F13 body, claimed eleven genuine cases of such cures between 1937
1270F13 and 1952. ^But none of the cases was real and scientifically acceptable
1280F13 according to \0Dr west. $^In his book *3Eleven Lourdes Miracles,
1290F13 \0Dr West analyses all the eleven cases in detail and declares
1300F13 that there is no divine element in these cures. ^According to him,
1310F13 most of the cases lacked sufficient evidence and satisfactory diagnosis.
1320F13 ^In the end he raises the questions: 'If chronic diseases are
1330F13 cured by miracles why are there no cases of lost eyes or amputated
1340F13 legs sprouting anew? ^If the Church claims miracle cures, why is it
1350F13 silent about hundreds of deaths that_ occurred at the same place during
1360F13 the same period?' $^As usual these questions remain unanswered.
1370F13 $3Self-infliction $^Another famous disease is the self infliction
1380F13 of injuries on one*'s own body in the name of God. ^We often hear
1390F13 of religious fanatics who walk on fire, swallow iron objects like knives,
1400F13 swords, blades, \0etc and subject their bodies to untold tortures.
1410F13 $^*William Jones in his book *3Varieties of religious experience
1420F13 writes about one Suso, a Christian mystic. ^According to him,
1430F13 Suso wore 'for a long time a hair shirt and an iron chain until the
1440F13 blood ran from him. ^He secretly caused an undergarment to_ be made
1450F13 for him into which a hundred and fifty nails, pointed and filed
1460F13 sharp were driven and the points of the nails were always turned towards
1470F13 the flesh. ^He had this garment made very tight, and so arranged
1480F13 as to_ go round him, fasten in front in order that it might fit closer
1490F13 to his body, and the pointed nails were driven in his flesh.' $^We
1500F13 find innumerable cases of same nature in front of our temples, mosque
1510F13 and churches. ^What is the reason for all these outward masochist
1520F13 exhibitions? ^Does humanity get any benefit out of these acts? ^No.
1530F13 ^Then why should they venture into such painful activites? ^This
1540F13 is introversion, that_ is, fixation of interest on the self as against
1550F13 interest in the world. ^It is an attempt by the religious fanatics
1560F13 to_ bring themselves *8en rapport*9 with the world invisible. ^When
1570F13 rationalists ask proof for the existence of God, religionists
1580F13 say that 'He' is to_ be experienced. $^Religion, says Max Muller (*3Introduction
1590F13 to the science of religion), is a mental faculty or
1600F13 disposition which, independent of, nay, in spite of sense and reason,
1610F13 enables man to_ apprehend the infinite under varying disguises and
1620F13 names. ^*Frazer defines it as mainly an effort to_ propitiate the
1630F13 'Unknown God.' $^Religions have subtly exploited this basic 'socially
1640F13 created' desire by constructing a cult of holiness around the non-existing
1650F13 God. ^The result is that some of them struggle to_ adjust
1660F13 their personality with the external world. ^In this process, they
1670F13 exhibit all sorts of masochist tendencies. $^These diseases and cures
1680F13 have no spiritual or miraculous touch. ^A proper probe into these
1690F13 cases will reveal the scientific truth. $^In 1780, one Austrian doctor,
1700F13 Anton Mesmor, claimed that inanimate objects had the ability
1710F13 to_ be magnetised. ^He effected cures in a lot of cases by asking
1720F13 the patients to_ touch his magnetised objects. ^The then Government
1730F13 under King Louis *=16 appointed a special committee to_ find out the
1740F13 truth. ^The committee reported that many patients who had been cured
1750F13 after touching a magnetised object had in fact touched the wrong
1760F13 object. ^Thus, it was found out that the cures were due to the
1770F13 working of the patients*' imagination. $^Later, in 1875, a committee
1780F13 for the investigation of spiritualist and miraculous phenomena was set
1790F13 up by \0St Petersburg University. ^The committee began its work
1800F13 on May 6, 1875, and released its findings on March 21, 1876. ^Among
1810F13 the members of the committee were the Russian scientists Mandeleev,
1820F13 Bobylyov and Krayevich. $*<*3Judgement on holy diseases*> $^The
1830F13 committee concluded that spiritualist phenomena arise from unconscious
1840F13 movements or deliberate deception and that the spiritualist doctrine
1850F13 is superstition.*#
        **[no. of words = 02012**]

        **[txt. f14**]
0010F14 **<*3*4Dalit Panthers: They have reached nowhere**> $^More than twenty
0020F14 two years ago, \0Dr *(0B.R.*) Ambedkar left the Congress and
0030F14 launched an independant drive to_ make the scheduled castes reject
0040F14 Hinduism and accept Buddhism. $^About 75,000 members of these castes
0050F14 followed his advice and embraced Buddhism. ^They came to_ be known
0060F14 as the neo-Buddhists. $^Addressing them at Nagpur, \0Dr Ambedkar
0070F14 declared that he was discarding the Hindu religion as it discriminated
0080F14 against his people-- the so-called low castes-- and looked down upon
0090F14 them with contempt. $\0^*Dr Ambedkar also announced the formation
0100F14 of the Republican Party of India to_ fight for the betterment of
0110F14 the conditions of the people of the scheduled castes, \0RPI, in fact,
0120F14 came into being after his death. ^The party, under the leadership
0130F14 of the late Gaikund who had a peasant background, devoted more attention
0140F14 to the problems of landless labourers. ^The scheduled castes constituted
0150F14 a major part of the landless labour. $^The struggle began
0160F14 and nearly 50,000 workers were jailed in 1959. $*<*3The \0RPI*> $^During
0170F14 various struggles launched by it in Maharashtra, the \0RPI consolidated
0180F14 its position and became a force to_ reckon with. ^*Maharashtra
0190F14 Congress leaders, like *(0Y.B.*) Chavan, even worked out an
0191F14 alliance with the \0RPI at the time of the 1967 elections.
0200F14 $^Meanwhile, a growing number of cases of atrocities against the
0210F14 members of the scheduled castes were being published in the newspapers.
0220F14 $^Between 1967 and 1969, according to Government figures, the number
0230F14 of murders of *4Harijans was: in Chandigarh 2, Gujarat 34, Delhi
0240F14 4, Haryana 23, Punjab 76, Kerala 17, Andhra Pradesh 31, West
0250F14 Bengal 12, Himachal Pradesh 7, Tamil Nadu and Orissa 49 each, Mysore
0260F14 113, Maharashtra 63, Bihar 29, and \0U.P. 332. $^The reports
0270F14 spoke of discrimination against 'low-caste' students in schools, denial
0280F14 of drinking water to *4Harijans from common wells and refusal of
0290F14 some restaurants to_ serve food to them in plates. ^They were also being
0300F14 denied entry into temples and some barbers and washermen refused
0310F14 to_ serve them. $^Though the number of *4Harijans converted to Buddhism
0320F14 increased from 75,000 to 2.8 millions in 1971 and to an estimated
0330F14 3.7 millions today, the attitude of caste Hindus towards them has
0340F14 not changed even after their conversion. $^The humiliations inflicted
0350F14 upon them in free India naturally provoked the younger generation which
0360F14 felt that the \0RPI had failed. ^And the assessment was correct
0370F14 to a large extent. $^The anger of the young generation increased with
0380F14 two widely publicised outrages against *4Harijans in 1972 which occurred
0390F14 in Brahmangaon and Bavda in Maharashtra. $^The boycott of the
0400F14 Harijans by the caste Hindus at Bavda stunned politically-conscious
0410F14 youngmen among the scheduled castes. ^Among them were Raja Dhale,
0420F14 a Marathi writer, and Namdeo Dhasal, another Marathi writer and
0430F14 poet. $*<*3General upsurge*> $^*Raja Dhale wrote an article in a Marathi
0440F14 periodical *3Sadhana which proviked the caste Hindus so much that
0450F14 Shiv Sena and the Jana Sangh took out *4morchas and threatened
0460F14 to_ burn the copies of the paper. $^*Namdeo Dhasal, in an interview,
0470F14 said, "When peaceful movements to_ tackle the problems are being
0480F14 mercilessly suppressed, the scheduled caste people are bound to_ lose faith
0490F14 in the national emblem". $^However, the two writers felt that only
0500F14 writings would not help and there was need for an organisation to_
0510F14 fight for their cause. ^Many others too agreed with them. $^As a result
0520F14 Dalit Panthers came into existence on the lines of Black Panthers
0530F14 of Negroes in America. $^The Dalit Panthers started mobilising
0540F14 youth for the struggle against the existing social system. ^This was
0550F14 the first time that *4Shudras had adopted a militant attitude. $^Initially
0560F14 confined to literary movement, discussions and seminars, the group
0570F14 emerged as an action-oriented organisation in 1972-73. $^The Panthers
0580F14 feel that the constitutional gurantee of secularism is largely
0590F14 on paper only. ^An untouchable is still an untouchable. $^In a recentt
0600F14 interview, a Dalit poet, Ratan Kumar said, "from 2nd October, Mahatma
0610F14 Gandhi*'s birthday, we are going to_ declare that don*'4t call
0620F14 us *4Harijans. ^This name also has the same stigma. ^Call us untouchables,
0630F14 *4Shudras. ^That_ is being less hypocrite. ^If we are *4Harijans,
0640F14 that_ is the people of God, what are the other Hindus-- '*5Rakshas
0650F14 jan*6?" $*<*3Mass Movement group*> $^*Ratan Kumar, following Raja
0660F14 Dhale*'s leadership, along with many, has parted company with the Dalit
0670F14 Panthers. ^They have started another group called Mass Movement.
0680F14 ^This is another story-- the story of the Dalit Panthers gone
0690F14 to pieces because of groupism. ^Before coming to it, let us examine some
0700F14 other aspects of the movement. $^About five years ago, \0Mrs anda
0710F14 Patankar was found murdered in the first class compartment of one
0727F14 of the Bombay*'s suburban trains. ^It set off a loud protest all over
0730F14 Bombay. $\0^*Mr Powar, one of the founder members of Dalit Panthers
0740F14 (now with Mass Movement), said "The protest is only because
0750F14 she is from a high caste. ^Had she been a scheduled caste woman in the
0760F14 third class compartment, no one would have raised an eyebrow. ^This
0770F14 is rank communalism." $^This attitude of \0Mr powar shows the bitterness
0780F14 towards caste Hindus. $^The membership of \0RPI was confined
0790F14 not only to the members of the scheduled castes. $^*Dalit Panthers
0800F14 later confined themselves to the scheduled caste people. ^There were
0810F14 three main castes-- *4Chamars, *4Mahars and *4Mangs (*4Matangs).
0820F14 ^Strangely, *4Mahars are untouchables for *4Chamars and *4Mangs are untouchables
0830F14 for *4Mahars and *4Chamars. $^The reason why some leaders
0840F14 left Dalit Panthers and started Mass Movement was that they wanted
0850F14 to_ confine themselves to only Mahars. $^*Dhale was not agreeable
0860F14 to the idea of Namdeo Dhasal to_ broaden the base of Dalits to_
0870F14 cover all downtrodden people. ^The man who is supposed to_ fight the
0880F14 evil of untouchability and communalism is himself the victim of the
0890F14 same prejudice. $^*Namdeo Dhasal, on the other hand, took initiative
0900F14 and joined hands with Shiv Sena, the orthodox, conservative organisation
0910F14 of Bal Thackeray which had opposed Raja Dhale*'s articles
0920F14 and organised the *4Morcha. $^*Namdeo Dhasal not only joined Bal Thackeray
0930F14 but associated himself with the Congress(\0I). ^He and his
0940F14 group of Dalit Panthers canvassed for the candidates of Shiv Sena
0950F14 in the Assembly election of 1978. $^Besides these two groups, there
1960F14 is another group of Dalit Panthers led by \0Prof. Arun Kamble.
0970F14 $^According to \0*4Shri Daya Pawar, an eminent Dalit poet and one
0980F14 of the founders of Dalit Panthers, "The groups, there are seven
0990F14 now, are not based on any ideology. ^The reason of so many groups is
1000F14 individualism. ^Everyone wants fame. ^It is the clash of personalities.
1010F14 ^After all, the basis of Dalit Panther movement is the upliftment
1020F14 of the downtrodden. ^Why should anyone disagree to the conception of
1030F14 the downtrodden? $^He further added, "This way the Dalit Panther movement
1040F14 has no future. ^How can it achieve anything if it doesn*'4t have
1050F14 the first requirement of any organisation-- unity?" $^Though the movement,
1060F14 for the time being, looks ineffective, the Dalit literature has
1070F14 caused people to_ take it seriously and it is being called the literature
1080F14 of protest, of revolt. $^The Marathi literature did not reflect
1090F14 the miserable life of the downtrodden. ^And even when it wrote about
1100F14 them, the picture, Dalits felt, was distorted. ^It was mostly a romantic
1110F14 and unrealistic version of caste Hindus. $^*Dalit writers produced
1120F14 new literature of social awareness. ^This trend started with Annabhau
1130F14 Sathe and Shankarrao Kharat. ^In Sathe*'s writings, his leftist
1140F14 leanings are however, obvious. $^Among today*'s leading dalit writers
1150F14 are Baburao Bagul (*3*5Jenwha me jat chorli*6, a short story collection
1160F14 and *3*5maran swastha hot ahe*6, a novel) and Namdeo Dhasal
1170F14 (*3Golpitha-- a novel). ^Daya Pawar writes poetry and short stories.
1180F14 ^Namdeo Dhasal also writes poetry. ^Some more names are Pralhad
1190F14 Chandwarkar, *(0P.I.*) Sonkamble, *(0J.V.*) Pawar, Yashwant
1200F14 Manohar, Meena Gajbhive and Heera Bansode. $^During a recent interview,
1210F14 Namdeo Dhasal, the founder-leader of the group, gave his views
1220F14 as: $Question: ^With which ideology are you more influenced? $Answer:
1230F14 ^Initially I didn*'4t have any ideology. ^We Dalits were concerned
1240F14 about our problems which are well-known to everyone by now. \0^*RPI
1250F14 was no more active. ^Atrocities on the *4Harijans were our main problem.
1260F14 ^We felt that we should be organised. ^Even at that_ time we had
1270F14 no ideology. ^We were having factions like *4Chamar, *4Mahars and
1280F14 *4Mangs which were not united. ^We wanted everyone to_ come under
1290F14 one banner, be united and fight for our rights. $\0Q: ^*Dalit Panthers
1300F14 have off and on resorted to violence. ^What is your stand about it?
1310F14 ^The riots at Worli between Hindus and Dalits are very well-known.
1320F14 ^Many of the caste Hindus and Dalits were injured. $\0A: ^We
1330F14 don*'4t indulge in violence usually. ^Whenever Dalit Panthers have
1340F14 resorted to violence, it is in self-defence, which can*'4t be called violence.
1350F14 ^We didn*'4t even do like Shiv Sena which took offensive and
1360F14 destroyed and burnt the shops \0etc. of non Maharashtrians. ^In Worli
1370F14 riots, it was the caste Hindus who attacked our homes. ^We are well-aware
1380F14 of our responsibilities and rights. ^We had to_ fight back. $^Today,
1390F14 however, I feel that violence is the only way but we have not
1400F14 thought seriously over it yet. ^Ours is a democratic structure, you know.
1410F14 $\0Q: ^It has been noticed that almost all the members, leaders and
1420F14 writers of Dalit Panthers are young. ^Doesn*'4t the older generation
1430F14 support you? $\0A: ^Senior people are more compromising, but still
1440F14 they support us. ^As they are basically traditional they don*'4t actively
1450F14 lead us. ^Among the followers, there are many middle aged and
1460F14 old people in Dalit Panthers. $\0Q: ^Is the present set-up of the
1470F14 Government in any way different from the Congress-led Government?
1480F14 $\0A: ^*I believe that the Government led by Congress was better for
1490F14 us than the Janata Party Government. ^We don*'4t have much hope from
1500F14 the Janata Party. ^My group supported the Congress in Emergency
1510F14 period. ^I still support Indira Gandhi. $^Answering questions,
1520F14 Namdeo agreed that the Emergency had drawbacks, but said, "The main
1530F14 reason why I still support Emergency and Indira Gandhi is because
1540F14 she was anti-\0RSS. ^You know \0RSS is a Brahmin-dominated,
1550F14 conservative organisation which wants Hindu *4Raj. ^They believe in
1560F14 the caste system. ^They treat us as untouchables. ^It was good that during
1570F14 Emergency, \0RSS was banned. $\0Q: ^Why have Dalit Panthers
1580F14 broken into so many groups? $\0A: ^It is because some of our founders
1590F14 like Raja Dhale and *(0J.V.*) Pawar felt that Dalit Panthers
1600F14 should only be for *4Mahars, *4Chamars, *4Mangs and other downtrodden
1610F14 people should not be there in the organisation. ^We disagreed. ^We
1620F14 feel it is going to_ be on the line of class war. ^It wouldn*'4t be
1630F14 a caste war. $\0Q: ^Aren*'4t there rich and middle class people in
1640F14 Dalits? ^Do they forgo the facilities offered to them? \0A: ^Yes,
1650F14 I can name a number of people who have money and therefore, don*'4tmake
1660F14 use of facilities offered to them. ^In fact, the facilities offered
1670F14 to us are only on paper. ^We have studied and surveyed that in various
1680F14 offices, the scheduled classes have not got the representation which
1690F14 they deserve. ^In class I posts, only 2 per cent are the scheduled
1700F14 class people whereas in lower jobs and conservancy departments they
1710F14 are 80 per cent. ^Why it should be so? $^There are many cases when because
1720F14 the higher officers are the caste Hindus, they come in the way
1730F14 of the scheduled caste people getting jobs and promotions. $\0Q: ^What
1740F14 exactly do you demand from the Government? $\0A: ^Implement the
1750F14 policies. ^Now the policies are only on paper. ^Nothing really is being
1760F14 done for the upliftment of the scheduled castes. $\0Q: ^You have cooperated
1770F14 with the Shiv Sena which was your enemy at one time. ^Why
1780F14 this change? $\0A: ^It is our political strategy. ^You can*'4t have
1790F14 too many enemies. ^How will you fight them? ^*Shiv Sena is against the
1800F14 Janata Party. ^We are also against the Janata Party. ^*Shiv Sena
1810F14 and Dalit Panthers can be mutually useful. ^In fact, Bal Thackeray*'s
1820F14 father worked for the upliftment of the scheduled castes for 20
1830F14 years. ^*I told Bal Thackeray that when your father was for us, why
1840F14 should you go against us and we reached an agreement before the Assembly
1850F14 elections.*#
        **[no. of words = 02008**]

        **[txt. f15**]
0010F15 **<*3Land Problems of the *4Adivasis**> $*3^TRIBALS CONSTITUTE*0
0020F15 about seven per cent of the total population of India. ^They are distributed
0030F15 unevenly in different States and centrally administered areas.
0040F15 ^In some areas, the tribals constitute a majority though in most of
0050F15 them they are but a fraction of the total population of a State. ^However,
0060F15 even in the latter the tribal population is concentrated only
0070F15 in some districts. ^In Maharashtra, about 80 per cent of the tribal
0080F15 population is concentrated in the districts of Thane, Nasik and
0090F15 Dhule. $^The conditions of the tribals in the States where they are
0100F15 in a majority are relatively better than in the States where they
0110F15 form only a small part of the population. ^In the latter areas, the
0120F15 tribals suffer from extreme poverty and exploitation by non-tribal
0130F15 money-lenders, merchants and petty government officials. ^They have
0140F15 certain common characteristics like dependence on agriculture, low percentage
0150F15 of literacy and predominance of rural population. ^In these
0160F15 States, non-tribals are continually occupying the lands cultivated
0170F15 by the tribals. $^Alienation of lands held by the tribals takes away
0180F15 their main source of livelihood and they are compelled to_ join the
0190F15 ranks of agricultural labourers. ^This process of alienation has
0200F15 been going on since the establishment of British rule. ^A study of
0210F15 this process and the efforts to_ check it could indeed be extremely
0220F15 useful. ^It would bring out the limitations of law to_ correct socio-economic
0230F15 ills and also reveal certain characteristics of the tribals
0240F15 and non-tribals. ^However, such studies will have to_ be made separately
0250F15 for each State as there are wide variations among the States
0260F15 in the system of land tenure, maintenance of land records and soco-economic
0270F15 conditions in the rural areas. ^An all-India study of such
0280F15 a process cannot do justice to the complexity of the problem. $^The
0290F15 book under review **[foot note**] is, however, an attempt to_ study
0300F15 the problem in an all-India context. ^It comprises papers contributed
0310F15 to a seminar held at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences,
0320F15 Bombay in June 1976. ^All the contributors, except the two from the
0330F15 Institute, are Government officials. ^This has, to some extent, reduced
0340F15 the value of the book. $^More than 90 per cent of the tribals
0350F15 derive their livelihood from agriculture and the forest. ^About 58 per
0360F15 cent of them are cultivators, while about 33 per cent are agricultural
0370F15 labourers. ^The average size of farms owned and cultivated by
0380F15 the tribals is smaller than those cultivated by the non-tribals. ^The
0390F15 quality of land cultivated by the tribals is also generally inferior
0400F15 to that_ of the non-tribals. ^Tribal culture is inextricably linked
0410F15 with agriculture and it will take a long time for the tribals
0420F15 to_ take to other occupations, and they will therefore have to_
0430F15 be settled in agriculture. ^With proper extension work in agricultural
0440F15 techniques and timely and adequate supply of credit and other agricultural
0450F15 inputs, it may be possible to_ improve their agricultural
0460F15 methods and to_ raise their present subhuman standards of living.
0470F15 ^This is the basic purpose behind all the attempts made to_ prohibit
0480F15 alienation of the tribals*' land and to_ restore to them the land
0490F15 that_ is already alienated. $^There was a time when most of the lands
0500F15 in the areas in which the tribals live belonged to them. ^After the
0510F15 establishment of British rule in India and particularly after
0520F15 the spread of the railways, there was a gradual commercialization of
0530F15 agriculture, and the non-tribals began to_ encroach upon tribal lands
0540F15 through force and fraud. ^The Santhal riots of 1855 attracted
0550F15 Government*'s attention to the problem of land alienation and restrictions
0560F15 were imposed on the transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals in different
0570F15 provinces at different times. ^After Independence the State
0580F15 Governments spent huge amounts on the development of agriculture.
0590F15 ^Persistent shortage of food and other agricultural produce and the
0600F15 consequent rise in their prices made agriculture profitable. ^This
0610F15 created a demand for land and land-hungry non-tribals began to_ occupy
0620F15 tribal lands with renewed vigour. ^This led to unrest among the
0630F15 tribals and they initiated certain movements to_ regain their lost
0640F15 lands. ^Some State Governments passed various laws to_ check land
0650F15 alienation. ^However, many of these laws proved ineffective. ^By the 1970s
0660F15 several States had enacted strict laws to_ prohibit the transfer
0670F15 of lands from tribals to non-tribals and also to_ restore lands
0680F15 transferred in accordance with as also in contravention of the law. ^The
0690F15 papers in this volume mainly refer to these recent legal attempts
0700F15 to_ check land alienation and to_ restore the already alienated
0710F15 lares to the tribals. $*3^ONE DEFECT COMMON TO ALL*0 the papers is
0720F15 the absence of references. ^Most of these papers have been written
0730F15 in the style of official notes and no reference has been made to any
0740F15 book, article, or official report. ^Surprisingly enough, even the
0750F15 non-official contributors, who are the editors of this volume, have
0760F15 followed the same style. ^Their paper on the process of land alienation
0770F15 in Maharashtra has only one reference, an article published in the
0780F15 Economic and Political Weekly. $^Some of the recommendations made
0790F15 to_ plug the loopholes in the Acts that_ restrict alienation and
0800F15 also permit restoration of lands to the tribals are worth mentioning.
0820F15 ^One contributor from Andhra Pradesh has recommended restriction
0830F15 on the settlement of outsiders in the scheduled areas. ^This is
0840F15 a good suggestion. ^If Government cannot restrict the settlement of
0850F15 non-tribals in the scheduled areas, at least a ban should be put on
0860F15 their owning any land in the areas. ^Another contributor from Andhra
0870F15 Pradesh has rightly pointed out that in spite of the special provisions
0880F15 for safeguarding the tribals*' rights in force since 1830, land
0890F15 alienation has continued to a large extent; legislative solutions
0900F15 of problems which are basically social and economic rather than legal
0910F15 are not very effective. ^Several contributors were critical of
0920F15 the judicial system which hinders the restoration of lands to the tribals.
0930F15 ^Non-tribals are to_ take recourse to courts from the lowest
0940F15 to the highest to_ obstruct the restoration of alienated lands.
0950F15 ^Almost all the contributors suggest that these laws should be taken
0960F15 out of judicial purview. ^Some States have done this by getting
0970F15 these laws listed in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution. ^However,
0980F15 this only gives partial protection to the tribals. ^Non-tribals
0990F15 continue to_ challenge such Acts on different grounds and obstruct
1000F15 their implementation as long as possible. ^In some States like Bihar,
1010F15 documents transferring lands from tribals to non-tribals cannot
1020F15 be registered without the consent of the Deputy Commissioner.
1020F15 **[text mutilated**]
1030F15 $*3^THESE PAPERS ALSO CONTAIN*0 a great deal of useful data on the extent
1040F15 of alienation and the disposal of cases for restoration. ^Such data
1050F15 would not have been otherwise available to the students of this
1060F15 problem. ^Many officials have described the loopholes in the Restoration
1070F15 Acts in very clear terms. ^One of the papers dealing with the
1080F15 problem in Maharashtra is based on the study of empirical data specially
1090F15 collected for the purpose by Dubey and Murdia. ^They have
1100F15 tried to_ find out the reasons for land transfer, modes of transfer
1110F15 and the socio-economic conditions of tribal transferors and non-tribal
1120F15 transferees. ^64 cases of illegal transfers from some villages
1130F15 in the three districts of Maharashtra have been studied for this purpose.
1140F15 ^The number is too small to_ arrive at any useful conclusion.
1150F15 ^Besides, the paper contains several factual errors. ^The authors
1160F15 found that a majority of the *4Adivasi transferors (22 out of 35)
1170F15 in Thane and Nasik districts belonged to *5Malhari Kunbi*6 and
1180F15 *4Koli tribes (\0p. 44). ^In fact, there is no scheduled tribe called
1190F15 *5Malhari Kunbi*6 in Maharashtra. ^There is also no tribe by
1120F15 the name of *4Koli. ^The data probably refer to the *5Mahadeo Koli*6,
1210F15 *5Dongar Koli*6, or *5Malhar Koli*6 tribes. ^One wishes that
1220F15 the authors had taken care to_ look at the official list of scheduled
1230F15 tribes in Maharashtra before studying the problem. ^There is
1240F15 also some ambiguity in referring to certain castes of non-tribal transferees.
1250F15 ^One of the castes mentioned is *4Baniya. ^One does not know
1260F15 whether these are *4Marwaris from Rajasthan or *4Gujars from Gujarat.
1270F15 ^The authors have been equally careless in mentioning the titles
1280F15 of different Acts. ^There are references to the Bombay Tenancy
1290F15 and Agricultural Workers Act of 1948 and to the Bombay Tenancy
1300F15 and Agricultural Land Holdings Act of 1948 (\0p. 37). ^Both these
1310F15 references are misleading. ^The correct title of the Act is the
1320F15 Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act of 1948 (Act 47 of
1330F15 1948). ^At one place the authors have remarked that provisions under
1340F15 clauses (2) and (3) of Section 36 of the \0MLR Code, 1966 was
1350F15 "the *3first ever*0 provision for the protection of landholders" (\0p. 39).
1360F15 ^This statement is not correct. ^The first provision to_ protect *4Adivasi
1370F15 landholders in the State was made by amending Section 73
1380F15 of the Bombay Land Revenue Code in 1901. ^Under this amendment
1390F15 Government was empowerd to_ make certain lands non-transferable without
1400F15 the previous sanction of the Collector. ^Later, a number of
1410F15 scheduled areas were brought under this provision. ^The provisions
1420F15 made under sub-sections (2) and (3) of Section 36 of the \0MLR
1430F15 code were nothing but the continuatuion of the provisions in the \0BLR
1440F15 code. $^It is mentioned that a Committee headed by \0Mr *(0S.
1450F15 M.*) Joshi "toured the *4Adivasi areas in Shahad Taluka of
1460F15 Dhulia district and came to the conclusion that about 10,000 acres
1470F15 of land had passed into the hands of *(non-*4Adivasis*) in Shahad
1480F15 *4Taluka alone" (\0p. 244). ^The statement contains two errors. ^The
1490F15 name of the *4taluka is Shahada and not Shahad. ^Secondly, the
1500F15 committee report mentions that according to the surveys conducted by Sarvodaya
1510F15 workers, about 10,000 acres of land have been alienated illegally
1520F15 in 57 villages of Shahada *4taluka. ^The statement by the authors
1530F15 creates an impression that 10,000 acres were alienated legally
1540F15 and/ or illegally in the whole of Shahada *4taluka. ^Obviously, the
1550F15 authors have not seen the original report. $*3^TWO PAPERS DEALING
1560F15 WITH*0 the problem of land alienation and restoration in the Nasik
1570F15 and Dhule districts of Maharashtra bring out very clearly the loopholes
1580F15 in the legislation. ^It is pointed out, for instance, that nearly
1590F15 50 per cent of the cases for restoration failed because the tribal
1600F15 transferors refused to_ take back the lands, most probably under
1610F15 pressure from the non-tribal transferees. ^It is gratifying to_
1620F15 learn that some of the recommendations presented in these papers have
1630F15 been accepted by the Government as can be seen from the later amendments
1640F15 made to the concerned Acts. $^In general, three suggestions
1650F15 can be offered to_ make tribal land alienation and restoration Acts
1660F15 more effective. ^A total ban can be put on the holding of agricultural
1670F15 lands by non-tribals in specified areas. ^The registration
1680F15 of documents transferring lands from tribals to non-tribals should not
1690F15 be effected without the previous sanction of authorised officials.
1700F15 ^Lastly, these Acts should provide for a fine and imprisonment
1710F15 for the illegal occupation of tribal lands. $^However, almost all
1720F15 the papers point out that the problem of tribal land alienation and
1730F15 restoration is not merely legal. ^These Acts cannot be properly implemented
1740F15 unless the tribals are organised to_ exercise their rights and
1750F15 are made aware of the nature of protection the law gives them. ^The
1760F15 land problem of the tribals is closely connected with their extreme
1770F15 poverty, low literacy and lack of political awareness. $^The officials
1780F15 who participated in the seminar did not question the main objective
1790F15 of the Acts, \0viz., prohibiting alienation and restoring already alienated
1800F15 lands to the tribals. ^However, the non-official participants
1810F15 in the seminar (editors of the volume under review) have raised certain
1820F15 objections! ^According to them, "the existing land enactments protecting
1830F15 the interest of tribals in the State raise an issue of unfair
1840F15 and inequitable treatment" (\0p. 52). ^They argue that the illegally
1850F15 transferred lands are restored to the tribal owners without compensation
1860F15 for any expenditure incurred by the non-tribal transferees on
1870F15 the development of such lands! ^The authors do not appear to_ have
1880F15 taken into account that the non-tribal transferees might have already
1890F15 enjoyed the fruits of their own investment in land development for some
1900F15 years and hence need not be given any compensation.*#
        **[no. of words = 02013**]

        **[txt. f16**]
0010F16 **<*3FAMILY STRUCTURE AND CLASSES IN FOUR VILLAGES*0**> $^Abastract:
0020F16 ^The study of family so far concentrated on investigating relationship
0030F16 between caste and family types. ^The present paper based on the study
0040F16 of four Bengal villages attempts to_ analyse the relationship of
0050F16 family structure with the classes and economic activity of the peasants
0060F16 and labourers. ^Since in the villages lower caste being lower economic
0070F16 class also, the study of family structure only on the basis of
0080F16 caste gives a partial view of the reality unless the economic status
0090F16 of the villagers is taken into account. ^The present paper shows that
0100F16 there exists a strong relationship between class status and family
0110F16 structure. $*3^IN*0 the study of family, in India, the caste and
0120F16 its relationship with the family, has been one of the recurring issues;
0130F16 and one of the principal focus of analysis has been the way caste
0140F16 is supposed to_ have affected the household structure. ^Though it
0150F16 has often been shown that untouchables are more likely to_ have nuclear
0160F16 families (Kolenda, 1968: 391; shah, 1974) but little attempt has been
0170F16 made to_ relate the family types with economic activity of untouchables
0180F16 or to that_ effect any caste whatsoever. ^For instance, Kolenda
0190F16 (1976:214) though found that families with least land are less likely
0200F16 to_ maintain joint households, but she pays little attention to
0210F16 this phenomenon and instead asks 'Is the joint family more characteristic
0220F16 of higher castes than lower castes?' 'Is the joint family more
0230F16 characteristic of landed castes than of landless castes?' (1968: 390)
0240F16 $^But another and closely related issue is the way family types are
0250F16 related to the economic structure of the society and the way it responds
0260F16 to economic changes. ^More specifically, the question may be posed as
0270F16 whether, for instance, untouchables, have nuclear families *3because*0
0280F16 they belong to a particular caste or *3because*0 they are related in a
0290F16 certain way to organization of production and consequently perform a specific
0300F16 type of economic activity. $^The association between nuclear family
0310F16 type and modern industrial society has been hypothesized by many
0320F16 sociologists (Weber, 1950; Linton, 1952) and according to Goode (1963)
0330F16 predominant family type in future will be nuclear family. ^The predominance
0340F16 of extended families in traditional agrarian societies has
0350F16 been noted by sociologists, but it has also been found that predominance
0360F16 of nuclear families is associated with societies where hunting
0370F16 and gathering are dominant occupations (Nimkoff and Middleton, 1960).
0380F16 ^In india also nuclear family existed in traditional peasant societies
0390F16 and as Singh (1973:175) points out, the lower caste families where
0400F16 the chief occupation was agricultural labour were mostly nuclear
0410F16 and this nuclearity was related to "absence of landed property, lack
0420F16 of suffcient and stable means of livelihood and shifting mode of occupation".
0430F16 ^*Dube (1969: 203) also points out that in rural India "contrary
0440F16 to common belief the basic unit of social organization... is *3not*0
0450F16 the large joint family but the nuclear family... ^Recent village studies
0460F16 have shown that large joint families are relatively few in number
0470F16 and they too are largely confined to upper, \0i.e. priestly, trading
0480F16 and agricultural castes". $^What is the explanation of the existence
0490F16 or predominance of nuclear families in villages which are isolated from
0500F16 the mainstream of urban-industrial life? ^In villages, what are variables
0510F16 that_ affect the family structure? ^The different studies indicate
0520F16 that the economic factors like landownership and occupation are
0530F16 quite important in this respect. ^*Sen (1965) in a study of four Bengal
0540F16 villages found that in those villages, nuclear families are more
0550F16 predominant than extended families, and there exists a significant
0560F16 relationship between family types and occupation, landownership. ^According
0570F16 to Sen (1965: 15) "non-cultivating owners, day labourers, and
0580F16 non-agriculturists have a very large proportion of nuclear families
0590F16 as compard to the owner-cultivators and sharecroppers. ^This indicates
0600F16 the fact that differences in occupation and subsistence pattern within
0610F16 the same society will also explain the distribution of the nuclear
0620F16 and extended families among the verious sections of the population".
0630F16 ^*Sarma (1963) in a similar study of Bengal villages arrived at the
0640F16 same conclusion as above. ^*Gough (1956) in her study of Kumbapettai
0650F16 village found the *4Brahmans, who are large landowner, do no manual
0660F16 work and are totally dependent on land have extended families while
0670F16 the landless labourers known as *5Adi Dravidas*6, live in nuclear
0680F16 families. ^*Cohn (1963) in Senapur village also found that among *4Chamars
0690F16 most of whom are landless labourers, there were only 42 joint
0700F16 families out of 122 *4Chamar households in the village, and principal
0710F16 reason for this according to Cohn is the poverty of the *4Chamar
0720F16 landless labourers. ^It is evident from the above studies that there
0730F16 is a relationship between social class and family types and the family
0740F16 structure is related to the economic activity of the members. $^*Kolenda
0750F16 (1967) in her study of thirteen regions of India based on thirty
0760F16 two publications, attempted an analysis of factors influencing the
0770F16 family types, but she concludes, that there is no universal association
0780F16 with any of the factors like landownership, caste identity, \0etc.
0790F16 and the prevalence of joint or nuclear families. ^She relates the
0900F16 pattern of family structure in different regions with the process of
0910F16 family break up. ^According to her (1967: 166-67) "where the nuclear family
0920F16 in India is most prevalent, it is not only the result of the natural
0930F16 death of the older generation, but is the result of break-up *3before*0
0940F16 the peasants*' death. ^Furthermore, where the joint families are
0950F16 *3most*0 prevalent the death of the progenitor does not result in either
0960F16 the immediate or somewhat delayed break-up of the joint family. ^Three
0970F16 different patterned timings for break-up emerge from the studies of
0980F16 Indian rural areas. ^First is the patterned break-up within a few
0990F16 months or years of marriage of the sons.... ^The second pattern is
1000F16 the break-up of married brothers upon or shortly after the father*'s
1010F16 death... ^A third pattern is the break-up of the joint family when it
1020F16 is headed by married brothers who have lived together with their families
1030F16 for some years or even when the family is headed by male first
1040F16 cousins". ^Though the studies summarized by Kolenda exhaust the possible
1050F16 correlates of the family structure and change, but she was unable
1060F16 to_ examine the individual cases in detail and made broad generalizations
1070F16 on the basis of existing studies. ^Hence, the possibilities
1080F16 of other variables affecting the family structure can not be totally
1090F16 ruled out, and in this context one can ask whether the causes family
1100F16 break-up are, as Kolenda suggests, high divorce and marriage rates,
1110F16 bride wealth and dowry payment and usorilaterality versus virilaterality
1120F16 or the causes lie much deeper in the infrastructural sphere of
1130F16 property relations, poverty and wealth, the partial replacement of traditional
1140F16 economic relationship, and the changing economic activity
1150F16 of the peasants? $^In the present paper we have attempted to_ analyse
1160F16 the family structure in four villages in terms of classes and tried
1170F16 to_ find out whether or not subsistence pattern, modes of livelihood,
1180F16 landownership or lack of it affect the family structure. $*3Villages:*0
1190F16 ^The three villages, **[foot note**] namely Azadpur, Kanchanpur
1200F16 and Birpur are in the district of Birbhum and the fourth village Tusugaon
1210F16 is in the district of Purulia. ^The villages Azadpur and Tusugaon
1220F16 are non-irrigated villages, whereas Kanchanpur and Birpur
1230F16 are fully irrigated and partially irrigated villages respectively. ^The
1240F16 distance of three villages in Birbhum from the nearest town Bolpur
1250F16 is six to eight kilometers and all the three villages are connected
1260F16 by buses. ^*Tusugaon is an interior village, not connected by *4pukka
1270F16 road or buses and its distance from the nearest town Jhalda is twenty-two
1280F16 kilometers. ^Inspite of irrigation facilities available in
1290F16 two of the villages, all the four villages yield one crop a year and
1300F16 the economy still remains at subsistence level, agricultural practice
1310F16 still being traditional with traditional implements and animal and
1320F16 human labour used as sources of power. ^But in terms of communication,
1330F16 schools, \0etc. the Birbhum villages are comparatively more modernized
1340F16 than the village Tusugaon. $*3Collection of Data:*0 ^The field
1350F16 work was conducted in these four villages from October 1974 to January,
1360F16 1976. ^All the heads of the households in the four villages were
1370F16 interviewed, a household being defined as those who live under one
1380F16 roof and take food cooked at common hearth. ^Total households in the
1390F16 four villages is 483. ^Besides, assertaining the family structure, information
1400F16 about the respondents*' economic position, landholding, occupation
1410F16 of the various members of the household, migration of the members
1420F16 of the household, \0etc. were gathered. ^On the basis of the data,
1430F16 the households were classified in twelve family types following Kolenda
1440F16 (1968) and five classes on the basis of economic position of the
1450F16 members of the households. $*3Social Classes:*0 ^The households in the
1460F16 four villages has been stratified into five classes, \0viz. (1) Landlord,
1470F16 (2) Rich Peasant, (3) Middle Peasant, (4) Poor Peasant and
1480F16 (5) Agricultural Labourers. ^The stratification is based on primarily
1490F16 three criteria. (1) ^Those who possess and those who do not possess
1500F16 means of production. (2) ^Those who work and those who do not work
1510F16 and (3) Those who hire labour and those who do not (Ossowski,1969).
1520F16 ^On the basis of the combination of all the criteria, the five classes
1530F16 are defined as follows: $(1) *3Landlords:*0 ^Who own land but do not
1540F16 engage in any kind of labour. ^They completely depend on hired labourers
1550F16 or tenants. $(2) *3The Rich Peasants:*0 ^They own land but themselves
1560F16 engage in labour, also depend on hired labourer to a large extent. $(3)
1570F16 *3The Middle Peasants:*0 ^They own land but not of sufficient quantity
1580F16 or just as much, they usually depend on family labour,
1600F16 and do not employ hired labourers unless extremely necessary.
1610F16 $(4) *3The Poor Peasants:*0 ^They own very little land or no land at
1620F16 all and/ or rent land for cultivation and in general they hire out themselves
1630F16 as wage labourers. $(5) *3The Agricultural Labourers:*0 ^They
1640F16 are landless and own very little or no farm implements. ^They depend
1650F16 wholly or mainly on selling out their labour power. $*3Family Types:*0
1660F16 ^To_ analyse the family structure in four villages and to_ find its
1670F16 relationship with classes we have adopted Kolenda*'s typology, which
1680F16 she prepared on the basis of family structures in thirteen regions
1690F16 of India (1968: 346-47) and can be put to comparative use. $(1) *3Single
1700F16 Person Houschold:*0 $(2) *3Subnuclear Family:*0 a fragment of former
1710F16 nuclear family such as widowed or divorced parent with unmarried childeren,
1720F16 or unmarried, widowed or divorced siblings living together or widowed
1730F16 mother and married son without his family. $(3) *3Supplemented Subnuclear
1740F16 Family:*0 a subnuclear family plus some other unmarried, widowed
1750F16 or divirced relative(s) who are not a part of the original nuclear
1760F16 family. ^For example a widow with her unmarried children plus her
1770F16 dead husband*'s brother*'s widow. $(4) *3Nuclear Family:*0 couple and
1780F16 their unmarried children. (5) *3Supplemented Nuclear Family:*0 a nuclear
1790F16 family plus some other widowed, divorced or unmarried relative(s)
1800F16 such as the husband*'s widowed mother or his unmarried brother
1810F16 or sister. $(6) *3Lineal Joint Family:*0 parents with unmarried children
1820F16 plus one married son and his wife and unrmarried children. $(7)
1830F16 *3Supplemented Lineal Joint Family:*0 a lineal joint family plus some
1840F16 other unmarried, divorced or widowed relative(s) such as the widowed sister
1850F16 of the older man or his unmarried brother. $(8) *3Collateral Joint
1860F16 Family:*0 two or more married brothers with their wives and unmarried
1870F16 children. $(9) *3Supplemented Collateral Joint Family:*0 a collateral
1880F16 joint family plus some other unmarried, widowed or divorced relative(s),
1890F16 such as the widowed mother, widower father or unmarried brother or
1900F16 sister of the married brothers. $(10) *3Lineal Collateral Joint Family:*0
1910F16 parents, their unmarried children plus two or more married sons
1920F16 with their wives and children. $(11) *3Supplemented Lineal Collateral
1930F16 Joint Family:*0 a lineal collateral joint family plus some other relative(s)
1940F16 who is (are) not (a) member(s) of any of the nuclear families
1950F16 involved. ^For example a wife*'s widowed brother or the eldest male*'s
1960F16 unmarried brother. $^Though nuclear family according to the definition
1970F16 consist of the couple and their unmarried children, but the concept
1980F16 of family as nuclear should not be confused with the use of the
1990F16 concept in the Western sense.*#
        **[no. of words = 02005**]

        **[txt. f17**]
0010F17 **<*3Bridging the Gap between Parents and Teenagers*0**> $^A time comes
0020F17 when the parent suddenly realizes that "his child is a child
0021F17 no longer". ^This
0030F17 is a unique moment of joy as well as fear. ^There is joy in seeing the
0040F17 child grown up, and fear in the realisation that from now on the youngster
0050F17 must face life on his own. ^And there is conflict. ^The parent*'s
0060F17 need is "to_ be needed", and the teenager*'s need is "not to_
0070F17 need the parent". ^On the parent*'s side, anxiety about the teenager
0080F17 may make him show concern, protectiveness, and control. ^This is not
0090F17 welcomed by the teenager who is trying to_ break loose from family
0100F17 holds and become an independent adult in his own right. $^Most of the
0110F17 conflicts and misunderstandings between the parent and teenager,
0120F17 are centred on the following: (1) physical appearance and dress; (2)
0130F17 social behaviour and activities; (3) friends and heterosexual behaviour;
0140F17 (4) decision-making and (5) pocket-allowance. ^A brief list of the
0150F17 nature of conflicts that_ seem to_ occur most frequently may help
0160F17 in analysing and understanding the basic causes that_ are at the
0170F17 root of the parent-teenager conflicts. ^Such an understanding would
0180F17 then readily suggest implications for parents in their role of guiding
0190F17 their youngster*'s growth and development. $^Parents often cannot
0200F17 understand the teenager*'s preoccupation with his physical appearance,
0210F17 his choice of clothes, his trying to_ keep up with the everchanging
0220F17 fashions. ^On the other hand, teenagers cannot understand why their
0230F17 parents look down upon their mode of dressing, why they ridicule
0240F17 the outfits that_ girls wear, or the long hair of the boys. ^They
0250F17 react with rebellious thoughts like "why should they bother-- I am
0260F17 wearing these clothes, not them", "can*'4t I decide for myself, what
0270F17 I want to_ wear?" $^The teenager always wants to_ be "having fun".
0280F17 ^Social activities often and take up more time than studying, helping
0290F17 at home, or just spending time at home. ^Parents often complain
0300F17 that they rarely see their children because they are always out. ^This
0310F17 is especially true of boys. ^Mothers often feel that girls do not
0320F17 take an adequate share of household responsibilities, showing more interest
0330F17 in clothes, dressing up, physical appearance and going out.
0340F17 ^On the other hand, teenagers cannot understand why the parents do not
0350F17 realize that peer activities hold more attraction for them than the
0360F17 home does. ^Hence conflicts result over the amount of time devoted
0370F17 to social activities and recreation, the nature of permissible social
0380F17 activities, and the timings to_ return home. $*<*3Choice of Company*0*>
0390F17 $^One of the constant worries for the parent is regarding
0400F17 the kind of company the teenager keeps. ^They feel they ought to_
0410F17 have a say in their teenager*'s selection of his friends. ^Whereas the
0420F17 teenager feels "they are my friends, how can you know whom I would
0430F17 like to_ have as a friend? ^How can you choose my friends for me?"
0440F17 $^Conflict over heterosexual friendships is also very common. ^Many
0450F17 parents do not like boys and girls getting together for social activities
0460F17 and recreation. ^Teenagers, for whom the desire and need for
0470F17 such friendship is normal, react by carrying
0480F17 on such relationships and mixed group social activities on the
0490F17 quiet, to_ avoid the parents coming to_ know about it and to_ avoid
0500F17 parental anger over it. $^Parents, in their concern for their children*'s
0510F17 welfare, often take on themselves the task of making all
0520F17 the decisions. ^They seem to_ hold the view that as parents they know
0530F17 what is best for the youngster whether it is regarding education,
0540F17 marriage, choice of career, and even selection of friends. ^The teenager
0550F17 may, hence, get the feeling that his life is being run by the
0560F17 parent, and this is resented by the teenager who at the threshould
0570F17 of adulthood wants to_ plan his own life. $*<*3Money a Sore Point*0*>
0580F17 $^Teenagers usually manage to_ spend a great deal of money and
0590F17 this is of great concern to the parents. ^No parent likes to_ refuse
0600F17 to_ give money to his teenager, but what does one do when demands
0610F17 become too much? ^Especially in the present days, with so much
0620F17 value placed on what all money can get, and with commercialised entertainment
0630F17 becoming the most common form of recreation, money becomes
0640F17 a must for the teenager. ^How much should he be given? ^How far is
0650F17 he to_ have control over spending his pocket allowance? ^Or should he
0660F17 account for all he spends? ^It is over such questions that_ most of
0670F17 the conflicts arise. $^What seems evident in all the areas of conflict
0680F17 is that on the one hand there is the parents*' concern for the
0690F17 teenager, and on the other hand there is the need of the teenager to_ be
0700F17 independent. ^No one can doubt the intentions of the parents. ^They
0710F17 want to_ see their children happy, healthy, and safe. ^They are concerned
0720F17 about and love their children. ^However, this often leads to
0730F17 "love" being confused with "possession" and "concern" being confused
0740F17 with "greater control and direction". ^The parents want to_ stand
0750F17 between the teenager and the world and shield him from life*'s dangers.
0760F17 ^But the teenager is just entering adulthood. ^It is now that
0770F17 he must learn to_ be independent and self-sufficient. ^He needs to_
0780F17 feel self-confident and capable of finding his own way, without parental
0790F17 direction. ^Parents try and give ready advice and direction, all
0800F17 in order to_ protect and guide the youngster, but the teenager strives
0810F17 towards autonomy. ^Autonomy is the self-direction of one*'s life
0820F17 and the ability to_ make one*'s own decision. ^It is this which
0830F17 will make the young teenager feel capable of independently running his
0840F17 own life. ^This is essential if he is to_ be helped to_ become
0850F17 a self-sufficient adult. $^Another factor that_ underlies the conflicts
0860F17 is that the teenager years (adolescence) is a period of change,
0870F17 a transition from childhood to adulthood. ^It is a period of learning
0880F17 and growth. ^But this learning and growth takes place amidst great
0890F17 personality disorganisation, which ultimately, however, leads to the
0900F17 organisation of a mature personality. ^During this period the teenager
0910F17 has to_ free himself from childhood ties with parents, establish
0920F17 new identifications with others and find his own identity. ^That_
0930F17 is why, at this time, there is so much preoccupation with physical
0940F17 appearance and friends. ^Because it is through identification with
0950F17 his friends, (with the clothes, appearances and things they value)
0960F17 that the teenager learns about himself, understands and finally accepts
0970F17 his individual identity. ^In answering the personal identity question
0980F17 "^Who am I?" the teenager identifies with his peer, and becomes
0990F17 disobedient and rebellious towards parents. ^Not so much to_ defy
1000F17 his parents but in order to_ experience his identity and autonomy.
1010F17 $*<*3Parent Teacher Conflicts*0*> $^The fast pace of social
1020F17 change that_ is taking place adds to the causes of parent-teenager
1030F17 conflicts. ^The parents were teenagers some two to three decades back
1040F17 and the societal norms and standards of their teenage years are no
1050F17 longer relevant today. ^Present conditions and values, and hence the needs
1060F17 and desires of today*'s teenagers are different. ^Behaviour and
1070F17 friendship patterns (particularly in urban settings), and therefore
1080F17 the needs and behaviour of the teenagers should be understood in the
1090F17 present social context. $^Parent-teenager conflicts, which will always
1100F17 be present can actually be a very constructive part and parcel
1110F17 of the teenager*'s growing up. ^The parents have a truly significant
1120F17 and powerful role to_ play in ensuring that the stressful teenager
1130F17 years, prove fruitful in helping their youngsters achieve independent
1140F17 mature adulthood. $^The foregoing discussion on the causes of conflicts
1150F17 has certain implications for parents, in the role they play
1160F17 during their youngsters, teenage years. ^While there are no ready made
1170F17 solutions to specific conflicts, certain guidelines readily follow
1180F17 from the above discussion. $^Adolescence or the teenage years are
1190F17 a time for uncertainty, self-doubt, and search for identity amidst confusion.
1200F17 ^First of all it is essential that the parents realize and
1210F17 accept this as a period of restlessness and stress for the teenager. ^They
1220F17 can help by tolerating and accepting (not condescendingly, but with
1230F17 sincere understanding) his restlessness, discontent, and confusion.
1240F17 ^The acceptance should never be obviously condescending or sympathetic.
1250F17 ^The teenager doesn*'4t want sympathy that_ will assure him
1260F17 in his mind that something is wrong with him. *3^He needs quiet understanding,
1270F17 and acceptance to_ help him realize that his confused
1280F17 feelings, his pre-occupation with his own physical appearance, his desire
1290F17 to_ win popularity and recognition in his peer group, are all normal
1300F17 and a part of growing up.*0 $^This, however, does not mean that the
1310F17 parent*'s role is only to_ accept the teenager*'s confusion, stand
1320F17 by, and watch him grow. ^The parent has a much more active role
1330F17 to_ play in helping the youngster grow out of the confusion of the teenage
1340F17 years. ^Even when he acknowledges the experience of the teenager,
1350F17 when he listens with attention to what he has to_ say and when he
1360F17 treats him like an adult, the parent is helping him to_ learn the confidence
1370F17 and maturity to_ truly behave like an adult. $*<*3Decision-making*0*>
1380F17 $^The parent can also play an active and constructive role
1390F17 in helping the youngster in his decision-making. ^Teenagers with
1400F17 their limited experience may not be able to_ consider all the pros and
1410F17 cons of a decision. ^Rather than showing approval or disapproval after
1420F17 the teenager takes a decision, the parent could help out by listing
1430F17 all possible consequences, advantages and drawbacks of a decision
1440F17 with a non-judgmental attitude (as much as is practically possible!).
1450F17 ^In this way the parent manages to_ deal with the difficult decision
1460F17 without attacking the person, because the focus is on the condition
1470F17 that_ is to_ be dealt with. ^Disapproving criticism or ridicule,
1490F17 on the other hand, by doubting the soundness of the decision-maker*'s
1500F17 judgment, brings out feelings of inferiority in the teenager and
1510F17 hence rebellion. ^This wise parent knows how much more effective it
1520F17 is to_ word advice in terms of "If-then-" statements rather than
1530F17 "you should do this". ^The latter is most often met with rebellion.
1540F17 ^The former, besides objectively placing all the pros and cons before
1550F17 the teenage decision-maker, further teaches the youngster to_ himself
1560F17 adopt "If-then-" considerations in future decision making. $^Teenagers
1570F17 often express the feeling that adults set limits of behavior
1580F17 and norms of acceptable conduct, values and attitudes, in a very arbitrary
1590F17 manner, expecting the teenager to_ conform to these because of the
1600F17 adult*'s superior status. ^How does the adult convince the youngster
1610F17 that this is not so? ^Probably, explaining the reasons or grounds
1620F17 for the parent*'s expectations from the teenager would be the best way.
1630F17 ^Explaining (a) the reasons that_ are relevant in terms of future
1640F17 consequences for the teenager and (b) the reasons that_ relate to considerations
1650F17 of other people*'s needs and points of view would help the youngster
1660F17 realize that adult expections are not based on mere whims and
1670F17 fancies but are justifiable. $^The latter, in fact, points out another
1680F17 important aspect of the parent*'s role in guiding the teenager*'s
1690F17 development. ^The teenager has to_ be helped to_ respond sensitively
1700F17 to the needs of other persons. ^The youngster needs to_ develop
1710F17 the ability to_ put himself in the other person*'s shoes and realise
1720F17 that other people too have the right to their needs and expectations.
1730F17 ^Unless the teenager develops such sensitivity to others, he will
1740F17 not be able to_ break out of his preoccupation with himself and acquire
1750F17 the interpersonal sensitivity that_ is characteristic of a mature
1760F17 person. ^Encouraging the youngster to_ talk, debate and express himself
1770F17 on topics of interest may also help him to_ see that in every
1780F17 issue there are many points of view possible and each may have valid
1790F17 reasons in support of it. ^This too will probably help the teenager
1800F17 to_ keep an open mind, consider other points of views, and develop
1810F17 a sensitive awareness of the needs of other people like the parents
1820F17 and adults he comes in contact with. $^A teenager learns what he
1830F17 lives with and becomes what he experiences. ^Parents can help a teenager
1840F17 by seeing that he lives within an atmosphere of love, understanding,
1850F17 sincerity and respect for each other.*#
        **[no. of words = 02016**]

        **[txt. f18**]
0010F18 **<*3THE FAMILY IN CRISIS*0**> $^*Naseem, aged 2 years, set clutching
0020F18 her mother*'s *4sari as her pale and haggard-looking mother requested
0030F18 the Committee in a desperate tone for residential shelter at Bapnu
0040F18 Ghar for her children. ^Her son Salim aged 4 years, a silent forlorn
0050F18 looking child, sat next to her. ^Amidst tears, the mother explained
0060F18 that hers was a poor, but happy family until tragedy overtook
0070F18 them a year back throwing their lives in a chaotic condition. ^Her husband,
0080F18 a son of a poor farmer had migrated to the city for better prospects,
0090F18 and worked in a textile mill. ^They married, had two children
0100F18 and were living on a modest income in a small hut in the heart
0110F18 of the city. ^It was not much of a house, and there were no sanitary
0120F18 facilities; she had to_ queue for hours for storing water as there
0130F18 was one water tap in her slum locality; they were happy. ^Suddenly
0140F18 her husband was killed in an accident in the mill. ^Not being educated,
0150F18 she had to_ take up a domestic job in order to_ make both ends
0160F18 meet. ^Her health had never been good, and just before her husband
0170F18 died she found out, to her utter dismay, that she was suffering from
0180F18 \0T.B. and needed hospitalization. ^She had no one to_ turn to,
0190F18 and she was worried about the fate of her two children in case anything
0200F18 happened to her. $^One can well imagine this mother*'s agony of
0210F18 parting with her children and her sheer helplessness in her predicament,
0220F18 as also the children*'s feeling of acute insecurity at being separated
0230F18 from their parents and left all alone. ^This is the plight
0240F18 of thousands of urban children who are rendered helpless due to break-up
0250F18 in the nuclear family life for some reason or the other. $^In the
0260F18 early days, the joint family system provided a sanctuary to all its
0270F18 members-- the young, the old, widows, orphans, deserted women and
0280F18 the unemployed. ^Here children were neither deserted nor destitute.
0290F18 ^The death of parents or even strained relations between parents did
0300F18 not lead to any kind of physical, social or emotional insecurity as
0310F18 love and a sense of belonging was always there from the other members
0320F18 of the family. $*<*3The Inevitable Effects of Industrialization*0*>
0330F18 $^However, as in other parts of the world, industrialization
0340F18 and urbanization are bringing about great changes in traditional indian
0350F18 society. ^It is disrupting the even tenor of rural life, by the
0360F18 slow migration of the rural population to cities and towns and transforming
0370F18 the economic basis of family living, modifying the relationships
0380F18 both within and outside the family circle. ^Family ties specially
0390F18 in the cities are beginning to_ weaken, and the joint family system
0400F18 which used to_ take care of all contingencies has begun to_ disintegrate.
0410F18 ^In the industrial urban areas, a newly married couple
0420F18 often has to_ live on their own, away from their family and among neighbours
0430F18 who might be complete strangers. ^They are often thrown entirely
0440F18 upon their own resources-- material, social and psychological.
0450F18 ^Such social changes bring in their wake the need for some readjustments.
0460F18 ^The pressures on the newly developing family-- economic, environmental,
0470F18 social and emotional are so many today, that at times there
0480F18 is a breakdown, sometimes temporary, sometimes permanent, leading
0490F18 to broken homes. ^Death and disease take their toll leaving the children
0500F18 destitute-- creating the need for finding substitute care for them--
0510F18 as in the case of Naseem and Salim. ^One type of substitute
0520F18 care is Institutional Care. $^However, it is now being increasingly
0530F18 recongnised in India also that institutional life is not the best
0540F18 that_ can be offered to the child, as it gives the child no life,
0550F18 or better, gives him only a physical life without granting him the possibility
0560F18 of becoming a person, or acquiring the capacity of loving
0570F18 and being loved which is needed for the children, in their formative
0580F18 years of life, through the experience of durable and tender relationship
0590F18 with their parents. $*<*3Home the Best Place for Child*0*>
0600F18 $^It is being increasingly realized that the ideal place for growth
0610F18 of a child is the home and family. ^The home as the natural environment
0620F18 provides a protective and stimulating medium for the child*'s
0630F18 physical, mental and spiritual growth. ^Therefore when the sanctity
0640F18 of the home is disturbed or threatened and family relations are adversely
0650F18 affected, the real need is to_ develop services which preserve
0660F18 and strengthen the family-life through Adoption, Sponsorship,
0670F18 Foster Care \0etc. $^Here it would be worthwhile sharing the experiment
0680F18 in Foster Care conducted by the Foster Care Group under
0690F18 the auspices of the Maharashtra State women*'s Council. ^This service
0700F18 was started as one of the pilot projects in Bombay with the help
0710F18 of a grant from the Central Social Welfare Board and is now in
0720F18 its sixth year of service to the child and his family. $^Foster Care
0730F18 is non-institutional service which aims at providing temporary shelter
0740F18 to a child in a substitute family during a period of crisis due
0750F18 to disease, sickness, desertion, discord or death of one or both
0760F18 parents until his own family is helped to_ receive him back. \0^*Dr.
0770F18 Bannerji has rightly pointed out that "Foster Care of a child as
0780F18 an organized social service is young, but old in experience". ^With
0790F18 this in mind every effort has been made to_ integrate the best of
0800F18 Indian traditional family life with the scientific skills developed
0810F18 in the West in the task of placement and follow-up of the foster
0820F18 child and rehabilitation of the natural family. $*<*3Familial Kinship
0830F18 Feeling is Strong*0*> $^Though the joint family system is weakening in
0840F18 the cities due to pressure both from within and outside the family circle,
0850F18 the familial or kinship feeling is still strong, and relatives
0860F18 may want to_ help one another in times of crisis, but due to congested
0870F18 and overcrowding of housing conditions, economic and social stringency,
0880F18 they do not have the means to_ feed an extra mouth. ^In India
0890F18 47 per cent of its population, that_ is 280 million, exist below
0900F18 the poverty line, that_ is below \0Rs. 40 \0p.m. per head. ^With
0910F18 the country*'s present economic condition, a social assistance
0920F18 programme is difficult. ^In fact in India, the Foster Care Project
0930F18 is the first cash assistance programme in the field of social welfare,
0940F18 recognising the financial strain in child rearing. ^The Project
0950F18 contributes \0Rs. 50 \0p.m. for full Foster Family Care and
0960F18 \0Rs. 30\0 p.m. for Foster Family Day Care. ^This monetary contribution
0970F18 is not a dole; it is merely an extension of help in the time of
0980F18 need for a specific purpose. $^As this service has been only recently
0990F18 developed and that_ too only as a pilot project, very limited publicity
1000F18 has been done. ^Selection of foster parents has not been an
1010F18 easy task. ^However our experience has shown, that relatives, neighbours,
1020F18 and friends have been the best suited persons to_ become foster
1030F18 parents. ^It has provided the basis for maximum matching between
1040F18 the two families. ^The foster parents in our society being related
1050F18 to the natural parents in some way or the other feel a moral and emotional
1060F18 binding towards the foster child. ^It has been noted that such
1070F18 families are less likely to_ exploit the child or misuse the money
1080F18 given for his care. ^Moreover, the child feels less insecure and is
1090F18 able to_ adjust much more easily with people he is already aquainted
1100F18 with. $^Back to the case of Naseem and Salim, it was found that
1110F18 their paternal aunt, a young widow with no children and no independent
1120F18 means of her own, was to_ look after the children with the help
1130F18 of the contribution from the Foster Care Agency for the care of
1140F18 the children. ^Salim and Naseem flourished under the care and emotional
1150F18 security provided by the foster mother. ^The Foster Care placement
1160F18 has provided the parent figure for the children and has enabled
1170F18 the mother to_ go for treatment with a lighter heart, knowing that
1180F18 her children are well cared for. $*<*3Community Provides Care*0*> $^Another
1190F18 feature of the Indian society is that not only is there an
1200F18 emotional bond between relatives, but such a bond also develops between
1210F18 people living together in a neighbourhood even though they may
1220F18 belong to different castes, creeds, religious groups \0etc. ^A very
1230F18 touching case was witnessed where neighbours of a cosmopolitan community,
1240F18 spontaneously pooled their resources to_ help a family in their
1250F18 midst, which was on the brink of disaster due to disease and death
1260F18 of parents. ^In the heart of Bombay City, in a red light area, five
1270F18 little girls, the Patil sisters, who were all minors, ranging between
1280F18 the ages of 5 years and 13 years, became orphans when both parents
1290F18 died of \0T.B. in quick succession. ^On the mother*'s death
1300F18 in hospital there was a family medical check up, as a result of which
1310F18 it was found that the eldest and the youngest sisters had also contracted
1320F18 \0T.B. ^Necessary treatment was started. ^The medical social
1330F18 worker of a large municipal hospital then referred the case for Foster
1340F18 Care placement. ^The father used to_ make picture-frames but
1350F18 was an alcoholic. ^He had saved nothing and left the children with
1360F18 nothing but a bare room and debts. ^As no relatives came forward to_
1370F18 look after the girls, institutionalzation was contemplated. ^However,
1380F18 the eldest girl Sunita who was only 13 years old earnestly stated
1390F18 that they did not wish to_ be separated or instiutionalized as
1400F18 they had a room to_ live together. ^The other four frightened faces
1410F18 watched Sunita as she eagerly told the neighbours that she would leave
1420F18 school and take up a job to_ support her little sisters. ^Inspired
1430F18 by her courage, three sympathetic neighbouring families helped them
1440F18 with whatever they could. ^One of the neighbouring families agreed
1450F18 to_ become foster parents and 3 of the sisters were placed in Day
1460F18 Care with this family until the two sisters afflicted with \0T.B.
1470F18 were completely cured and the girls become old enough to_ look after
1480F18 themselves. $*<*3Loss of Mother*0*> $^Maternal health is an important
1490F18 aspect of child health. ^Inspite of the increasing medical facilities,
1500F18 child births are still taking place at home without any expert
1510F18 antenatal and postnatal help. ^There are still many unhealthy practices
1520F18 prevailing particularly among the uneducated mothers regarding
1530F18 child care. ^This results in complications in expectant mothers before
1540F18 or after confinement which sometimes necessitates hospitalization.
1550F18 ^Under the circumstances sudden separtation from the mother is
1560F18 a very traumatic experience specially for the pre-school age children
1570F18 who are not prepared for this break-up in family life. ^An even more
1580F18 serious problem arises when due to malnutrition in the mother, and
1590F18 multiple deliveries, death claims the life of mothers during the child
1600F18 birth. ^In such situations words can not do justice to_ describe
1610F18 the plight of these motherless infants and widowed fathers. ^It has
1620F18 been noticed that children deprived of the mother figure specially
1630F18 during the first three years of life can get emotionally withdrawn
1640F18 and isolated in the absence of a substitute mother figure. *^Foster
1650F18 Care for such children in substitute home care gives them a chance
1660F18 of developing a durable and tender relationship with the parental
1670F18 figure and thereby acquiring the capacity of loving and being loved.
1680F18 $^One such motherless infant was placed under Foster Care and we
1690F18 have watched her blooming into a happy, healthy child. $^At birth Bindu
1700F18 was a weak, shrivelled up looking baby, the fourth daughter to
1710F18 her parents. ^Her other three sisters were also very young as there
1720F18 was only a year*'s difference between each of them. ^The mother had
1730F18 been so undernourished, that with each successive delivery she became
1740F18 weaker till at Bindu*'s birth she collapsed. ^The grief-stricken
1750F18 father was at his wit*'s end as to how to_ look after his daughters
1760F18 particularly the young children and go to_ work. ^His mother-in-law
1770F18 was finally persuaded to_ look after the baby and the youngest child
1780F18 so as to_ give some relief to the father. ^However, seeing that
1790F18 the mother-in-law*'s hesitation in looking after the baby was her
1800F18 poor economic condition Bindu was placed on Foster Full Care with
1810F18 her and financial help was given to her for the care of the baby.*#
        **[no. of words = 02029**]

        **[txt. f19**]
0010F19 **<*3THE MENTALLY RETARDED ARE PEOPLE*0**> $^A seven-year boy, who is
0020F19 mentally handicapped, is brought to a Brussels-based para-medical centre.
0030F19 ^The boy is unable to_ move. ^Twelve months after treatment, he
0040F19 starts walking. ^After two years he is in school as a normal boy. ^Another
0050F19 youth of about 20 years is seen lying on a street of Bangalore.
0060F19 ^He is taken to a mental hospital. ^He lives in the hospital for three
0070F19 years and then sent to Asha Niketan, a home for mentally retarded.
0080F19 ^With the affection and care he receives in the Home, he has begun
0090F19 taking interest in gardening. $^These are not two solitary instances
0100F19 of mentally retarded being made useful in Brussels and Bangalore.
0110F19 ^This can be true of almost any case anywhere. ^Tragically enough about
0120F19 two per cent of almost any nation*'s population is mentally retarded,
0130F19 yet given a proper care and treatment majority of them would be fully
0140F19 or partially self-supporting and useful members of the society.
0150F19 ^Even for those who are severely retarded a limited amelioration can
0160F19 be provided. $*<*3The Known and Unknown Factors*0*> $^Causes of mental
0170F19 retardation are various, some known, others yet unknown. ^The most
0180F19 important cause is that the brain is not fully developed. ^The brain
0190F19 of the child might have been damaged because of the expectant mother*'s
0200F19 illness or because of nutritional deficiencies. ^Certain disease like
0210F19 severe dehydration may lead to retardation. ^Mothers having the tendency
0220F19 of mongolism tend to_ give birth to mentally retarded children
0230F19 after the age of 35 years. $^Mental retardation can be prevented with
0240F19 proper antenatal and postnatal care. ^And despite such preventive care,
0250F19 if the child is mentally handicapped or shows signs of it, it is necessary
0260F19 to_ give him medical or para-medical treatment as early as possible.
0270F19 ^Some medicines have been found to_ be useful in the treatment
0280F19 of mental retardation. ^A study recently undertaken by doctors at the
0290F19 Voluntary Health Services Medical Centre in Madras has revealed
0300F19 that the herb *8Centella Asiatics*9 is effective in the treatment
0310F19 of retarded children. ^The herb has been found producing a significant
0320F19 intellectual improvement and behavioural change in the children.
0330F19 ^Children who were very shy, withdrawn, restless and fidgety became expressive,
0340F19 communicative and co-operative after administration for some
0350F19 time of the drug. ^Their power of concentration and attention also increased.
0360F19 $*<*3Centres of treatment*0*> $^It is obvious that a specially
0370F19 trained cadre of personnel and facilities are needed to_ rehabilitate
0380F19 the mentally retarded children. ^Yet a bit of social care like teaching
0390F19 the child to_ move his limbs, pick up an article in his hands
0400F19 and other methods of "self-help" can lead to quick response in the child.
0410F19 ^This consideration has led people in advanced countries to_ give
0420F19 adequate attention to the welfare of the mentally retarded children.
0430F19 ^The United Nations has adopted a charter of the rights of the mentally
0440F19 retarded. ^In India homes for mentally retarded in Bangalore,
0450F19 Madras and Calcutta are rendering yeoman*'s service. ^*Asha Niketan
0460F19 of Bangalore has been recognized by the Indian Telephones Industry,
0470F19 Bharat Electronics and some other factories as an ancillary centre.
0480F19 ^*Alakendu Bodh Niketan of Calcutta has worked out a unique scheme
0490F19 for mentally retarded persons to_ help other mentally retardeds. ^A
0500F19 Centre for the treatment, training and management of mentally retarded
0510F19 children has been very recently established in the Psychiatric
0520F19 Department of Lucknow*'s King George*'s Medical College. ^The
0530F19 centre will have 30 beds and will provide treatment facilities including
0540F19 psychotherapy, play therapy, group therapy, behaviour therapy and
0550F19 drug therapy. ^Arrangements have been made to_ tailor the treatment
0560F19 and training programme according to the individual needs of each child.
0570F19 $^The Indian Federation of the Welfare of the Mentally Retarded
0580F19 has been allotted a two-acre plot in Hauz Khas, New Delhi to_
0590F19 build a "Dream Project", which after completion, will house at least
0600F19 40 severe cases and act as a hostel for many more. ^The Delhi Society
0610F19 for the Welfare of Mentally Retarded Children has been running
0620F19 a day training centre in Okhla since 1970 for 110 retarded children.
0630F19 ^It is now opening a pre-vocational school there. ^Certain small
0640F19 industrial units in Okhla industrial area are prepared to_ provide
0650F19 the mentally retarded with jobs provided they are taught some skills.
0660F19 ^Ultimately the proposed pre-vocational unit may be expanded to_ include
0670F19 a vocational centre and a sheltered workshop. ^An agricultural and
0680F19 poultry farm, an intensive care and therapy unit and a residential wing
0690F19 for about 25 children are planned for future. ^The Balwantray Mehta
0700F19 School, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi has mentally retarded children
0710F19 in its roll, besides normal children. ^The School takes in mentally
0720F19 retarded children whose \0IQ ranges between 60 and 90. ^After these
0730F19 children attain certain level of proficiency, they are shifted from
0740F19 special section to the class of normal students. ^Recently Lions
0750F19 Club, Delhi (midtown) has donated an audiometric room to the school.
0760F19 ^This sound-proof room will house sophisticated machinery to_ be used for
0770F19 teaching these children speak earlier. $*<*3Denying Human Rights*0*>
0780F19 $^But these cases in the vast desert should not make us complacent.
0790F19 ^As compared to services available in some other countries our services
0800F19 are far from satisfactory. ^No survey has been done in India so
0810F19 far in regard to the mentally retarded. ^No statistics exists on the
0820F19 probable percentage of retardation, its main causes, the number of such
0830F19 children in schools or even the number who has been rehabilitated (A
0840F19 recent study in Lucknow shows that 2.3 per cent children are mentally
0850F19 handicapped). ^No special wards exist for the mentally retarded in the
0860F19 few children hospitals in the country. ^Even after detecting a case
0870F19 there is no agency to_ take the child for proper care. ^As a result,
0880F19 he has to_ be left to the care of parents. ^Left in the family these
0890F19 children suffer either total rejection or too much of love. ^The few
0900F19 institutions that_ exist are not properly staffed. ^What is worse,
0910F19 the mentally retarded in India are still governed by an outdated piece
0920F19 of legislation \0viz., the Lunacy Act, 1912. ^Under the operation
0930F19 of the Act, they are deprived of even basic human rights as the
0940F19 right to_ own property, operate a bank account, buy life insurance and
0950F19 so on. $^The situation must be remedied sooner than later. ^Developing
0960F19 countries more often than not tend to_ ignore such tasks as the rehabilitation
0970F19 of their handicapped people either because of financial stringency
0980F19 or lack of data or procedure for dealing systematically with the
0990F19 problem. ^In the case of mentally retarded this problem is compounded
1000F19 by the fact that their disability, unlike that_ of physically handicapped,
1010F19 is not easily identifiable. ^A team of doctors and experts is
1020F19 needed to_ evaluate each child. ^Therefore the first task before us
1030F19 is the promotion of an awareness of the precise dimension of the problem
1040F19 and making some sort of extensive survey of its incidence. ^Observance
1050F19 of the "Day for the Mentally Retarded" marks a welcome initiative
1060F19 to_ focus public attention and create a national consciousness
1070F19 on a much neglected but very important problem. ^Arrangements for proper
1080F19 training of workers should be made. ^Special centres, hospital wards
1090F19 and sheltered workshops should be set up throughout the country
1100F19 for the care, treatment, training and ultimate rehabilitation of those
1110F19 unfortunate children, who can be, God forbid, mine or yours, born
1120F19 congenitally deficient in their abilities. ^This worthy task deserves
1130F19 full financial, material and moral support of the Government, other
1140F19 public agencies like corporations, schools, hospitals, voluntary
1150F19 organisations, teachers, doctors, psychiatrists, trained social workers
1160F19 and indeed, the public. $^To_ conclude, children, born with subnormal
1170F19 mental faculties are, no doubt, handicapped for leading a full life
1180F19 if left to themselves; but on this account they should not be considered
1190F19 as society*'s drag. ^Just because, their brain has been damaged,
1200F19 they do not cease to_ be people. ^They are different from those who
1210F19 are suffering from mental illness. ^The latter are like people who start
1220F19 with adequate capital and lose it on the way and the former who start
1230F19 with inadequate capital and given some help and guidance they will
1240F19 succeed in the business of life. ^Experience has proved that well-treated
1250F19 and educated mentally retarded are pleasant and useful people
1260F19 to_ have around. $**<*3Vocational Rehabilitation of the Retarded*0**>
1270F19 $^Care of the retarded people forms an integral part of the total health
1280F19 care services obtaining in a community. ^Exploration of interest
1290F19 is an important part of the assessment and guidance programme. ^Constant
1300F19 revaluation along with adequate growth stimulating and effective
1310F19 training programmes will positively help the mentally handicapped child.
1320F19 ^Training should start from the earliest moment of diagnosis of
1330F19 mental retardation. ^A thorough investigation at this earliest stage
1340F19 would help in outlining the "inputs" to_ be adopted for the parent-child
1350F19 relationship that_ is to_ follow. ^This would help in deciding the
1360F19 course of vocational training and placement requirements of the child
1370F19 at later stage. ^Efforts should not be made only to_ impart formal
1380F19 education to the mentally handicapped as this will not substantially
1390F19 help to_ equip them for the pre-vocational and vocational training.
1400F19 $*<*3In Open Employment*0*> $^The society for the Vocational Rehabilitation
1410F19 of Retarded has now provided a decade of service to the city of
1420F19 Bombay. ^Starting with a small experimental activity by training a
1430F19 handful of adult boys it made an attempt to_ provide them the necessary
1440F19 training and then experimented by putting them in open employment. ^This
1450F19 experiment proved successful initially and this gave confidence to
1460F19 some social workers who are behind this institution. ^This attempt was,
1470F19 therefore, given a greater momentum and the activity started with
1480F19 greater zeal with 10 trainees by placing them in hardly two or three crafts
1490F19 at the premises hired by the organisation near the Congress House
1500F19 at Bombay. $^Once tempo picked up the Bombay Municipal Corporation
1510F19 offered for the Institution premises where presently 50 boys are
1520F19 receiving training in five or six different crafts such as cane work,
1530F19 tailoring, carpentry, card board work and paper articles, weaving,
1540F19 plastic moulding and kitchen training. $^Though the ultimate objective
1550F19 of the organisation is to_ rehabilitate the mentally handicapped,
1560F19 this could be achieved only by moulding the activities of the organisation
1570F19 in the form of education and training. ^The first step is to_
1580F19 provide training in suitable crafts for a period of about two years.
1590F19 ^This is now done more or less on a regular basis by giving training
1600F19 to 50 adults in the crafts mentioned above. $^A growing awareness is
1610F19 developing amongst the public as well as the Government on the need to_
1620F19 rehabilitate this weaker section. ^The public as well as employers
1630F19 should be educated on the fact that there are degrees of retardation.
1640F19 ^Of an estimated 20 million of the mentally handicapped, hardly 10%
1650F19 are severely retarded and in need of custodial care. ^The rest have the
1660F19 potential to_ undertake routine and repetitive jobs and can be rehabilitated
1670F19 in either open employment or a sheltered workshop. ^They are
1680F19 capable of productive work if proper training is given. ^To_ keep them
1690F19 nonproductive is a waste of national manpower. $*<*3Need for Employers*'
1700F19 Co-operation*0*> $^At present we have hardly four or five workshops
1710F19 in India which provide vocational training to them, and almost all
1720F19 of them have developed within the last decade. ^There should be many
1730F19 more such workshops not only in large cities but all over India which could
1740F19 provide vocational training not only in various crafts but in trades
1750F19 and in simple routine type sub-contract work, which is available in local
1760F19 industries. ^This training need not be identical in all the workshops,
1770F19 but should function in co-ordination with the industries of that_
1780F19 area so that the handicapped trained there have a good opportunity
1790F19 to_ gain employment as well as sub-contract work in the sheltered workshops.
1800F19 ^However, such schemes can be implemented only if employers take a
1810F19 positive interest and consider the employment of the mentally handicapped
1820F19 as of prime importance, not merely as an act of charity, but to_
1830F19 develop the potential ability of the mentally handicapped for constructive
1840F19 and productive purposes and for providing them with equal opportunities
1850F19 for development, thus raising their self-esteem.*#
        **[no. of words = 02006**]

        **[txt. f20**]
0010F20 **<*3NUTRITION EDUCATION SOME EXPERIENCES*0**> $^The plight of infants
0020F20 and children has only been recently recognised and made a matter of
0030F20 serious enquiry. ^Problems of nutrition in young children. ^Numerically
0040F20 (2 to 3% of Indian pre-school children are estimated to_ suffer
0050F20 from severe clinical protein-energy malnutrition), economically and
0060F20 socially malnutrition not only causes sickness, misery and death but
0070F20 also results in population that_ may be irreversibly damaged physically,
0080F20 mentally and psychologically. ^All over the world mounting concern
0090F20 has been felt for need to_ develop effective economical and acceptable
0100F20 action programme to_ deal with the problem of malnutrition
0110F20 in early childhood. ^This is manifested on the international scene by
0120F20 the titles of recent conferences on nutrition: "Meeting Protein
0130F20 Requirements" in Washington 1960, "How to_ Reach Pre-School
0140F20 Child", in Italy 1963, "Major Deterrents to Progess" in Washington
0150F20 1964, and "Administrative Problems in Programmes to_ Protect
0160F20 Pre-School Children" in Hamburg 1966. ^The evidences collected
0170F20 during these deliberations point out towards permanent physical impairment
0180F20 due to early malnutrition. ^In addition findings obtained indicate
0190F20 that retardation of mental development of the young child leading
0200F20 to irreversible damage of brain tissues can also result. ^All these
0210F20 have serious implications for the future manpower planning and economic
0220F20 development. $^On the national scence, ours is a country characterised
0230F20 by contrasts. ^This is evident in almost all areas of life. ^On
0240F20 the one hand, we are achieving marvellous feats in nuclear science,
0250F20 building technology and acquiring wealth, on the other, bullock carts,
0260F20 dilapidated huts on the city pavments and stark poverty are not uncommon
0270F20 sights. ^The contrast assumes far reaching implications when
0280F20 it is found to_ exist in the pattern of health care of children amongst
0290F20 different sections of the population. ^The Government both at the
0300F20 National and state levels are doing all they can to_ provide minimum
0310F20 requirements to every section with particular emphasis on the economically
0320F20 deprived section. ^This is a most welcome step. ^Our problems
0330F20 get compounded by the fact that we are a poor country where
0340F20 over 50% of the population live below poverty line, 73% are illiterate
0350F20 and 80% do not have medical facilities. ^In order to_ provide services
0360F20 many programmes have been instituted for care of infants and children.
0370F20 ^Every attempt is being made to_ reach each child so that he/
0380F20 she does not become victim of malnutrition, cultural deprivation and
0390F20 neglect. ^An attempt is made here to_ describe some of the experiences
0400F20 of conducting a programme for nutrition education to partents (mainly
0410F20 mothers) which is an integral part of our infant care and pre-school
0420F20 programme. ^The programme is being conducted by the Indian Council
0430F20 of Social Welfare, Gujarat State Branch. ^This programme
0440F20 is mainly for the benefit of children from lower socio-economic group.
0450F20 ^Parents*' education on various areas of child care and development
0460F20 is an integral part of the total programme. ^An attempt is made here
0470F20 to_ describe the prevailing attitudes towards nutrition and how education
0480F20 has been imparted. ^It is an attempt at compilation of anecdotal
0490F20 experiences and does not claim to_ emanate from a controlled research
0500F20 study. ^In fact these experiences are shared in order to_ exchange
0510F20 notes with fellow workers from other places. ^This ultimately might
0520F20 result in a guideline for dissemination of information on such a
0530F20 vital matter as nutritional needs of infants and children. ^The following
0540F20 points have emerged as being significant in terms of prevailing attitudes
0550F20 and state of affairs. $*<*3Wide Gap of Knowledge*0*> $^One
0560F20 is astounded by the wide gap of knowledge on child care, child rearing,
0570F20 nutritional needs of children that_ exists between the educated
0580F20 middle class and the uneducated. ^Although there is nation-wide concern
0590F20 for the proper growth and development of children this is not
0600F20 observed in these families. ^This is understandable in view of the fact
0610F20 that still majority of the children, particualarly those born after
0620F20 the second child are not by choice. ^Here one is impressed by the ignorance
0630F20 of ladies about family planning measures which is hardly discussed
0640F20 between the husband and wife. ^In terms of priority for allocation
0650F20 of family budget, child care and his needs are subordinated to
0660F20 the needs of other earning members of the family. ^It is not a rare
0670F20 instance to_ see families spending thousands of rupees, incurring
0680F20 heavy debts, on death ceremonies. ^The same family hesitates to_ spend
0690F20 on vital medicines and other requirements for the child. $^There
0700F20 is lack of knowledge regarding the various ingredients \0e.g. Carbohydrates,
0710F20 protein, vitamins, minerals \0etc. of food and what is a balanced
0720F20 food ^The belief that "good food is costly food" widely prevails.
0730F20 ^No attempt is made to_ consult the available community resources
0740F20 to_ enrich the quality of health care. $*<*3Misconceptions Galore*0*>
0750F20 $^There are lots of misconceptions regarding breast feeding. ^It
0760F20 is hardly recognised that breast feeding has to_ be supplemented
0770F20 by additional food right from the 5-6 months of child*'s age and
0780F20 that this is the best avaiable food. ^Moreover its quantity and quality
0790F20 depend upon the mother*'s intake of nutritious food. $^Majority believe
0800F20 in superstition, are conservative, and have pessimistic and to a
0810F20 certain extent fatalistic attitude towards life events. ^They present
0820F20 a picture of helplessness and do not have anything to_ look forward
0830F20 to. ^The available knowledge is still to_ make an impact on
0840F20 their lives. ^All these result in their being very rigid and not easily
0850F20 amenable to change. ^One of the examples would illustrate this.
0860F20 ^One pediatrician \0Dr. (\0Mrs)
0870F20 Kokilaben Papadia, a very enthusiastic and devoted person always
0880F20 suggests that banana can be introduced as a supplementary food for children
0890F20 at a very early age. ^Mothers have time and again clarified this
0900F20 point with her and sought to_ know if it can cause cold, constipation
0910F20 and other minor ailments. ^After a few weeks when I talk to them
0920F20 on this point it is found that they have not introduced banana and
0930F20 that_ too not because of economic reasons but because they continued to_
0940F20 hold the same view that it might harm. $^There are many points other than
0950F20 those described above. ^It is not possible to_ list them all for paucity
0960F20 of space. ^The important question is where do we go from here?
0970F20 ^How these families can be reached? ^How they can be helped to_ changed
0980F20 their wrong attitudes? ^How the available information can be disseminated?
0990F20 ^And how knowledge made through painstaking researches be utilised?
1000F20 ^We are trying to_ work in this direction at our Centre over
1010F20 years and would like to_ share some of our experiences. $^It has been
1020F20 observed that to_ bring about change in food habits and increase
1030F20 nutritional value of food is a difficult and time-consuming task. ^Even
1040F20 if the mother is ready to_ change other members particularily the
1050F20 older generation do not cooperate. ^It becomes easier when the entire
1060F20 family is involved. $^Reachability of the family depends upon the
1070F20 age of the mother, number of children and educational standard of
1080F20 the family. ^The young and somewhat educated mothers have been found
1090F20 to_ be more amenable to_ use the information than the old. $^Mere
1100F20 listening to lectures does not help much. ^Its effectiveness can be
1110F20 increased if the information is disseminated using cues available in
1120F20 real life situation from these families. ^Mother*'s participation i
1130F20 in discussion and freedom to_ clarify doubts have been found to_ enhance
1140F20 the value of the lecture. $^Pictorial and graphic presentation
1150F20 helps them comprehend the information more concretely. ^Depiction
1160F20 of contrasts to_ illustrate the outcome of implementing suggestion
1170F20 helps. ^Booklets such as the one published on "Nutrition Education
1180F20 in Child Feeding Programme" by the Office of Nutrition, Technical
1190F20 Assistance Bureau Agency for International Development, \0USA
1200F20 can, with certain modifications, be used to_ conduct regular courses
1210F20 for mothers. $^There is need for preparing audio-visual materials
1220F20 so that education can be imparted. ^Community exhibitions right in
1230F20 the community have been found to_ be good media. ^This enables everybody
1240F20 in the community to_ take advantage of it and does not involve
1250F20 much time and money. $*<*3Building up Personal Relations*> $^
1260F20 building personal relationship is an important aspect through which
1270F20 the aim is easily achieved. ^Most of our mothers have need to_ share
1280F20 and relate. ^They come to their natural self once the phase of suspicion
1290F20 is over. ^Then only trust and confidence start. ^After this phase
1300F20 only any meaningful inroad can be made. ^One has to_ be patient and
1310F20 understanding to_ make the programme effective. ^In conclusion we
1320F20 can say that the available knowledge has been able to_ delineate the
1330F20 climical picture, the bio-chemistry, the causes, and treatment of malnutrition
1340F20 in early childhood. ^Magnitude of the problem and its gravity
1350F20 as a prime deterrent to progress have also been realised and emphasised.
1360F20 ^The challenge is how to_ make the benfits of modern scientific
1370F20 knowledge available simply, economically, effectively to families
1380F20 to_ enable them improve their standard of health care. ^We need
1390F20 to_ advise and motivate parents to_ improve the nutrition of their
1400F20 children. ^The task requires coordinated efforts, practical and tactful
1410F20 adaptation with the ultimate aim always being to_ secure the
1420F20 maximum return in human welfare from minimum expenditure in money and
1430F20 trained personnel. ^We have shared one such experience and hope it
1440F20 is of value. $**<RELIEF FOR DISASTER VICTIMS**> $^The functioning
1450F20 of society is from time to time disturbed by such occurrences as pestilence,
1460F20 floods, fires, famines, storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
1470F20 \0etc. ^All on a sudden a number of persons are plunged into helplessness
1480F20 and suffering needing food, clothing, shelter, medical care and
1490F20 other basic necessities of life. ^Disasters also lead to many social
1500F20 and psychological repercussions. $^Disasters, whatever their nature
1510F20 disturb the established social organisation abruptly. ^In the ancient
1520F20 and medieval India, the king was expected to_ protect his kingdom
1530F20 from any disaster that_ might affect his people. ^He could often
1540F20 seek the help of the friendly neighbouring kingdoms or even migrate
1550F20 temporarily with his subjects. ^Village heads and leaders were assigned
1560F20 duties regarding the prevention as well as relief of disasters
1570F20 like fire accidents and floods. ^The villagers were expected to_ store
1580F20 at least a minimum amount of water, ladder \0etc. ready for use
1590F20 in accidents like fire and they were to_ rescue victims of disasters.
1600F20 ^Negligence of such duties was punishable. ^*Kautilya*'s *3Arthasastra
1610F20 refers to eight kinds of disasters and according to the climate
1620F20 of the times, such remedies as offering to Gods, use of magic and
1630F20 chanting of *4Mantras. $^Flood havocs often cause more damage to property
1640F20 than to life as the water level can often be seen rising and life
1650F20 can be protected. ^Similarly cyclones result in a lot of crop damage
1660F20 and various types of property damage. ^But a sudden onslaught of
1670F20 flood caused by tidal wave from one side and the cyclonic disturbances
1680F20 from the other side, as it happened in the recent disaster on Divi
1690F20 Taluk, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh in November 1977 results
1700F20 in heavy losses both to life and property. $^Disaster relief normally
1710F20 undertaken in India in such calamaties can be summarised as follows:
1720F20 $1. ^Making food grains available free or at concessional rates.
1730F20 $2. ^Distributing clothing, blankets \0etc. $3. ^Providing medical
1740F20 relief (both curative and preventive.) $4. ^Sanctioning of cash
1750F20 doles for various purposes. $5. ^Releasing of free seeds and fodder.
1760F20 $6. ^Sanctioning of distress loans and waiving the taxes. $7. ^Taking
1770F20 care of the children through all kinds of relief measures. $^In this particular
1780F20 Divi disaster, many people were sheltered in temporary camps
1790F20 organised by the Government. ^It is from here that they saw the impact
1800F20 of their losses and passed through the initial stages of crisis.
1810F20 $^The type of dwelling unit, the number of inhabitants, the degree
1820F20 of organisation in the camp life and the extent of personal damage have
1830F20 considerable influence on the atmosphere of a camp, however temporary
1840F20 it may be. ^But the moral and mental health of its inhabitants depends
1850F20 on two more factors: namely on whether the victim expects soon
1860F20 to_ find a way again to_ rehabilitate himself and on the atmosphere
1870F20 generated by the organisations. ^If a human atmosphere prevails
1880F20 in these camps, the occupants do not sink into bitterness and apathy.
1890F20 $^In every camp, as in every society, there are difficult and also
1900F20 antisocial elements.*#
        **[no. of words = 02017**]

        **[txt. f21**]
0010F21 **<*3THE CENTRAL SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD PROMISE AND PERFORMANCE*0**> $^Among
0020F21 the many innovative organisations created in India after Independence,
0030F21 the Central Social Welfare Board (\0CSWB) is outstanding
0040F21 for some good reasons. ^When I wrote a monograph on it in its early
0050F21 years (1961), I had described it as "A New Experiment in Welfare
0060F21 Administration". ^After 25 years of existence, the organisation is
0070F21 no longer new in age but the question can still be asked: 'What happened
0080F21 to its innovative features and/ or functions?' ^What happened to the
0090F21 that_ 'experiment' after a quarter of a century? ^If there were any assumptions
0100F21 at the start of the experiment, have they found to_ be valid?
0200F21 ^If there were any promises implicit in it, to what extent have they
0300F21 been fulfilled or belied? $*<*3Countrywide Network*> $^The following
0400F21 four points are taken to_ provide a basis to_ judge the performance
0500F21 of the \0C.S.W.B. $1.^One of the paramount objectives of the
0600F21 \0CSWB and its countrywide network was to_ foster voluntary (non-governmental)
0700F21 effort in social welfare in keeping with the Indian tradition
0800F21 and to_ supplement the State effort which were expected to_
0900F21 remain limited for quite some time to_ come. $2. ^This was intended to_
0110F21 be carried out not through a conventional or routine departmental
0120F21 structure but by a new innovative body with composite membership comprising
0130F21 largely non-official women social workers and a few ex-officio representatives
0140F21 of the concerned government departments. $3. ^Another equally
0150F21 important objective of \0CSWB was to_ identify the gaps in welfare
0160F21 services and programmes and to_ sponsor and support the development
0170F21 of suitable services. $4. ^The \0CSWB was also expected to_ improve
0180F21 and expand the delivery of social welfare services so as to_
0190F21 meet the chronic and the emerging welfare needs and problems on a planned
0200F21 and sustained basis as an integral part of the national development.
0210F21 $*3Founder-builder:^The one single person more than any other
0220F21 who had envisaged this very special composition and role of the \0CSWB
0230F21 was its founder-chairman, \0*4Smt. Durgabai Deshmukh. ^She placed
0240F21 social welfare on the developmental map of India and did so with
0250F21 a bang. ^Like Martin Luther King she had a dream and we are fortunate
0260F21 that unlike him we still have her in our midst long enough to_
0270F21 see her dream realized in good measure. ^She herself worked tirelessly
0280F21 to_ convert that_ dream into a living reality. ^She has been as much
0290F21 dynamic and creative outside of office as she was in it, perhaps
0300F21 more. $*<*3The 'Atlas' of Welfare*> $^The key question is whether
0310F21 \0CSWBs support has 'strengthened' voluntary effort. ^We could examine
0320F21 this aspect in several ways. ^If it is to_ be judged on the basis
0330F21 of the number of organisations which have come into existence directly
0340F21 or mainly as a result of \0CSWBs support and which continue
0350F21 to_ serve largely with \0CSWBs aid, the answer is positive. ^The
0360F21 rise in the number of one-year grants from 620 in the first year (1953-54)
0370F21 of its existence to nearly 4000 by the year 1976-77 is a great achievement.
0380F21 $^More than this numerical increase there is a wider perspective,
0390F21 a macro frame of reference, within which even small, local organisations
0400F21 have begun to_ see the significance of their role. ^Their feeling
0410F21 of being on the all-India social welfare map and being one of
0420F21 many similar agencies, all working towards a common cause, or trying
0430F21 collectively to_ cope with a total national need or problem is great.
0440F21 ^Such confidence and perspective have arisen from,
0450F21 and have found encouragement in the presence of \0CSWB
0460F21 as the big and strong 'Atlas', as it were, who carries the
0470F21 entire social welfare world on its shoulders. $*<*3Accountability*>
0480F21 $^There is another impact on the internal working of institutions.
0490F21 ^First, the voluntary agencies have become programme-minded insofar as
0500F21 they have diversified their activities in a planned manner. ^The conventional
0510F21 style of ad-hocism has gradually but perceptibly waned. ^This
0520F21 again is largely the result of the purposes for which Board*'s grants
0530F21 are available. ^Much is heard about the irksome procedures of \0CSWBs
0540F21 grants which have been reviewed more than once and decentralized
0550F21 with a view to making application easy, processing short and release
0560F21 speedy. ^Some difficulties and delays apparently still remain. ^This
0570F21 is partly due to the fact that formerly when voluntary agencies collected
0580F21 funds directly from the community, they did so on implicit trust
0590F21 in social workers and faith in their character and integrity. ^Hence
0600F21 no accounts were expected by private individual donors and few organisations
0610F21 kept and published their accounts. ^But when a public body
0620F21 like the \0CSWB grants funds which come 100% from the government
0630F21 exchequer, the accountability to public authority is complete and strict.
0640F21 ^It is not related to the quantum of aid. ^The degree of accountability
0650F21 and the strictness of the conditions enjoined upon the aided agencies
0660F21 are the same regardless of whether the amount is \0Rs. 5000 or \0Rs
0670F21 50,000. ^These and such other conditions have influenced non-official
0680F21 aided agencies from improving their financial and administrative working.
0690F21 $*<*3Self-reliance \0vs. Dependence*> $^But there are the larger
0700F21 questions about whether voluntary sector, collectively or individually (unit-wise),
0710F21 has become stronger, self-reliant, modern, efficient, united,
0720F21 independent and articulate. ^The answer cannot be wholly in the affirmative.
0730F21 ^There is an impression that voluntary welfare agencies have in recent
0740F21 years become more dependent on the government (\0i.e. mainly on
0750F21 \0CSWB) not only in respect of resources for development of their
0760F21 programmes but also for their maintenance. ^In fact, according to one
0770F21 view the seemingly huge sum of \0*4Rs. 45 *4cores pumped in as grants-in-aid
0780F21 by the \0CSWB into voluntary organisations is more likely
0790F21 to_ have been absorbed largely in mere maintenance for the simple
0800F21 reason that these *4crores were spread over 25 years and shared by
0810F21 more than 10,000 organisations. ^Thus, while there is indication of proliferation
0820F21 of voluntary agencies there is little substantial evidence
0830F21 of superior qualitative development among them. $*<*3Regional Imbalance*>
0840F21 $^There are two other aspects of voluntary welfare services
0850F21 on which \0CSWBs impact was expected but did not materialise either
0860F21 sufficiently or effectively. ^The first is the balanced regional development
0870F21 of voluntary services. ^The Board*'s grants-in-aid programme
0880F21 has been mostly aimed at the existing institutions or new institutions
0890F21 which came into existence on their own steam, as it were. ^This resulted
0900F21 in the already advanced and active States going further ahead in
0910F21 voluntary services. ^The rural areas in all States and such States
0920F21 as did not have strong and active voluntary agencies in sizeable numbers
0930F21 continued to_ lag behind. ^In other words, the existing disparties
0940F21 in the nature and extent of voluntary effort only widened under \0CSWBs
0950F21 influence-- at least they did not narrow down significantly.
0960F21 ^The programme which the \0CSWB sponsored and implemented through
0970F21 aided non-official committees, as in Welfare Extention Projects, did
0980F21 not appreciably remedy this regional imbalance in voluntary network
0990F21 because the non-official committees did not, as a rule, grow into authentic
1000F21 full-fledged voluntary organisations.le*<*3Affinity and Influence*>
1010F21 $^The regulatory and co-ordinating influence of \0CSWB
1020F21 on the voluntary sector did not go beyond the terms and conditions attached
1030F21 to the grants. ^This has partly to_ do with the status and image
1040F21 of the Board. ^It was conceived as *3of the government (with 100%
1050F21 funds drawn from the national exchequer) but not *3in it. ^The presence
1060F21 of a large number of non-official women social workers as members
1070F21 and chairpersons should have created for the Board greater affinity
1080F21 with voluntary agencies. ^Although this was so in the beginning gradually
1090F21 the non-officials in the Board*'s system were 'infected with
1100F21 the bug of officialdom' as it were. ^This decreased their affinity,
1120F21 if not their influence. $^It is not that a non-official social worker
1130F21 always remains a non-official social worker, no matter what position
1140F21 he or she occupies or regardless of the role modification and change
1150F21 of setting. ^A non-official functionary from the other side of a public
1160F21 counter becomes a part of the system and his or her behaviour is conditioned
1170F21 by it-- no matter what his or her own predilection might have
1180F21 been originally. ^This leads to the discussion of the next big innovative
1190F21 feature of the \0CSWB namely an autonomous body with mixed
1200F21 composition of membership $*<*3Innovative Structure*> $^Even as the
1210F21 mission assigned to \0CSWB was new, so was its composition. ^It took
1220F21 some vision and lot of courage to_ depart from the departmental structure
1230F21 to_ promote and foster a variety of old and new social welfare
1240F21 programme. ^The founder-chairman \0*4Smt. Durgabai Deshmukh is undoubtedly
1250F21 an uncoventional person and in almost every institution she has
1260F21 established, she has 'broken the mould'. ^But it must also be said that
1270F21 the innovative mechanism of \0CSWB and its counterpart in the States
1280F21 became acceptable to orthodox ministers and diehard bureaucrats
1290F21 because Prime Minister Nehru backed up the proposal strongly. ^He took
1300F21 it upon himself to_ write a letter to all Chief Ministers of States
1310F21 vigorously canvassing the idea. ^He even answered the criticism
1320F21 levelled against \0CSWB as an example of Union domination over the
1330F21 States. ^*Nehru*'s advocacy was so pithy and telling that it is worth
1340F21 reproducing his oft-quoted paragraph: $"^This attempt that_ we are
1350F21 making to_ encourage social welfare activities is, in a sense, rather
1360F21 unique. ^It is not some Central Authority that_ is doing it all by
1370F21 itself, nor does the burden of this fall on the local social welfare
1380F21 organisations. ^It is a certain combination of the two, where the Central
1390F21 Board comes in as a helper and adviser and at the same time the local
1400F21 welfare organisations, who are best suited for it, undertake the
1410F21 work. ^In this way, we can utilise the energy, enthusiasm and initiative
1420F21 of vast numbers of persons, all over the country." $^To_ begin
1430F21 with, the \0CSWB had all these innovative features. ^It was largely
1440F21 autonomous, it was free from the tangles of red tape. ^It had the will
1450F21 and the initiative to_ experiment. ^The countrywide expansion of its
1460F21 own network was speedy to a fault. ^It dotted the national map with
1470F21 welfare projects with the speed of a cinematic docuicntary. ^Its non-official
1480F21 members-- some of them with one foot in a voluntary agency of
1490F21 their own-- were still essentially social workers engaged in the task of
1500F21 mutual aid, that_ is channelling government grants towards them. $*<*3Novelty
1510F21 Dims*> $^As it appears not long thereafter things began to_
1520F21 change. ^First the Board*'s status was questioned. ^It was discovered
1530F21 that it lacked a juridical personality. ^In the process of rectifying
1540F21 a legal flaw, autonomy of \0CSWB was very considerably eroded.
1550F21 ^It came to_ be treated virtually as a subordinate office. ^The
1560F21 initial flexibility gradually gave place to heaps of elaborate rules
1570F21 and regulations. ^The State governments developed their own ideas of
1580F21 the State Board*'s relationship with the \0CSWB on the one hand
1590F21 and with themselves on the other. ^Questions arose as to the precise
1600F21 demarcation between the relative roles of the \0CSWB network and
1610F21 the Departments of Social Welfare in the Union and State governments.
1620F21 $*<*3Mismatched Status*> $^The \0CSWB was not comparable
1630F21 to national coordinating voluntary organisations and therefore could
1640F21 not be classified with bodies like the Indian Council of Social
1650F21 Welfare, Indian Council for Child Welfare or All India Women*'s
1660F21 Conference, \0etc. ^Nor could it be equated with the government departments
1670F21 of social welfare because it was not cast in that_ model or
1680F21 clothed with similar powers. ^It could not even be an ordinary registered
1690F21 society, for that_ would have put it on par with the manner of
1700F21 all agencies it aided and supported. ^It could have been a statutory
1710F21 autonomous body created by an Act of Parliament. ^But by that_ time
1720F21 social welfare having lost the boosting support of its founding leaders
1730F21 had come to_ be devalued in the context of national development
1740F21 and so some 'imaginative' mind hit upon the idea of converting the
1750F21 \0CSWB into a 'Company' under the Indian Companies Act 1956.
1760F21 ^One could not have thought of anything so utterly irrelevant and entirely
1770F21 unsuitable for a body that_ was established to_ create a new era
1780F21 in social welfare. ^It is difficult to_ find another example in the
1790F21 annals of public administration where the status and role of a body
1800F21 are so thoroughly mismatched.*#
        **[no. of words = 02019**]

        **[txt. f22**]
0010F22 **<\0*3NGOS*0 AGENTS OF SOCIAL CHANGE**> $**[leader comment begin**]
0020F22 $*3^To_ enact legislation is easier than to_ implement it. ^Implementation
0030F22 implies acceptance. ^Acceptance would mean a change in attitudes
0040F22 which is possible only through approach and persuasion. \0^*NGOs could
0050F22 do a lot in this respect. **[leader comment end**] $^Compared
0060F22 with the United States of America, and the European countries,
0070F22 India was too late in adopting social welfare measures. ^Foreign domination
0080F22 for a long period, backwardness of the economy and late industrialization
0090F22 of the country were the main causes for the late entry of
0100F22 our country to the field of social services. ^But independence of the
0110F22 country offered a challenge as it brought alongwith it manifold responsibilities
0120F22 in the matter of providing employment to the teeming
0130F22 millions of the country, assuring them of a living wage, decent standards
0140F22 of living, education, public health facilities and welfare.
0150F22 ^With all these challenges India has been wedded to social welfare
0160F22 programmes as a part of developing economy. ^In India, social welfare
0170F22 services signify programmes for those who are in need of special
0180F22 care, namely, the aged and the infirm, children, women in need of
0190F22 help and the physically and mentally handicapped persons. ^The term
0200F22 "social welfare-services" denotes, "services intended to_ cater for the
0210F22 special needs of persons and groups who, by reason of some handicap--
0220F22 social, economic, physical or mental, are unable to_ avail themselves
0230F22 of, or are traditionally denied, the amenities and services provided
0240F22 by the community. ^In this sense, welfare services are meant
0250F22 to_ benefit the weaker, dependent or underprivileged sections of the population,
0260F22 like children or handicapped, for example." $^Since independence,
0270F22 particularly after the adoption of the Republican Constitution,
0280F22 the Central and State Governments felt impelled to_ take
0290F22 interest in the field of social welfare on account of their obligation
0300F22 under the Directive Principles of State Policy and other provisions
0310F22 in the Concurrent and State Lists to_ promote general welfare
0320F22 as well as welfare of special categories of the population, such
0330F22 as, the old and the invalid, the children, the women and the weaker sections
0340F22 of the country. $^With social welfare programme coming increasingly
0350F22 within the purview of the State, the Central Government have
0360F22 facilitated their successful implementation by enacting appropriate
0370F22 legislation. ^The Suppression of Immoral Trateic in Women and
0380F22 Girl*'s Act of 1956, the Probation of Offenders Act of 1958,
0390F22 the Orphanages and other Charitable Institutions (Supervision and
0400F22 Control) Act of 1960 and the Children Act of 1960 are some of
0410F22 the measures thus passed into law. ^These Acts are designed to_ ensure
0420F22 uniformity in the various remedial measures. $*<*3To_ Supplement
0430F22 and not Supplant*> $^To_ enact a legislation is something easier
0440F22 than to_ implement it. ^Implementation implies acceptance. ^Acceptance
0450F22 needs ready response, which ultimately depends much on the
0460F22 attitude of the persons benefited. ^To_ change an institution is easier
0470F22 than to_ change a human being. ^To_ change the attitude of human being
0480F22 needs personal approach and persuasion. ^Here comes the role of
0490F22 non-governmental or voluntary organisations to_ work with an aim of
0500F22 changing the attitude of the people to the changed welfare concept. ^The
0510F22 Voluntary organisations do exist in all the countries throughout
0520F22 the world to_ supplement and not to_ supplant the work of governmental
0530F22 agency in bringing a welfare state. ^Realising the vital role of these
0540F22 organisations encouragement for their creation and sustenance is
0550F22 provided in all the welfare countries. $^Prior to independence many
0560F22 voluntary organisations existed and were pioneers in providing social
0570F22 services in India. ^Now it has become a policy of the Government
0580F22 of India to_ foster their growth and not to_ demoralize and extinguish
0590F22 them. ^Therefore, in August, 1953, the Central Government
0600F22 established Central Social Welfare Board to_ use it as an agency
0610F22 for the promotion of social welfare activities carried on by voluntary
0620F22 organisations. ^The Central Social Welfare Board is charged
0630F22 with the following functions: $(a) ^To_ cause a survey to_ be
0640F22 made of the needs and requirements of the social welfare organisations;
0650F22 $(b) ^To_ evaluate the programmes and projects of the aided agencies;
0660F22 $(c) ^To_ co-ordinate assistance extended to social welfare activities
0670F22 by the various ministries in the Central and State Governments
0680F22 and; $(d) ^To_ promote the setting up of social welfare organisations
0690F22 on a voluntary basis in places where no such organisations exist.
0700F22 $^The \0CSWB works as liaison between the government and the
0710F22 voluntary agencies. ^It is assisted in its activities by the State
0720F22 Social Welfare Advisory Boards created by a resolution of the respective
0730F22 State Governments. \0^CSWB is mainly responsible for the life
0740F22 and activities of the voluntary agencies. ^Voluntary agencies are
0750F22 sustained by regular finances from \0CSWB and State Governments.
0760F22 ^The applications for grants are received by \0CSWB through
0770F22 the State Social Welfare Advisory Boards. ^Annual grants to voluntary
0780F22 organisations are disbursed through the State Board and all
0790F22 other grants are paid direct to \0NGOs by the \0CSWB. ^Most
0800F22 of the important programmes are operated by voluntary institutions
0810F22 and organisations with grants from \0CSWB and State Governments.
0820F22 ^The Voluntary organisations give shelter to destitute women and children,
0830F22 encourage new industries for inmates, provide them vocational
0840F22 training maternity services and hold social and adult education classes
0850F22 for women. ^The voluntary organisations develop child-welfare
0860F22 activities by opening nursery schools, *4Balwadi classes, recreational
0870F22 centres and libraries for children and distributing free uniforms,
0880F22 medicines and milk to children. ^Cod liver oil is given to children
0890F22 below one year of age. $*<*3Grants to Institutions*> $^The \0NGOS
0900F22 are also financed with the grants given by the Department
0910F22 of Social Welfare which was renamed in 1966. ^The Department was
0920F22 created in 1964 as the Department of Social Security by collecting
0930F22 several subjects handled by different ministries, \0viz., the Ministries
0940F22 of Home Affairs, Health, Education, Labour and Employment
0950F22 and Industries. ^The Department gives grants to All-India voluntary
0960F22 organisations as well as voluntary organisations situated in States.
0970F22 ^The All-India Organisations include the Indian Council for
0980F22 Child Welfare, the Association for Moral and Social Hygiene
0990F22 in India, All India Women*'s Conference, the All-India Crime
1000F22 Prevention Society \0etc. ^The voluntary organisations are assisted if
1010F22 they are national in character, and if their function are of national
1020F22 character. $^Grants are also given to voluntary institutions not
1030F22 of an All-India character. ^The Department sanctions grants to voluntary
1040F22 organisations at the State level to_ encourage them to_ undertake
1050F22 social welfare activities. ^It also scrutinizes their schemes,
1060F22 budgets, accounts, annual reports, \0etc., to_ ensure that the
1070F22 grants are sanctioned according to genuine requirements and are effectively
1080F22 utilized. $^In regard to social welfare services the major
1090F22 responsibility of developing them still rests with voluntary organisations.
1100F22 ^The reason is that the categories of persons like the children,
1110F22 handicapped and the destitute women need much personal attention,
1120F22 and a variety of services which can solve their problems. ^They need
1130F22 attention and services at a closer level from patient and skilled
1140F22 social workers, a job for which the administrative personnel of the
1150F22 State and Central Governments are not equipped. ^Both the Government
1160F22 strengthen the voluntary organisations with adequate funds, supervision
1170F22 and coordination. ^The \0CSWB and the State Social Welfare
1180F22 Advisory Boards have endeavoured since 1953 to_ stimulate increasing
1190F22 interest of Central and State Governments in strengthening
1200F22 the voluntary organisations which play a great part in organising
1210F22 social welfare services. $*<*3Still in infancy*> $^Voluntary organisationsin
1220F22 India are still in their infancy. ^They need improvement
1230F22 in certain matters.^Here we may give certain relevant suggestions for
1240F22 their successful working in developing State. $(**=1) ^Conceptions
1250F22 of welfare are not static, but subject to change. ^Hence, social
1260F22 administration depends much for its success on education which imbue the
1270F22 individual with new ideas of welfare. ^There is constant hesitation
1280F22 to_ accept a new thing and to_ depart from old one. ^Because of
1290F22 this attitude, welfare programmes suffer severely. ^Here comes the
1300F22 role of education, which becomes of major importance in improving conditions
1310F22 not only in showing people how to_ do things, but also in changing
1320F22 their ideas on what should be done. \0^*NGOs must accept education
1330F22 as one of their fundamental tasks to_ impart knowledge among
1340F22 the community folk of the changing values of welfare programmes. $(**=2)
1350F22 ^Understanding of the community is a prerequisite to the success
1350F22 of \0NGOs in implementing welfare programmes. ^The \0NGOs must
1370F22 study and know something about the physical, social and political environment
1380F22 in which the people in communities live; and the needs to_
1390F22 be met. ^Social and political environments are not of one type all
1400F22 over the world. ^Success of welfare programmes depends on environment.
1410F22 ^The achievement of another country may provide guidance, but it
1420F22 may sometimes be a costly mistake to_ endeavour to_ duplicate the
1430F22 types of service and methods of organization and administration which
1440F22 have succeeded elsewhere. ^In an agricultural country which is not economically
1450F22 advanced special emphasis must be placed on social welfare in rural
1460F22 communities. ^The content and method of approach may have to_ be
1470F22 different in economically more developed countries. $(**=3) ^Another suggestion
1480F22 may be made that the \0NGOs for their efficient working
1490F22 must distinguish between ends and means, objectives and methods, or
1500F22 policies and programmes. ^The ends point up where we want to_ go,
1510F22 what we have to_ achieve, and the means state the method of achieving
1520F22 these. ^The \0NGOs must make proper analysis of the objectives
1530F22 and aproprpiate methods of achieving these. $(**=4) ^It may be suggested
1540F22 that the \0NGOs must be completely aware of the particular
1550F22 need and attitudes of the community before taking up the welfare programmes.
1560F22 ^It is very necessary to_ discover and take account of needs
1570F22 as felt by the people for whom it is intended to_ benefit, and to_
1580F22 understand their attitudes. ^This will give them a sense of participation
1590F22 in the planning and the implementation of programmes. ^It is true
1600F22 that the folk or community knowledge may not be as scientific as the
1610F22 knowledge of the experts responsible for the policy but, since their
1620F22 needs arise from personal experience and their attitudes develop out
1630F22 of the whole complicated environment in which they live, their judgement
1640F22 is better on some matters than that_ of the planner who observes
1650F22 their problems only from an exterior position. ^Personal contact with
1660F22 the people will give balanced judgements with regard to policy matters
1670F22 to the experts of voluntary organisations as well as a sense of social
1680F22 participation to those for whom the programmes are directed. ^Response
1690F22 from the beneficiaries is the key to success and this can be achieved
1700F22 only when they develop a sense of participation in making and working
1710F22 out the welfare programmes. ^The \0NGOs must become aware of
1720F22 this factor. $(**=5) ^It is also suggested that block grants be
1730F22 made by the Central Government through the \0CSWB should be given
1740F22 to the aided institutions or voluntary agencies without specifying
1750F22 the heads or items on which the expenditure has to_ be made. ^Such
1760F22 discretion may be left to the voluntary agencies to_ chalk out
1770F22 their own programmes on which expenditure is to_ be made. ^Voluntary
1780F22 agencies are on the spot to_ study the problems arising in a particular
1790F22 region and to_ determine to what priority is to_ be given. ^Illiteracy
1800F22 may be the problem of one region, while pre-natal and natal death
1810F22 may be more serious problem of another. ^In such cases while in
1820F22 the former region, much is to_ be spent on literacy programme, in the
1830F22 latter a lot is to_ be spent for pre-natal, natal and post-natal care.
1840F22 ^In such cases priorities are not to_ be determined by the \0CSWB
1850F22 but by the voluntary agencies. ^So financial sanctions must be
1860F22 made to the voluntary agencies not on categorical heads but in block,
1870F22 so that the voluntary agencies have a discretion to_ make best utilisation
1880F22 of resources. $(**=6) ^Finally, the Government should not
1890F22 take a stepmotherly and indifferent attitude towards the successful
1900F22 working of these non-governmental organisations. ^It is high time
1910F22 for the Government to_ enkindle, encourage and strongly support
1920F22 the social enthusiasm and the spirit of social service in the voluntary
1930F22 agencies by suitable grants-in-aid, technical expertise \0etc. $^With
1940F22 all these suggestions, we may conclude that if social service
1950F22 and administration has to_ make any headway, it must increasingly count
1960F22 upon the cooperation of voluntary agencies to the best extent possible.*#
        **[no. of words = 02004**]


        **[txt. f23**]
0010F23 **<*3Indigo*0**> $^On receiving the Act, the Secretary for India, Sir,
0020F23 Charles Wood, stated that it was "open to serious objection." ^However,
0030F23 since it was already in force and was meant to_ meet a temporary
0040F23 crisis he let the Act stand. ^Many members of the House of Commons
0060F23 viewed the law with disapproval. \0^*Mr Kinnaird strongly protested
0070F23 against it. ^He regretted that no official reports were available
0080F23 regarding an Act of such importance. ^The serious nature of the disturbances
0090F23 in the indigo districts, he said, could be best understood from
0100F23 the measures adopted to_ suppress them. ^Large numbers of the police were
0110F23 pouring into those districts and the Legislature had been hastily called
0120F23 upon to_ pass a Bill which would render the breach of a civil
0130F23 contract, a criminal offence. ^The House was probably not aware, \0Mr
0140F23 Kinnaird continued, of the oppressive system by which the *4ryots were
0160F23 compelled to_ cultivate indigo. ^They were forced to_ grow it, though
0170F23 it would pay them much better to_ grow rice. ^They had remonstrated
0180F23 a long period-- in vain. ^When at last they had tried to_ resist oppression,
0190F23 they were faced by the new Act. ^It was as if an English landlord
0200F23 was invested with the right to_ punish a tenant for default of
0210F23 rent as a criminal offender. ^If something similar was attempted by
0220F23 Napoleon in Algiers or by the Czar in Russia, they would be loudly
0230F23 denounced for tyranny. $\0^*Mr Vansittart argued on the same line.
0240F23 ^The tyranny of the planters had been proved, he said, by the evidence
0250F23 before the Colonisation Committee of which he had been a member.
0260F23 ^The planters inserted arbitrary clauses in the *4cabooleat (contract
0270F23 deed), by which they reserved to themselves the power of sending their
0280F23 own people to the fields to_ weed, reap and cart the indigo plant.
0290F23 ^In consequence, however favourable the season might be and however abundant
0300F23 the crop, the *4ryots could not fulfil their engagements, since
0310F23 the planter, by preparing a statement of the expenses incurred in seeding,
0320F23 reaping and carting, kept them in his books as defaulters. ^In
0330F23 India a Ryot had told him that, do what he would, he could never reduce
0340F23 the debt incurred by his father twenty years before. ^The more industrious
0350F23 the Ryot and the better he cultivated, the greater was the effort
0360F23 of the planter to_ keep him on his books as a defaulter. ^The new
0370F23 contract had roused a feeling of deep exasperation. ^The prisons would
0380F23 prove to_ be inadequate to_ hold them all. $^The prisons, indeed,
0390F23 filled up in no time, the number of cases under the new Act increased
0400F23 to such an extent that the regular work of the courts was choked
0410F23 and special magistrates had to_ be employed. ^In a single jail in Nuddea
0420F23 there were at one time no less than 889 prisoners convicted under
0430F23 this Act. ^The man went to prison undefended. ^The impoverished *4royts
0440F23 could not engage lawyers. ^Besides, lawyers found it dangerous to_
0450F23 defend them. ^Moved by the spectacle of suffering, a lawyer in
0460F23 Calcutta went to a village to_ defend the *4ryots. ^The district magistrate
0470F23 sent the lawyer himself to prison: there was a provision in the
0480F23 Act that anyone aiding or abetting the violation of indigo contracts
0490F23 could be sentenced to penal servitude for six months! ^After that_
0500F23 the *4ryots could expect no legal assistance whatsoever. $^While the
0510F23 *4royts went to prison, their houses, cattle and other property, including
0520F23 even their ploughs, were sold off. ^Their wives and children became
0530F23 homeless paupers. ^Then the Government made a dramatic gesture. ^It offered
0540F23 the convicts immediate release and restoration of property on
0550F23 condition that they would cultivate indigo according to their contracts.
0560F23 ^This offer the convicts scornfully turned down, declaring that "they
0570F23 would die a thousand deaths rather than cultivate indigo again."
0580F23 ^Nothing could reveal more glaringly the hatred of the *4royts for a
0590F23 system which had been holding them like an octopus. $^That_ hatred was
0600F23 also seen in the evidence they gave before the Indigo Commission. ^For
0610F23 instance, Manju Mulla was asked, "Would it not have been better
0620F23 for you to_ sow this year instead of going to prison?" ^He replied,
0630F23 "I would rather be killed by bullets or have my throat cut than sow
0640F23 indigo". $^The contract law was ruthlessly enforced. ^It could be urged
0650F23 that a contract was after all a contract and the *4ryots having made
0660F23 it, ought to_ have kept it; breach of contract was, of course,
0670F23 a civil offence, but in view of the exigencies of the time and the wave
0680F23 of passive resistance which was sweeping the villages, it had to_
0690F23 be made a criminal offence. ^Such a view is totally unfair, since the
0700F23 contracts had no moral validity and most of them could not stand any
0710F23 scrutiny. ^First, they were forcibly thrust on an unwilling party.
0720F23 ^If persuasion failed, imprisonment in a dark godown would be the next
0730F23 step. ^Other forms of coercion involving cruelty to the utmost limit
0740F23 would be applied. ^When a broken-down man yielded to the inevitable
0750F23 and put his signature on a contract, he became chained to the factory
0760F23 for the rest of his life. ^He would never be able to_ pay off the
0770F23 advance given to him. ^The debt would extend from father to son. ^An
0780F23 indigo contract was a deadly trap, never loosening its grip until its
0790F23 victim died, and then only to_ draw into its iron jaws his son or some
0800F23 other successor. $^Further, hundreds of contracts were forged documents.
0810F23 ^In one case, for example, which was cited in the British Parliament,
0820F23 a Ryot bound himself and his heirs never to_ pay back his advance
0830F23 in money or in any other way except by cultivating indigo. ^That_
0840F23 contract was proved to_ have been a forgery. ^Even so, the Royt was
0850F23 thrown into prison upon the strength of that_ document! ^Contracts
0860F23 were produced in the law courts and declared to_ have been entered
0870F23 into by men who, at the time alleged, were bedridden, blind or dead.
0880F23 ^In the district of Nuddea alone, out of some six hundred contracts
0890F23 produced in the magistrate*'s court in support of prosecution under
0900F23 the "Summary Act", fortythree were proved to_ be forgeries; all the
0910F23 same ten of the cases were decided against the *4ryots. \$0^*Mr James
0920F23 Long, a missionary, declared the Summary Act as a slave law made
0930F23 effective at bayonet point. ^But it failed to_ serve its purpose. ^Coercion
0940F23 could not avert the crisis. ^The *4ryots developed the techniques
0950F23 of passive resistance, even if it was broken once in a while by
0960F23 outbursts of violence. ^Only one solution was feasible: To_ offer a higher
0970F23 price for the indigo plant. ^This was done at the end of a bitter
0980F23 struggle in the course of which a great area of Lower Bengal was asweep
0990F23 with hatred. $^The Summary Act expired on October 4, 1860. ^A
1000F23 new Bill, similar to it, was introduced into the Legislative Council
1010F23 of India early in the following year. ^It was strongly opposed by
1020F23 \0Mr *(0J.P.*) Grant. ^But the Government ignored his warning, as
1030F23 also the advice of the Indigo Commission which had disapproved the
1040F23 measure. ^A prolonged debate took place in the House of Commons. \0^*Mr
1050F23 Kinnaird told the House that the Bill would prolong great injustice
1060F23 and imperil the peace of Bengal. ^He added that the apathy of Parliament
1070F23 had emboldened the planters to_ pressurise the Government
1080F23 of India, which did not have the moral courage to_ resist them.
1090F23 ^There were other members who expressed similar feelings. $^*Sir Charles
1100F23 Wood admitted that Bengal was suffering from forced labour and
1110F23 oppression. ^He had sanctioned the Summary Act, he said, because
1120F23 of the sudden outbreak of revolt. ^He had already sent a despatch ordering
1130F23 that the new Bill be withdrawn. $^In his despatch to the Governor-General,
1140F23 dated April 18, 1861, Sir Charles Wood wrote: "The
1150F23 deliberate judgement... of the Indian Law Commissioners, of the Legislative
1160F23 Council, of the Secretary of State in Council, of the majority
1170F23 of the Indigo Commissioners, of the Lieutenant- Governor of
1180F23 Bengal, and even, as it appears to me, of your own Government has been
1190F23 recorded against any such measure. ^*I am not prepared to_ give my sanction
1200F23 to the law which you propose." $^The withdrawal of the Breach of
1220F23 Contracts Bill did not put an end to the furious struggle. ^The planters
1230F23 found a new way of compulsion. ^Availing themselves of their position
1240F23 as lessees or owners of the land, they told their *4ryots that the
1250F23 rents of all those who refused to_ sow indigo would be raised. ^To what
1260F23 extent? ^Did the planters have the authority at all to_ raise rents?
1270F23 ^The decision lay with the Law Courts. ^In a case between Hills
1280F23 and Isvar Ghose, the district judge gave the order that rents could
1290F23 be raised only in proportion of the increase in the value of the produce.
1300F23 ^On appeal to the high court this decision was reversed by the chief
1310F23 justice and other judges. ^When a similar suit was field again, the
1320F23 case was tried by the full bench because of the important principle
1330F23 involved. ^All the judges with the sole exception of the chief justice
1340F23 pronounced against the power of the planter to_ raise rents without
1350F23 restraint. $^A sequel of the indigo revolt was the publication of a
1360F23 play called *3Nildarpan.*0 ^It was published in Dacca anonymously and
1370F23 staged in that_ town. ^Its author, \0Mr Dinabandhu Mitra, was one
1380F23 among the group of young, talented writers who had just started to_
1390F23 build up a new prose literature in Bengal. ^Educated in Hindu College,
1400F23 \0Mr Dinabandhu Mitra in his early youth came under the influence
1410F23 of the poet and journalist, \0Mr Isvar Chandra Gupta. ^In 1858
1420F23 he entered Government service in the postal department. ^In the course
1430F23 of his tours in the countryside as an inspecting postmaster, he
1440F23 came face to face with the indigo palnters*' oppression, and collected
1450F23 materials for his play. *3^*Nildarpan*0 is poor in dramatic technique.
1460F23 ^But its grim realism, the scenes of blood and torture, fed the flames
1470F23 of indignation against the oppressors. $^Its literary value apart,
1480F23 *3Nildarpan*0 is of historical interest as the centre of a storm which
1490F23 swept a well-known missionary into prison, and nearly brought censure
1500F23 upon a Secretary of the Bengal Government. ^Within a few months of
1510F23 the book*'s publication \0Mr James Long of the Church Missionary
1520F23 Society issued an English version of it, adding a preface which
1530F23 indicted the planters and charged two English newspapers of Calcutta
1540F23 with corruption. \0^*Mr James Long had been working in India since
1550F23 1848, especially in the field of social reform, and was very popular
1560F23 among Indians. ^When the indigo disturbances started, he wrote against
1570F23 the tyranny, answering a statement in the British Press that
1580F23 peace and order had been restored, he had said that it was peace procured
1590F23 by torture in dungeons. ^He had declared that the magistrates could
1600F23 not be so ungrateful for the good cheer they enjoyed in the houses
1610F23 of planters that they would do justice to the *4ryots. ^Besides, the
1620F23 magistrates feared to_ expose themselves to the thunder of the Calcutta
1630F23 Press. ^A reign of terror existed in the indigo districts, he had
1640F23 stated. ^The Indigo Commission could not possibly elicit the whole
1650F23 truth, since by giving evidence against an "indigo *4sahib" the *4Ryot
1660F23 would imperil his life and his daughter*'s honour. ^The systematic use of
1670F23 terror was driving the *4ryots into silence. $*3^*The Bengal Harkaru*0
1680F23 replied to these allegations with vituperation. ^Meanwhile,
1690F23 the English version of *3Nildarpan*0 had appeared and about three hundred
1700F23 copies of the book had been sent to editors in London, secretaries
1710F23 of religious, philanthropic and political societies in England,
1720F23 and influential members of Parliament. ^Among its recipients were
1730F23 \0Messrs John Bright, Disraeli, Gladstone, Kinnaird, Dickinson, Layard,
1740F23 Hodgson Pratt, Lord Shaftsbury, and Lord Ripon. ^A point
1750F23 of great significance was that the book had gone under the seal of
1760F23 the Bengal Government under the orders of a Secretary, \0Mr Seton-Kerr,
1770F23 who had acted on his own responsibility. ^When charged with the
1780F23 offence of circulating a libellous work, he stated to the Government and
1790F23 to the Press that he regarded *3Nildarpan*0 as an expression of the
1800F23 feeling of the Indian people on an important subject.*#
        **[no. of words = 02039**]

        **[txt. f24**]
0010F24 **<*3The Battle of Panipat*0**> $^The plains of Haryana have been famous
0020F24 right from the days of Mahabharat for the numerous battles fought
0030F24 there. $^*Panipat, 90 kilometres from Delhi, has had the unique
0040F24 distinction of being the battlefield for three major battles since
0050F24 1526 \0A.D. ^The first battle, fought in 1526, was the most renowned
0060F24 of the three, and even today military historians consider this
0070F24 particular war to_ be one of the finest examples of battlefield tactics
0080F24 and exemplification of the principles of war. ^It is an experiece
0090F24 to_ study this battle in retrospect. $^The two principal adversaries
0100F24 were Babar and Ibrahim Lodhi. $^*Babar advanced towards Delhi
0110F24 with the aim of destroying the central power there so that his hold
0120F24 on Punjab could be assured without any danger of interference from
0130F24 the Delhi Government. ^After a long march which involved the crossing
0140F24 of a number of rivers, including the Indus, Babar and his
0150F24 forces reached the banks of the Jamuna towards the end of March 1526.
0160F24 $^He had set out with a small army of 12,000 men but by the time
0170F24 he reached the Jamuna, his total force had risen to approximately
0180F24 20,000 as a number of units joined him *8en route*9. ^Though this force
0190F24 was far less than Lodhi*'s army estimated at 100,000, Babar*'s
0200F24 soldiers were war veterans who had been fighting continuously and who
0210F24 had gained considerable operational experience. ^Besides this, he
0220F24 had taken great pains to_ train them in minor tactics and had also
0230F24 brought with him both heavy and light artillery capable of firing ammunition
0240F24 up to a range of 6,000 yards. $^The leadership of his forces,
0250F24 particularly in the higher echelons, was very effective and his
0260F24 tactical doctrine was derived from Chengiz Khan and the Mongol army.
0270F24 $^After reaching Jamuna, Babar called a conference of his generals
0280F24 and discussed his plan of action at great length. ^Over a number
0290F24 of days, he carried out detailed reconnaissances to_ gather the correct
0300F24 information about the terrain of the battlefield and Lodhi*'s
0310F24 dispositions. ^*Babar finally decided to_ fight the battle at Panipat.
0320F24 $^He reached Panipat on April 12, 1526 and began deployment
0330F24 operations. $*<*3Cool and calculating Babar*0*> $^He appreciated
0340F24 that Lodhi had a much larger force and it would not be prudent on
0350F24 his part to_ attack Lodhi*'s camp. ^He felt that it would be more
0360F24 advantageous for him if Lodhi took the intiative. ^Such an attack
0370F24 could be held and absorbed from the front and then using superior tactics,
0380F24 Babar could destory the attacking troops by turning their flanks
0390F24 with a rapid pincers manoeuvre. $^*Babar*'s first action, during the
0400F24 deployment of his forces, was to_ collect more than 700 bullock carts.
0410F24 ^He had these carts joined together using ropes made of hide.
0420F24 ^Adequate space was left between carts to_ accommodate five to six
0430F24 shields. ^When the bullock cart line was ready, it presented a unique
0440F24 mobile defence work which afforded good protection against spears,
0450F24 arrows, and such missiles. ^The line also acted as a shock absorber
0460F24 against a cavalry or infantry charge. ^*Babar deployed his matchlock
0470F24 men behind this line of bullock carts. ^His overall dispositions,
0480F24 (as given in the sketch), essentially comprised the bullock cart
0490F24 line between the village of Panipat and a ditch which had been specially
0500F24 prepared, the matchlock party behind the bullock cart line,
0510F24 infantry interespersed to_ give adequate depth to the bullock cart line
0520F24 as also the matchlock party, artillery, and a strong reserve based
0530F24 on cavalry. ^Finally, a *7Tulghma or flank-turning party was based
0540F24 on cavalry into two groups, one each for the right and the left flanks.
0550F24 $^The essence of Babar*'s plan was to_ entice Lodhi to_ attack
0560F24 the line of bullock carts and, while the fighting was on at this
0570F24 line, to_ unleash the *7Tulghma party at an opportune moment to_
0580F24 strike through both flanks and destroy Lodhi*'s army. $*<*3Replacement
0590F24 of leaders*0*> $^It was a simple plan and Babar ensured that
0600F24 all his subordinate commanders understood the essence of his plan.
0610F24 ^A significant fact of Babar*'s plan was his insistence on leader
0620F24 casualties being immediately replaced by the next in line so that at
0630F24 no stage of the battle were the men left without a leader at all levels
0640F24 of field command. $^*Babar waited for a week but Lodhi was not
0650F24 showing any signs of attacking him. ^Something had to_ be done to_
0660F24 provoke Lodhi. ^*Babar organised a raid on Lodhi*'s camp on the
0670F24 night of April 19 and this raid precipitated a violent reaction
0680F24 from Lodhi. ^He decided to_ attack Babar on April 21. $^At about
0690F24 eight in the morning, Lodhi advanced with his army and the battle
0700F24 developed fully within two hours. ^*Lodhi*'s troops could not penetrate
0710F24 Babar*'s line of bullock carts despite repeated attempts to_ breach
0720F24 it. ^A hard slogging match ensued with neither side giving any quarter.
0730F24 ^However, due to the accurate fire by Babar*'s two principal
0740F24 artillery commanders, Ali Quli and Ustad Mustafa, Lodhi*'s troops
0750F24 could neither advance nor retreat, but got boxed in progressively
0760F24 towards the centre. ^A confusion arose within their ranks and capitalising
0770F24 on this confused state of affairs, Babar ordered his *7Tulghma
0780F24 groups to_ launch an attack. ^Both flanks of Lodhi*'s army simply
0790F24 caved in consequent to the fierce charge of the *7Tulghma groups
0800F24 and a mammoth massacre resulted. ^*Lodhi*'s troops suffered over
0810F24 15,000 casualties and Lodhi himself was killed. ^*Babar followed
0820F24 it up with a counter-offensive, pursuing the fleeing remnants of Lodhi*'s
0830F24 army. ^He captured a great deal of booty including prisoners,
0840F24 animals and guns. ^Finally, he sent two of his principal commanders,
0850F24 his son Humayun and his most capable general Mahdi Khwaja, to_
0860F24 secure the treasuries of Agra and Delhi respectively. ^Thus ended
0870F24 the first battle of Panipat. $^Certain germane facts can be gleaned
0880F24 from this battle and one can learn many lessons from it. $^*Babar
0890F24 was undoubtedly a military genius. ^He had a positive military mind--
0900F24 he could quickly grasp the essentials of a military problem, assess
0910F24 his options, decide on a course of action, give clear-cut orders
0920F24 to_ achieve his aim, and direct his subordinates thereafter for the
0930F24 fulfilment of the mission. ^He enjoyed the confidence of his generals
0940F24 and gave them enough latitude in carrying out their assigned operational
0950F24 tasks, keeping a firm grip on the overall situation as it
0960F24 developed at the same time. $*<*3Master strategist*0*> $^He knew and
0970F24 understood the characteristics of his weapons and was a master at improvisation.
0980F24 ^His employment of cavalry to_ achieve shock action
0990F24 in combination with artillery and infantry can be said to_ be the forerunner
1000F24 of similar actions by later commanders like Rommel and Patton.
1010F24 ^Most of all, Babar fully comprehended strategic and tactical
1020F24 realities of war. $^Some of the principles of war that_ he religiously
1030F24 followed are: $(a) *3Maintenance of aim:*0 ^*Babar*'s aim was
1040F24 to_ defeat Lodhi convincingly. ^To this end, he selected his battleground
1050F24 with deliberation, deployed his forces accordingly, and
1060F24 fought the battle of Panipat with only this single purpose in mind
1070F24 without any deviation. $(b) *3Offensive action:*0 ^*Babar*'s battlefield
1080F24 plan was based on offensive action. ^Having brought his enemy
1090F24 to battle, he used his main force in an offensive pattern till the enemy
1100F24 was defeated. $(c) *3Surprise:*0 ^By using artillery, by putting
1110F24 up a line of modified bullock carts as a defence line, and finally
1120F24 by employing his *7Tulghma groups from the flanks, Babar surprised
1130F24 his adversary. $(d) *3Morale:*0 ^*Babar had ensured high morale among his
1140F24 troops by winning every single battle as he advanced from Attock to
1150F24 Panipat. ^His own command as a general and constant exhortation resulted
1160F24 in his men being in high spirits all the time. $(e) *3Flexibility:0
1170F24 ^When Lodhi showed no sign of attacking Babar, the latter sent
1180F24 out a raiding party to_ start the military operations. ^Thus Babar
1190F24 modified his original plan to_ be flexible enough to_ commence the
1200F24 operations in an offensive manner. $(f) *3Cooperation:*0 ^*Babar
1210F24 ensured a high degree of cooperation not only between his three principal
1220F24 arms of cavalry, infantry and artillery, but also between his
1230F24 sector commanders. ^For example, the *7Tulghma commanders launched
1240F24 their groups at the correct moment in cooperation with the commander
1250F24 of the holding force at the bullock cartline. $(g) *3Security:*0
1260F24 ^*Babar sent out a number of reconnaissance parties prior to the
1270F24 actual battle to_ determine the type of ground obtaining as also the
1280F24 dispositions of the enemy. ^He ensured security by finding out relevant
1290F24 information and intelligence about two basic elements of military
1300F24 operations-- ground and enemy. $(h) *3Economy of effort:*0 ^*Babar*'s
1310F24 dispositions had minimum troops manning the bullock cart line
1320F24 and maximum troops in the *7Tulghma party. ^He, therefore, knew precisely
1330F24 where to_ give correct weightage, and thus achieved economy
1340F24 of effort. $*<*3Lodhi a poor contender*0*> $^By contrast, Ibrahim Lodhi
1350F24 seems to_ have had very little knowledge of warfare. ^He permitted
1360F24 Babar to_ cross the entire length of the Punjab plains and
1370F24 the five rivers before deciding to_ fight him virtually at his doorstep.
1380F24 ^He was undoubtedly a brave man himself, being one of the very
1390F24 few rulers of Delhi to_ have died in battle but his army was a conglomeration
1400F24 of multifarious groups without any central direction or command
1410F24 and control. ^He had no fundamental tactical approach and his
1420F24 army*'s organisation lacked cohesiveness. ^Leadership, in particular,
1430F24 was exteremely poor. ^Lack of military forethought resulted in the
1440F24 destruction and ultimate capitulation of his empire.
1450F24 $**<*3NAZI HORRORS AGAIN IN LIMELIGHT:*0 *3Eichmann Hunter*'s New
1460F24 Catch*0**> $^The place: a countryside hotel called 'Tyll' in Itatiaia,
1470F24 some 12 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro. ^The date: April
1480F24 21 this year. $^Preparations were on for an extraordinary weekend party.
1490F24 ^Slickly printed invitation cards with the emblem of the Third
1500F24 Reich and other Nazi insignia were sent to some very special Germans
1510F24 living in Brazil and Federal Germany. ^The organisation that_
1520F24 arranged the party called itself Germanic people*'s Community
1530F24 (\0DVG) and its chief, Alfredo Winkelmann was the owner of the
1540F24 hotel. ^For the participants the event was very auspicious; they were
1550F24 celebrating the birth anniversary of their Fuehrer, Adolf Hitler.
1560F24 ^Besides, the invitation card informed that 'not just the lasts
1570F24 of yesterday but also the firsts of tomorrow-- and perhaps even of today'--
1580F24 would join the discussion on 'A just and energetic future of the
1590F24 German people'. $^Hardly had the assembled guests started their deliberation
1600F24 on 'The energetic future of our people', when they were
1610F24 visited by the men of the Brazilian Secret Service (Dops) and
1620F24 temporarily taken into custody. $*<*3Secret meeting*0*> $^An anonymous
1630F24 caller had informed the police that a secret meeting of communists
1640F24 was to_ take place at the hotel. ^When the police searched the
1650F24 belongings of the guests, they found in the briefcase of one, a 62-year-old
1660F24 owner of a factory producing office material in Sao Paulo,
1670F24 a loaded pistol and plenty of munition. $^There was no communist
1680F24 propaganda material, but a heap of books relating to the Third Reich
1690F24 and their order coupons. ^Some of the titles were *3International
1700F24 jewry, \0DM 33, The secret weapons of the Third Reich, \0DM
1710F24 16, Did really six millions die? \0DM 22, Quotations from the
1720F24 Fuehrer, \0DM. 5.*0 ^There were also discs of Nazi songs. $^As no
1730F24 trace of any Communist secret plot was found, the passports and other
1740F24 papers collected from the guests were returned after two hours.
1750F24 ^The owner of the hotel, Winkelmann told the police that his was a legal
1760F24 assembly and that in the previous year also he had arranged such
1770F24 a party without any hitch. ^He asserted that as an anti-communist,
1780F24 he had even earned a name in Brazil receiving a letter from a high
1790F24 dignitary. "^We work here with the objective that Germany revives
1800F24 again and destroys the great lie of history," he asserted. $^On April
1810F24 24, the *3*8Journal do Brazil*9*0 published a report on the event
1820F24 with a photograph in which next to the Winkelmanns, husband and wife,
1830F24 was an unidentified person. ^The journal*'s woman photographer
1840F24 had no idea who he was. $^A copy of that_ issue of the journal reached
1850F24 its correspondent in Israel, Mario Chimanovitch, at a time when
1860F24 he was meeting \0Dr Simon Wiesenthal, Director of Vienna*'s
1870F24 Jewish Documentation Centre.*#
        **[no. of words = 02013**]

        **[txt. f25**]
0010F25 **<*3The Pool of Nectar*0**> $*3^THE*0 Hari Mandir, now called
0020F25 the Golden Temple, is a living symbol of the spiritual and historical
0030F25 traditions of the Sikhs. ^The tank and the temple have been a source
0040F25 of inspiration to the Sikh community ever since its foundation.
0050F25 ^It is evident from the Sikh chronicles that the *4Gurus exhorted
0060F25 their followers to_ accept all Sikh centres as places of pilgrimage.
0070F25 ^As Sri Hari Mandir Sahib was the first important holy shrine,
0080F25 it became, the centre of inspiration and action and the most significant
0090F25 achievement of the *4Gurus, the chief place of pilgrimage for the
0100F25 Sikhs. $^The origin of the place where the Sri Hari Mandir stands
0110F25 is shrouded in mystery. ^Some trace its origin to the pre-historic,
0120F25 *(Vedic-epic*) period as a place of considerable religious importance
0130F25 in the form of a *5Amrit Kund*6 (Spring of Nectar). ^But the site
0140F25 seems to_ have lost its eminence under the sway of the Buddhist movement,
0150F25 which swept away most of the important Hindu holy places. ^Before
0160F25 its association with the Sikh *4Gurus the site of the Hari Mandir
0170F25 was a low-lying area with a small pond (at the present site of the
0180F25 *5Dukh Bhanjani Beri*6-- Healer of Sorrows),
0210F25 set in jungle terrain,
0220F25 surrounded by tiny hamlets. ^But the place was on the route of caravans
0230F25 passing to the North-West frontier and other old trade centres.
0240F25 ^However, the site of the temple lay desolate before it began to_
0250F25 be visited by the Sikh *4Gurus. $^Many popular myths and legends are
0260F25 connected with the origin of the *5Amrit Sarowar*6 (Tank of Nectar).
0270F25 ^It is said that Guru Amar Das found on the banks of the pool
0280F25 the desired herb for the skin ailment of Guru Angad (the second *4Guru
0290F25 of the Sikhs). ^A persistent local tradition highlights the medicinal
0300F25 properties of the waters of the pond: Rajni, the daughter of Rai
0310F25 Dhuni Chand, a *4kardar (revenue collector) of Patti, brought her
0320F25 leper husband here and he was cured after having a dip in the pond.
0330F25 ^It is said that Ram Das (at that_ time, on a visit to a nearby area)
0340F25 came to the place to_ investigate the above episode and was so
0350F25 much impressed with the beauty of the surroundings that he decided to_
0360F25 make it a pilgrim centre. $*3^THE*0 actual idea of establishing
0370F25 various places of pilgrimage had been conceived by *4Guru Amar Das.
0380F25 ^The predominant factor which motivated the *4Guru was to_ initiate
0390F25 centres where the traditions of the faith could be preached. ^The second
0400F25 factor was the consideration for the peaceful settlement of his future
0410F25 successor, Ram Das. ^In order to_ avoid all possibilities of clashes
0420F25 between his own progeny and the appointed sucessor Ram Das,
0430F25 *4Guru Amar Das deemed it better that his children stay at Govindwal
0440F25 and Ram Das settle at some new place. $^The new pilgrim centre lay amidst
0450F25 the villages of Sultanwind, Tung, Gumtala and Gilwali at that_
0460F25 time in the *4pargana of Jhabbal. ^The acquisition of the site
0470F25 by the Sikh *4Gurus is told in different versions by different historians:
0480F25 ^That the land was granted by Emperor Akbar to Guru Amar Das
0490F25 as a token of thanksgiving for his conquest of the fort of Chittor,
0500F25 when he visited the *4Guru at Govindwal, en route to Lahore, that
0560F25 it was acquired by Guru Das before the grant was actually obtained or
0570F25 purchased by the *4Guru on payment of \0*4Rs. 700 from the *4Zamindars
0580F25 of Tung at the instance of Emperor Akbar, that it was presented
0590F25 by the people of Sultanwind to the *4Guru out of reverence. $^There
0600F25 are no comtemporary or near contemporary records and documents confirming
0610F25 the testimony to any of the above statements. $^Whatever the version
0620F25 about the acquisition of the land, it appears that, originally, the
0630F25 site on which the temple stands was under the ownership of the *4Zamindars
0640F25 of Tung village and later it was acquired by the Sikhs*'
0650F25 *4Gurus either on payment or free of cost. $^It is certain, however,
0660F25 that the land of the Hari Mandir was revenue-free land. ^The papers
0670F25 of the land settlement of Amritsar of the British period dated \0A.D.
0680F25 1865 record the land of Darbar Sahib Guru Ram Das as revenue-free
0690F25 grant. \*3^THE*0 programme of the new project was chalked out
0700F25 by Guru Amar Das and told to Ram Das. ^The latter was instructed
0710F25 to_ acquire funds for expenditure from Baba Buddha Ji. ^Some
0720F25 experienced, devout, elderly Sikhs were instructed to_ join Ram Das,
0730F25 in carrying out the new project. $^The plan was executed by Ram Das
0740F25 under the counsel of Baba Buddha Ji. ^The inauguration was in traditional
0750F25 Indian style, with distribution of sweets after prayers. ^The
0760F25 *4Guru made his abode by the site. ^Labourers were engaged. ^Many
0770F25 Sikh devotees came to_ work for the project. ^Before the regular excavation
0780F25 work of the tank began, a sort of village settlement had grown.
0790F25 ^First of all, a boundary line of the settlement was laid on 5 *5Har
0800F25 Vadi*6 13, *4Samvat 1627 \0BK, \0A.D. 1570 and it was named Chak/
0810F25 Chak Guru/ Guru Ka Chak/ Chak Guru Ram Das/ Ram Das Pura.
0820F25 $^These were the previous names of Amritsar. ^Kilns were laid and
0830F25 a number of hutments were built. ^Members of over 50 caste-groups from
0840F25 Patti, Kasur and Kalanur were called to_ settle here, to_ assure
0850F25 a regular supply of essential commodities. **[sic**] ^A market called
0860F25 *4Guru-ka-Bazaar was established. ^Wells were dug and a good many rich
0870F25 *4sarafs (bankers) and *4banjaras (traders) came to the growing town.
0880F25 $^The construction work of the tank and the town proceeded smoothly. ^But,
0890F25 while the work was in progress, Ram Das had to_ rush back to Govindwal
0900F25 at the call of the dying Guru Amar Das. $^The work was resumed
0910F25 on his return, after his pontification in \0A.D. 1577, and the construction
0920F25 of both the tank and the town was completed the same year. $^Then
0930F25 the *4Guru called *4khatris (business community) and told them to_
0940F25 take charge of the holy place. ^But they pleaded their inability to_
0950F25 perform religious duties and requested the *4Guru to_ engage some
0960F25 *4brahmins and *4fakirs (mendicants) to_ perform the ceremonies. ^But
0970F25 the *4khatris sought the blessings of the *4Guru for *4kirt and *4barkat
0980F25 to_ pursue their professions. $*3^THE*0 *4Guru and his disciples
0990F25 were overjoyed on the completion of the new pilgrimage centre. ^*Guru
1000F25 Ram Das composed beautiful verses in the glory of the *4sarowar,
1010F25 making an injunction upon his followers to_ take bath in this holy tank
1020F25 and meditate here on *5Hari Nam*6 (the name of God). $^Soon after
1030F25 its foundation, Amritsar became the centre of Guru Ram Das*'s
1040F25 missionary activities and the headquarters of the Sikh faith. $*5^*Amrit
1050F25 Sarowar*6 remained enclosed in *4kachcha construction till Guru Arjan
1060F25 Dev ascended the *4gaddi in \0A.D. 1581. ^Then the tank was
1070F25 made *4pucca and the side stairs were bricked, but the bottom of the
1080F25 tank was still to_ be attended. ^The Sikhs showed great enthusiasm
1090F25 and devotion for *4seva (voluntary service) to_ complete the job. ^Construction
1100F25 work on the tank was completed in a short time. ^The successful
1110F25 completion of the project was attributed to the grace of God.
1120F25 ^*Guru Arjan Dev expressed his thanksgiving in the words: **[verse**]
1130F25 $^The tank was named Amritsar. ^The town also came to_ be called
1140F25 by the same name. ^While the tank was under construction Guru Arjan
1150F25 Dev consulted Baba Buddha Ji and expressed his wish to_ raise
1160F25 a beautiful permanent structure in the pool of nectar. $*3^THE*0
1170F25 plan of the present Hari Mandir was then projected by Guru Arjan
1180F25 Dev. ^It was decided by the *4Guru to_ build the temple in the centre
1190F25 of the tank. ^The object of Guru Arjan Dev in planning the structure
1200F25 of the Hari Mandir in the middle of *5Amrit Sarowar*6 was
1210F25 to_ combine both spiritual and temporal aspects, to_ represent a new
1220F25 synthesis of Indian thought, the combination of *4Nirgun and *4Sargun.
1230F25 ^The leaders of the Sikh community and the devotees of the *4Guru
1240F25 welcomed the new plan. $^The plan was executed under the direct control
1250F25 and supervision of Guru Arjan Dev assisted by Baba Buddha Ji,
1260F25 Bhai Gurudas and other devoted Sikhs. ^The *4Guru appointed
1270F25 his trustworthy followers, such as Bhai Salo, Bhai Bhagtu, Bhai
1280F25 Paira, Bhai Bhalo and Bhai Kalyana, to_ supervise the construction
1290F25 and arrange for building materials. ^The assignment of brick-making
1300F25 was entrusted to Bhai Bhalo, an expert. $^According to early Sikh
1310F25 tradition, the foundation stone of the Hari Mandir was laid by Guru
1320F25 Arjan Dev himself. (^A related story tells us that a mason accidentally
1330F25 displaced a brick, on which the *4Guru expressed the fear that
1340F25 the foundation would have to_ be laid again in the future. ^This incident
1350F25 is mentioned in the Sikh sources written after the reconstruction
1360F25 of the Hari Mandir, in \0A.D. 1764 and is carried up to the late
1370F25 nineteenth century.) ^The recorded account is that Guru Arjan Dev laid
1380F25 the foundation of Hari Mandir on 1st *5Magh Samvat*6 1645 (\0A.D.
1390F25 1588). ^However, the later Sikh tradition holds that the foundation
1400F25 was laid at the request of Guru Arjan Dev by a Muslim divine,
1410F25 Pir Mian Mir of Lahore, in *4Samvat 1645 \0BK (\0A.D. 1588).
1420F25 ^This version is based on oral tradition and is not supported either
1430F25 by the early Sikh sources or any of the Persian accounts, including
1440F25 the biographies of Mian Mir. $*3^THE*0 construction work of
1450F25 the new temple was undertaken with great enthusiasm. ^A large number
1460F25 of Sikhs participated in the work. ^Some devotees became legends and
1470F25 adorn the pages of the annals of Sikh literature. ^The solid foundation
1480F25 was laid on a level higher than the bottom of the tank with lime and
1490F25 bricks. ^Broad walls were built. ^A bridge connecting the temple with
1500F25 *5Darshani Deorhi*6 (entrance gate) was constructed over the support
1510F25 of *5Surang Dwaries*6 (aqueducts) *4mehrabs and *4dats (arches).
1520F25 $^Instead of building the Hari Mandir on a higher level, as was the
1530F25 custom in traditional Hindu temple architecture, the *4Guru built
1540F25 the shrine on a level lower than the surrounding ground. ^The visitors
1550F25 have to_ go down the steps in order to_ pay homage to the holy shrine.
1560F25 ^The other distinguishing feature of the structure of the Hari
1570F25 Mandir is that, unlike the Hindu temples which usually have only one
1580F25 gate, the Hari Mandir was made open on all the four sides; representing
1590F25 open entry to all, a privilege which was denied in the Hindu temples.
1600F25 ^The construction of the temple was accomplished in a continuous
1610F25 process. $^Even while the work was proceeding apace, news about the ambitious
1620F25 project spread far and wide and pilgrims began to_ visit Amritsar
1630F25 in large numbers. ^All the devotees contributed a share of their
1640F25 earnings to the construction fund. ^Rich people offered huge donations.
1650F25 ^The *4masands (Guru*'s agents) collected funds for the project,
1660F25 from far and near. $^The tank and the temple rose in all the majesty
1670F25 of faith and beauty. ^*Guru Arjan Dev sang a hymn to the glory of
1680F25 the holy place: **[verse**] $*3^THE*0 Golden Temple radiates the
1690F25 selflessness of the voluntary services offered by the Sikhs. ^The
1700F25 honest and hard work of the disciples were duly acknowledged by the *4Guru.
1710F25 ^All the Sikhs who offered *4seva as worship were rewarded. $^Simultaneously
1720F25 with the construction of the temple, plans for the expansion
1730F25 of the town were taken up. ^The Sikhs were encouraged to_ settle
1740F25 in Amritsar. ^Consequently, the city became well populated. $^Some
1750F25 of the inhabitants and traders of Lahore did not appreciate the town
1760F25 plan of Amritsar. ^They scoffed at the idea of a city around a big
1770F25 tank in a low lying area and feared a great risk to the investment during
1780F25 the rainy season when the raised level of the water would penetrate
1790F25 into the localities and damage the habitations. ^The businessmen
1800F25 of Amritsar were alarmed. ^They approached the *4Guru and expressed
1810F25 their fears. ^The *4Guru assured them all protection and foretold
1820F25 the future prospects of the city. ^*Guru Arjan Dev composed the following
1830F25 hymn setting out the attributes of the holy town: **[verse**] $^With
1840F25 the construction of the Hari Mandir, Amritsar attained the status
1850F25 of *5Ath Sath Tirth*6*#
        **[no. of words = 02012**]

        **[txt. f26**]
0010F26 **<*3The Battle of Quebec*0**> $^In 1899, resentment grew stronger than
0020F26 ever. ^The British went to war against the Boers in South Africa--
0030F26 a move opposed by the French-Canadians. ^Meanwhile, the English
0040F26 speaking community considered any assistance to England as one of
0050F26 their obligatory responsibilities. ^During World War *=1, the French
0060F26 argued that Canada was interested in assisting England rather
0070F26 than working for the progress of Canadians. ^By 1917, the gap between
0080F26 the two groups had widened considerably. ^The English speaking
0090F26 Canadians accused Quebecers of sabotaging the war efforts. ^Yet,
0100F26 French-Canadian troops served with distinction during the war, particularly
0110F26 at the Battle of Vimy, France. ^Some died; and some never
0120F26 returned home. $*<*3Mounting separatist wave*0*> $^In 1918 the
0130F26 Quebec Legislative Assembly debated the issue of separation from
0140F26 Canada. ^A resolution introduced in the Assembly, in effect, said,
0150F26 "Quebec would be disposed to_ accept the breaking of the Confederation
0160F26 Pact of 1867 if it is believed that she is an obstacle to the
0170F26 union and progress of Canada." ^In the final year of World War
0180F26 *=1, French opposition to compulsory military training sent crowds
0190F26 into the streets of Quebec City-- the provincial capital. ^The demostrators
0200F26 shouted: *3*8Vive la revolution*9*0 (Long live the revolution).
0210F26 $^The separatist wave reached its peak in the *'330s but lost
0220F26 momentum when the Canadian economy improved. ^Later rising unemployment
0230F26 resulted in political unrest and adverse economic conditions.
0240F26 $*<*3No emotional integration*0*> $^Although Quebec did not sever
0250F26 ties with the rest of Canada, it did not feel itself to_ be a part
0260F26 of the Confederation. ^The French resented industrialzation, and
0270F26 argued that the big machines would ruin their way of life. ^Their
0280F26 strong resistance to innovations, both in industry and commerce, probably
0290F26 explains the present economic backwardness of the French Canadians.
0300F26 $^*Quebec proved invaluable to the Allies during World War
0310F26 *=2 due to a number of reasons. ^The province, for one thing, had
0320F26 a large labour force, abundant electric supply, vast resources of asbestos,
0330F26 copper and zinc. ^The net value of Quebec*'s industrial production
0340F26 between 1938 and 1945 soared from *-430,000,000 to *-1,150,000,000.
0350F26 ^But the French and English continued to_ drift apart during
0360F26 the war. ^The Federal Government began recruitiong men to_
0370F26 fight overseas. ^This, the French Canadians pointed out, was a flagrant
0380F26 violation of promise. ^The succession of political crises exposed
0390F26 fundamental and persistent maladjustments between Canada*'s French
0400F26 and English speaking communities. $^*World War *=2 also resulted
0410F26 in tension in Quebec in terms of the relationship with Canada.
0420F26 ^*Prime Minister Trudeau described French-Canadians from an historical
0430F26 perspective as: "A people vanquished, occupied, leaderless,
0440F26 kept aside from business life and away from the cities, gradually
0450F26 reduced to a minority role and deprived of influence in a country,
0460F26 which after all, it had discovered, explored and settled." \0^*Mr Trudeau
0470F26 argued that French-Canadians had evolved a system of self-defence
0480F26 against English, Protestants, materialistic environment and
0490F26 made a cult of the French language. $^In 1963, another factor-- a violent
0500F26 one added to the confrontation which had been plaguing Canada
0510F26 for years. *3*8^Front de Liberation du Quebec*9*0 (\0FLQ) unleashed
0520F26 terrorism in the affluent English speaking areas. ^The first
0530F26 wave of mail box bombings was the deed of a group of French Canadians
0540F26 who were still in their teens. $^At this time, terrorism was an integral
0550F26 part of political life. ^The terrorists robbed banks and stole
0560F26 military equipment from armouries. ^In 1967, the French President,
0570F26 Charles De Gaulle visited the International Fair (Expo *'367)
0580F26 held in Montreal and told a tumultous crowd at City Hall "*3*8Vive
0590F26 le quebec Oibre*9". $^The French leader was forced to_ leave
0600F26 Canada since Ottawa insisted that his public statement was an
0610F26 interference into Canada*'s internal political matters. ^*Premier Levesque
0620F26 described the terrorists as aliens who had nothing in common
0630F26 with his men. $*<*3Growing terrorist activities*> $^The most spectacular
0640F26 aspect of the terrorist wave was the well-known October Crisis
0650F26 of 1970. ^Two small groups of men kidnapped a British diplomat
0660F26 and killed a Quebec Cabinet Minister sending waves of shock throughout
0670F26 Canada. ^The development, unprecedented in the Canadian history,
0680F26 forced the Federal Government to_ invoke wartime emergency
0690F26 measures thus suspending civil liberties. ^For the terrorists, it
0700F26 clearly marked the culmination of all political activities. ^During
0710F26 the emergency, people were forced away from their homes and offices
0720F26 to_ be interrogated in police stations. $\0^*Mr Trudeau vowed that
0730F26 he would not hesitate to_ enforce War Measures Act if Quebec
0740F26 once again slipped into lawlessness. ^He also said that he did not want
0750F26 to_ create another Northern Ireland or Bangladesh in Canada. ^The
0760F26 October Crisis polarized public opinion, and Parti Quebecois
0770F26 could command support only from its core of committed separatists. ^The
0780F26 membership declined. ^In July 1971, the party had received *-200,000
0790F26 as membership dues while the total expense was estimated, at *-260,000.
0800F26 ^As the dust of political uncertainty began to_ settle down,
0810F26 Parti Quebecois focussed its attention on its objective of a separate
0820F26 Quebec and on the forthcoming elections. $^A highly significant,
0830F26 and emotional problem which no Government in Quebec has been
0840F26 able to_ put off is the language issue today. ^Language can be used
0850F26 as an expression of thought or as a means of political disruption.
0860F26 ^In the spring of 1974, the former provincial Government headed by
0870F26 the Liberal Party introduced a bill. ^Its chief objective was to_
0880F26 repeal the parental freedom to_ choose the language of education
0890F26 for their childern, a practice which had existed in Quebec for years.
0900F26 ^*English speaking Quebecers were astonished to_ find that they
0910F26 were robbed of the right to_ send children to schools of their choice.
0920F26 $^Meanwhile, French-Candians argued that unless firm steps were
0930F26 not adopted, **[sic**] their culture would fade away in America.
0940F26 ^Their reasoning had its roots in two significant developments-- that
0950F26 the immigrants to Quebec had always preferred English schools to
0960F26 institutions using French as the medium of instruction. ^Secondly
0970F26 there was an alarming drop in birth rate, including Quebec. ^These
0980F26 two factors, French Canadians pointed out, would eventually make it
0990F26 impossible to_ salvage their culture. $*<*3Shifting power*>
1000F26 $^Opposition to the Bill erupted in violence in some schools in Montreal.
1010F26 ^By the middle of 1976, it was clear that the Government was
1020F26 on its way to defeat. ^Power was shifting slowly to Parti Quebecois
1030F26 since the party offered a solution, satisfactory to all with regard
1040F26 to the language issue. ^There were other significant factors for
1050F26 the mounting popularity of Parti Quebecois at the expense of the
1060F26 previous Government. $^The list of charges against the previous Liberal
1070F26 Government included revelations of patronage and corruption including
1080F26 meat scandal which exposed the sale of poor quality meat with
1090F26 the connivance of the Government inspectors. ^Strikes by teachers,
1100F26 nurses, civil servants on the one hand and unemployment and spiralling
1110F26 inflation on the other, crippled the provincial economy. ^Pride
1120F26 in the 1976 Olympics, held in Montreal, was dampened as a result
1130F26 of sharp increase in taxes and the price of cigarettes to_ pay for
1140F26 the lavish sports facilities. ^The Government had lost confidence
1150F26 in its capability to_ handle the situation, and decided to_ go to
1160F26 the voters before it became completely incompetent. $*<*3Politics
1170F26 of language*> $^It was such an atmosphere which brought victory to
1180F26 Parti Quebecois on November 15, 1976. ^Despite strong indication
1190F26 of support for the party, political *4pundits predicted a minority
1200F26 Government for the province, perhaps the Liberals again. ^The degree
1210F26 of election sweep, 41.4 per cent of the votes and 71 out of 110 seats
1220F26 in the State Legislature, called the National Assembly, astonished
1230F26 Canada. ^*Parti Quebecois was able to_ garner more votes in
1240F26 French speaking rather than in the English speaking areas. $^Another
1250F26 measure, Bill 101, spelled out the Government*'s aim to_ build
1260F26 an 'essentially French' society where 'there would be no longer any
1270F26 question of bilingual Quebec'. ^A policy paper, which was a prelude
1280F26 to Bill 101 also stated explicitly: "It (Quebec) will also be a
1290F26 country in which the traditional balance of power will be altered...
1300F26 ^The use of French will not merely be universalized to hide the
1310F26 predominance of foreign powers from the French speaking population.
1320F26 ^This use will accompany and support the reconquest by the French
1330F26 speaking majority in Quebec of that_ control over the economy which
1340F26 it ought to_ have." $^The English speaking community responded
1350F26 to the challenge of French language. ^The Canadian Pacific Investment,
1360F26 a banking institution operated by the English, announced its
1370F26 decision to_ halt the construction of a head office at the cost of
1380F26 *-120,000,000. ^*Sun Life Assurance Company, the largest in Canada,
1390F26 decided to_ move its head office from Montreal to Toronto. ^*Finance
1400F26 Minister Jacques Parizeau said that Sun Life had siphoned off *-140
1410F26 million from Quebec to_ invest in other provinces in the past.
1420F26 ^Capital is also moving to the neighbouring United States. \0^*Dr
1430F26 Camille Laurin, a psychiatrist-turned-politician and the Minister
1440F26 of Cultural Affairs, feels that the exodus of men and business is
1450F26 only transitional. ^An English speaking housewife remarked: "I do
1460F26 not want any one to_ push French down my throat." ^Ever since Parti
1470F26 Qucbecois assumed power Ottawa and Quebec have had serious controversies
1480F26 over the language issue, allocation of taxes and the distribution
1490F26 of power between Ottawa and Quebec. $*<*3Immigrants influenced*>
1500F26 $^The overall effects of the language regulation on Indian
1510F26 residents deserve our attention. ^The new measures have influenced
1520F26 many immigrants, including those from India. ^It is compulsory to_
1530F26 learn French for them. ^Most of the Indians living in Quebec
1540F26 are doctors, nurses, university teachers and engineers who have arrived
1550F26 here long before the implementation of the language legislation.
1560F26 ^Although there are over 8,000 Indian people living in the province--
1570F26 almost all of them in and around Montreal-- only a small minority
1580F26 can speak French. ^However, Indian children are bilingual. ^The
1590F26 Government today provides various facilities to immigrant communities,
1600F26 including free books and lectures. ^By nature, it is quite easy
1610F26 to_ get along with the French-Canadians who are simple minded.
1620F26 ^In Quebec there have been no racial incidents which have poisoned
1630F26 the relationship between Indians and the residents of predominantly English
1640F26 speaking provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia.
1650F26 $^Premier Levesque (also the greatest chain smoker in the history of
1660F26 French Canada) promised a plebiscite to_ determine the future of
1670F26 Quebec, and the Government is now making an attempt in order to_
1680F26 win the same. ^The federalists are also trying to_ combat separatism
1690F26 although they are engaged in pointless ideological disputes. ^Today,
1700F26 there is serious talk about Canadian unity, yet for many years
1710F26 no one seems to_ have made any serious effort to_ bridge the gap
1720F26 between the two communities. ^French and English speaking children
1730F26 attended separate schools without establishing any contact all these
1740F26 years-- their mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters went to different
1750F26 places of worship, social organizations and clubs. $*<*3Widespread
1760F26 impact*> $^That the main objective of the party to_ separate
1770F26 Quebec from the rest of Canada has influenced all strata of society
1780F26 is well-known here. ^A textile worker in Drummondville, a small
1790F26 town near Montreal, remarked: "Recently, I borrowed a book on Gandhi
1800F26 from the library; you know, we are like the people of India.
1810F26 ^We are only six million... but we are surrounded by 15 million English
1820F26 speaking Canadians and 210 million people in the United States.
1830F26 ^Yes, England had power in India... but Indians attained
1840F26 freedom even without firing a shot, something unique. ^*I am trying
1850F26 to_ find out how India won freedom. "*3*8^J*'3etais bien content le
1860F26 15, moi*9. $(November 15 made me happy)".
1861F26 $^*Quebec*'s nationalist *4guru Premier Levesque saidthat plebiscite
1870F26 would be the ultimate judge to_ decide the province*'s future.
1880F26 ^If the province resorts to illegal means to_ win the majority of
1890F26 votes, Prime Minister Trudeau warned that he would reconsider his
1900F26 political option and use force if necessary. ^Will Quebec become a
1910F26 new nation? ^Or will it remain as a province within the perephery of
1920F26 Canadian federalism?
1930F26 $**<*3TOWARDS SEPARATION*0**> $^Undoubtedly, Quebec*'s language problem
1940F26 and the imminent threat of separation from Canada have become an international
1950F26 issue. ^The present crisis will be of particularly overwhelming
1960F26 concern to nations belonging to the Commonwealth since Canada
1970F26 is one of its leading members.*#
        **[no. of words = 02004**]

        **[txt. f27**]
0010F27 **<*3DYNAMICS OF POLITICAL $MODERNIZATION IN $NEPAL*0 $*3(A Study of
0020F27 Conflict between $Tradition and Modernity)*0**> $*=1 $^The study of
0030F27 the concept of Modernisation as a viable "dogma" of process of change
0040F27 has begun to_ develop in the social sciences only in the later
0050F27 1940s and early 1950s. ^This can largely be attributed to industrialization
0060F27 and modern technology in the western societies and the great upsurge
0070F27 of the interest in the break-through of non-western societies into
0080F27 modernity, which have emerged since Second World War. ^Soon these
0090F27 old societies began to_ take the shape of new states, the attention
0100F27 of social scientists was drawn towards them. ^A number of scholars
0110F27 particularly from the West devoted themselves to the studies on modernization
0120F27 wherein they tried to_ examine confrontation between modern and
0130F27 non-modern, modern and pre-modern society; and considered modern society
0140F27 as a society oriented towards 'progress' or 'change'. ^This confrontation
0150F27 tended very often to_ have been defined in terms of modern
0160F27 versus traditional society. ^This confrontation of modern versus traditional
0170F27 society initially took the form of depicting both as more or less
0180F27 completely 'closed' dichotomous types. ^These types were described
0190F27 in various ways among the most famous of which were Weber*'s "traditional
0200F27 and "rational", Redfield*'s "folk" and "urban", Rostow*'s "traditional"
0210F27 and "mass consumption", Lerner*'s "traditional" and "modern"
0220F27 and Tonnies*' "*7Gemeisehaft" and "*7Gessellschaft". $^Deducing
0230F27 from the above typologies, the typical and dominant fetures of the two
0240F27 types "tradition" and "modernity" can be summarised in terms of their
0250F27 political organization, economy, social relations and values. ^A
0260F27 tradition oriented society is depicted as a society with a little
0270F27 differentiation, literacy and exposure to mass media. ^In the political
0280F27 realm traditional society has been depicted as based on a traditional
0290F27 elite ruling by virtue of some mandate of Heaven. ^Besides, there
0300F27 is virtually no mobilization of population for political tastes, no
0310F27 real penetration of the Central decision making apparatus into the
0320F27 lower levels of society and relatively little participation by the
0330F27 members of society in any institution of government. ^Modern society
0340F27 on the other hand is seen as a society with a very high level of differentiation,
0350F27 literacy and exposure to mass-media. ^The modern society
0360F27 is also based on wide participation of the masses who do not accept
0370F27 any traditional legitimation of the rulers and who hold these rulers
0380F27 accountable in terms of secular values and efficiency. ^Above
0390F27 all, traditional society has been conceived as bound by the cultural
0400F27 horizons set by its tradition while the modern society is culturally
0410F27 dynamic, oriented to change and innovation. $^There is one more point
0420F27 which needs to_ be analysed. ^It is the concept of 'change'. ^It
0430F27 should be noted that when society changes from its traditional moorings
0440F27 into a modern society there is a gradual but fundamental change
0450F27 in the style of life of the people and in their outlook on the world.
0460F27 ^It involves a new orientation in the attitude towards authority and
0470F27 the functions of government. ^But it is necessary, at the outset,
0480F27 to_ emphasize that this transformation does not involve any revolutionary
0490F27 break with the past which asserts itself in curious and unpredictable
0500F27 ways and is even strengthened in some direction. ^There is
0510F27 no straight, linear progress from the traditional to the modern; neither
0520F27 is the transition smooth. ^In fact, we cannot divide the societies
0530F27 or political systems of the world in the watertight compartments symbolising
0540F27 'traditional' and 'modern'. ^Each system has a mixture of
0550F27 tradition and modernity, and there is inevitable interaction between
0560F27 the two. ^However, the traditional and the modern are being modified
0570F27 and redefined to_ suit the particular interests of the ruling elite
0580F27 and perspective of different political systems. ^It is in this context
0590F27 that we propose to_ discuss the dynamics of political modernisation
0600F27 confronting with that_ of tradition and modernity issues and
0610F27 its interaction in the evolution of the political process in the tiny
0620F27 Himalayan Kingdom-- Nepal. $*=2 $^The evolution of political
0630F27 process in Nepal should be of great interest to the students of political
0640F27 development and modernisation because it presents a fascinating
0650F27 case study where modernisation is proceeding slowly and where a
0660F27 major effort is being made by its ruling elite to_ retain fundamental
0670F27 features of traditional society around traditional political models
0680F27 known as '*4panchayat system'. ^Thus, the political development
0690F27 of Nepal is the history of conflict between traditional forces-- representing
0700F27 monarchy on the one hand and modern forces-- represented by
0710F27 political parties and other interest groups on the other. ^It is
0720F27 also interesting to_ note that in the course of a little more than
0730F27 two centuries, Nepal has witnessend various forms of political transformation
0740F27 in a remarkable sequence, such as Rana family oligarchy,
0750F27 constitutional monarchy and now a new innovation of *4Panchayat system.
0760F27 $^An attempt is being made in this paper to_ examine the dynamics
0770F27 of political modernisation in Nepal confronting with the problems
0780F27 of tradition and modernity. ^An attempt would also be made to_ discuss
0790F27 the role of various institutions and agencies for carrying out
0800F27 the process of modernisation and lastly we will discuss the future course
0810F27 of modernisation and the types of different political orders
0820F27 likely to_ emerge in Nepal. $^After the emergence of Nepal as a nation
0830F27 state in the last quarter of the Eighteenth century, the primary
0840F27 objective of the Nepalese ruling elite was to_ maintain the traditional
0850F27 power structure in Nepal which meant the continuation of
0860F27 political power in the various elite families composing the court.
0870F27 ^The political power was largely concentrated ethnically into two groups--
0880F27 the Brahmans and the Kshatriyas. $^The traditional political
0890F27 system remained intact till the revolution of 1950. ^During the period
0900F27 between 1846 to 1950 there was Rana oligarchy in Nepal and the
0910F27 Shah family occupied a key position in the Nepalese political system.
0920F27 ^Indeed, the Shah King promoted the only enduring basis of continuity
0930F27 and stablity through all the complicated maneouvers and counter-maneouvers
0940F27 of the elite families. ^Since the Shah family was
0950F27 the supreme authority and the mainstream of the political power, the
0960F27 common people were not allowed to_ participate and influence the
0970F27 decision-making process of the ruling elite. ^So Nepal was in the strict
0980F27 sense the 'Traditional Oligarchy' in South Asia. $*<*3Jolt
0990F27 to Traditional Oligarchy*0*> $^In 1950-51, a Revolution took place
1000F27 in Nepal. ^The Revolution brought about radical changes in the
1010F27 traditional political system of Nepal. ^The political hold of the feudal
1020F27 class was broken and a new era of political modernisation was
1030F27 ushered in Nepal. ^The change was the result of three combined forces:
1040F27 (**=1) conflict within traditional forces (**=2) the pressures of modern
1050F27 forces (**=3) the external environmental forces. ^Conflict within
1060F27 traditional forces was mainly between King Tribhuwan and the
1070F27 Rana Prime Minister. ^Structurally, the King was embodied with all
1080F27 powers and authority but in actual practice, he was reduced to the
1090F27 status of a political non-entity. ^The Rana Prime Ministers were
1100F27 enjoying the real powers. ^*King Tribhuwan was in search of reviving
1110F27 his power which ran contrary to the whims and wishes of Rana Prime
1120F27 Minister. ^In the Revolution, the King joined hands with the
1130F27 modernising forces represented by the Nepalese Congress and the
1140F27 external forces that_ is with the Indian Government. ^Besides, the
1150F27 Ranas themselves were also divided. ^The Ranas were divided into
1160F27 'A', 'B' and 'C' classes on the basis of high as well as low castes.
1170F27 ^During the tenure of the Rana regime the 'C' class Ranas were
1180F27 deprived to_ enjoy **[sic**] power and position in the system. ^So
1190F27 this class of the Ranas supported the King and the Nepali Congress
1200F27 in waging struggle against the Ranas. **[sic**] $^The modern
1210F27 forces were represented by the Nepali Congress which was itself
1220F27 constituted of some traditional and modern elites. ^In 1948, two prominent
1230F27 members of the 'C' Class Ranas, Subarna and Mahavir Shumshere,
1240F27 formed a political party known as "Prajatantrik Congress"
1250F27 at Calcutta. ^Later the party was merged with the Nepali Congress
1260F27 under the leadership of *(0B.P.*) Koirala. ^The Nepali Congress
1270F27 actively participated in the Revolution of 1950 in order to_
1280F27 overthrow autocratic regime of the Ranas. $^The political change in
1290F27 Nepal could not take place without the active and moral support of
1300F27 the Indian Government. ^The Indian government was representing
1310F27 the viewpoints of both traditional forces representing the King and
1320F27 the modern forces supported by the Nepali Congress in the negotiations
1330F27 with the Rana government. $^The outcome of the revolution of
1340F27 1950 was a political system which combined both traditional and modern
1350F27 forces. ^Indeed the 'Delhi Settlement' did not bring about a complete
1360F27 change in the political system of Nepal but it did start the
1370F27 process of modernisation of the political system. ^From the outset
1380F27 it was clear that the 'Delhi Settlement' of February 1951 was doomed
1390F27 to failure owing to its inherent contradictions. ^The parties--
1400F27 the Ranas and the Nepali Congress had entered the coalition in their
1410F27 respective interests and did not genuinely accept the compromise
1420F27 solution imposed by the Indian Government. ^The Ranas were not
1430F27 reconciled to the loss of absolute power and were in the government only
1440F27 due to Nehru*'s pressure and his conviction that any sudden and
1450F27 radical change might result in political instability and consquent upheaval
1460F27 in Nepal. ^The Nepali Congress which had been advocating
1470F27 the establishment of complete democracy, in other words "Total change"
1480F27 accepted the Delhi compromise because it did not want the King
1490F27 and the Indian government and was eager to_ deliver another blow
1500F27 to the traditional order from within. $^The basic fact of the situation
1510F27 was that Nepal had been pushed into an experiment for which it
1520F27 was ill-prepared. ^The traditional system had been disrupted before
1530F27 any infra-structure for a modern democratic system could be evolved.
1540F27 ^*Nepalese political parties had no social base or ideology, there
1550F27 were personal following and indeed factional cleavages. ^The administrative
1560F27 pattern which Nepal inherited from the Rana regime was not
1570F27 organised on modern lines. ^Consequently, the existing bureaucracy
1580F27 neither had any experience nor the foresight to_ run the democratic
1590F27 system. ^The army too was ill-organised and ill-equipped. ^The economy
1600F27 of Nepal was feudal to the core. ^Under the circumstances, the
1610F27 setting of modern democratic institutions was a challenging task.
1620F27 $^The political change did not alter the basic pattern of traditional politics,
1630F27 but only pushed it back for the time being. ^After the revolution
1640F27 the King attempted to_ build representative institutions in the country
1650F27 with the apparent intention of establishing constitutional monarchy.
1660F27 ^The King tried to_ modernise Nepalese political system with
1670F27 the active assistance from New Delhi. ^However, the traditional
1680F27 character of the system remained intact throughout the period and
1690F27 the King taking the advantages of intra-party rivalry consolidated
1700F27 his position in the system. $^The accession of King Mahendra to the
1710F27 Nepalese throne in March 1955 opened a new chapter in Nepal*'s
1720F27 modern history. ^The new King had a disposition different from that_
1730F27 of his father and had acceded to the throne with a sense of Nepal
1740F27 having a date with destiny. ^The King was convinced of the most
1750F27 important role of monarchy in the political system of Nepal. ^Since
1760F27 he was an eye-witness to the political upheaval in Nepal, he had
1770F27 dislike against the Nepali Congress and for democratic institutions.
1780F27 ^He believed that in a country like Nepal democratic institutions
1790F27 would give rise to divisive tendencies and halt the economic development
1800F27 of the nation. $^Soon after coming to power the King gave expression
1810F27 to his ideas. ^He expressed his disenchantment with the democratic
1820F27 system and declared that it was not suited to the country*'s
1830F27 tradition and environment. ^Since the King wanted to_ assert his
1840F27 power, he found the Nepali Congress and Indian diplomacy which aimed
1850F27 at the establishment of democratic institutions to_ be obstacle
1860F27 in his way. ^*King Mahendra*'s task was therefore, to_ undermine
1870F27 the role of Nepali Congress in Nepalese politics so that it might
1880F27 not come to power. ^He also did not like New Delhi to_ guide Nepal*'s
1890F27 future political development. ^The King indeed wanted to_
1900F27 take a direct interest in politics and to_ create a dynamic image of
1910F27 the crown as an active agent of modernisation. ^To_ give a practical
1920F27 shape of his policy, the King first of all placed the country under
1930F27 his direct rule.*#
        **[no. of words = 02015**]

        **[txt. f28**]
0010F28 **<LALA LAJPAT RAI AND SURAT SPLIT $*3(1906-07) $^The Indian National
0020F28 Congress sessions of 1906 and 1907 held in Calcutta and Surat
0030F28 are, undoubtedly, significant landmarks in the history of this organization.
0040F28 ^Under its new leadership it began to_ adopt methods, more vigorous
0050F28 in nature for the attainment of its objects. ^It became more
0060F28 broad based. ^The "old leaders", who believed that the Congress ought
0070F28 to_ be run on old traditional lines, were alarmed by this development
0080F28 and they made an effort to_ stop such a trend ^Hence there ensued
0090F28 a struggle between the two wings of the organization popularly called
0100F28 the Moderates and the Extremists. $^The object of this paper is
0110F28 to_ analyse the role played by Lajpat Rai in this struggle. ^Was he
0120F28 with the Moderates? ^Or, as it is popularly believed, was he with the
0130F28 Extremists? ^Did he remain neutral? ^Or, did he work to_ bring about
0140F28 unity and harmony between the two groups? $^The Benares session (1905)
0150F28 of the Congress took place in the shadow of the partition of Bengal.
0160F28 ^There was a great controversy among the Congressmen on the resolutions
0170F28 of Boycott and *4Swadeshi. ^The Extremists were more vocal
0180F28 on these issues. ^But, ultimately, the Moderates emerged successful,
0190F28 and they passed the useful quota of 'moderate' resolutions. ^It was
0200F28 the great tact and influence of Gopal Krishna Gokhale which saved
0210F28 the situation. $^But the gulf between the leaders of the Indian National
0220F28 Congress continued to_ grow, especially since its last session
0230F28 held in 1905. ^As a leader representing the Punjab Congress, Lajpat
0240F28 Rai did not want his province to_ join this needless controversy.
0250F28 ^In an editorial in the *3Panjabee on 13 October 1906, he stated
0260F28 that, **[second margin begin**] $"^So far as we in the Punjab are
0270F28 concerned, we feel real and sincere respect both for \0Mr. Gokhale
0280F28 and \0Mr. Tilak. ^We admire the work of both Babu Surendra Nath
0290F28 Banerjea as well as that_ of Bipin Chandra Pal." **[end second margin**]
0300F28 $^He had an intense desire to_ maintain unity, and avert a
0310F28 split in the national organization. ^He described the controversy as
0320F28 "extremely silly", and held both the groups responsible for this development.
0330F28 ^He did not relish the extravagant attacks on the "old leaders",
0340F28 though he regretted that they had failed to_ change with the times.
0350F28 ^He did not spare even the old leaders for their suspicion about
0360F28 Tilak, whom the new leaders wanted to_ elect President of the next
0370F28 Congress. ^He advised Congressmen to_ accept the decision of the
0380F28 Reception Committee with good grace, and also abide by the decision
0390F28 of the majority. ^Thus, he was in favour of a united Congress.
0400F28 $^By December 1906, when the Indian National Congress met at Calcutta,
0410F28 the differences between the Extremists and the Moderates had
0420F28 greatly deepened and a split seemed imminent. ^The first issue was the
0430F28 election of the President. ^The Extremists believed that it was
0440F28 appropriate to_ elect Lajpat Rai to the presidential chair. ^*The
0450F28 reason they advanced was that no Congress leader from Punjab had
0460F28 so far been elected to the position of such distinction. ^But the Moderates
0470F28 were not prepared to_ accept his candidature, for he, in their
0480F28 opinion, held advanced views. ^He had been demanding a constitution
0490F28 for the Congress . ^This was greatly resented by the "old" leaders.
0500F28 ^They complained: "^Behind all is Tilak who, knowing the Congress Party,
0510F28 has been moving heaven and earth to_ get Lajpat Rai elected
0520F28 for the President! ^Today Lajpat Rai and tomorrow Tilak! ^Where
0530F28 will the Congress be?" ^Thus the presidential issue was the first principal
0540F28 point of difference between the two wings of the Congress.
0550F28 ^The other point of controversy was the demand of a constitution for
0560F28 the Congress. ^It was vehemently opposed by the Moderates. ^Finally,
0570F28 Boycott, '*4Swadeshism', National education and self government
0580F28 on colonial lines were the burning issues for the forthcoming Congress.
0590F28 ^The Extremists had returned from the Benares Congress in an unhappy
0600F28 mood. ^They came to Calcutta to_ carry these resolutions. ^Thus,
0610F28 the Congress was heading towards a split. $^*William Wedderburn was
0620F28 much upset at this unfortunate situation and made efforts to_ avert such
0630F28 an eventuality. ^In a letter to Lajpat Rai, he urged him to_ help
0640F28 the Congress in the hour of its crisis. ^He urgred him to_ use his influence
0650F28 in order to _ keep the Congress "on its present lines, at any
0660F28 rate until \0Mr. Morley has had time to_ get his feet on firm ground."
0670F28 ^*Lajpat Rai was keen to_ maintain "the unity and solidarity" of
0680F28 the Congress but was not confident of the ultimate results because,
0690F28 in his opinion, Bengal was in a "g-eat ferment" and "new" ideas
0700F28 were replacing "old" ones. ^He, however, assured
0710F28 Wedderburn that he would do his best to_ avert split. ^*Gokhale, who
0720F28 had much regard for Lajpat Rai, was confident that Lalaji would
0730F28 prove instrumental in preserving unity in the forthcoming session of
0740F28 the Congress. ^He said that as a public worker Lajpat Rai was more
0750F28 selfless than either Tilak or Pal and, though his name was freely
0760F28 used by Bipin Chandra Pal and his party, he was not with them in
0770F28 their views or methods and he perhaps would have been more actively
0780F28 "on our side today if greater tact had been displayed in the past in
0790F28 meeting the wishes of men like him." ^It was a very accurate assessment
0800F28 of Lajpat Rai*'s views and ideology. $^Stunned by the activities
0810F28 of the Extremists, the Moderates decided to_ have Dadabhai Naoroji
0820F28 as the President for the 1906 session. ^They knew fully well that
0830F28 the Extremists would not oppose openly the election of the "Grand
0840F28 Old Man" of India. ^*Naoroji accepted the offer. ^Welcoming his election,
0850F28 Lajpat Rai wrote to Gokhale: "\0^*Mr. Naoroji*'s formal election
0860F28 as President will stop all irritation and all quarrels about
0870F28 the President." ^Thus a great crisis in the Congress was averted.
0880F28 $^The address of the President was plea for moderation and constitutional
0890F28 agitation, and the aim of the Congress was stated in clear terms--
0900F28 "Self-Government or *4Swaraj like that_ of the United Kingdom
0910F28 or the colonies." ^He demanded it as the birth right of Indians as
0920F28 British citizens. $^The resolution on the partition of Bengal was
0930F28 discussed on 27 December 1906. ^In this resolution the Congress recorded
0940F28 its "emphatic protest against the partition of Bengal," and
0950F28 regretted that it was "wholly and decisively against the wishes of the
0960F28 majority of the people of Bengal." ^It also asked for an inquiry
0970F28 by the Government over the partition issue. ^The Extremists did not
0980F28 like the resolution put forward by the Moderates and they suggested
0990F28 some amendments in it. ^They argued that the time had come to_ give
1000F28 up the idea of petitioning the government for enquiries and they urged
1010F28 that the clause be struck out. ^*Dadabhai Naoroji thought that the
1020F28 the feeling of the House was not in favour of the amendment and
1030F28 he, therefore, tactfully refused to_ put it to vote. ^In the end, the
1040F28 Moderates decided to_ accept the amendment, and speaking in the session,
1050F28 Surendra Nath Banerjea said that "all reference to the commission
1060F28 of inquiry will be deleted" from the final wording of the resolution."
1070F28 ^*Lala Lajpat Rai supported the partition resolution. $^The
1080F28 real conflict between the two groups was magnified on the working of
1090F28 the Boycott and *4Swadeshi resolutions. ^At the 1905 Congress the
1100F28 Congress leaders had accepted that the boycott of foreign goods was
1110F28 a legitimate technique for use in Bengal. ^The Extremists now attempted
1120F28 to_ widen the concept by arguing that boycott be applied to every
1130F28 British thing and in every province. ^When the Moderates insisted
1140F28 on limiting the endorsement of boycott to only Bengal, Bipin Chandra
1150F28 Pal demanded Congress recommendation of universal economic and
1160F28 political boycott. ^*Pal*'s demand was rejected by the Moderates.
1170F28 ^Intervening in the controversy, Lajpat Rai forcefully supported
1180F28 the boycott resolution and described it as the 'religion of new India;
1190F28 the manifestation of self-reliant Indian Nation and the spearhead
1200F28 of India*'s national struggle against British rule.' ^*Lajpat Rai
1210F28 attempted to_ solve the controversy by introducing an amendment.
1220F28 "^To_ me", Lajpat Rai wrote, "it appeared that the difference in the
1230F28 attitude of the two groups was one of the word only. ^So I moved
1240F28 an amendment which though not accepted by the Extremist leaders was
1250F28 carried by majority. ^*Bipin Chandra Pal and his party walked out.
1260F28 ^The leader of the moderates, Gokhale, was pleased with me and said
1270F28 I had solved the situation." ^Thus the drafted resolution in the committee
1280F28 read: "^Having regard to the fact that the people of this country
1290F28 have little or no voice in its administration, and that their representations
1300F28 to the Government do not receive due consideration, that
1310F28 the Boycott movement inaugurated in Bengal by way of protest against
1320F28 the partition of that_ province, was and is legitimate".
1330F28 $^It seems Lajpat Rai had the spirit of an extremist but he was
1340F28 not a blind follower of any school of thought. ^He was more interested
1350F28 in preserving harmony in the national organization. $^The resolution
1360F28 on *4Swadeshi also evoked serious controversy. ^*Lajpat Rai
1370F28 again endeavoured to_ reconcile the two warring groups. ^He brought
1380F28 about a temporary compromise by inserting the words "even at some sacrifice".
1390F28 ^The resolution read thus: "^This Congress accord its most
1400F28 cordial support to the *4Swadeshi movement and calls upon the people
1410F28 of the country to_ labour for its success by making earnest and
1420F28 sustained efforts to_ promote the growth of indigenous industries
1430F28 and to_ stimulate the produlion of indigenous articles by giving them
1440F28 preference over imported commodities even at some sacrifice." ^Supporting
1450F28 this Lajpat Rai declared: **[second margin begin**] $^The first
1460F28 thing which *4Swadeshism reminds you of constantly is that in the
1470F28 use of articles, in the use of the necessaries of life you have a
1480F28 duty to_ perform towards your country and that_ duty can best be performed
1490F28 by the consumption of Indian make articles in preference to
1500F28 foreign commodities. ^One thing which this resolution calls upon
1510F28 you to_ do is to_ encourage the production of all home-made articles.
1520F28 **[end second margin **] $^*Lajpat Rai described *4Swadeshism as
1530F28 a right step towards self-reliance. ^He asked his countrymen to_
1540F28 invest their capital in setting up industries. ^This he said, would
1550F28 be a great service to the country. $^At Calcutta Lajpat Rai acted
1560F28 as peace-maker to_ maintain unity within the Congress. ^It was at
1570F28 least partly due to his eiiorts that the Congress was saved from an
1580F28 open rupture for another year. ^Here he exercised his skill and influence
1590F28 in brining about a workable compromise between the Moderates
1600F28 and the Extremists. $^After the Calcutta Congress, Punjab became
1610F28 the scence of hectic political activity. ^Various unjust administrative
1620F28 and legislative measures like the Colonization Bill, increase of
1630F28 irrigation rates and the abnormal increase of land revenue in Rawalpindi
1640F28 district created unrest among the people. ^In this tense situation
1650F28 the Punjab Government deported Lala Lajpat Rai to Mandalay
1660F28 although his methods had been strictly constitutional. ^But the Government
1670F28 was forced to_ release him after six months of his arrest. $^During
1680F28 the period Lajpat Rai was in Mandalay, the struggle between
1690F28 the two wings of the Congress had taken a new turn. ^Both the groups
1700F28 were endeavouring to_ seize the organization and run it on their own
1710F28 lines. ^They were making attempts to_ demonstrate their strength at
1720F28 the next Congress to_ be held at Nagpur. ^Later on the venue was
1730F28 shifted to Surat at the instance of the Moderates. ^*Gokhale, in a private
1740F28 letter, himself accepted that "This year*'s crisis is the gravest
1750F28 without doubt". ^He realised that "it will be impossible to_ avoid
1760F28 a split this year." $^By the time of release, Lajpat Rai had gained
1770F28 enormous popularity, both in public and in the Congress, and the Extremists
1780F28 wanted to_ put his name for the Presidentship of the Indian
1790F28 National Congress. ^According to the existing convention the
1800F28 Chairman of the Reception Committee of the previous session was usually
1810F28 voted to the Chair. ^But the extremists resented the nomination
1820F28 of \0Dr. Rash Behari Ghosh owing to his moderate sympathies. ^There
1830F28 was also a rumour that the four militant resolutions of the Calcutta
1840F28 Congress were not to_ be taken up for consideration.*#
        **[no. of words = 02013**]

        **[txt. f29**]
0010F29 **<AN ASSESSMENT OF GANDHIAN ATTIUDE TOWARDS MILITANT NATIONALISTS IN
0020F29 1920*'3S**> $^Non-violence, Truth and *4Satyagraha, the main planks
0030F29 of Gandhian ideology, have been explored, interpreted and highlighted
0040F29 in theoretical terms as well as in the context of the Indian National
0050F29 Movement and problems of the modern world. ^In 1920*'3s non-violent
0060F29 as well as militant methods were applied for securing national freedom.
0070F29 ^*Mahatma Gandhi and the revolutionaries both voiced the national
0080F29 demand for self-rule but they differed in their interpretation of
0090F29 *4Swaraj and Revolution. ^Their analysis of imperialism, capitalism,
0100F29 social and economic set up too indicated sharp differences in their
0110F29 outlook. ^This paper seeks to_ interpret and put in clear perspective
0120F29 the ideological differences between Gandhi and the militant Nationalists.
0130F29 $*<*3*=2*> $^It is important to_ analyse the Gandhian
0140F29 assessment of the English character which was a crucial factor
0150F29 in his decision to_ pitch non-violence against British imperialism
0160F29 and capitalism. ^It was based on the assumption that the British
0170F29 were not a heartless people and that he would be able to_ have a dialogue
0180F29 and an understanding with them. ^Ultimately, they would succumb
0190F29 to the pressure of non-violence. ^But his faith in British sense
0200F29 of justice and honesty was not absolute. ^An extract from his writing
0210F29 'Why did I assist in the last war' illustrates the point, "...^Experience
0220F29 has made me wiser. ^*I consider the existing system of Government
0230F29 to_ be wholly bad and requiring special national effort
0240F29 to_ end or mend it. ^It does not possess within itself any capacity
0250F29 for self-improvement. ^That I still believe many English administrators
0260F29 to_ be honest does not assist me, because I consider them
0270F29 to_ be blind and deluded as I was myself...." ^It is clear that the
0280F29 process of disillusionment, which had set in as early as 1921, did
0290F29 not dim Gandhi*'s hope for a change of heart among the British even
0300F29 at the time of moving the 'Quit India' resolution at Bombay on
0310F29 8th August 1942. ^An extract from his address on this occasion illustrates
0320F29 the point, "...^*I know the British Government will not be
0330F29 able to_ withhold freedom from us, when we have made enough self-sacrifice.
0340F29 ^We must, therefore, purge ourselves of hatred. ^Speaking for
0350F29 myself, I can say that I have never felt any hatred. ^As a matter
0360F29 of fact, I feel myself to_ be a greater friend of the British
0370F29 more than ever before...." $^Resentment against the enervating British
0380F29 rule was shared by Gandhi and the Militant Nationalists but
0390F29 not the hope of liberating India by the voluntary transfer of political
0400F29 power by the foreign imperialist. ^Indian revolutionaries regarded
0410F29 the British imperialists to_ be insensitive bureaucrats whose
0420F29 smugness had to_ be shattered. ^They were convinced that British
0430F29 imperialism and capitalism which rested on violence and exploitation
0440F29 had to_ be destroyed by an armed revolution. ^Keeping this in view,
0450F29 the nature and extent of involvement of a *4satyagrahi and a revolutionary
0460F29 can be seen in the proper perspective. ^The method of non-violent
0470F29 confrontation between man and man and man and state left a
0480F29 wide margin for readjustments and withdrawals since it was a comprehensive
0490F29 and long-term project. ^Transference of political power into
0500F29 Indian hands would not have satisfied Gandhi, though he regarded
0510F29 it as the vital necessity of Indian national life. "^For, the whole
0520F29 scheme for the liberation of India," wrote Mahatma Gandhi, "is
0530F29 based upon the development of internal strength. ^It is a plan of
0540F29 self-purification; the peoples of the West, therefore, can best help the
0550F29 Indian movement by setting apart specialists to_ study the inwardness
0560F29 of it...." ^It is clear that non-violence was not to_ operate
0570F29 in isolation, it was expected that even the British would co-operate
0580F29 in leading India to_ freedom. ^Revolutionary Nationalism is more
0590F29 exacting and it demands complete commitment to the method as well
0600F29 as to the cause. ^It is a total struggle and there is no half way
0610F29 house. ^An extract from the *3Philosophy of the Bomb indicates the
0620F29 extent of their identification with the revolutionary cause: "^There
0630F29 is no crime that Britain has not committed in India. ^Deliberate
0640F29 misrule has bled us white. ^As a race and people we stand dishonoured
0650F29 and outraged. ^Do people still expect us to_ forget and to_ forgive?
0660F29 ^We shall have our revenge-- a people*'s righteous revenge on
0670F29 the Tyrant. ^Let cowards fall back and cringe for compromise and peace,
0680F29 we ask not for mercy and we give no quarter. ^Ours is a war to
0690F29 the end-- to victory or death." $^It is clear that both of them felt
0700F29 the urgency of the need to_ secure political freedom for India.
0710F29 ^While the militant nationalists completely identified themselves with
0720F29 one single cause and plunged into the fight with the determination
0730F29 to_ stake their lives, Mahatma Gandhi undertook to_ combat various
0740F29 social and economic evils in course of his march on the road to
0750F29 *4Swaraj. ^Non-violence and Truth remained his constant guides in
0760F29 every situation and dealings with human beings. $*<*3*=3*> $^Anti-imperialism
0770F29 for Mahatma Gandhi was not merely political in character.
0780F29 ^He perceived that "British imperialism worked to_ divide the
0790F29 colonial people completely and created disputes on the pretext of
0800F29 differences in religion, sects and regions so that it may perpetuate
0810F29 itself." ^He also saw through the game of the British Imperialists
0820F29 whose sole purpose was to_ exploit the wealth of India as well
0830F29 as of other colonies. ^Revolutionary ideologues of India, for example,
0840F29 Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Bhagwati
0850F29 Charan, Bhagat Singh and Yash Pal, also endorsed Mahatma Gandhi*'s
0860F29 observations. ^Like him, they also regarded the establishment
0870F29 of *4Swaraj and socialism as the ultimate object of their efforts.
0880F29 ^*Mahatma Gandhi regarded nonviolence as the only method of achieving
0890F29 real freedom and economic equality by converting the adversary
0900F29 to his point of view. ^Conversion and not elimination or retaliation
0910F29 was the watchword of the Gandhian mode of struggle against anti-imperialism.
0920F29 $^*Mahatma Gandhi did point out the close relationship
0930F29 between British Imperialism and capitalism but chose to_ ignore
0940F29 its alliance and collaboration with the domestic exploiting classes.
0950F29 ^The revolutionaries perceived that the native capitalists were inclined
0960F29 to_ collaborate with the foreign capitalists in order to_ ensure
0970F29 their survival. ^*Bhagat Singh in a message from prison specifed that
0980F29 the peasants have to_ liberate themselves not only from foreign
0990F29 yoke but also from the yoke of the landlords and the capitalists. ^It
1000F29 is clear that class-struggle did not figure in the anti-imperialist
1010F29 struggle planned by Mahatma Gandhi. ^But for the revolutionaries
1020F29 it was to_ be a two-pronged attack, and onslaught on the native
1030F29 exploiters was another aspect of their fight against imperialism and
1040F29 capitalism. $*<*3*=4*> $^Another important aspect of anti-imperialist
1050F29 fight waged by Gandhi as well as by the Militant Nationalists
1060F29 was its mass-perspective. ^Both of them aimed at making the struggle
1070F29 mass-based at the levels of goals and strategy. ^The *3Manifesto
1080F29 of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha stated, "^The future programme of
1090F29 preparing the country will begin with the motto *3Revolution by
1100F29 the masses and for the masses." ^The Naujawan Bharat Sabha included
1110F29 among its aims and objectives to_ organise the labourers and
1120F29 peasants. ^In the *3The Philosophy of the Bomb. Bhagwati Charan
1130F29 made this appeal, "^We take this opportunity to_ appeal to our countrymen--
1140F29 to the youth, to the workers and peasants, to the revolutionary
1150F29 intelligentsia-- to_ come forward and join us in carrying aloft
1160F29 the banner of Freedom." $^*Mahatma Gandhi was also convinced that
1170F29 the people*'s united struggle alone could overthrow colonialism. ^Unity
1180F29 of the people on all fronts rather than organisation of peasants
1190F29 and workers on a class-basis was his object. ^For him unity was a comprehensive
1200F29 concept; he wanted to_ unite the rich and the poor, the Hindus
1210F29 and the Muslims, the peasants, workers and intelligentsia. ^It was
1220F29 not a coalition of smaller enemies to_ fight against the main enemy.
1230F29 ^For he had no enemy. ^*Gandhi wanted to_ prepare every Indian
1240F29 for fighting against imperialism in its various forms, by building
1250F29 up his inner strength and moral courage. ^Hence, he introduced a new
1260F29 system of education to_ inculcate this spirit. ^In Gandhian thought,
1270F29 there was the pre-condition before *4Swaraj came that "Real *4Swaraj
1280F29 must be felt by all-- man, woman and child." $^Now the question
1290F29 arises whether there was commitment to the people only at the level
1300F29 of the goal which all ideologies profess or also at the level of strategy?
1310F29 ^*Gandhi*'s strategy of fight against the anti-imperialist struggle
1320F29 could only work with the involvement of the masses. ^*Rowlatt *4Satyagraha,
1330F29 Non-cooperation movement, Dandi March and Quit India
1340F29 Movement depended for their success upon the extent of mass-participation.
1350F29 ^Apart from giving substance to his political action by
1360F29 using mass-support as a crucial source, he also harnessed it for launching
1370F29 a multi front attack on British imperialism. ^For Gandhi, imperialism
1380F29 was a many-sided institution which called for a multi-faced attack.
1390F29 ^Hence, Gandhi*'s strategy was to_ mount attack on the British
1400F29 imperialism from various points for its total replacement. ^He
1410F29 sought to_ give social basis to his fight for political and economic
1420F29 liberation through his campaigns for *4Harijan well-being, the uplift
1430F29 of women, religious harmony and revival of the village-economy.
1440F29 ^*Gandhi undertook to_ restore self-respect and dignity of the individual
1450F29 so that they could sustain the fight against British imperialism
1460F29 by exerting enormous moral pressure and public opinion. $^Another
1470F29 aspect of Gandhi*'s strategy of mass-participation was the creation
1480F29 of popular symbols. ^The spinning wheel was one of them. ^It served
1490F29 both as a political instrument for involving the masses in the freedom
1500F29 struggle and a symbol of protest against British imperialist
1510F29 exploitation of the Indian economy. ^Salt was another such symbol.
1520F29 ^*Gandhi called upon Indians to_ defy the ban on the unlicensed making
1530F29 of salt on sea beaches. ^In response to this call, thousands of
1540F29 people joined in salt-making in April, 1930. ^Another dimension of
1550F29 mass-orientation was the participation of women in the Indian Liberation
1560F29 Struggle. ^It_ was with the help of these two symbols-- Salt
1570F29 and the spinning wheel-- that Mahatma Gandhi could involve women
1580F29 in his fight against imperialism and capitalism. ^He exhorted them "to_
1590F29 boycott foreign goods both for themselves and for their children.
1600F29 ^Since economic and moral salvation of India rested with them, the
1610F29 patriotic would refuse to_ adorn herself for men, including her
1620F29 husband, if she will be an equal partner with men." ^*Gandhi*'s declaration
1630F29 that women were equal to men and superior in some ways drew forth
1640F29 their potentialities. $^What is the secret of Gandhi*'s hold on the
1650F29 people? ^In the first instance it was his pattern of living-- austere
1660F29 living, simple food and dress-- which brought him close to the people.
1670F29 ^He had left a promising career and security and comforts of home
1680F29 in order to_ share the problems, hopes, frustrations and miseries
1690F29 of the poor and the ordinary people. ^Secondly, he talked to them
1700F29 in their own idiom and translated his message in terms of their daily
1710F29 needs. ^*Mahatma Gandhi used to_ say, "to the hungry God is food,
1720F29 to the homeless God is shelter, to the naked God is clothing."
1730F29 ^His ability to_ live and feel like the poor people won him their affection.
1740F29 $*<*3*=5*> $^How far were the revolutionaries able to_ involve
1750F29 the peasants, workers and youth. ^As far as the peasants and workers,
1760F29 they hardly became a part and parcel of the Indian revolutionary
1770F29 movement, because Bhagat Singh and his band failed to_ put in the
1780F29 efforts required as they themselves confessed. ^Of course, the Naujawan
1790F29 Bharat Sabha tried to_ stir up agrarian agitation over the failure
1800F29 of wheat harvest. ^On another occasion, it supported the Congress
1810F29 campaign of agitation over the Bardoli reassessment. ^Its efforts
1820F29 in the direction of mass-mobilisation did not go beyond it. ^Besides,
1830F29 its only village branch at Morinda, and *4tehsil branches at
1840F29 Jaranwala only existed in name. ^The city branches in Lahore, Amritsar
1850F29 and Sargodha, their membership consisting of lower and middle
1860F29 class people, could make no solied contribution. ^This fact was brought
1870F29 to light by Kailashpati, the approver in the Delhi Conspiracy
1880F29 Case, earlier a member of the Central Council of the Hindustan
1890F29 Socialist Republican Army.*#
        **[no. of words = 02001**]

        **[txt. f30**]
0010F30 **<*3Glimpses of Goan History**> $^One of the ancient gateways of
0020F30 India, Goa has a long history. ^Through its open and hospitable
0030F30 portals have passed many a prince and a potentate, merchant and mendicant,
0040F30 saint and soldier. ^The interplay of cultures brought to Goa
0050F30 from across the Sahyadri Mountains in the east and from the Arabian
0060F30 Sea in the west has left an indelible impress on the various aspects
0070F30 of Goa through passage of time. $^The ancient Aryans who came
0080F30 down settled on the banks of the Gomati and the Aghanashini, the
0090F30 two main rivers of Goa, now known as the Mandovi and Zuari, respectetively.
0100F30 $^The term Goa appears to_ have been derived from Gomant,
0110F30 the name of the ancient settlers of Southern Konkan and also
0120F30 one of the seven divisions of Parashurama Khetra or the districts
0130F30 on the west coast of India. ^The name Gomant occurs in the Bhishmaparva
0140F30 of the *3Mahabharata, the *3Harivamsa and *3Skanda Puranas.
0150F30 ^A reference to the city of Kouba made in Ptolemy*'s geography is
0160F30 belived to_ pertain to Goa. $^Ancient history of Goa dates back to the
0170F30 period of the great Mauryan Emperors of India in the 3rd Century
0180F30 before Christian era. ^Enough evidence is available in respect
0190F30 of early Buddhist influence in this region. ^A big Buddhist image
0200F30 belonging to 3rd Century was discovered at Colvale in Bardez *4taluka.
0210F30 ^It is said that a Buddhist monk named Punna, a resident of
0220F30 Sunaparant \0i.e. modern Zambaulim in Goa was mainly responsible
0230F30 for the spread of Buddhism in this area. $^The territory was held
0240F30 by the Satvahanas of Kolhapur and later by the Western Khatrapas
0250F30 during early centuries of Christian era. $^Earliest detailed historical
0260F30 record about Goa is contained in the Shiroda copper plates
0270F30 of the 4th century \0A.D. ^It refers to a grant made to two Brahmins
0280F30 named Govindaswami and Indraswami from Chandrapur, the
0290F30 modern Chandor in Salcete, by the King Devaraj who belonged to
0300F30 Bhoja dynasty. $^*Chandrapur was the capital of Goa for centuries
0310F30 before the foundation of the Kadamba city of Goa Velha or Torlem
0320F30 Govem (Oldem Goem) on the bank of the river Zuari during the middle
0330F30 of the 11th century. $^Another record, in Brahmi script, relating
0340F30 to the 5th century \0A.D. speaks of a grant of land to a Buddhist
0350F30 Mahavihara, \0i.e. the monastery of Shivapur by the king Chandravarman.
0360F30 ^It seems that he belonged to the Konkan Maurya dynasty
0370F30 and used the lion as his royal symbol. ^The place Shivapur is identified
0380F30 with modern Shiroda in the Ponda *4taluka. ^Recently evidence
0390F30 of another grant of the king Anirjitvarman was found at Bandora.
0400F30 ^This king seems to_ have ruled over Gomant from Cumbarjua during
0410F30 the 6th century. ^The Chalukya Emperors of Badami ruled Goa
0420F30 through their Viceroys from Revatidvipa or modern Reddi in the
0430F30 Sawantwadi *4taluka (Maharashtra State) during 580 to 750 \0A.D.
0440F30 ^They revived the Vedic sacrifices, worships of Brahma, Vishnu and
0450F30 Goodess Mahishasurwardini. ^They styled themselves as "Parambhagavatas"
0460F30 or great devotees of god Vishnu Narayan. ^They encouraged
0470F30 Jainism; Buddhism also continued, though its popularity had declined.
0480F30 ^The modern Cudnem, near Sanquelim was probably an important cultural
0490F30 centre under the Badami Chalukyas and their Padmatanka coins were
0500F30 also found there. ^The image of Sun God discovered at Cudnem,
0510F30 might have been also the settlement of the Parasikas during ancient period.
0520F30 $*<*3Advent of Rashtrakutas*> $^The Rashtrakutas succeeded
0530F30 the Badami-Chalukyas and continued to_ rule over Konkan through
0540F30 their 'Mahamandeshvar' (feudatory) the Shilaharas from Valipattan,
0550F30 till the end of the 10th century \0A.D. ^*Shilaharas worshipped
0560F30 goddess Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur and one of the *4Birudas (title)
0570F30 was "Shriman Mahalakshmi-- *4labdcavaraprasada" \0i.e. "one who has
0580F30 obtained the favour of the boon from the glorious Mahalakshmi". ^They
0590F30 patronised both Brahmins and Jains alike, though they themselves
0600F30 were followers of Vedic and Pauranic religion. ^Ancient temple
0610F30 of Mahalakshmi at Netorli seems to_ have been constructed by them.
0620F30 ^Under their *4Chakravartin (overlord) the Rashtrakutas, the worship
0630F30 of Puranic Gods rose to much greater importance than before.
0640F30 ^The rock-cut temples of Shiva at Ellora bear testimony to their
0650F30 religious inclination and magnificence. $^The Western Chalukyas of
0660F30 Kalyani who succeeded the Rashtrakutas by 970 \0A.D., continued
0670F30 to_ rule the Konkan from Kalyani till the end of the 12th century.
0680F30 ^During this period one of the branches of the Kadambas of Palasige
0690F30 Modern Halsi (Belgaon) established in the Konkan as their
0700F30 feudatories. $^The original kingdom of the Kadambas was in the south
0710F30 of Goa, in Chandramandal, \0i.e. the modern Quepem. ^The first
0720F30 few kings ruled over south Konkan and Goa from Chandor. ^The city
0730F30 is referred to by Hemachandra in his *3Dvyasshraya Kavya. $^*Goa
0740F30 came into greater prominence while under the sway of the Kadamba
0750F30 King Shastadev *=2, who subdued the Shilahara power. ^The earliest
0760F30 record that_ speaks of him is dated 1007-08 \0A.D. ^He is here
0770F30 represented as the *4mahamandaleshvara under the Chalukya emperor
0780F30 Jayasinha. $^It was during the reign of his son King Viravarmadeva
0790F30 (1042-1052 \0A.D.) that the capital of Goa was shifted from
0800F30 Chandrapur to Gopakapattana or Govapuri, the erstwhile maritime
0810F30 centre of the Southern Shilaharas of Valipattana. ^His brother Jayakeshi
0820F30 *=1 who succeeded him in 1053 \0A.D. built up a powerful fleet
0830F30 and had to his credit a number of maritime exploits. ^The commercial
0840F30 prosperity of the city is attested by the fact that the city
0850F30 had trade relations with no less than fourteen countries. ^The countries
0860F30 that_ are enumerated in the Charter are Sinhala, Callah, Zungavar
0870F30 (Zanzibar), Pandya, Kerala, Lata, Gujara, Srytan, Prester,
0880F30 Malay, Dulukus. $^Buddhism had practically ceased to_ function
0890F30 during this period and we rarely come across instances of grants
0900F30 made to Buddhist shrines by the later Chalukyas of Kalyani or their
0910F30 feudatories, the Kadambas of Goa. ^*Jayakeshi *=1, had two Buddhist
0920F30 monks at his court. ^*Jainism received an effective check by the
0930F30 end of the 12th century \0A.D., with the rise of Lingayat Sect.
0940F30 ^This new creed spread widely amongst trading classes. $^The Vedic
0950F30 and Puranic religion continued to_ flourish as before. ^The learning
0960F30 of sacred scriptures (the Vedas), Customary Laws (Smritis),
0970F30 the Six Shastras-- the system of Philosophy (Vedanta, \0etc.); the
0980F30 traditional knowledge and history (Purana and *4Itihas) was encouraged
0990F30 by founding Brahmapuri and Agraharas. $^The Kadamba Ruler,
1000F30 Guhalladeva *=2, Vijayaditya or Tribhuvanamalla *=1, Shivachitta
1010F30 and his wife Kamaladevi took keen interest in the spread of
1020F30 learning and made grants of lands to learned Brahmins, whom they invited
1030F30 from diffenent sacred places and centres of learning. $^*Shivachitta
1040F30 and his wife Kamaladevi were ardent worshippers of god Saptakotishwar
1050F30 at Narve (Bicholim). ^The inscription on his coins refers
1060F30 to royal deity of the Kadambas of Goa. $*<^3Cultural and Literary
1070F30 Activities*> $^The cultural and literary activites reached
1080F30 the highest stage during the reign of Ramachandra. ^*Hemadri himself
1090F30 was a great *4Pandit and his "Chaturvarga Chintamani" is considered
1100F30 as very comprehensive and detailed treatise on Indian traditions
1110F30 regarding worship of God and mode of living. ^He is also remembered
1120F30 for his architectural form of constructions of temples. ^*Tambadi-Surla
1130F30 temple seems to_ have been completed during his reign. ^The
1140F30 most poetic and illuminating commentary in Marathi, on *3Gita the
1150F30 'Bhavarthadipika' or 'Dnyneshwari' was written by Dnyneshwar in
1160F30 1290 \0A.D. and laid the foundation of the popular worship of God
1170F30 Vithal of Pandharpur. $^The ancient territory of the Kadambas
1180F30 including South Konkan was annexed to Bahmani kingdom in 1571 \0A.D.
1190F30 and afterwards it formed part of the Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur,
1200F30 when Bahmani empire was split up into five potentates by the
1210F30 end of the 15th centuary \0A.D. ^Island of Goa was occupied by
1220F30 the Portuguese in 1510 A.D. ^The coastal districts between Bombay
1230F30 and Bulsar and Diu from Saurashtra were made over to them by Sultan
1240F30 of Gujarath in about 1534. ^The Portuguese commercial Empire
1250F30 of India reached its zenith by the middle of the 16th century and
1260F30 comprised Forts and trading posts from Mozambique in East Africa
1270F30 to Ternate in South East Asia. ^It was founded on military and
1280F30 ecclesiastical basis. $^During the first half of the 17th century,
1290F30 the Portuguese were deprived of their rich trade of the East by
1300F30 their rivals from Europe, the Dutch. $^*India got her independence
1310F30 in 1947. ^*Nagar Haveli was liberated in August 1954. ^The request
1320F30 of Portugal for passage for armed forces over Indian territory joining
1330F30 the enclave of Nagar Haveli with Daman was rejected by the
1340F30 International Court of Justice in April 1960 and with expulsion
1350F30 of the Portuguese from Goa in 1961 the Chapter of European domination
1360F30 over Asia came to an end. $*<*3Impact on Regional Music*>
1370F30 $^A noteworthy feature of the Portuguese occupation was that it
1380F30 failed to_ "lusitanise" the people, though concerted efforts were
1390F30 made by Church authorities in that_ direction from time to time. ^Even
1400F30 the most fervent Christians, however, barring a handful who were
1410F30 willing to_ regard themselves as *7assimilados (assimilated), retained
1420F30 their basic Indian cultural patterns and even the caste system,
1430F30 at least so far as marriage was concerned. $^The foreign domination
1440F30 has left its impact to some extent on the regional music which includes
1450F30 songs like *4Mandos, *4Dhulpod, *4Dakkini, *4Dhalos and
1460F30 *4Kunbi-Geetas. ^Of these types Mando deserves special mention, as
1470F30 these songs are appreciated as typical Konkani songs of Goans, even
1480F30 in foreign countiries. ^The Mandos are mainly love songs. ^Some
1490F30 Mandos also provide political and social themes and are used to_
1500F30 rouse the feeling of the masses. ^They are composed in Konkani words
1510F30 and set up with tunes of Westrn music. ^They are often sung on western
1520F30 insturments like the piano or the violin. ^However, their rhythm
1530F30 is mainly directed with the help of local percussion instrument
1540F30 *4Ghumat. ^Thus in Mandos there is an excellent blend of Western
1550F30 melody and Eastern rhythm. ^The word Mando appears to_ have originated
1560F30 from Rasmandal, dance songs, which are popular in other parts
1570F30 of India. ^At present the movement in Mandos is in parallel lines
1580F30 like waves, from and to, the circular movement of the original Rasmandal
1590F30 is still followed at the highest potch. ^The Dhulpodas are
1600F30 Drupads of Hindustani Music. ^*Mandos are followed by Dhulpods
1610F30 and also quick rhythm of a *4Dakkini (a female devil). ^The Dhalos
1620F30 are popular with the Hindu gentry and *4Kunbi-Geetas with the peasantry.
1630F30 ^The Hindus, despite many disabilities and even persecution
1640F30 for centuries, displayed a remarkable fortitude in the face of many
1650F30 misfortunes, and clung to their ancient traditions with a tenacity
1660F30 that_ has preserved all the essentials of their Vedic heritage.
1670F30 $**<THE FABRIC OF *GOAN CULTURE**> $^A mosaic blend of the East and
1680F30 the West, where two contrastingly disparate cultures met, mingled
1690F30 and blossomed into a singularly happy symbiosis, simultaneously retaining
1700F30 characteristics of both, in bold, uncompromising relief in some
1710F30 respects while emasculatingly weak in others, Goan culture has a
1720F30 distinctive image that_ shows eloquently in the make-up and behaviour
1730F30 patterns of the warm-hearted people of Goa, irrespective of the
1740F30 religion they profess, and tends to_ set them proudly apart from
1750F30 their confreres in other parts of India. ^It eludes, however, the confining
1760F30 straitjacket of a precise definition. $*<*3Individualistic
1770F30 Outlook*> $^So much of overwhelming praise has been showered by
1780F30 many a distinguished visitor on Goa*'s enthralling scenic beauty fed
1790F30 by pond and beach, hill and valley, river and waterfall, church and
1800F30 temple and mosque, forts and fortresses, that the signal achievements
1810F30 of its people, more as individuals than as a community, in art and
1820F30 literature, music and sports, trade and the learned professions,
1830F30 have more often than not been eclipsed or relegated to oblivion. ^*Goans
1840F30 are highly individualistic in outlook and find it diffcult to_
1850F30 work in groups, which is why, as a community, though so tiny, they
1860F30 have failed to_ work and progress successfully in a closely-knit
1870F30 communal manner unlike their counterparts in other regions. ^Probably
1880F30 the historical accidents that_ frequently dismembered their territory
1890F30 and decimated and inflicted suffering on its peace-loving people
1900F30 have contributed in no small measure to the fostering of this individualism
1910F30 which is, however, mellowed by an extraordinary catholicity
1920F30 and abundant fellow-feeling that_ exudes spontaneously from them.
1930F30 $*<*3Legend and ancient history*> $^*Goa*'s known existence of about
1940F30 five thousand years is steeped in the hoary past of ancient Indian
1950F30 history and legend.*#
        **[no. of words = 02011**]

        **[txt. f31**]
0030F31 **<*3Kundalini: THE SECRET OF YOGA**>
0040F31 $^It certainly could not be a passing fancy or a transient
0050F31 reaction, created in his yet insufficiently developed, ignorant mind,
0060F31 by its first impact with natural phenomena and the effort to_ find
0070F31 an explanation for them. ^It could also not be the outcome of fear
0080F31 of the elements in a state of fury, the thunder and lightning, the
0090F31 wind and tide, the rain and storm, since he was accustomed and reconciled
0100F31 to them from the very beginning of his career on earth millions
0110F31 of years before. ^It is amazing that such lame explanations have
0120F31 been put forward by eminent scholars to_ rationalize an impulse
0130F31 that_ has been one of the most powerful governing factors of man*'s
0140F31 existence from primeval times. $^From the unmistakable evidence before
0150F31 us it is obvious that at no time in his checkered career was man
0160F31 free from the mental fervor characteristic of the religious urge.
0170F31 ^On the contrary, with few exceptions he seems to_ have been much
0180F31 more in the grip of the supernatural than the high credulous and the
0190F31 most superstitious of today. ^There is no other single factor, apart
0200F31 from the primary urges, that_ has maintained such a hold on the
0210F31 mind of primitive man, diverting his activity into channels that_
0220F31 had absolutely no relationship with the satisfaction of his physical
0230F31 needs. ^He could have continued to_ survive without it, even after
0240F31 the advent of reason, as he had survived for millions of years before
0250F31 in the subhuman and animal stages. ^Viewed from a strictly rational
0260F31 perspective it can be said that the religious impulse, instead
0270F31 of aiding the development of reason, enveloped the mind with darkest
0280F31 clouds of supersition and fear, and continues to_ do so even now
0290F31 in the lower strata of underdeveloped societies. ^But at the same
0300F31 time there is no denying the fact that, side by side with his reason,
0310F31 this mysterious impulse of submission to unseen intelligent forces
0320F31 around him, and a dim sense of the distinction between this world
0330F31 and the other, between the propitious and unpropitious or the holy
0340F31 and the unholy, spontaneously took shape in his mind. ^This did not
0350F31 disappear with the advance of the intellect, as shadows disappear
0360F31 at the approach of light, but became more rational, keeping the same
0370F31 hold on the seasoned intellect as it had done thousands of years before
0380F31 when reason was still in its infancy. $^A few words are necessary
0390F31 to_ weigh the validity of some of the hypotheses put forward
0400F31 by modern scholars and men of science to_ account for the phenomenon
0410F31 of religion. ^One of these, the doctrine of the animistic origin
0420F31 of religion, was propounded by *(0E. B.*) Taylor, an anthropologist
0430F31 of the nineteenth century, and by Herbert Spencer, a well-known
0440F31 writer on philosophical subjects. ^According to this theory the investiture
0450F31 by the primitive mind of all the objects and forces of nature
0460F31 with life or animation in the form of soul, spirit, or other invisible
0470F31 beings provides the basis for the appearance of the organized
0480F31 religions of later epochs. ^The idea of aliveness or animation in nature,
0490F31 it is supposed, originated in the mind of primhive man from
0491F31 the observation of death scenes, when the living principle seems to_
0492F31 depart from the body, from dreams, hallucinations, trance conditions,
0493F31 or from what the savage could only interpret as the animated activity
0494F31 of natural forces. ^This idea, it is held, materialized first
0495F31 in ancestor worship and in funeral rites and ceremonies in the belief
0496F31 that the departed souls or spirits led an invisible existence of
0497F31 their own. $^Apart from the fact that the practice of worshiping the
0498F31 spirits of the departed has not been universal, the theory of the
0499F31 animistic origin of religion fails to_ explain the various amorphous
0500F31 forms of religious motivation exhibited in the still earlier ideas
0510F31 of primitive man, as for instance, in totemic practices or in the
0520F31 notions of mana and taboo. ^There might have been other variations,
0530F31 too, of which we have no knowledge. ^So far as the animistic idea
0540F31 is concerned it speaks more in favor of the hypothesis that religion
0550F31 is the expression of a basic impulse of the psyche and from the very
0560F31 beginning started in the human mind as a distinction between the
0570F31 body and the spirit, this world and the other, death and deathlessness,
0580F31 the permissible and unpermissible, the sacred and profane, as a
0590F31 spontaneous projection of an inner development that_ slowly and painfully,
0600F31 but at the same time inexorably, led evolving mankind to
0610F31 the lofty conceptions that_ now permeate the religious literature
0620F31 of the world. ^From a rational point of view, therefore, animism ought
0630F31 to_ be considered as an inevitable phase in the evolution of the
0640F31 religious impulse, and early mode of its expression, and not as the
0640F31 well-spring of religion itself. $^For the hypothesis of the psychoanalytical
0650F31 school, founded by Freud, it is enough to_ say that the Freudian
0660F31 concept is not now fully accepted by some other psychologists.
0670F31 ^Another eminent psychologist, McDougall, believes in the existence
0680F31 of an animating principle or soul in the human body. ^The idea
0690F31 of a Father in heaven, who looks benignly after the created multitudes
0700F31 of humanity and provides for their needs, might well appear to
0710F31 casual observation as the projection of a wish for a protective father,
0720F31 but a deeper study of even such an anthropomorphic concept of God
0730F31 makes this interpretation untenable for the simple reason that the
0740F31 very idea of a superearthly Being, having his abode in high heaven,
0750F31 with divine attributes and able to_ command all the forces of nature,
0760F31 not being a fact of experience, must depend for its existence
0770F31 on a tendency present in the human mind to_ draw a distinction between
0780F31 the earthly and the Divine or between this world and the one above
0790F31 or beyond it, and is evidence of the influence of the deep-rooted
0800F31 religious feeling in man. ^Apart from this, if we cast a glance at
0810F31 the unrefined religious ideas and practices of primitive man we find
0820F31 that this was more often of a compulsive or exacting, than of a pleasure
0830F31 yielding or wish-fulfilling nature, a driving pressure reaching up
0840F31 from the depths of the primitive mind. $^For further clarification
0850F31 it is necessary to_ point out that at present scholars are practically
0860F31 in the dark as to the nature of psychic energy, the source of all
0870F31 vital activity in the body, including that_ of thought and the rapid
0880F31 interplay of nerve impulses. ^No one would like to_ contend
0890F31 the blatantly obvious fact that thought and consciounsness do not fall
0900F31 into the category of material objects according to the current definitions
0910F31 of matter. ^Yet according to *4Samkhya-yoga and Saivite
0920F31 schools of philosophy, the three widely accepted cosmogonic doctrines
0930F31 of Indian thought, dealing with *4prakrati, or matter, as an objective
0940F31 reality (in contrast to *4Vedanta, which treats it as an illusory
0950F31 appearance), not only thought but even the intellect and ego are
0960F31 the manifestations of matter in its ultra-subtle formation. $^This
0970F31 classification is based on the introspective study of nervous impulses
0980F31 and analysis of thought in the highly penetrative supersensual
0990F31 states of consciousness or *4samadhi. ^The scientific value of an exploration
1000F31 carried out in this manner is far greater than that_ of
1010F31 the somewhat analogous investigation, carried out by men of science,
1020F31 on normal men through an analysis of their dreams, on neurotics and
1030F31 the insane or on hypnotized subjects for the diagnosis of mental and
1040F31 even physical ailments. ^The amazing knowledge of the nervous system
1050F31 and the flow of two kinds of nerve currents, about which science
1060F31 has no accurate information as yet, has also been obtained in the same
1070F31 manner. ^The founders of these philosophical schools had a very
1080F31 sound basis for their postulates, for in the superconscious state
1090F31 psychic energy, or *4prana, whether or not brought to a state of arrest,
1100F31 becomes clearly perceptible as an extremely subtle essence in
1110F31 the body, atomic or subatomic in nature, the connecting link between
1120F31 the material organism and immaterial life. $^The impossibility of
1130F31 interaction between matter and the incorporeal spirit, without an
1140F31 intermediary connecting link, is an old problem of philosophy. ^Attempts
1150F31 to_ meet this difficulty have found an outlet in the various
1160F31 forms of monism, pantheism, *4Vedanta, and the like. ^Setting aside
1170F31 the philosophical aspect of the subject, all we wish to_ emphasize
1180F31 is the fact that the existence of an extremely attenuated biological
1190F31 substance that_ acts as fuel to the activity of thought and the
1200F31 play of the nervous impulses is a *8sine qua non*9 of biology itself.
1210F31 ^The present lack of knowledge of this vital biological esence,
1220F31 which is as necessary for the manifestation of life and thought as
1230F31 the fine metal filament in a glass bulb is necessary for the manifestation
1240F31 of electric light, invalidates many of the present-day concepts
1250F31 of psychology based on direct interrelation between the psyche and
1260F31 the physical organism. ^The moment the existence of this medium is
1270F31 accepted, and, considering the highly sensitive devices that are now
1280F31 coming into use for the measurement of devices that_ are now coming
1290F31 into use for the measurement of psychic activity, it should not take
1300F31 long to_ locate it. ^The present tendency to_ ascribe almost evry
1310F31 obscure phenomenon of the mind, such as neurosis, lunacy, hysteria,
1320F31 ecstasy, dream and religious experiences exclusively to the subconscious
1330F31 must cease to_ obsess the intellect. ^In that_ event it would
1340F31 be saner to_ infer that the object affected is not the soul, an
1350F31 immaterial, universal substance, which cannot become diseased by material
1360F31 contamination. ^But it is the interconnecting medium, or *4prana
1370F31 which is the fuel of thought and which when even slightly disturbed
1380F31 or disorganized creates the disintegrations and distortions of
1390F31 personality peculiar to affections of the mind. $^The view of Freud that
1400F31 religions originated in some primitive situatuions in which the sons
1410F31 combined to_ kill their father that they might possess his wives
1420F31 and concubines, but felt so guilty after the murder that they refrained
1430F31 from such possession, repented for their deeds through religious
1440F31 rites. ^The inaccuracy of this view is apparent. ^How could a solitary
1450F31 or even a few incidents of this kind lead to the establishment
1460F31 of a practice and the development of a compulsive need, throughout
1470F31 the primitive world, of such an overwhelming character as to_ sway
1480F31 the conduct, thought, and history of mankind to this day. ^Also how
1490F31 could the thought of performing posthumous religious rites, as a measure
1500F31 of repentance, occur to the sons of the murdered father if religion
1510F31 in some form or, at least, the idea of survival of the spirit
1520F31 of the departed was not present in their minds? ^If the idea was already
1530F31 current at the time it means that religions had originated before
1540F31 the incident. $^Another hypothesis for the origin of religion, put
1550F31 forward by Wilhelm Schmidt, rests on the assumption that originally
1560F31 there was worship of one high or supreme God or a few high gods,
1570F31 which later proliferated into the worship of countless smaller gods,
1580F31 spirits, ghosts or demons among primitive people. ^The idea of
1590F31 a High God can only spring from the natural tendency in the human
1600F31 mind to_ seek out the author or cause of every object one confronts.
1610F31 ^The primitive mind had to_ follow this tendency in order to_ postulate
1620F31 a Creator or Father for the existence of the world around
1630F31 it, however crude that_ conception might have been, and however narrow
1640F31 and limited the cosmos might have appeared to its still imperfectly
1650F31 developed conceptual faculty. ^Thus there can be no dispute about
1660F31 any hypothesis presented for the existence of an Author or Progenitor
1670F31 of the world. ^But when it is accompanied by the idea of offering
1680F31 worship to this self-created Progenitor, combined with the concept
1690F31 of His unceasing control over the forces of nature, His incorporeality,
1700F31 omnipotence and immunity to death, the position becomes entirely
1710F31 different. ^It demands a deeper probing into the human mind,
1720F31 whether primitive or civilized, in order to_ discover the cause for
1730F31 all the emotional and intellectual ferment associated with religion
1740F31 from the very earliest times.*#
        **[no. of worrds = 02012**]

        **[txt. f32**]
0010F32 **<*3TEST-TUBE BABY*0**> $*3^Forget*0 the ballyhoo and the hullabaloo.
0020F32 ^Forget the superlatives and the wild talk of a medical-biological breakthrough.
0030F32 ^For a moment forget also the false hopes and tentative
0040F32 fears set alight in the hearts of thousands of married couples and hundreds
0050F32 of scientists. $^And what do we have? ^We have Louise Joy Brown,
0060F32 a baby girl, now 47 days old. ^Mother: Lesley Brown, 30; father:
0070F32 Gilbert Brown, 38; of Bristol, England. $^We have also these
0080F32 facts: Louise is *3not*0 a test-tube baby, but a laboratory dish fertilised
0090F32 or tube-bypassed baby. ^It is *3not*0 a case of genetic engineering
0100F32 or radical tinkering with life-forms. ^It is the first recorded
0110F32 instance of full maturation of a human fertilised outside the body
0120F32 of a woman. ^But its scientific significance nevertheless is virtually
0130F32 nil-- unless we consider the horrifying possibilities implicit in
0140F32 the achievement. $^*Louise was born in Oldham and District General
0150F32 Hospital in north-west England on July 25, 1978. ^Will this date
0160F32 go down in history? I don*'4t think so. ^In scientfic and technological
0170F32 terms it is in no fashion comparable to such epoch-making dates
0180F32 in recent years as December 2, 1942, August 6, 1945, April 2, 1953, October
0190F32 4, 1957, December 3, 1967, July 21, 1969, and August 22, 1976.
0200F32 $^These dates refer to the first self sustaining chain reaction and
0210F32 initiation of the controlled release of nuclear energy; Hiroshima;
0220F32 description of the double-helical structure of \0DNA (deoxyr, bonucleic
0230F32 acid); Sputnik 1; the first heart transplant; landing on the
0240F32 moon; and the first synthesis of a biologically active gene. $^These
0250F32 are real watersheds in human achievement; truly historic dates. $*<*3Tube
0260F32 Bypass Experiment*0*> $^What actually happened at Oldham?
0270F32 ^For nine years, in spite of several attempts and considerable help from
0280F32 specialists, Lesley Brown could not conceive a child. ^Her Fallopian
0290F32 tubes were blocked. ^The mature ovum released from one of her
0300F32 ovaries could not travel down the tube to_ be fertilised by her husband*'s
0310F32 sperm. ^The blockage was detected by \0Mr Patrick Steptoe,
0320F32 eminent gynaecologist, and \0Dr Robert Edwards, a Cambridge University
0330F32 physiologist. ^For twelve years these two men had been conducting
0340F32 experiments related to the process of human reproduction and gaining
0350F32 a vast fund of knowledge and expertise. $^With the permission of the
0360F32 medical council and the enthusiastic consent of Lesley and Gilbert
0370F32 the tube-bypass experiment began-- in total secrecy. ^Hormone treatment
0380F32 helped in the maturation of eggs in Lesley*'s ovaries. ^Using an
0390F32 instrument called laparoscope, \0Mr Steptoe removed a mature ovum
0400F32 from within her, placed it in a laboratory dish containing nutrients
0410F32 and added sperm obtained from Gilbert. $^The dish was kept in conditions
0420F32 ideal to fertilisation. ^It was under constant observation. ^Two and
0430F32 a half days later, when the fertilised ovum had divided in the dish
0440F32 into eight cells (all carefully monitored and screened for possible
0450F32 damage or genetic defect, the tiny embryo (that_ nine months later was
0460F32 to become Louise) was transferred to Lesley*'s womb, which had been
0470F32 prepared by administering more hormones to_ receive it. ^There it
0480F32 attached itself to the uterine wall and began to_ grow, as any normal
0490F32 oosperm would. ^*Lesley was moved to a special wing of the Oldham hospital
0500F32 and, a few days before her term was up, the baby was delivered
0510F32 by Caesarean section. $^The procedure was, of course, extremely
0520F32 delicate, hazardous, intricate. ^But \0Mr Steptoe and \0Dr Edwards
0530F32 had carried out such implants 60 times (some say 80 times) before,
0540F32 always unsuccessfully. ^Normal growth lasted for some time in only three
0550F32 cases: two weeks, nine weeks, two weeks. ^But they had learnt a
0560F32 vital lesson: in all the previous experiments the lab dish containing
0570F32 the fertilised ovum was allowed to_ remain in controlled conditions
0580F32 for about five days, when the number of cells had grown to about
0590F32 100. ^This time, they decided to_ carry out the implantation at the
0600F32 eight-cell stage. ^And it worked. $^The birth of Louise was hailed
0610F32 as scientific miracle. ^The press went wild with jubilation. "Baby of
0620F32 the Century" screamed the headlines. ^*British newspapers played up
0630F32 whatever little scrap of information they could manage to_ get, particularly
0640F32 because the Browns and the two doctors had struck a deal with
0650F32 the London tabloid, *3The Daily Mail*0, giving it exclusive rights
0660F32 to the story for an amount close to \0*4Rs. 45 *4lakhs. ^This commercial
0670F32 bargain and the professional rivalry among the popular newspapers
0680F32 sensationalised the entire experiment to an extent detracting from
0690F32 its meaningfulness. $*3^LET*'3S*0 go back to the basics of human
0700F32 conception and reproduction in order to_ assess the worth of the Steptoe-Edwards
0710F32 technique. ^Every human female is by nature gifted with
0720F32 about a million ova (eggs), located and matured in her two ovaries. ^Close
0730F32 to them, on either side, are mucus-lined tubes called Fallopian
0740F32 tubes (after the 16th century Italian anatomist Fallopius). ^These
0750F32 lead directly but curving downward in a graceful arc to the uterus (womb).
0760F32 $^When a mature ovum is released by one of the ovaries into the
0770F32 Fallopian tube (on either side; it*'1s a matter of chance which ovary
0780F32 releases the ovum), it slowly travels down the tube; if at the right
0790F32 moment the male spermatozoa, discharged in coitus, go through the uterus
0800F32 and into the Fallopian tubes, the strongest and fastest sperms
0810F32 which reach the ovum seek to_ penetrate its tissue, but, again controlled
0820F32 by hormones, one and only one, sperm is permitted to_ get in through
0830F32 the ovum*'s walls: then fertilisation is complete. ^The fertilised
0840F32 ovum or embryo continues to_ travel down the tube until it reaches
0850F32 the uterus; here it buries itself in the tissue walls and begins to_
0860F32 grow and multiply, fed by the now pregnant mother*'s serum and nutrients.
0870F32 ^In less than eight weeks it grows to_ assume the shape of a baby,
0880F32 limbs, body and head clearly distinguishable. ^This foetus grows
0890F32 until ready for delivery, once again controlled and determined by various
0900F32 hormones. $^*Lesley could not conceive because the ovum traveling
0910F32 down the tube was blocked half way through and could not come into
0920F32 contact with sperms. ^So the actual conception-- sperm meeting ovum
0930F32 took place in a lab dish. ^The rest of the foetal growth was exactly
0940F32 as in any normal full-term pregnancy. $^By its very nature, it is
0950F32 clear, the Steptoe*-edwards procedure cannot become routine or universal.
0960F32 ^One in thirty married women has blocked tubes; not many can be helped
0970F32 in this fashion. ^Already in Britain more than 5,000 childless women
0980F32 with defective tubes are clamouring for lab-dish conception. ^It is
0990F32 impossible to_ serve them all. $^There are several risks, dangers and
1000F32 problems involved in this madico-surgical intervention. ^Enormous care
1010F32 and immense expertise are necessary. ^The selection and removal of
1020F32 the ovum are tricky procedures. ^The laboratory must have the right
1030F32 environment; else a mishap may occur, dashing the hopes of the mother-to_-be.
1040F32 ^The culturing of the embryo may damage the germ cells
1050F32 or halt their division and subsequent differentiation. ^The embryo has
1060F32 to_ be carefully observed so as to_ avoid genetic damage which may
1070F32 lead to deformities. ^The growth of the foetus must also be monitorered
1080F32 with extreme care. ^The possibility of damaging the embryo or genetically
1090F32 altering it as a result of exposure to artificial conditions
1100F32 cannot be ignored. ^The risks at the moment are not outweighed by the
1110F32 advantages. $*<*3Manipulation of Life Processes*0*> $^Other dangers
1120F32 are more frightful. ^The Louise Brown case may well represent a
1130F32 step towards control and manipulation of life processes such as recombinant
1140F32 \0DNA (where new life-forms are lab-produced). ^Above all,
1150F32 not enough data have been gathered about reproduction, not enough animal
1160F32 experiments done. ^Possibly the Steptoe-Edwards team was lucky.
1170F32 ^But luck cannot be universalised. ^The two specialists took a great
1180F32 risk: was the risk a calculated one or scientifically justifiable?
1190F32 ^Many other experts do not think so. ^Here may be seen a trace of competition:
1200F32 the yearning to_ be first in any field of research (somewhat
1210F32 like \0Dr Christiaan Barnard*'s first heart transplant before he
1220F32 fully recognised the major hurdle of tissue rejection). $^Does lab-dish
1230F32 fertilisation increase the risk of genetic abnormalities? ^Nobody
1240F32 knows; certainly not the British team which has hit the headlines.
1250F32 ^In normal Fallopian tube fertilisation only the strongest (and hence
1260F32 fittest) sperm can swim against the tide, reach the ovum and be accepted
1270F32 by it inside. ^In external fertilisation genetically strong and
1280F32 weak sperms have an almost equal chance of acceptance. ^If a weak sperm
1290F32 gets in, the result could be a defective baby. ^This issue, which
1300F32 is of great meaning to a woman who desperately wants to_ bear a child
1310F32 has not been satisfactorily researched. $^There are even more grotesque
1320F32 problems. ^Externally fertilised ova and human embryos may be misused
1330F32 for various types of research, especially for synthesising and testing
1340F32 new drugs, using substances that_ cannot be cultured except in
1350F32 a growing foetus. ^Surrogate mothers who are prepared at a price to_
1360F32 receive an embryo implant and grow it to full terms, thus giving
1370F32 the term "midwife" a literally new twist. ^Career women (film stars,
1380F32 tennis champions) who cannot spare the time or stand the discomfort
1390F32 of pregnancy and yet crave to_ have a baby of their own. ^Oosperm banks;
1400F32 sperm banks; genetically altered, "made-to-order" babies artificially
1410F32 equipped with selected qualities and characteristics. ^The field
1420F32 is wide open in molecular genetics for nightmare piled on nightmare.
1430F32 $*3^These are some of the known risks and probable dangers... ^What
1440F32 are the plus points of this biological experiment? \0^*Dr Edwards says
1450F32 the technique may be applied even to some cases of infertility unconnected
1460F32 with Fallopian tube blockage. ^Sterilisation (for example,
1470F32 tubectomy) may be reversed, but the possibility of foetus malformation
1480F32 remains. ^This new laboratory tool may help in the prevention of
1490F32 a few genetic diseases. ^New methods of contraception can also be tested
1500F32 by using the new technique. $^Dish fertilisation will enable scientists
1510F32 to_ get as many experimental animals (rats, rabbits, chicks) as they
1520F32 need by using the knowledge now gained. ^For genetics research a new
1530F32 clearance in the thicket has been hacked out: where chick embryos are now
1550F32 used, not always with success, human embryos, externally fertilised,
1560F32 may become available, although the prospect is repulsive. $^Finally, the
1570F32 mysterios process of conception, maturation and parturition, in which genes,
1580F32 homones, time, gravity and a host of other factors are involved, may
1590F32 be studied more closely and thoroughly. ^Human reproduction is still
1600F32 a big puzzle, but it is unlikely that all the fine details will ever be
1610F32 disclosed to man. ^There are definite limitations to the gathering of knowledge
1620F32 by means of purely analytical and observational techniques.
1630F32 $^At any rate, it cannot be denied that Louise*'s birth has given an
1640F32 impetus to biotechnology in general. $^What of the future? ^It bristles
1650F32 with question marks. ^There are ethical and legal problems. ^Time
1660F32 will somehow solve them. ^Artificial insemination by donor and egg
1670F32 transfer from donor are deemed more unacceptable and less satisfactory than
1680F32 the new technique where no third party is involved. ^Gene manipulation
1690F32 experiments may increase in number, possibly to the detriment of
1700F32 the species*' genetic stock and causing a cultural shock which will
1710F32 painfully alter human attitudes. $*<*3The Trauma*> $^More specifically
1720F32 what of Louise*'s own future? ^Will she be able to_ lead a
1730F32 normal life? ^Will she grow into a physically and mentally normal human
1740F32 being? ^She is now world-famous, rich, unique, and as she grows up she
1750F32 may come to_ be looked upon as a freak, even if a few more babies
1760F32 like her are born in the next few years. ^This will injure her psychologically
1770F32 for no fault of hers. ^Nor will her parent*'s overnight afflience
1780F32 be able successfully to_ counteract the trauma. ^Baby Brown
1790F32 is a marked child. $^Why did the birth of this baby catch the imagination
1800F32 of many people, chiefly women? ^Why did the press go hysterical?
1810F32 ^For an answer we have to_ examine the involvement of personal emotions
1820F32 and the traditional glorification of motherhood. ^Female children
1830F32 are socially conditioned to_ believe that becoming a mother is
1840F32 their ultimate achievement. ^There is a historical reason for this.
1850F32 $^In ancient times "^Go forth and multiply" was the command.*#
        **[no. of words = 02004**]

        **[txt. f33**]
0010F33 $**<*3Urinary stones**> $*3^STONES CAN*0 be formed anywhere in the
0020F33 human body. ^But the two well-known and well-documented sites are the
0030F33 urinary tract, and the biliary tract, (pertaining to the liver and
0040F33 the gall bladder). ^The urinary stones have a slight edge over the
0050F33 gall stones in incidence and medical importance. $^The urinary system consists
0060F33 of the group of organs, which function with the formation of
0070F33 urine, and its excretion from the body. ^These comprise two kidneys,
0080F33 where the urine is actually formed and the ureters, which are the
0090F33 conducting tubes by which the urine is transmitted to the storing organ
0100F33 or receptacle known as the urinary bladder. $*<*3Normal urination*0*>
0110F33 $^When the urine fills the bladder up to a certain capacity, the
0120F33 individual feels an urge to_ urinate. ^However, this urge can be suppressed
0130F33 temporarily, and urination postponed under certain circumstances.
0140F33 $^Normally, an adult excretes on an average 1.5 to 2 litres of urine
0150F33 per day. ^The formation of urine is intended for the excretion of
0160F33 certain waste products formed in the body whose accumulation would
0170F33 have adverse effects. $^Urine has been subjected to extensive chemical
0180F33 analysis and found to_ contain water, urea, salts such as sodium chloride
0190F33 and potassium chloride, calcium, oxalates, phosphates, uric acid,
0200F33 as well as various other acids formed in the body. $*<*3Adjustment
0210F33 by the body*0*> $^Normally, all these substances remain dissolved in
0220F33 urine. ^According to the laws of chemistry, the solubility of any
0230F33 substance in a liquid depends on different factors such as its chemical
0240F33 character, concentration, reaction of the liquid, acidic or basic nature
0250F33 \0etc. ^In a normal individual, all these factors are so adjusted
0260F33 by the body that the various chemical substances remain dissolved.
0270F33 $^In addition to these chemical factors, there is a very important mechanical
0280F33 factor involved-- the periodic emptying of the urinary tract.
0290F33 ^The prolonged standing of any solution leads to crystallization and
0300F33 precipitation. ^The regular emptying of the urinary tract avoids stagnation
0310F33 of urine and thus prevents stone formation. $^When the normal course
0320F33 is disturbed, the precipitation of the urinary salts is likely to_
0330F33 result in stone formation. ^For instance, in certain individuals,
0340F33 the amount of calcium excreted in urine may be above normal. ^Such
0350F33 a state may be due to either hereditary defect in calcium excretion, or
0360F33 due to an abnormally excessive ingestion of a calcium rich diet like milk.
0370F33 ^Also, the diseases of the kidney itself as well as other organs
0380F33 like the bones or endocrine glands may lead to excessive urinary calcium
0390F33 excretion. ^In these cases, the amount of calcium might exceed the critical
0400F33 solubility level and lead to precipitation. $*<*3Stone formation*0*>
0410F33 $^Similarly, any obstruction in the passage of urine may result in
0420F33 stone formation. ^This is because obstruction leads to stagnation which,
0430F33 in turn, promotes crystallization of the dissolved substances.
0440F33 ^But that_ is not all. ^Despite these well-documented pre-disposing
0450F33 factors, there remain a vast majority of 'urinary stone-formers' in
0460F33 whom the exact defect responsible for the stone-formation remains
0470F33 unknown. $^Majority of the chemical ingredients likely to_ form stones
0480F33 are composed of calcium oxalates or phosphates, magnesium oxalates
0490F33 or phosphates, and uric acid. ^Sometimes, stones with a mixed composition
0500F33 are also formed. ^It is possible to_ recognize the exact type of
0510F33 stone in an individual by the symptoms it produces, as well as by the
0520F33 chemical analysis, and the microscopic examination of the urine.
0530F33 $^Of the symptoms, the most common one is pain. ^It can be a dull pain
0540F33 in the back in the region below the ribs. ^Such a pain is likely
0550F33 when the stone is situated either in the kidney itself, or in the adjacent
0560F33 roomy portion known as the renal pelvis. $^When the stone migrates
0570F33 to the conducting tubes-- the 'ureters' the pain changes its character.
0580F33 ^These muscular ureteric tubes undergo vigorous contraction
0590F33 to_ push the stone forward into the roomy urinary bladder, and this
0600F33 produces the agonizing pain referred to as renal colic. ^This pain
0610F33 starts over the back, and goes towards the external genital organs.
0620F33 $^Another common symptom is the passage of blood-stained urine, medically
0630F33 referred to as haematuria. ^This symptom is more likely in the
0640F33 patients with oxalate stones than in the those with phosphate stones.
0650F33 ^This is because oxalate stones have pointed crusts on the surface,
0660F33 and, hence are more likely to_ erode the blood vessels in the urinary
0670F33 passages, while phosphate stones are smooth, and hence, are rarely
0680F33 associated with haematuria. $^The symptoms of urinary infection like
0690F33 burning pain while passing urine, frequent desire to_ pass urine, and
0700F33 fever are likely to_ supervene at any stage, since the presence
0710F33 of the stones in the urinary tract makes it susceptible to the invasion
0720F33 of the germs. ^It is a clinical dictum that any patient with persistent
0730F33 symptoms of urinary infection should undergo investigations
0740F33 to_ rule out stone trouble in the urinary tract. $^Occasionally, these
0750F33 stones can cause sudden cessation of the urination. ^The patient may
0760F33 struggle and scream and yell with pain. ^He may make several attempts
0770F33 to_ pass urine, but all his efforts are futile. $^If the presence
0780F33 of the urinary stone is left undetected for a long time, or too
0790F33 many urinary stones are present, the kindly may show progressive deterioration
0800F33 in its functioning ultimately leading on to renal failure. ^In
0810F33 such a late stage, the symptoms like weakness, listlessness, and diminished
0820F33 mental activity are likely to_ predominate. $^The detection of
0830F33 urinary stones has become quite easy, provided the condition is suspected.
0840F33 ^Thanks to the X-rays. ^Majority of the urinary stones can
0850F33 be seen in the X-ray films. ^Besides as stated earlier, the chemical
0860F33 and microscopic examination of urine are also certain to_ be helpful
0870F33 in diagnosis. $^But, the most difficult aspect in the medical examination
0880F33 of these 'stone-formers' is the elucidation of the exact predisposing
0890F33 factor. ^For this, certain blood investigations as well as detailed
0900F33 studies to_ rule out anatomical defects in the urinary tract are
0910F33 essential. ^The latter can be done by direct examination of the interior
0920F33 of the urinary tract with specialized instruments as well as by radiographic
0930F33 techniques. ^But it must be admitted that in spite of all these
0940F33 studies, the exact predisposing factor in an individual may remain
0950F33 undetected. $*<*3Simple treatment*0*> $^Though this fact might
0960F33 discourage the doctor and disappoint the patient, one encouraging
0970F33 aspect in the treatment of urinary stones is that the majority of the
0980F33 patients can be cured by simple treatment, as most of the stones
0990F33 are passed out in the urine spontaneously. ^Such an outcome can be encouraged
1000F33 by simple drugs and certain dietary regulations. ^Besides, the
1010F33 recurrence of the symptoms can also be prevented by these measures. $^For
1020F33 instance, the ingestion of large quantities of water dilutes the
1030F33 concentration of the various chemical substances in the urine, and thus,
1040F33 minimises the stone formation. ^All potential 'stone-formers' should
1050F33 drink at least 3 to 3.5 litres of water and aim at a urinary output
1060F33 of 2 to 3 litres per day. ^This dictum should be scrupulously followed
1070F33 in the summer and while undertaking long journeys. $^Also, they
1080F33 should reduce the intake of such food which **[sic**] is likely to_
1090F33 increase the concentration of the stone-forming substances in the
1100F33 urine. ^For instance, people with calcium phosphate stones should
1110F33 take limited quantity of milk and milk products like cheese, butter,
1120F33 meat and meat products. ^The oxalate stone formers should avoid excessive
1130F33 ingestion of articles like tomato, spinach, and onion which contain
1140F33 large quantities of oxalates. ^The uric acid stone-formers should
1150F33 reduce the intake of meat and meat products. $^Whith these measures,
1160F33 majority of the urinary stones can be eradicated and their recurrences
1170F33 prevented. ^Only in rare instances, surgical intervention is necessary
1180F33 for the removal of the stones. ^However, where obstruction
1190F33 in the urinary passages predisposes to stone-formation, surgical correction
1200F33 of the obstruction is necessary. $*<*3Wrong notions*0*> $^Many
1210F33 notions and concepts disturb the minds of the people about these
1220F33 urinary stones. ^Some patients make interesting queries about the
1230F33 formation of these stones. ^One of the sufferers once thought that
1240F33 the adulteration of food articles like rice and pulses with pellets
1250F33 of mud and stones might be responsible for the formation of the urinary
1260F33 stones. $^His contention was that these stones in the diet are
1270F33 absorbed through intestines and get deposited in the urinary tract.
1280F33 ^But this contention is far from the truth since the urinary stone-formation
1290F33 is an *8in situ*9 process-- that_ is, the precipitation of
1300F33 the constituents occurs in the urinary tract itself. $^In conclusion,
1310F33 here are some points to_ remember: $(1) ^Stone formation in the
1320F33 urinary tract is a fairly common disorder with varied causes, some
1330F33 of which are still not clear. $(2) ^The symptoms vary from mild to severe,
1340F33 the onset, insidious to dramatic, and the effects on the system
1350F33 insignificant to serious. $(3) ^The patients with persistent urinary
1360F33 symptoms, whatever may be the nature, have to_ be investigated with
1370F33 a view to_ detect the presence of the urinary stones. $(4) ^The urinary
1380F33 stones can be easily detected by the simple tests of urine and blood
1390F33 as well as by the X-rays. $(5) ^Majority of the 'stone-formers'
1400F33 can be easily treated by certain dietary adjustments and simple drugs.
1410F33 ^Only a few require surgery.
1420F33 $**<*3Is homoeopathy scientific?*0**> $'*3*8^Similibia similibus curentus*9*0'
1430F33 or 'like cures like!' ^In a nutshell, this is what homoeopathy
1440F33 is based on. ^Sickness is caused by three factors called miasms!
1450F33 ^These three miasms, singly or in various combinations, are the cause
1460F33 of all diseases. ^They are psora, sycosis and syphilis. $^Psora refers
1470F33 to all functional disorders in the body like fever and pain, \0etc,
1480F33 with no reference to any structural abnormality. ^Sycosis refers
1490F33 to all the abnormal proliferation of tissues. ^Syphilis refers to
1500F33 all ulcerating disorders. $^For treatment, the drug chosen is one which
1510F33 when given to a symptomless individual produces the same symptom
1520F33 complex as it is supposed to_ cure. ^The more diluted the drug, the
1530F33 more is the potency. ^And in the initial stages of homoeopathic treatment,
1540F33 the symptoms are exaggerated and that_ indicates good response
1550F33 to the treatment. $^The homoeopaths and the protagonists of this
1560F33 system claim that homoeopathy aims at removing the cause of the disease
1570F33 by increasing the body*'s natural defence against the disease, and
1580F33 hence, is more natural and effective than any other system. ^Before
1590F33 we discuss the logic of the above postulate, it is necessary to_
1600F33 go into some historical aspects. $^*Samuel Hahnemann, a German, discovered
1610F33 homoeopathy in 1790 when he was 35. ^At that_ time, witchcraft
1620F33 and magic were synonymous. ^Malaria in particular was a very
1630F33 common disease. ^Only a few survived serious injuries or surgery. ^There
1640F33 were as many systems of medicine as there were communities, and
1650F33 the treatment of any disease was based on the speculative prowess of
1660F33 the doctor. $^The treatment was primitive. ^For example, the leeches
1670F33 were applied to the body surface to_ relieve oedema \0etc. ^The
1680F33 treatment was worse than the disease. ^In this context, Hahnemann
1690F33 searched for an alternative. ^He gave up allopathy in 1788. $^Malaria
1700F33 was recognised by most of the people because of the periodic fever
1710F33 it caused. ^Cinchona bark was empirically but successfully used as
1720F33 the treatment. ^It was mentioned in Cullen*'s *8Materia Medica*9
1730F33 which Hahnemann was translating in 1790. ^It is now a well known
1740F33 fact that if a normal person takes cinchona or its allied drug, an attack
1750F33 of malaria is prevented and if it occurs, it is in a mild form.
1760F33 $^*Hahnemann took a dose of cinchona and suffered a mild malaria attack
1770F33 subsequently. ^He attributed his sickness to the intake of cinchona,
1780F33 and advanced the hypothesis that a drug that_ caused a disease
1790F33 when taken by a normal person cured the same disease. ^Accidentally,
1800F33 this also happened in the case of several other volunteers. ^They were
1810F33 given cinchona and had a milder attack of malaria. ^This strengthened
1820F33 Hanemann*'s conviction. $^The real causative germs of malaria
1830F33 and other infectious diseases were discovered much later in rapid succession--
1840F33 malaria parasite in 1878, 35 years after Hahnemann*'s death,
1850F33 tubercle bacillus in 1882, diptheria bacillus in 1883, cholera vibrio
1860F33 in 1884 and typhoid bacillus in 1885.*#
        **[no. of words = 02003**]

        **[txt. f34**]
0010F34 **<*3THE MAHABHARATA*0**> $*<*3Wanderings*0*> $*3^THE PANDAVAS MARCHED
0020F34 ON*0 in silence with a group of devoted followers trailing along,
0030F34 until they reached the banks of the Ganga. ^There they spent
0040F34 the night under a spreading tree. ^A few among Yudhistira*'s followers
0050F34 lit a sacrificial fire and melodiously chanted the *4Vedas to
0060F34 while away the time. $^*Yudhistira appealed to them, "^Please go
0070F34 back. ^The forest is too full of risks-- reptiles and beasts of prey.
0080F34 ^We have brought upon ourseleves this fate, why should you share
0090F34 it? ^My brothers are too dispirited even to_ pluck fruits or hunt
0100F34 animals to_ provide you food. ^So please return to your homes." $^Some
0110F34 listened to his advice and left, but others refused to_ go, assuring
0120F34 him that they would look after themselves without proving burdensome
0130F34 in any manner. ^*Yudhistira was touched by their affection, and
0140F34 was unable to_ check the tears welling up. ^His sorrow affected everyone.
0150F34 $^At this moment, Saunaka, one of the learned men in the
0160F34 group, consoled him with the philosophy. "^Griefs and fears by the thousands
0170F34 afflict all men night and day, but affect only the ignorant.
0180F34 ^Wise men like you should never be overwhelmed by changes of circumstance,
0190F34 which cause poverty, loss of home, kingdom, or of one*'s
0200F34 kith and kin." ^He expounded a philosophy of acceptance and resignation,
0210F34 of getting beyond appearances to the core of reality, where one
0220F34 could understand the ephemeral nature of wealth, youth, beauty, and
0230F34 possessions. $^*Yudhistira explained, "^It is not for myself that
0240F34 I feel the loss of a home. ^*I feel for my brothers and Panchali,
0250F34 whom I have involved in this misery. ^*I am sorry for those who
0260F34 are following me. ^One should have a roof to_ afford rest and shade
0270F34 to those who seek one*'s hospitality, otherwise one ceases to_
0280F34 be human." $^Understanding his predicament, Dhaumya, his priest, said,
0290F34 "At the beginning creatures were born hungry. ^In order to_
0300F34 help, the Sun tilted himself half the year northward and the other
0310F34 half southward and absorbed the vapours. ^The moon converted the vapours
0320F34 into clouds and sent down the rain, and created the plant world,
0330F34 which nourishes life, at the same time providing for the six kinds
0340F34 of taste. ^It is the Sun*'s energy that_ supports life. ^Hence, Yudhistira,
0350F34 you must seek his grace. ^All ancient kings have supported
0360F34 their dependents by meditating on the Sun." $^*Yudhistira purified
0370F34 himself with ablutions, and centred his thoughts on the Sun God.
0380F34 ^Reciting a hymn in his praise, he uttered his one hundred and eight
0390F34 names, standing in knee-deep water and fasting. ^In answer to his
0400F34 prayers the Sun God appeared, luminous and blazing offered him
0410F34 a copper bowl, and said, "let Panchali hold this vessel from this
0420F34 day, and you will have from it an inexhaustible supply of food, as
0430F34 much as you want for twelve years to_ come, and in the fourteenth
0440F34 year, you will regain your kingdom." $^After crossing over to the other
0450F34 bank of the Ganga, they trudged along for many days and reached
0460F34 a forest known as Dwaitavana, where dwelt many hermits, living
0470F34 a life of contemplation amidst nature. ^The Pandavas could forget
0480F34 their trials momentarily in such enlightened company. ^With the copper
0490F34 bowl in Draupadi*'s hands, Yudhistira could provide the hermits
0500F34 as well as his followers with limitless food. $^One afternoon
0510F34 Vidura arrived at their retreat. ^The moment Yudhistira saw the
0520F34 coming chariot, he said to his brothers, "Does Vidura come again
0530F34 to_ summon us to_ play dice? ^Perhaps Sakuni feels that he should
0540F34 appropriate our weapons too, which he did not touch last time." ^With
0550F34 great apprehension they welcomed the visitor and enquired of his
0560F34 purpose. ^He replied, "I have been cast away by our King." ^And
0570F34 he explained the circumstances that_ led to it. $^After the banishment
0580F34 of the ^Pandavas, Dhritarashtra was filled with regret and
0590F34 summoned Vidura to_ prescribe for him a course for attaining peace
0600F34 of mind. ^He had spent many sleepless nights thinking of his brother*'s
0610F34 children now treading the hard path in the forests. ^He wanted
0620F34 a salve for his conscience, some agreeable statement from Vidura
0630F34 that the Pandavas wouldbe quite well, that Fate had, decreed
0640F34 their exile, and that Dhritarashtra was not personally responsible
0650F34 for anything. ^But Vidura was as outspoken as ever and repeated that
0660F34 Duryodhana should be cast away if their house was to_ be saved.
0670F34 ^This irritated the King, who said, "Vidura you believe in being
0680F34 disagreeable. ^You hate me and my children. ^You are partial to
0690F34 the Pandavas and always wish to_ do things that_ are agreeable to
0700F34 them." $"^As the sick man detests the medicine given to him, so
0710F34 did the king hate the words of advice I uttered. ^Just as a youthful
0720F34 damsel would spurn the advances of a man of seventy, so did Dhritarashtra
0730F34 spurn my advice. ^He said, 'go away for ever. ^*I shall not
0740F34 need your guidance or advice to_ rule the world. ^Go where they will
0750F34 heed your words-- anywhere you may choose except here. ^Now go
0760F34 away immediately.' ^And here I am." $^The Pandavas were happy in Vidura*'s
0770F34 company. ^But hardly had they settled down to this pleasant
0780F34 state when another messenger arrived post-haste from Hastinapura.
0790F34 ^It was Sanjaya. ^He was again received with every courtesy, but
0800F34 he would hardly be seated for a moment. "^*I am in a great hurry,"
0810F34 he explained. "^Our King commands Vidura to_ return immediately.
0820F34 yesterday the King fell down in a faint at the assembly hall. ^He
0830F34 had been grief stricken ever since he had expelled Vidura, and lamented,
0840F34 'I have lopped off my own limb. ^How can I live? ^Will he forgive
0850F34 me? Is he alive?' ^We revived him and then he ordered, 'go and
0860F34 seek Vidura wherever he may be and if he is alive, beg him to_ return.
0870F34 ^Tell him how I feel like branding my tongue with hot iron for
0880F34 my utterance. ^*Sanjaya, my life depends upon you, go this instant
0890F34 and find him.'" $^*Vidura had no choice but to_ return to Hastinapura.
0900F34 ^On seeing him, Dhritarashtra, who had lain prostrate, sat up
0910F34 and wept with joy. ^But this situation did not suit his sons. $^*Sakuni,
0920F34 Duryodhana, and Karna consulted among themselves. "^Our King
0930F34 is fickle-minded. ^Some day he is going to_ send his own chariot
0940F34 for his nephews and offer them the throne, and that_ is going to_
0950F34 be the end of us. ^We know where they are now. ^Let us go with a body
0960F34 of picked men and destroy them. ^We should not let them nurture
0970F34 their grievance and plan revenge for thirteen years...." ^And soon
0980F34 they made various preparations to_ go forth and attack the Pandavas
0990F34 in their forest retreat. $^At this moment Sage Vyasa, knowing
1000F34 by intuition what was afoot, arrived and advised them to_ drop their
1010F34 adventure. ^Turning to Dhritarashtra, he said, "listen to me; I
1020F34 will tell you what will help you. ^Don*'4t allow this hostility to_
1030F34 continue. ^Your brother*'s children are only five, yours are a hundred...
1040F34 ^You have no cause for envy. ^Command your sons to_ go out and
1050F34 make their peace with the Pandavas. ^Otherwise, as I read the
1060F34 future, at the end of thirteen years the Pandavas will wipe you out
1070F34 of human memory. ^Heed my warning." $^Frightened by this prophecy,
1080F34 Dhritarashtra said, "Please advise my evil-minded sons." $^At this
1090F34 moment another sage named Maitreyi arrived on a visit, and Vyasa
1100F34 said, "Let this sage speak to your sons." $^After he was seated
1110F34 and shown all the courtesies, Maitreyi said to Dhritarashtra, "I
1120F34 was on a pilgrimage to the holy places and happened to_ visit Dwaitavana,
1130F34 where I met Yudhistira, his brothers, and Panchali living
1140F34 out the life of forest nomads. ^*I was pained to_ see them thus,
1150F34 and though Yudhistira is resigned to it, it strikes me as an undeserved
1160F34 suffering." ^Then, turning to Duryodhana, the *4rishi said very
1170F34 softly, "O mighty warrior, listen to me. ^Put an end to all this
1180F34 strife and bitterness and you will be saving your family from annihilation."
1190F34 $^*Duryodhana received the advice with a cynical smile, slapping
1200F34 his thigh in response and kicking the ground at his feet to_ show
1210F34 his indifference, whereupon the sage laid a curse on him. "^When
1220F34 the time comes, you will reap the fruits of your insolence and Bhima
1230F34 will rip that_ thigh of yours, which you slap so heroically now."
1240F34 $^*Dhritarashtra was aghast and begged, "please take back your curse."
1250F34 $"^That_ I can*'4t, once uttered. ^However, if your son makes
1260F34 peace with the Pandavas, my curse will not take effect. ^Otherwise,
1270F34 it will turn out exactly as I have decreed." $^Having come to_ know
1280F34 that Yudhistira had been condemned to a forest life, several friendly
1290F34 kings visited him to_ ask if they could help him in any way, Yudhistira
1300F34 just said, "Wait for thirteen years. ^In the fourteenth
1310F34 year, I will need all your help." $^*Krishna had also arrived from
1320F34 Dwaraka, and he said to Yudhistira: "^*I had to_ be away on
1330F34 another mission. ^Otherwise I would have come to Hastinapura and
1340F34 stopped the game which has brought you to this pass. ^*I would have
1350F34 persuaded the Kauravas to_ give up their sinful ways-- or I would
1360F34 have destroyed them all on the spot." $^*Draupadi was moved by Krishna*'s
1370F34 sympathy. "^My five husbands, gifted warriors of this world,
1380F34 looked on helplessly while I was dragged about, insulted, and disrobed...
1390F34 ^*Dussasana grabbed me by the hair, and if I put up my hands
1400F34 to_ protect my head, he tugged away the single wrap around my body.
1410F34 ^He ignored my plea that this was not the time to_ touch me.. ^Nowhere
1420F34 in the universe has any woman been so vilely handled, and Karna
1430F34 and Dussasana and the others leered and joked and asked me to_
1440F34 take a new husband, as if I were a harlot." ^She broke down and
1450F34 wept at the memory of the incident. "^Five warriors-- five warriors
1460F34 were my husbands who could not lift a finger to_ help me, except
1470F34 Bhima who was held back. ^You alone came to my rescue... you heard
1480F34 my call... you are my saviour. ^*Arjuna*'s Gandiva and someone else*'s
1490F34 mace or sword-- of what avail were they when I was dragged before
1500F34 an assembly of monsters?" $^*Krishna appeased her. "^*I promise you--
1510F34 Duryodhana, his brothers, Karna, and the evil genius behind them
1520F34 all, Sakuni-- all of them will be punished. ^Their blood will stain
1530F34 the dust. ^You will see Yudhistira installed on the throne." $^After
1540F34 Krishna left, an argument began between Yudhistira and Draupadi.
1550F34 ^She had faithfully obeyed Yudhistira*'s commands, but never
1560F34 accepted his philosophy. "^To_ see you-- particularly you, whom
1570F34 I have seen in a silken bed and on a golden throne, waited upon by
1580F34 the rulers of the earth-- now in this state, mud-spattered, clad
1590F34 in deerskin, sleeping on hard ground -- oh, it wrings my heart.
1600F34 ^To_ see Bhima, who achieves single-handed every victory, now in
1610F34 this distressing state, does it not stir your anger? ^*Arjuna of a
1620F34 thousand arms-- as it seems when he sends the arrows, worshipped
1630F34 by celestial and human beings alike-- bound hand and foot, does it
1640F34 not make you indignant? ^Why does not your anger blaze up and consume
1650F34 your enemies? ^And me, the doughter of Drupada and sister of Dhrishtadyumna,
1660F34 disgraced and forced to_ live like this! ^How is it you
1670F34 are so mild? ^There is no *4kshatriya who is incapable of anger, so
1680F34 they say, but your attitude does not prove it. ^You should never forgive
1690F34 a devil, but destroy him without leaving a trace. ^On this subject,
1700F34 have you not heard the story of Prahlada and his grandson Bali of
1710F34 ancient times? ^The grandson enquired, 'Tell me, is blind forgiveness
1720F34 superior to judicious anger?' ^*Prahlada, who knew all the subtleties
1730F34 of conduct, answered, 'Child, aggressiveness is not always good,
1740F34 nor is forgiveness. ^One who is known to_ be forgiving always suffers
1750F34 and causes his dependents also to_ suffer. ^Servants, strangers,
1760F34 and enemies ill-treat him, steal his goods under his very nose, and
1770F34 even try to_ take his wife away.*#
        **[no. of words = 02008**]

        [txt. f35**]
0010F35 **<*3The Bengalis: the perfect prigs*0**> $"^WE, HINDUS, are the most
0020F35 perfect prigs that_ have ever trodden on this earth," says Nirad *(0C.*)
0030F35 Chaudhary, I wish to_ amend his statement by saying that it
0040F35 is we, Bengalis, who are the most perfect prigs. $^Once I asked my
0050F35 Bengali neighbour, "Have you seen *3Garam Hawa?" $^My neighbour,
0060F35 twisting his lips, gave me a highbrow answer, "When I can afford
0070F35 to_ see a Bengali movie of Satyajit Ray and can understand it, I do
0080F35 not care for the Hindi films." $*<*3No knowledge of mother tongue*>
0090F35 $^Mind you, he answered me in English and he was a Bengali who,
0100F35 being educated in a public school, did not know how to_ read and write
0110F35 Bengali. $^This is a common phenomenon. ^Every Bengali is proud of
0120F35 his culture, language and literature. ^In fact, this chauvinism has reached
0130F35 such an extent that anything other than Bengali culture and literature
0140F35 is looked down upon with contempt and is considered inferior.
0150F35 $^Ask him about the culture of Punjab. ^The answer would be in the
0160F35 form of a counter-question with a sarcastic smile: "^Do they have any
0170F35 culture?" ^This intrinsic sense of cultural superiority leading to a
0180F35 contempt for others is a disease every Bengali suffers from. $*<*3Why
0190F35 superiority complex?*> $^But the question is: why does an average Bengali
0200F35 wear a look of superiority and consider himself an elite, as far
0210F35 as culture and literature go? $^Granted Bengal has a rich cultural
0220F35 heritage. ^Beginning from Ram Mohun Roy, Bankim Chandra and Modhusudan
0230F35 to Tagore and Saratchandra, it has a host of good writers. ^*Jamini
0240F35 Roy, Nanda Lal Bose, Abanidranath Tagore-- all from Bengal--
0250F35 are renowned for their paintings. ^It is also true that in Satyajit
0260F35 Ray, the Bengalis have an internationally reputed film director.
0270F35 $^But the snag is that a Bengali is mainly proud of his cultural
0280F35 past. ^Except Satyajit Ray, there is no other Bengali who has been
0290F35 able to_ attain international fame in the post-War era. ^It clearly
0300F35 indicates how frail the structure of this chauvinism is. $^Despite this,
0310F35 the Bengalis are fully intoxicated with the pride of a rich cultural
0320F35 past. ^As a result, they quite forget that the present standard of
0330F35 their literature is poor, and the future of their culture is bleak.
0340F35 ^*Tagore is still their key figure. ^*Tagore is their world, Tagore is
0350F35 their literature and everything. ^*Tagore*'s Viswabharati is the best
0360F35 university to them. $^True, Rabindranath was the most talented literateur
0370F35 modern India has produced. ^But does this mean that anything which
0380F35 is not Tagore is inferior? ^This is a sign of jingoism. ^You say,
0390F35 "Well, Tagore died more than 35 years ago, and there is no point in
0400F35 citing Tagore as a current example of the richness of your literature,
0410F35 for that_ will be mere living in the past." ^The Bengali will promptly
0420F35 retort back with his stock answer, "Satyajit ray". $^But then that_
0430F35 is all he can trot out. ^*Ray is perhaps the only Bengali after
0440F35 the Second World War who has been able to_ make the grade on the
0450F35 international scene. ^In short, Tagore is the past of a Bengali, his
0460F35 present is Ray. ^But his future is all balnk. $*<*3Pride in past*>
0470F35 $^Surprisingly enough, this glaring fact that their pride lies in
0480F35 their past achievements and the future is very much dark, does not deter
0490F35 Bengalis from looking down upon other cultures and literatures. $^This
0500F35 kind of blind chauvinism was blatantly exposed when some Bengali prigs
0510F35 said that film director Shyam Benegal hailed from Bengal-- obviously,
0520F35 an inference derived from his surname which by mistake, or by
0530F35 intention was spelt in Bengali as 'Bengal' till recently. ^Along
0540F35 with this young director, there are a number of other young promising
0550F35 film directors who have been claimed as from Bengal. ^In the film line,
0560F35 Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, \0etc, are the only film directors
0570F35 who have so far made the grade. ^On the other hand, a number of promising
0580F35 film directors (one of them being Shyam Benegal) are coming
0590F35 up from the North and the South. ^But even then, a Bengali still thinks
0600F35 that he is culturally more advanced. $*<*3Present literature stagnant*>
0610F35 $^In the field of literature, Bengal remains stagnant. ^It
0620F35 is where it was 30 years ago. ^*Tagore was their last key man. ^Since
0630F35 then, just one or two good writers have appeared. ^But look at Hindi,
0640F35 look at Punjabi, look at the literatures of the South. ^There is
0650F35 a tremendous progress in comparison to the literature of Bengal. ^Only
0660F35 two writers from Bengal have been able to_ get the Bharatiya Gyan
0670F35 Peeth Award for literature till today. ^In other words, the two
0680F35 Gyan Peeth Awards in the post-War era are the achievements in literature
0690F35 a Bengali is proud of! ^Therefore, it is time the priggish personality
0700F35 of a Bengali was exposed and seen in its reality. $^The Bengalis
0710F35 are mostly unadventurous. ^Exceptions are, of course, there, one of
0720F35 them being Mihir Sen. ^The validity of what has been said may be
0730F35 questioned by pointing at the Naxalite movement. ^The simple answer
0740F35 to that_ is: though the plan of the movement was devised by a small
0750F35 group of persons from Bengal (they, mind you, fall in the category
0760F35 of exceptions), the whole plan was put into action by the young boys.
0770F35 $^And here a qualification is essential that I do not consider a young
0780F35 boy of 15 or 20 a Bengali or a non Bengali because a boy of Bengal
0790F35 has the same essential qualities as a boy of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh
0800F35 or Maharashtra. ^Therefore, any boy of any region could have put the
0810F35 Naxalite movement into action, provided he had been guided by those
0820F35 men of Bengal, who as I have already said, were exceptions. $^A boy
0830F35 develops into a typical Bengali when he reaches the age of 25, and
0840F35 this process of initiation is complete by the time he becomes 30. ^It
0850F35 is in this context that I claim that an average Bengali is unadventurous
0860F35 by nature. $^He is all the time governed by a middle class philosophy,
0870F35 'The best safety lies in fear.' ^He is a man who sincerely believes
0880F35 that life should go on placidly. ^He does not do anything for the
0890F35 betterment of his society or his family, though he may talk off his head
0900F35 in the morning queue for the bus, in his office, in the evening club
0910F35 where he goes to_ spend his time by playing cards, or at his group*'s
0920F35 *4Puja Committee planning ways of excelling the rival group*'s
0930F35 *3*4puja decorations next year. ^He is wise enough to_ realise the amount
0940F35 of risk involved in an active step towards improvement and, therefore,
0950F35 is prompt to_ withdraw from it. $^Due to their unadventurous
0960F35 nature, the Bengalis are found to_ be the best clerks all over India
0970F35 in fact, they are content with a fixed amount salary after the end of
0980F35 each month, and are the least interested in shouldering any responsibilities.
0990F35 ^As such, clerkship happens to_ be the most suitable job for
1000F35 them. $^But the big joke here is that even as clerks, these Bengalis
1010F35 are not sincere and honest. ^Most of the time in the office, they prefer
1020F35 to_ chat about domestic problems, rising prices, politics and football
1030F35 matches. $^Again, it is due to their unadventurous nature that the
1040F35 Bengalis do not take to business which seems to them very bothersome.
1050F35 $^A bengali does not like to_ start a business as he is endowed with
1060F35 an acute sense of prestige. ^Business is a word that_ has no place
1070F35 in his dictionary, for he considers it a humiliating proposition. ^As
1080F35 a result, the business market of Bengal is still dominated by people
1090F35 from bihar and other States. $*<*3False sense of prestige*>
1100F35 $^It was because of this sense of prestige that after independence and
1110F35 the subsequent partition, the displaced Bengalis preferred beggary
1120F35 to earning by hard work and business. ^On the other hand, the Punjabis
1130F35 did not have this false sense of prestige and were more enterprising
1140F35 in their approach to life. ^So they took to small business and gradually,
1150F35 stood on their own. $^The Bengali was a middle class clerk
1160F35 25 years ago. ^And even today, he is still there with the same old pretensions
1170F35 of intellectual and cultural superiority. $^A Bengali is a born
1180F35 critic. ^Criticism seems to_ be the most lively intellectual exercise
1190F35 for him. ^To_ be more precise, he specializes in what may be termed
1200F35 as 'armchair criticism.' ^He is well-informed about the happenings
1210F35 around him and is prone to_ express his critical views with all vehemence
1220F35 on the burning issues of the day as if he is an expert commentator.
1230F35 $^If the previous evening his favourite football team has lost the
1240F35 match against a Punjab team, he beats up his children for no reason
1250F35 and does not take his dinner. ^And the first thing he does the next
1260F35 morning after entering the office is to_ start a discussion on the
1270F35 match with his Bengali colleague. ^He condemns the players of Bengal,
1280F35 and then, lists the reasons for the debacle of his team. ^He hints
1290F35 that the referee must have accepted a bribe from the Punjab team.
1300F35 ^He sends a long letter to the editor of *3The Statesman (the favourite
1310F35 newspaper of the Bengalis), highlighting the poor display of
1320F35 football by the Bengal team and the partiality of the referee in a severely
1330F35 harsh style. $^Strangely enough, when you talk of constructive criticism
1340F35 or of solving a problem by a collective effort, every Bengali
1350F35 starts minding his own business. ^He feels injured when a Bengal
1360F35 team is defeated by a punjab team. $*<*3No incentive to players*> $^But
1370F35 do they ever think in terms of giving incentives to the Bengal players
1380F35 who had won trophies after trophies earlier with effortless ease?
1390F35 ^If a Punjab team wins a match, the incentives flow in from various
1400F35 quarters. ^A few months ago, when a Punjab team won, one local fan announced
1410F35 a donation of 50 pairs of football shoes to the winners. $^A Bengali
1420F35 can soon overcome his injured feelings at the defeat by remembering
1430F35 the good old days when the Bengal teams dominated the football
1440F35 scene. ^That_ is why his 'armchair criticism' ends with a whimper.
1450F35 $^Though he is living in the 20th century, the Bengali*'s mental make-up
1460F35 is typically Victorian. ^He is like a Victorian Englishman minus
1470F35 all positive qualities. ^Despite the awareness of the aggravating
1480F35 conditions around him, he slips into a self-satisfied mood, which is
1490F35 possible mainly because of his dreamy nature. $^His peculiar smugness
1500F35 apart, a Bengali in no way lags behind a Victorian Englishman in sharing
1510F35 with him the art of hypocrisy. ^One can never know his real views
1520F35 and feelings. ^He is what may be called a man with a mask. ^His emotions
1530F35 are always simulated. $^Your bengali friend may invite you with
1540F35 all his sweetness for lunch but the moment you depart, he may start cracking
1550F35 dirty jokes at your expense and your family. ^Though hypocrisy is
1560F35 a trait common in the Indians, it characterises a Bengali to a greater
1570F35 extent, for he thinks that he is more intelligent than the others.
1580F35 ^And to_ prove it, he must outwit others by concealing his real emotions
1590F35 and thoughts. $*<*3Pseudo-intellectuals*> $^It is notable in this
1600F35 connection that among the so-called Bengali intellectuals, 90 per
1610F35 cent are pseudo-intellectuals. ^They are the most artful pretenders.
1620F35 ^A Bengali is apt to_ give you an intellectual look, even though his
1630F35 knowledge may be quite shallow. ^But that_ does not deter him from
1640F35 his false intellectual stance. $^Most of the Bengalis are unfriendly
1650F35 and unaccommodating. ^A Bengali is in no way inclined to_ allow a non-Bengali
1660F35 to_ enter his own circle of friends. ^He considers the non-Bengalis
1670F35 Philistines. $^In the 'Letters to the Editor' columns
1680F35 in various journals, I have noted the Bengalis*' cynical attitude and
1690F35 displeasure over the efforts of the non-Bengalis to_ learn Bengali.
1700F35 ^The non-Bengalis are considered dullards and unrefined by these Bengali
1710F35 prigs. $^A strange habit indicating the unfriendly nature of the
1720F35 Bengalis can be noticed, especially in the non-Bengali speaking regions.*#
        **[no. of words = 02016**]

        **[txt. f36**]
0010F36 **<*3Rationalist Movement in India**> $^In a country which has so many
0020F36 religions, it is but natural that there should be diverse rationalist
0030F36 movements. ^Questioning the religious dogmas, criticising the caste
0040F36 barriers, challenging the self-proclaimed godmen and exposing the miracle
0050F36 men have been the main tasks of the rationalists. $^Some rationalists,
0060F36 like \0Dr *(0M.N.*) Roy, decided to_ go along with the leftist
0070F36 political parties. *(0^*E.V.*) Ramasamy Naicker founded his own political
0080F36 outfit. ^Many stayed out of politics totally. ^Most of these rationalists
0090F36 started their own movements when they found that the Hindu reformist
0100F36 movements like the Arya Samaj and Brahmo Samaj did not go
0110F36 far enough to_ question the necessity of worshipping the gods and
0120F36 goddesses. $^What have been the achievements of the rationalist leaders?
0130F36 ^Isn*'4t 'religion' still a living force? these questions call for an assessment.
0140F36 ^At the very outset, it may be stated that the rationalist movement
0150F36 in India has made little progress. ^But then, despite the writings
0160F36 of the intellectuals like Bertrand Russell and Emile Zola, the
0170F36 Western world, too, is still receptive to religious dogmas. $^If today
0180F36 there is very little attendance in churches in the \0USA and Europe,
0190F36 it is not so because of the crusading zeal of persons like Bertrand
0200F36 Russell, but due to the fact that the people have become too busy, too
0220F36 prosperous, too complacent, too lethargic to_ bother about the religious
0230F36 aspects of life. ^Some of the rationalist leaders embraced rationalism
0240F36 after reading the books written by eminent thinkers like Zola, Bertrand
0250F36 Russell, Albert Camus and Jean Paul Sartre. ^Others took
0260F36 to rationalism because of their anger against communal and religious
0270F36 intolerance. $^Many rationalists like \0Dr Abraham Kovoor believed
0280F36 in keeping away from politics. ^All that_ they wanted was to_ demonstrate
0290F36 the truth of their conviction to the people. ^But men like Gora were
0300F36 very much involved in politics. ^*Gora was an associate of Mahatma
0310F36 Gandhi. ^Though he disliked Gandhi*'s views on religion, he tolerated
0320F36 the latter for his humanism. $^In Tamil Nadu, the comrades and
0330F36 followers of *(0E.V.*) Ramasamy Naicker, popularly known as *(0EVR*)
0340F36 or Periyar, agitated not only against the evils of caste system
0350F36 but also, sought separation from the Union of India. ^Unlike the movements
0360F36 of \0Dr Kovoor and Gora, his movement was of intense intolerance.
0370F36 ^It was perhaps the most successful, popular, mass oriented rationalist
0380F36 movement in the country. $^His thoughts influenced Annadurai,
0390F36 Karunanidhi and other \0DMK leaders. ^But once it was voted to power,
0400F36 the \0DMK was compelled by circumstances, to_ shed many of
0410F36 its anti-Brahmin and anti-god notions. $^*Gora was born in an orthodox
0420F36 Hindu family in 1902 in Andhra Pradesh. ^All through his student
0430F36 days, he was a believer in religion. ^But the financial problems at
0440F36 home made him realise that only genuine hard work could bring financial
0450F36 security. ^He became a convinced atheist during his tenure as a lecturer
0460F36 in Science at a missionary college in Madurai. $^After searching
0470F36 for a quiet, inexpensive house for days together without much success,
0480F36 he came across a sprawling house which looked as if it had not been
0490F36 used for considerable time. ^He was told that the house had dubious
0500F36 reputation-- it was an 'haunted house.' $^Right from his childhood,
0510F36 he somehow could not bring himself to_ believe in ghosts. ^So he disregarded
0520F36 the reputation, and asked the landlord to_ let out two rooms
0530F36 of the palatial house at a nominal rate. ^Needless to_ say, the landlord
0540F36 was delighted to_ do so. $^*Gora lived all alone in that_ mansion
0550F36 which had 13 rooms. ^His friends and neighbours sought to_ convince
0560F36 him that his life was in danger. ^But when they saw him in a sound
0570F36 state of mind and body, in spite of living in the 'haunted' house
0580F36 for more than three months, they too started changing their mind. ^Though
0590F36 they did not become rationalists, they started believing that they
0600F36 were mistaken, at least, in the case of that_ particular house. ^And then,
0610F36 the entire house was rented out. $^During his stay in Madurai,
0620F36 Gora read avidly. ^He read a lot on Hinduism and Christianity. ^He
0630F36 read books which extolled these religions. ^He also read a few books
0640F36 which were highly critical of religion. $^He then took up a teaching
0650F36 assignment in Colombo (Sri Lanka). ^This gave him a chance to_ study
0660F36 Buddhism. ^He was surprised to_ find many differences between Buddha*'s
0670F36 concepts and the Buddhism preached by the monks. $*<*3Wife*'s
0680F36 contribution*> $^He got married in 1922. ^*Saraswati, his wife, was
0690F36 only ten at the time of their marriage and belonged to an orthodox family.
0700F36 ^But she took to atheism as a duck takes to water! it was not just
0710F36 due to her love for her husband which made her so. ^Nor was it demanded
0720F36 by her husband. ^*Saraswati had a natural inclination towards atheistic
0730F36 thoughts. ^*Gora*'s atheism was tempered with humanism. ^He wanted
0740F36 rationalism not for the sake of rationalism, but for building a society
0750F36 without religious and communal oppression. $^*Gora notes thus:
0760F36 "At Colombo, she (Saraswati) was pregnant with the first child. ^When
0770F36 she was carrying the fourth month, there was a solar eclipse in the
0780F36 afternoon. ^The Hindu orthodoxy imposes the discipline of silence, and
0790F36 of shutting up in a dark room for the pregnant woman at the time of any
0800F36 eclipse. ^Noncompliance is threatened with mutilations of the child
0810F36 to_ be born. but Saraswati saw Buddhist, Moor and Burgher women
0820F36 freely moving about in the streets of Colombo, regardless of the time
0830F36 of the eclipse. $"^Surely, some of these women must be pregnant too...
0840F36 ^If the evils of the infringement were real, all pregnant women should
0850F36 be equally affected, and their children should be maimed, irrespective
0860F36 of their faith. ^But that_ doesn*'4t happen. ^Therefore, the disciplines
0870F36 relating to the eclipse are a superstition of the Hindu faith.
0880F36 ^Thinking along these lines, Saraswati transgressed the taboos at the
0890F36 time of the eclipse. ^After the full period, the delivery was normal,
0900F36 and the child was also normal..." $*<*3Moral support*> $^She stood
0910F36 by him throughout his long struggle against superstitions and discrimination
0920F36 based on religious grounds. ^*Gora was dismissed twice from
0930F36 educational institutions because of his atheistic views. ^Surely,
0940F36 this must have been quite a financial strain. ^But Saraswati put up
0950F36 a spirited fight against the obscurantist and communal forces. $^As
0960F36 it often happens, Gora was ostracised by his family but Saraswati often
0970F36 reminded him that their family consisted of their children and their
0980F36 rationalist comrades. ^Together, they worked on several pamphlets,
0990F36 small books and even managed to_ have a Telugu weekly published.
1000F36 ^During the freedom struggle, she courted arrest several times. ^*Saraswati
1010F36 gave birth to nine children. $^*Gora died while speaking at
1020F36 a public meeting in Vijayawada at the age of 73. ^He was an atheist
1030F36 and an activist during most of his life time. $^*Gora*'s movement
1040F36 made excellent impression on many young minds because he practised what
1050F36 he preached. ^Whenever he participated in a public meeting, he insisted
1060F36 on sitting with 'untouchables.' ^Often, he demonstrated the fire-walking
1080F36 technique just to show the villagers that there was nothing divine
1090F36 about such 'miracles.' ^Most of Gora*'s work took place in a tiny
1100F36 village called Mudunur. ^He writes: "The sympathy for atheism spread
1110F36 so wide and deep into the minds of the people that in the census of
1120F36 1941, from Mudunur village, 142 persons classified themselves as atheists,
1130F36 disowning labels of caste and religion." $^The village also witnessed
1140F36 a large number of inter-caste marriages. ^But Gora was not able
1150F36 to_ convince all the villagers. ^Many continued to_ be theists.
1160F36 ^And today, you will find a small temple there. $*<*3Not a political activist*>
1170F36 $\0^*Dr Abraham Kovoor once told me: "Human nature is so weak,
1180F36 so vulnerable. ^Many people turn to religion in spite of their self-proclaimed
1190F36 rationalism in moments of acute mental, physical and financial
1200F36 crisis." \0^*Dr kovoor, too, came from an affluent, well-educated
1210F36 family. ^His father was a Christian priest. $^A scientist by profession,
1220F36 he became an atheist even before he took up the teaching profession.
1230F36 ^But his atheism hardly attracted any attention before he started
1240F36 teaching in Sri Lanka. ^Most of his activities were carried on from
1250F36 Colombo, but \0Dr Kovoor found enough energy and enthusiasm to_
1260F36 make annual visits to India and preach rationalism. $^*Gora was a son
1270F36 of the soil. ^But \0Dr kovoor is quite the aristocrat in his bearing.
1280F36 ^He speaks with an excellent accent and exudes plenty of wit and
1290F36 sharpness. ^But unlike Gora (and also *(0EVR*)) he is not a political
1300F36 activist. ^In fact, he once told me: "I feel that *(0EVR*'S*)
1310F36 methods were too crude. ^We need to_ preach in a gentle manner. ^Rabid
1320F36 rhetoric may not get the desired results." $^He is well informed
1330F36 on hypnotism. ^He claims that he has cured many people who were labelled
1340F36 incurables by the doctors through hypnotism. ^He has also held magic
1350F36 shows in which he has 'materialised holy ash from nowhere'. $^If
1360F36 gora was more interested in breaking the caste barriers, he is keen
1370F36 on exposing the godmen who try to_ impress people through so-called miracles.
1380F36 ^He has been challenging many of these miracle men, particularly
1390F36 the Satya Sai Baba. ^But Sai Baba*'s followers continue to_
1400F36 have blind faith in him. $^Interestingly, \0Dr Kovoor*'s work attracted
1410F36 the attention of a theist, \0Dr Narasimhiah, the ex-Vice-Chancellor
1420F36 of Bangalore University. \0^*Dr Narasimhiah is a Gandhian and
1430F36 believes in god. ^But he wants to_ eliminate the 'holy' frauds and
1440F36 hoaxes. ^There are many persons like \0Dr Narasimhian who are theists,
1450F36 but do not like the exploitation of the masses by the so-called godmen.
1460F36 ^In reality, the atheists like \0Dr Kovoor and the theists like
1470F36 \0Dr Narasimhiah have found some common ground in exposing the fraudulent
1480F36 elements among the religious leaders particularly those who command
1490F36 great respect and following just because of their so-called miracles.
1500F36 $^There are hundreds of self-proclaimed rationalists throughout India.
1510F36 ^Many of them have small circles of friends and produce and distribute
1520F36 rationalist literature. ^Of course, my experience has shown that
1530F36 most people lose faith in religion because of laziness or just because
1540F36 there has been a major tragedy in the family. ^But no one can doubt
1550F36 the conscience-pricking work done by the rationalist movements throughout
1560F36 India. $^In Kerala, men like Narayana Guru stressed the need
1570F36 for getting enlightened with education. ^But Narayana Guru*'s motto
1580F36 was: "One caste, one religion, one god for man." ^But his disciple,
1590F36 Sahodaran Ayyappan modified the message of Guru Narayan thus:
1600F36 "No caste, no religion, no god..." he founded a journal, *3Sahodaran
1610F36 which had a limited circulation. ^But the magazine run by another
1620F36 rationalist, *(0M.C.*) Joseph known as *3Yukthivadi ('Rationalist')
1630F36 has been coming out for the last 46 years. ^It, too, has a limited
1640F36 readership. $^The rationalists in Kerala kept themselves away from extremist
1650F36 politics. ^For the communists and the Marxists, too, swear by
1660F36 anti-religion, anti-god thoughts. ^But most of the rationalists, whether
1670F36 in Kerala or elsewhere, decided to_ go alone without the Marxist
1680F36 umbrella. ^Of course, Gora leaned towards Marxism a bit especially,
1690F36 when he was disillusioned with Nehru*'s policies, but he resisted
1700F36 the temptation to_ join them. $^He mentions in his autobiography: "...I
1710F36 found the members of the Communist Party no better. ^Their members
1720F36 in the legislatures draw the same salaries and allowances as those
1730F36 whom they call bourgeois. ^They say that circumstances should change
1740F36 for persons to_ change. ^How do circumstances change? ^Certainly,
1750F36 by the efforts of some individuals. ^*Lenin did not wait, for the whole
1760F36 bourgeoisie to_ lose the class character before he lived in the servant*'s
1770F36 quarter in Gorki Hill." $^A rationalist association was founded
1780F36 in Bombay in 1972, with the aim of exposing godmen. ^But it has done
1790F36 nothing spectacular. ^The Dalit Panther Movement, most of whose members
1800F36 represent the neo-Buddhists and other backward castes, did manage
1810F36 to_ awaken the dormant social conscience of the upper and middle classes.
1820F36 ^Some of the poems and prose pieces written by the young Dalit Panthers
1830F36 were widely read, thanks to its publication by some of the leading
1840F36 magazines in this country. $^The Dalit Panthers, however, could
1850F36 not command good public support because many suspected them to_ be
1860F36 communists.*#
        **[no. of words = 02013**]

        **[txt. f37**]
0010F37 **<*3THE 'SPLENDOUR' THAT_ IS *INDIA*0**> $^Pseudo-moralists attribute
0020F37 moral degradation and degeneration in society to_ decline in both
0030F37 religious beliefs and god-fearing tendency of the people. ^Very often,
0040F37 the latter are taken in by their argument and get convinced that religious-minded
0050F37 persons would never venture into immoral activities. ^But experience
0060F37 shows that it is not correct. $^In fact, good behaviour has
0070F37 nothing to do with religion. ^*God, prophets and religions do not have
0080F37 much effect on the conduct of man. ^Experience shows that religious-minded
0090F37 people, too, are involved in criminal and civic offences.
0100F37 ^After all, the number of convinced atheists in India is negligible.
0110F37 $*<*3Social reformers*0*> $^It is a pity that India had few social
0120F37 reformers who fought against meaningless religious rituals and unwanted
0130F37 customs with a revolutionary atheistic spirit. ^*Periyar *(0E.V.*)
0140F37 Ramaswamy in the South did attack religion for its superstitions
0150F37 and stupid formalities, but he, too, never preached social responsibilities
0160F37 and duties to the people. $^The existence of numerous temples,
0170F37 mosques and churches bear ample testimony to our strong faith in
0180F37 religion. ^The festivals we celebrate, the *4yatras we undertake, the
0190F37 formalities we observe, the *4kumbabishegams we perform the *4pujas
0200F37 and *4yagnas we conduct, the five times a day *4namaz and Sunday
0210F37 visits to church-- all show that Indians are very religious-minded.
0220F37 $^In fact, in every field of life, Indians start their day*'s activities
0230F37 after uttering the name of Ram or Krishna or Christ or Allah,
0240F37 but unfortunately, after that_ they forget all about morality and
0250F37 ethics. $^In almost every business centre, we find pictures of Ram,
0260F37 Krishna, Christ or Lord Muruga, but behind those holy
0270F37 pictures, immoral, illegal and nefarious activities go on. ^These
0280F37 include tax evasion, fraudulent accounts, smuggling, embezzlement....
0290F37 $^In public life, our politicians and top leaders never fail to_
0300F37 get the blessings of Sankaracharyas and Sai Baba. ^Our ministers choose
0310F37 auspicious moments for presenting budgets. ^Our \0MPs and \0MLAs
0320F37 consult *4sadhus and *4sanyasis. ^But what is their standard
0330F37 in public life? ^The innumerable commissions of inquiry speak volumes
0340F37 of our stinking public life. $^Since independence, the inquiry commissions
0350F37 have been following our public personalities. ^It is said
0360F37 that in the past two decades, about 165 commissions have been set up.
0370F37 $^In 1963, \0Mr *(0S. R.*) Das, former Chief Justice of India,
0380F37 held an inquiry into allegations against the then Chief Minister
0390F37 of Punjab, \0Mr Partap Singh Kairon. ^The Das Report found
0400F37 Kairon guilty of abusing his power and helping his sons and relatives
0410F37 to_ acquire property and secure undue favours. $\0^*Mr *(0N. R.*)
0420F37 Ayyangar, a former judge of the Supreme Court, found Bakshi Ghulam
0430F37 Mohammed, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir guilty of
0440F37 gross misconduct. ^It was revealed that Bakshi and members of his
0450F37 family had acquired wealth to the tune of \0*4Rs 54 *4lakhs. $*<*3Commission
0460F37 of inquiry*0*> $^In 1967, Justice *(0H. R.*) Khanna
0470F37 headed an inquiry commission and found \0Mr Biju Patnaik guilty of
0480F37 improprieties and abuse of power. ^Then there is the muster roll scandal
0490F37 that_ rocked the Madras Corporation and the Maruti small
0500F37 car project which produced only 30 cars. $^It is a known fact that
0510F37 most of the employees of the Central and State Governments never
0520F37 fail to_ make money through unfair and illegal means whenever they
0530F37 get an opportunity. $^Recently, the \0CBI had raided the house
0540F37 of a lower division clerk in Delhi and recovered \0*4Rs 1,81,000
0550F37 in cash, foreign curency, liquor and half a kilo of gold ornaments.
0560F37 ^The clerk was attached to the Ministry of Supply and Rehabilitation.
0570F37 $^Tax evasion is one of the many immoral activities taking place on
0580F37 a big scale. $^According to a statement tabled by the Finance Minister
0590F37 in the *5Rajya Sabha, a large number of private firms have been
0600F37 concealing their true income. ^Many big business houses are facing
0610F37 judicial proceedings for tax evasion. ^Tax evasion by these companies is
0620F37 to the tune of several *4crores of rupees. $*<*3Ways of tax evasion*>
0630F37 $^Their *8modus operandi*9 is to_ show taxable income as non-taxable.
0640F37 ^For instance, some time ago, several personal expenses of the
0650F37 Managing Director of a construction company in Delhi were debited
0660F37 to the accounts of the different heads of the company. ^Payment of
0670F37 fees to a local club was shown under the head 'business promotion
0680F37 expenses'. $^We talk a lot about simplicity and economy. ^But do we
0690F37 ourselves adhere to it? ^Certainly not. ^We cannot forget so easily the
0700F37 ten-course dinner given to \0Mrs Indira Gandhi and 174 other invitees
0710F37 in the Karnataka House in Delhi. $*<*3Wastage of public
0720F37 funds*> $^Anyone will be astonished to_ see the amount of public
0730F37 money wasted on building the image of certain individuals and political
0740F37 parties. ^It is said that the Gauhati session of the \0AICC
0750F37 in November 1976, holds a world record in spending public funds
0760F37 for a party meeting. ^It was alleged that the Assam Government had
0770F37 spent more than \0*4Rs 57 *4crores on this session. ^It may be an exaggeration,
0780F37 but still the Government has admitted that \0*4Rs 5.33 *4crores
0790F37 were spent. ^An expenditure of \0*4Rs 9.78 *4lakhs was incurred
0800F37 on temporary administrative arrangements and \0*4Rs 31.72 *4lakh
0810F37 were spent by different Government departments and agencies on publicity
0820F37 and exhibitions. ^A guest house built for the then Prime Minister
0830F37 cost \0*4Rs 25.61 *4lakhs, the more modest one was for \0Mr Barooah,
0840F37 the then Congress Priesident, at a cost of \0*4Rs 10 *4lakhs.
0850F37 in addition, furniture, curtains and linen for both cost over \0*4Rs
0860F37 5.47 *4lakhs. $^An interesting example of our hypocrisy was provided
0870F37 some time ago during the visit of \0Mr Jayaprakash Narayan
0880F37 to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. ^Thousands of students from
0890F37 different parts of the State cheered as he landed there. ^They shouted
0900F37 slogans like 'Long Live *(0JP*)', 'Long Live Revolution'.
0910F37 $^Later, \0Mr Narayan advised them to_ fight the system of dowry and
0920F37 suddenly all their enthusiasm melted away. ^An angry *(0JP*) retorated:
0930F37 "What do you mean by shouting 'Long Live Revolution?' ^Unfortunately,
0940F37 revolution for us lies only in the slogans. $*<*3Hypocrisy*>
0950F37 $^Another incident was published in a leading newspaper recently.
0960F37 it said: "Of the nearly 974 marriages celebrated in Sonepat and
0970F37 Rohta districts (Haryana) during the last 40 days, fabulous dowries
0980F37 were given and taken in about 80 per cent cases according to a
0990F37 survey conducted by a group of social workers. ^Almost all the 761 educated
1000F37 boys and girls whose marriages were solemnised during the last
1010F37 40 days had taken mass anti-dowry pledges in their schools and colleges.
1020F37 ^These pledges, according to the Headmaster of a Gohana Secondary
1030F37 School are still on the records." $^We proclaim that our Constitution
1040F37 provides equality to all and that ours is a secular State. ^We
1050F37 cry from the house-tops of racial discrimination in South Africa
1060F37 but close our eyes to similar discrimination in the name of caste
1070F37 in our own motherland. ^The massacre of *4Harijans at Belchi village
1080F37 near Patna shook the entire world, but not our conscience. ^Brutality
1090F37 against these unfortunate people is frequently reported. ^They
1100F37 have been facing oppression, repression, exploitation, social contempt
1110F37 and injustice since the days of Manu, the ancient law giver.
1120F37 ^Incidents of this sort have been debated in the Parliament and assurances
1130F37 given that atrocities on *4Harijans will not be tolerated.^But
1140F37 do we sincerely repent? $*<*3Wealthy temples*> $^In our land,
1150F37 more than 200 million people live in semi-starvation. ^But instead
1160F37 of looking after them, we shower thousands of kilograms of gold, diamonds,
1170F37 rubies, emeralds and pearls on deities, saints, *4sadhus and
1180F37 places of worship. ^It is estimated that the cash wealth in Hindu
1190F37 temple trusts is around \0*4Rs 200 *4crores. \0^*Prof Humayun Kabir
1200F37 estimated in 1965 that there were 1,00,000 *7auqafs valued at \0*4Rs
1210F37 100 *4crores whilst the Sikhs have more than 700 *4gurudwaras
1220F37 with assets valued at about \0*4Rs 25 *4crores. ^It is strange that
1230F37 we spend staggering amounts on places of worship in spite of our poor
1240F37 economic conditions and eternal misery. ^A casual look at the expenditure
1250F37 on buildings of temples, mosques and churches will prove this
1260F37 contention. $^The cost of the Grand Mausoleum to the late chief
1270F37 of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Syedna Taher Saifuddin, in Bombay
1280F37 is \0*4Rs 1 *4crore. ^The *7auqaf properties of this community
1290F37 are estimated at around \0*4Rs 10 *4crores. ^The income of the Golden
1300F37 Temple in Amritsar is \0*4Rs 3 *4crores per year. ^According
1310F37 to a 1974 survey, Tirupati had 10,500 \0kg of gold valued at \0*4Rs
1320F37 6 *4crores lying idle in the temple. ^*Tirupati has an average annual
1330F37 income of \0*4Rs 10 *4crores. ^The Badrinath temple gets \0*4Rs
1340F37 5 *4lakhs every year from devotees. ^The Jagannath temple at Puri has
1350F37 an estimated income of \0*4Rs 8,00,000 per annum. $^When we have
1360F37 sufficient temples and mosques, why do people still go on pouring money
1370F37 and jewels into these shrines? ^And strangely enough, this wealth
1380F37 has not been utilised for building hospitals, institutions and other
1390F37 social welfare schemes. $^On the countrary, it is said that every
1400F37 year as much as \0*4Rs 10 *4crores of temple funds are misappropriated.
1410F37 ^In 1971, a commission of inquiry, appointed to_ probe into the
1420F37 management of Delhi *4gurdwaras, reported large-scale misuse of Gurudwara
1430F37 money for private use. ^In one form or the other, such malpractices
1440F37 exist in every major religious institution. ^To_ cap it all, some
1450F37 State Governments are paying an annuity to temples for renovation.
1460F37 $^As per statistics available, the Kerala Government is paying
1470F37 \0*4Rs 1.5 *4crore to the temples in the Malabar region. ^But the
1480F37 Travancore Devaswom wanted \0*4Rs 15 *4crore more to_ renovate 80 more
1490F37 temples. ^Some time in 1971, they even organised an agitation for
1500F37 this purpose. ^*Indian devotees know the enormous wealth and income of
1510F37 temples. ^But one is at a loss to_ understand why they support such
1520F37 meaningless waste in the name of religion? $^Today we find that there
1530F37 is a rapid growth of *4babas, *4swamis, saints and *5tantric yogis*6.
1540F37 ^The Press is flooded with stories of their 'miraculous' feats
1550F37 and powers. *4^Crores of *4rupees are being squandered in running
1560F37 after them and seeking their blessings. ^Most of us still believe in
1570F37 ridiculous rituals and beliefs like just a dip in holy water would
1580F37 wash off our sins. $*<*3Unholy acts*> $^What is going on in these
1590F37 holy places? ^And what are the acts of these holy men? ^A few examples
1600F37 are quoted below from newspaper reports. $^The *3Indian Express
1610F37 dated 15 June 1976, under the title, *3Undesirable acts of Guruvayoor,
1620F37 said: "Several undesirable happenings, including rape,
1630F37 had taken place at Guruvayoor Temple according to the Devaprasnam,
1640F37 the enquiry now in progress at Guruvayoor. ^The Bhagavathy shrine
1650F37 at the northern corner of the main temple had mostly been the venue
1660F37 of such acts. ^Some employees had been attending duty under the infuence
1670F37 of liquor. ^Though a large amount is being collected as offerings
1680F37 through the *4hundis specifically for the protection of the cows,
1690F37 not even one is taken care of by the temple authorities. ^There had
1700F37 been instances of such cows reaching the slaughter house". $^And then
1710F37 sometime ago, a *4yogi was nabbed while landing from dollar-land
1720F37 with his entourage for conducting a meditation camp. $*<*3Bonded labour*>
1730F37 $^Following this, the Deputy Labour Commissioner, \0Mr *(0A.N.*)
1740F37 Misra, of Hazaribagh in Bihar revealed the existence of
1750F37 bonded labour on the farm of the *4yogi. ^He interviewed some of the
1760F37 inmates of the farm. ^He found them to_ be bonded labourers living
1770F37 in huts and on sub-standard meals. ^Semi-clad and half-fed, they work
1780F37 as *4mazdoors. ^They have been actually brain-washed to_ consider
1790F37 themselves as servants of god, and not to_ ask for anything. ^They
1800F37 also have been made to_ believe that if they work with devotion
1810F37 and zeal, the Yogi, who is 'god incarnate', some day would be pleased
1820F37 to_ bring salvation to them. $^Recently, an official press release
1830F37 listed the name of a Catholic priest held for illegal exchange
1840F37 dealing. $^The incidents of the nefarious activities of these god men
1850F37 are many. ^Yet, we refuse to_ mend our ways. $^There are few foods
1860F37 or beverages in the market today that_ are unadulterated and tragically
1870F37 often, even drugs and medicines are spurious. $^Vanaspati is adulterated
1880F37 with inedible mineral oils.*#
        **[no. of words = 02008**]

        **[txt. f38**]
0010F38 **<*3Second India Studies: Communications**> $^This would enable
0020F38 the Division to_ act independently and perhaps improve the variety
0030F38 and quality of films produced. ^Freed from the fetters of bureaucratic
0040F38 norms and supervision an independent organisation would also
0050F38 be in a better position to_ expend its exhibition outlets and carry
0060F38 out effectively the scientific evaluation of its own work. ^Of course,
0070F38 the improvement in the work effciency of an organisation depends
0080F38 essentially on the quality of the people who man it, and their skills
0090F38 and attitudes. ^But autonomy gives them the necessary freedom
0100F38 to_ introduce innovations and pursue their goals with utmost
0110F38 zeal and efficiency. $^To_ improve the variety and quality of films,
0120F38 perhaps Second India will also need not one but many autonomous,
0130F38 National Films Divisions. ^This is not all. ^Apart from such
0140F38 National Films Divisions Second India will need even autonomous
0150F38 Regional Films Divisions. ^In addition, to_ encourage competition
0160F38 in the production of first rate developmental films, Second
0170F38 India should also create appropriate conditions for production and
0180F38 effective distribution of such films by independent private producers.
0190F38 ^For that_ purpose, if necessary, another independent organisation
0200F38 on the lines of the present Film Finance Corporation may
0210F38 be set up, for it is futile to_ believe that an official film making
0220F38 agency like the Films Division can encourage private film producers
0230F38 to_ make independent documentaries in competition with itself.
0240F38 ^Only such a diverse and multiple organisational set-up can augment
0250F38 films production, improve their quality and expand the distribution
0260F38 network to_ meet appropriately the developmental needs of all regions
0270F38 and all classes of the population in Second India. $^Finally,
0280F38 a word on technollogy. ^*First India has already moved steadily
0290F38 towards 16 \0m.m. film technology from 35 \0m.m. film technology. ^Over
0300F38 the years, this trend will be accelerated and in Second India,
0310F38 we may produce documentaries and educational films mostly on super
0320F38 8 \0m.m. film or even 4 \0m.m. film technology. '^Outdoor locational'
0330F38 shootings will replace shooting on costly studio sets. ^All this
0340F38 will help to_ reduce the cost of film production. ^Film technology
0350F38 and techniques are changing fast in the West. ^It goes without saying
0360F38 that with scarce capital resources, Second India should keep pace
0370F38 with such technological changes as would help reduce costs and promote
0380F38 effective use of the film as a vital communication medium. $*<*3Conclusion*>
0390F38 $^In conclusion, we can do little better than quote extensively
0400F38 what James Beveridge has to_ say about "The Future of films
0410F38 in India. ^It looks as if there were sufficient problems to_ occupy
0420F38 the best creative minds and talents of film producers and film
0430F38 technicians and film technologists, for another century at least.
0440F38 ^The question of Super 8 \0m.m. for schools and training programmes.
0450F38 ^The question of film-making for television, the film component in
0460F38 television production and programming, the rural audience and how
0470F38 to_ reach it functionally and realistically; the many specialized
0480F38 audiences who Don*'t as yet exist because there are no distribution
0490F38 patterns or equipments (16 \0m.m.) to_ reach them. ^The Films Division*'s
0500F38 record to date is one of substance and achievement. ^A
0510F38 habit of film-communication has been established in India for the
0520F38 teaching (informally) of civics in this immense democracy. ^Public-information
0530F38 films in cinemas for over 20 years have played a major role
0540F38 (who can quantify it or assess it?) in the education and shaping
0550F38 of public attitudes and understanding. ^Now, more complex challenges
0560F38 arise. ^Specialization. ^New technology in 16 \0mm and 8 \0mm fields,
0570F38 with magnetic tape and synchronous recording. ^Above all Television,
0580F38 and what it will require. ^The many friends of the Films Division
0590F38 in many countries,salute it, respect it, and wish it well for
0600F38 the exciting and difficult decades that_ lie ahead". $^If, howeverver,
0610F38 First India fails to_ resolve these problems, films in 2000 will
0620F38 have a far more corrupting and deleterious effect on Second India
0630F38 than at present. ^For whether one likes it or not, the number of
0640F38 cinemas in Second India will increase almost four-fold from their
0650F38 present level. \0^*TV sets will multiply manifold. ^Both cinema-goers
0660F38 and \0TV viewers will swarm in number. ^And more films of
0670F38 course will be produced for both cinemas and \0TVs. ^But if simultaneously,
0680F38 films do not improve in quality and diversity, fail to_
0690F38 meet the educational and developmental needs of the country and
0700F38 do not serve the rural and underdeveloped areas, the resulting cancerous
0710F38 growth of vulgar commercial films may eventually prove fatal
0720F38 to the developmental goals of Second India. $^On the other hand,
0730F38 if in the decades ahead, we use the film medium wisely for social
0740F38 educational, cultural and developmental communications, we can have
0750F38 an altogether pleasant film scenario in Second India. ^Vulgar commercial
0760F38 films may not perhaps still disappear altogether, but more
0770F38 healthy entertaining and thought-provoking films may also regale audiences
0780F38 to packed houses. ^Art films may stir the intellectuals. ^And
0790F38 the children may learn and yet enjoy, the healthy humour and thrills
0800F38 in the special 'educative' films made for them and shown either
0810F38 on television or in cinemas. $^This is not all. ^With a wide variety
0820F38 of many educational \0TV films and video tapes, classroom instruction
0830F38 in 2000 will be simplified and spread of education facilitated.
0840F38 ^Industrial workers will be trained in their job techniques and
0850F38 safety measures through films. ^Managers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers
0860F38 and all kinds of professionals will also keep themselves abreast
0870F38 of the latest developments in their professional fields through
0880F38 Indian and foreign films in special auditoriums and on \0TV sets.
0890F38 $^Farmers will learn about new seeds, new types of agricultural equipment
0900F38 and new farming techniques through films projected frequently
0910F38 by mobile vans and shown repeatedly on village community television
0920F38 sets. ^Films will also teach them more about hygiene and family planning,
0930F38 civic duties and social responsibilities, and community development
0940F38 and rural uplift. ^Intelligently produced and easily understandable
0950F38 films for rural audiences in Second India will then pave
0960F38 the way for bridging the economic and cultural gap between the rural
0970F38 and urban masses. $*<**3Communications in Second India**>
0980F38 $^Change is the key to development. ^The First India which virtually
0990F38 stood still for centuries, if not millenniums, can no longer sit
1000F38 with folded hands to_ hail the birth of the Second India which is
1010F38 expected within less than three decades from now. ^Communication services,
1020F38 along with transport, will have to_ play a pivotal role in ushering
1030F38 in a swift "change" in the First India, so that the Second India is
1040F38 "delivered" safely. ^At the same time, to_ avoid "future shock",
1050F38 the communication system will have to_ undergo a wave of change well
1060F38 before the end of the present millennium, to_ meet the anticipated
1070F38 manifold increases in communication "needs" and "demands". $^Even
1080F38 for the none-too-bright economic Scenario *=11 in the year 2000,
1090F38 which will unfold with 5 per cent annual growth in \0GDP, the requirements
1100F38 of communication services, both interpersonal as well as
1110F38 mass media, will rise by leaps and bounds. ^Among the interpersonal
1120F38 communication sarvices, the volume of telegraphic messages will be
1130F38 three times their present level, postal traffic will swell five-fold
1140F38 and the demand for telephones may jump to over thirteen times its
1150F38 existing level. ^The mass communication media will be subjected to
1160F38 even greater pressures. ^Newspaper circulation will have to_ rise
1170F38 four-fold, licensed radio sets will have to_ increase ten times,
1180F38 cinema houses will have to_ multiply almost four-fold, \0TV sets
1190F38 in use will have to_ grow more than 400 times in number, and films
1200F38 will have to_ swell manifold in both number and variety. $^For
1210F38 the other alternative scenarios based on lower or higher growth rates
1220F38 in \0GDP, the pattern of demand for communication services will
1230F38 undoubtedly be different. ^But one thing is certain. ^The demand
1240F38 for almost all communication services, with the possible exception
1250F38 of a few like telegraph, will necessarily rise faster than the growth
1260F38 in \0GDP. ^The income elasticity of demand for most of these
1270F38 services being greater than unity, the per capita demand for them
1280F38 also will rise faster than the rise in the per capita income. $^The
1290F38 demand for communication services really represents the demand for knowledge
1300F38 and information. ^When in the present techno-societies, knowledge
1310F38 and information multiply exponentially the communication services
1320F38 which provide the media of transmission and dispersal of such knowledge
1330F38 and information, obviously cannot lag behind in their growth
1340F38 pattern. ^More so because such knowledge and information will also
1350F38 have to_ be transmitted swiftly to a rapidly expanding section of
1360F38 the population with the spread of literacy and education. ^It follows
1370F38 that communication services will have to_ grow exponentially even
1380F38 if incomes grow linearly. $^At the same time, even at the cost of
1390F38 repetition, it should be emphasised, if any emphasis is necessary,
1400F38 that the needs of communication services do not always arise from the
1410F38 pace of economic development. ^In fact, more often than not, the communication
1420F38 services help accelerate such pace. ^The communication system
1430F38 provides a vital infrastructure for rapid economic development. ^Hence,
1440F38 the statistical relationship between the flow of incomes and
1450F38 the volume of communication services is "co-linear" rather than "causal".
1460F38 ^The former does not always precede the latter. ^The truth is
1470F38 perhaps the other way round. ^Not infrequently, the supply of communication
1480F38 services in fact precedes the growth in incomes. ^The conclusion
1490F38 is obvious. ^The nature and pattern of the likely economic scenario
1500F38 of Second India would depend on the nature and pattern of
1510F38 communication services we now provide for the First India. $^To_
1520F38 put it tersely, the development of communication services involves
1530F38 "policy imperatives" which are determined by the "growth objectives"
1540F38 set by the planners. ^Higher and faster growth objectives call for
1550F38 speedier and more sophisticated (effective) communication media--
1560F38 both mass and interpersonal. ^Conversely, slow and less effective
1570F38 communication services (particularly, mass media) slacken the entire
1580F38 process of "change" in human capital and attitudes necessary to_
1590F38 accelerate development. ^Likewise, old and obsolete interpersonal
1600F38 communication services inevitably delay decision-making and execution
1610F38 involved in all economic activities, retarding in the process the
1620F38 pace of economic development. $^In non-technical terms, what we wish
1630F38 to_ emphasise is that the choice is really not between telephones
1640F38 and telegrams or \0TVs and radios. ^It is in fact between alternative
1650F38 economic scenarios, based on varying growth rates. ^Once a 'higher'
1660F38 economic scenario is accepted in preference to a 'lower' one it
1670F38 is almost imperative that we should also prefer more telephones to
1680F38 telegrams, and more television sets to radios. ^Without such choices,
1690F38 higher growth rates would remain outside our reach. $^It is surprising
1700F38 that although in the field of transport, our planners have
1710F38 accepted to a large extent the need for "speed" and "services",
1720F38 they have failed to_ appreciate the merits of these virtues in the communication
1730F38 arena. ^Prejudices still loom large against telephones
1740F38 and television sets in some of the higher echelons of government circles.
1750F38 ^Paradoxically, these very prejudices even among the higher
1760F38 echelons underline the need for 'modern' communication and information
1770F38 services. ^Only the powerful searchlight of such services could
1780F38 help to_ dispel traditional prejudices and beliefs not only among
1790F38 the masses but also among some of those persons who belong to the elite.
1800F38 $^Clearly, communication priorities must change. ^It is no longer
1810F38 appropriate to_ regard telephones and television sets as "luxuries"
1820F38 for developing economies. ^These are in fact "necessities" for
1830F38 economies aiming at high growth rates. ^Hence, telephones should
1840F38 have a high priority in interpersonal communication services, and
1850F38 television should occupy the pride of place among the mass communication
1860F38 media. ^Of course, to_ realise the objectives of development
1870F38 effectively and speedily, 'business' and 'public' telephones should
1880F38 be accorded priority over purely private 'residential' phones, while
1890F38 community \0TV sets should have a decided preference over privately-owned
1900F38 \0TV sets. ^In any case, the need for rapid development
1910F38 of telephone and \0TV services is imperative, and needs to_ be
1920F38 recognised. ^The First India can afford to_ neglect these services,
1930F38 only at the cost of the Second India. $^Although there are
1940F38 thus few policy choices for the development of the communication system,
1950F38 our projections of communication requirements for the Second
1960F38 India, like most other economic projections, should not be considered
1970F38 to_ have any sanctity.*#
        **[no. of words = 02003**]

        **[txt. f39**]
0010F39 **<*3Adventure Across The Atlantic**> $^The dot of quicksilver in
0020F39 the orange skies grew bigger and bigger as it floated downward to Miserey,
0030F39 a village 50 miles west of Paris. ^It was an enormous silver-topped
0040F39 black balloon-- eleven storeys high-- with a red gondola that carried
0050F39 three men who waved to the cheering crowds clustered on the ground.
0060F39 $^Swaying and lurching like a tipsy jellyfish, the helium-filled
0070F39 balloon, DOUBLE EAGLE *=2, finally came to rest in a wheatfield in
0080F39 Miserey. $^Thousands of jubilant spectators ran up to the aviators--
0090F39 Ben Abruzzo (48), Maxie Anderson (44), Larry Newmen (31)-- who
0100F39 were happily sloshing champagne on one another and on their hysterical
0110F39 fans. ^With good reason-- they had just become the first men to_ cross
0120F39 the Atlantic in a balloon. $^The three American adventurers completed
0130F39 their historic 3,100-mile trip in exactly 5 days, 17 hours and 6
0140F39 minutes. ^And the gruelling voyage had exhausted them; their eyes were
0150F39 red-rimmed and their hands were trembling. ^But their spirits were
0160F39 high. "we did it! ^We did it!" crowed Larry Newman over the heads
0170F39 of the souvenir-hungry mobs that_ were frantically biting and tearing pieces
0180F39 off the tough neoprene-nylon skin of DOUBLE EAGLE *=2. $^So excited
0190F39 were the collectors that_ at one stage it looked as though all
0200F39 of that 160,000 \0cft balloon would end up on souvenir shelves. ^The
0210F39 aviators, their clothes drenched in champagne, seemed too exhilarated
0220F39 to_ care. "^We were so delighted to_ be back on earth that_ the
0230F39 crowds looked good," said one of them. $^Exciting as this adventure
0240F39 was, one man claimed to_ have done it all much earlier. ^A headline
0250F39 in the *3New York Sun of April 13, 1844, said: ASTOUNDING NEWS!
0260F39 ATLANTIC CROSSING IN THREE DAYS! SIGNAL TRIUMPH FOR
0270F39 \0MR MONCK MASON*'S FLYING MACHING! $^Beneath the headline was
0280F39 this report signed by Edgar Allen Poe, the famed writer: $*3^The
0290F39 great problem is accomplished! ^We have crossed the Atlantic! ^Fairly
0300F39 and easily crossed it in a balloon! ^*God be praised! ^Who shall
0310F39 say that anything is impossible hereafter? $^It was, of course, a
0320F39 hoax. ^The first attempt to_ cross the Atlantic came only in 1873,
0330F39 some thirty years after Poe*'s report. ^It started ambitiously from
0340F39 New York and ended abruptly in the Catskills, barely 100 miles away.
0350F39 $^The "great problem" kept defeating expedition after expedition--
0360F39 there were 17 of them and seven lives were lost. $^Two of the heroes,
0370F39 Abruzz0 and Anderson, had met with disastrous failure in their earlier
0380F39 attempt in September at crossing the Atlantic in DOUBLE EAGLE
0390F39 *=1. ^They were forced to_ abort their mission in the chill waters
0400F39 off Iceland. ^*Abruzzo almost lost his foot due to frost-bite and,
0410F39 after staying aloft for 64 hours (and 2,950 miles), the duo became so
0420F39 exhausted that they could not think clearly. $*<*3They "also Flew"*>
0430F39 $^Ironically, the attempt that_ came closest to success was made
0440F39 hardly a fortnight before DOUBLE EAGLE *=2*'s epic flight. ^Two
0450F39 Britons, Major Christopher Davey and Donald Cameron, riding their
0460F39 balloon ZANUSSI from Newfoundland, fell into the sea, 110
0470F39 miles off the coast of France. ^The reason for their failure: a leak
0480F39 in the balloon and "they simply couldn*'4t pick up enough altitude
0490F39 to_ make it". $^Small wonder then that crossing the Atlantic was called
0500F39 the Everest of ballooning and, in the words of Abruzzo, "it bordered
0510F39 on the impossible". $^How did DOUBLE EAGLE *=2 and her crew
0520F39 achieve the "mission impossible"? $"^A well-designed helium balloon
0530F39 piloted by men of considerable experience skill and daring, sided and
0540F39 abetted by luck," said an expert in New York. $^That the men were
0550F39 all wealthy helped in no small measure. ^From its earliest days, long-distance
0560F39 ballooning has always been an expensive pastime. ^*Abruzzo
0570F39 is a resort developer and President of Sandia Peak Ski \0Co. ^*Anderson
0580F39 heads a uranium and copper mining company and Newman is President
0590F39 of one of America*'s largest hang-glider manufacturing companies.
0600F39 ^Together they spent an estimated *-125,000 on the expedition.
0610F39 $^The crew also flew hundreds of practice sorties over their native
0620F39 Albuquerque in New Mexico. ^Mild weather and an altitude of 5,300
0630F39 \0ft have made that_ place a balloonist*'s haven-- some 10 per cent of
0640F39 the balloons in the \0US are to_ be found traipsing through the
0650F39 air here. $^*Abruzzo and Anderson had learnt some "hard lessons" on
0660F39 their earlier unsuccessful mission aboard the DOUBLE EAGLE *=1.
0670F39 "^In our last flight we just couldn*'4t get enough sleep every night,"
0680F39 says Anderson. ^That_ problem was solved by enlisting Larry Newman.
0690F39 ^Although a newcomer to ballooning, Newman with his extensive
0700F39 aircraft experience-- he is qualified to_ fly commercial airliners--
0710F39 handled navigation and communications. $^With one more member on the
0720F39 team the crew of DOUBLE EAGLE *=2 could now use four-hour shifts
0730F39 in which two men kept awake while the third slept. $"^But you had
0740F39 to_ force yourself to_ sleep," says Anderson. "^It*'1s perfectly
0750F39 silent. ^You make no noise, you move with the clouds as a particle in
0760F39 the atmosphere. ^You are standing on a balcony and the world is going
0770F39 by beneath you. ^As we passed over New-foundland, Ireland, England
0780F39 and France-- it was so magnificent that you didn*'4t want to_ sleep".
0790F39 $^Then there was the extreme discomfort of being confined to the
0800F39 3 x 6 feet of the gondola. "^For six days it was like living in a
0810F39 closet; there is plenty of room above and below but you can*'4t use
0820F39 it. ^You could tell how bad it was from the psychologocal state we were
0830F39 in," says Anderson. $^However, Abruzzo and Anderson found the
0840F39 trip "better than last time". "^Although we still became exhausted,
0850F39 we managed to_ keep our minds clear." ^The two veterans kept drilling
0860F39 that_ into the neophyte whenever he had bouts of depression. "^Compared
0870F39 to last time this is like summer-- a summer boat ride," said Abruzzo
0880F39 at one stage. (^The temperature then was 8*@ \0F.) $^Nor did the
0890F39 veterans escape unscathed from the stresses and strains of the flight.
0900F39 ^*Abruzzo and Anderson admit having had an argument but are not
0910F39 able to_ recall what it was about. ^Towards the end of their journey
0920F39 the strain of piloting the craft proved too much to_ manage alone
0930F39 and, sometimes in calm stretches, Newman took over from them. $^More
0940F39 pressing than all these physical hardships were the vagaries of the
0950F39 craft and its flight. ^Just after take-off on Friday, August 11, from
0960F39 Presque Isle, Maine, the DOUBLE EAGLE *=2 ran into a path of
0970F39 rarefied air and lurched dangerously close to a gravel pit. $"^Another
0980F39 night, over the Atlantic, we wondered if we had a leak in the balloon,"
1000F39 said Abruzzo, "The EAGLE was collecting too much ice on
1010F39 top and we began to_ dump our ballast at a critical rate. ^Within a few
1020F39 hours we had ejected 240 \0lb of sandbags, Maine potatoes and lead.
1030F39 ^It was like throwing fuel out of a gas tank. ^We had a hell of a
1040F39 time staying out of water then. ^We fell from 16,000 \0ft to 13,500
1050F39 \0ft then stabilised. ^We realised later we*'d been so high that we
1060F39 were icing up." $*<*3Terror In The Skies*> $^The DOUBLE EAGLE*'S
1070F39 worst ordeal was probably about a day and a half off the Irish
1080F39 coast. "^Our hearts really came into our mouths when we hit a cold
1090F39 trough and suddenly sank from about 27,000 \0ft to 4,000 \0ft," says Anderson.
1100F39 "$^We didn*'4t want to_ use up our essential ballast to_ regain
1110F39 height because of the experience of our last attempt to_ cross the
1120F39 Atlantic when we ended up in the water off Iceland. ^We hung on
1130F39 desperately for a couple of hours, then the afternoon sun warmed the
1140F39 balloon and we regained altitude," he says. $^As the expedition neared
1150F39 the British Isles, the westerly winds suddenly dropped off. ^*American
1160F39 rescue planes were sent up in alarm. ^But the winds gathered strength
1170F39 again and buoyed up the balloon. $^Hardly had that_ ordeal ended
1180F39 when a fresh snag developed: ^Was there enough helium to_ stay aloft?
1190F39 ^The adventurers now began to_ pitch overboard their gear, including
1200F39 expensive radios, navigation computers and cables. ^They were also
1210F39 forced to_ cast off a hang-glider that_ Larry Newman had hoped to_
1220F39 ride to the ground at the end of the adventure. $^When they finally
1230F39 ran out of ballast, Abruzzo even tried to_ hack off part of the plastic
1240F39 and fibreglass gondola. ^But it was too sturdy. ^The crew now
1250F39 ripped the floorboards open and threw them over along with their heavy
1260F39 clothes. "^All things except food and the television cameras (which
1270F39 they saved up for more critical contingencies) went," says Abruzzo.
1280F39 $^If only they could nurse their craft to Paris, for their target was
1290F39 the Eiffel Tower. (^And the crew of the DOUBLE EAGLE *=2 was
1300F39 "trying darn hard".) ^Otherwise they were "feeling on top of the world".
1310F39 ^A radio message from Anderson cracked over Ireland*'s Louisburgh
1320F39 port: "^All three of us are jubilant. ^We almost jumped out of our
1330F39 skins when we reached the Irish coast... ^We*'3ve just brought a
1340F39 big one home." $^The DOUBLE EAGLE was now two miles above the English
1350F39 Channel, cruising lazily at 31.4 miles an hour. ^But the winds shifted
1360F39 over Le Havre and the giant craft began to_ drift helplessly
1370F39 to the west of Paris. $^By now the news of the epic crossing had spread
1380F39 all over France like wildfire. ^Radio stations alerted their listners
1390F39 to_ telephone whenever they spotted the balloon. ^At the Deauville
1400F39 racecourse, all punters at France*'s best-known summer meet for
1410F39 once scorned their horses and turned their field-glasses to the skies.
1420F39 ^Radio programmes were repeatedly interrupted with messages from
1430F39 the craft which by now was being tailed by a large flock of buzzing
1440F39 planes and clattering helicopters. ^In one planes at the wives of the
1450F39 adventurers, waving excitedly and blowing kisses to their tired but
1460F39 jubilant husbands. $^As they drifted towards ground, at 15,000 \0ft
1470F39 the balloonists made yet one more attempt to_ reach Le Bourget airfield
1480F39 where Charles Lindbergh had ended his pioneering solo flight.
1490F39 ^But the DOUBLE EAGLE *=2 had no ballast to_ rise across the last
1500F39 crucial 50 miles; it had to_ settle for the hamlet of Miserey. ("^We
1510F39 didn*'4t quite make it although we tried really hard.") $^But their landing
1520F39 was no less triumphant. ^The three aeronauts got the same kind of
1530F39 rousing, tumultuous welcome that_ Lindbergh got when he landed his
1540F39 plucky little monoplane, SPIRIT OF* \0*2ST LOUISE, in Paris.
1550F39 $*<*3Grab If You Can*> $^So keen was the interest aroused by
1560F39 the balloon flight that hundreds of people motored down to Miserey
1570F39 from nearby towns and suburbs-- to_ be on hand to_ welcome the DOUBLE
1580F39 EAGLE *=2 and to_ grab, if possible a bit of its prized skin.
1590F39 $"^We cannot believe this welcome. ^This is unimaginable to us," Abruzzo
1600F39 was heard saying as he and his friends were dragged away from their
1610F39 admirers into the waiting helicopters. $^After their arrival in
1620F39 Paris, Abruzzo and Anderson "just collapsed" while Newman and his
1630F39 wife were whisked away to the renowned Maxim*'s restaurant as guests
1640F39 of the Citroen family. $^*Larry Newman had one more delightful surprise
1650F39 waiting for him at the \0US Embassy where the three adventurers
1670F39 were staying as guests of Ambassador Hartman. ^*Larry won the
1680F39 toss and got to_ sleep in the same bed on which Lindbergh had spent
1690F39 his first night after historic solo flight. $^Next day Newman and
1700F39 his pretty, long-haired blonde wife Sandra arrived half an hour late
1710F39 for the press conference. ^When pressmen asked him if his late arrival
1720F39 was connected with the softness of the bed, Larry looked at his wife,
1730F39 smiled bashfully and said: "^It was an honour to_ be allowed to_
1740F39 sleep in that_ bed. ^*I didn*'4t want to_ get out of it." $^What
1750F39 did the adventurers riding the DOUBLE EAGLE *=2 achieve? ^*Abruzzo
1760F39 said at the press conference: "^Unless frontiers are challenged
1770F39 and difficult or impossoble things attempted-- and flying the Altantic
1780F39 borders on the impossible-- it appears to me we don*'4t move forward
1790F39 as a society. $"^Whether it was a case of flying in a balloon, breaking
1800F39 altitude records, speed records or writing a fine piece of literature
1810F39 it did not matter.*#
        **[no. of words = 02022**]

        **[txt. f40**]
0010F40 **<*THE CONQUEST OF KANCHENJUNGA**> $^*I was only twelve when I
0020F40 attended a Boy Scouts*' Camp at Tara Devi in the hill state
0030F40 of Himachal Pradesh. ^*I was immensely moved by the beauty around
0040F40 me: the pine trees, the heady scent, the cool breeze coursing
0050F40 through the glistening brown needles: it was a wonderful world.
0060F40 ^At night we slept pressed close to the earth inside a tent,
0070F40 while outside the rain played its soft symphony all about us. ^A new
0080F40 awareness was taking seed in me. ^*I was being introduced to the mystique
0090F40 of the mountains. $^Years passed. ^*I was commissioned into the Kumaon
0100F40 Regiment of the Indian Army. ^Posted at the hill station
0110F40 of Ranikhet, I had my first glimpse of the Himalayas. ^The sight left
0120F40 me awestruck and filled me with an unknown yearning. $^In 1958, I
0130F40 was sent to_ learn basic mountaineering at the Himalayan Mountaineering
0140F40 Institute, Darjeeling, and first set my eyes on Kanchenjunga.
0150F40 ^Early in the training programme, we were taken to Tiger Hill,
0160F40 which also offers a view of \0Mt Everest. ^*Everest, I must confess,
0170F40 was rather disappointing. ^It was completely dwarfed by the
0180F40 majestic Kanchenjunga. ^*I saw green hills rising from the river Rangit,
0190F40 then a layer of blue haze and, jutting through the mists, the Kanchenjunga
0200F40 Massif clad in pure white snow. ^The fascinating view
0210F40 hypnotised me and was indelibly stamped on my mind. $^A lot happened
0220F40 between then and 1966, when I was posted as the Principal of
0230F40 the same Institute at Darjeeling. ^We had scaled Nanda Devi and Everest;
0240F40 I had lost my toes on Nilakantha and had almost to_ relearn
0250F40 walking. ^However, the desire to_ attempt Kanchenjunga
0260F40 remained unfulfilled. ^*I had just to_ look through my bedroom window
0270F40 to_ see it shining like molten gold in the rising sun. ^Pink and
0280F40 crimson clouds with a golden lining adorned its proud bosom like a garland
0290F40 of wild flowers. ^My fascination grew so great that I changed my
0300F40 room for another, which offered a better view of the massif. $^In 1976,
0310F40 I had led a Trisul Ski Expedition. ^On the successful completion
0320F40 of this adventure, I had the opportunity to_ meet General *(0T.N.*)
0330F40 Raina, \0MVC, Chief of the Army Staff. ^*I was pleasantly
0340F40 surprised by the General*'s interest in our expedition: he
0350F40 had obviously been following it very keenly. ^During the course
0360F40 of our conversation he remarked: "^Half of our army is deployed
0370F40 at high altitudes. ^Why can*'4t we organise some big mountaineering
0380F40 expedition?" ^There was indeed a case for a major army expedition,
0390F40 perhaps one without precedent in its projected goals. $"^We should
0400F40 try Kanchenjunga from the east", I said "it*'1s perhaps the biggest
0410F40 prize left for mountaineers in the world". $^To my great joy the
0420F40 General was very enthusiastic about the proposal. ^My heart beat
0430F40 wildly; I was finally on the trail of the elusive Kanchenjunga. $*<*3The
0440F40 Top Three*> $^With a confirmed height of 28,208 feet (8,598)
0450F40 metres) above sea level, Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain
0460F40 in the world. ^The difference in height between Kanchenjunga
0470F40 and the second highest mountain of the world, \0K-2, which
0480F40 rises to 28,253 feet (8,611 metres), is so little that Lord John
0490F40 Hunt had observed: "^It*'1s height alone makes it the third, and perhaps
0500F40 even the second, highest mountain in the world." $^The panoramic view
0510F40 of Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling is one of the grandest in the
0520F40 world. ^Immediately beyond the town, the ground falls away steeply
0530F40 to the bed of river Rangit, barely 1,500 feet above sea level. ^North
0540F40 of Rangit, Sikkim stretches for the next 40 miles, "a crumpled
0550F40 world of forested ridges and deep tropical canyons". ^Further on,
0560F40 stately tall brown alps and glistening icewalls culminate in
0570F40 the five-mile-high Kanchenjunga Massif, its steep, fluted white
0580F40 walls harbouring ice, snow and avalanches. ^To a mountaineer*'s eye,
0590F40 Kanchenjunga looks an impregnable giant even from this distance. ^Situated
0600F40 in such a spectacular setting, it has long worked its lure on
0610F40 mountaineers from all parts of the world. $^Between 1883 and 1955,
0620F40 eight attempts were made to_ climb this Himalayan giant and it
0630F40 finally fell to a British team led by Charles Evans. ^Four Britishers
0640F40 reached the summit on May 25 and May 26, 1955, from Kanchenjunga*'s
0650F40 North-West Face. ^But the North-East Spur route we planned
0660F40 to_ take defied two magnificent attempts in 1929 and 1931 by
0670F40 a band of remarkable German climbers led by Paul Bauer. ^Though
0680F40 they returned from 25,200 feet, the *3British Alpine Journal had
0690F40 described their attempt as a "feat without parallel in all annals
0700F40 of mountaineering history" and the expedition was awarded a gold medal
0710F40 at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. ^*Kanchenjunga from the North-East
0720F40 Spur route was thus the greatest Himalayan challenge I could
0730F40 think of. $^Our team of 19 climbers from the Indian Army
0740F40 set off from Delhi on March 7, 1977. ^The Base Camp was established
0750F40 on March 17 in the Green Lake area after a very
0760F40 difficult approach march through the narrow Zemu Valley which
0770F40 lay largely snowbound. ^The Green Lake turnewd out to_ be only
0780F40 a dirty brown pond, nevertheless a fairly big camp with mess-tents,
0790F40 tarpaulins, wireless aerials, a small meteorological observatory
0800F40 and a herd of grazing *4bharal sprang up at this site. ^Advance Base
0810F40 Camp was set up on March 25 at an altitude of 16,750 feet at the junction
0820F40 of the Twins Glacier and the Zemu Glacier. ^The route to Covance
0830F40 Base lay over the Zemu Glacier which flows down the Kanchenjunga
0840F40 Massif and is fittingly the biggest glacier in the Eastern
0850F40 Himalayas. $^In its upper reaches, the Zemu Glacier topples over
0860F40 a steep rock-face for some 700 feet and into a labyrinth of ice, forming
0870F40 a monstrous icefall as it squeezes through a narrow gap between the
0880F40 East Ridge and the North-East Spur. ^Imagine to yourself
0890F40 the Niagara Falls in a frozen state and you have a picture
0900F40 of the Zemu Icefall. ^The route through the icefall was forced
0910F40 by Major Prem Chand and Naik *(0N. D.*) Sherpa on March 31.
0920F40 ^*Prem reported: "^Very unstable icefall, the most dangerous in the Himalayas".
0930F40 ^We set up Camp *=1 about 500 yards beyond the top of the
0940F40 icefall at an altitude of 18,750 feet (5,720 metres). $<*3Impossible
0950F40 Route*> $^From Camp *=1, the upper basin of the Zamu Glacier
0960F40 ran almost level to the South face of the North-East Spur. ^We aimed
0970F40 to_ climb to the crest of the Spur and then
0980F40 climb along this ridge till we hit the North Ridge. ^We were now
0990F40 thus face to face with the "impossible" route we had adopted. ^The battle
1000F40 was joined. $^From Base Camp, I watched Major Pushkar
1010F40 Chand and Company Havaldar Major Gurcharan Singh master
1020F40 the face for Prem and Kiran to_ establish Camp *=2 next day. ^We
1030F40 had now been grappling with Kanchenjunga for over a month and seemed
1040F40 to_ be making good progress. $^Then, on April 10, Kanchenjunga
1050F40 struck back. ^Descending from Camp *=2, Havaldar Sukhvinder
1060F40 Singh slipped on a rope, fell and his rucksack jammed up
1070F40 against his head, breaking his neck. ^Numb with grief, we brought
1080F40 our dead comrade*'s body down to the Base Camp and, on April 18, creamated
1090F40 him near a small lake. ^Someone chanted from the *4Gutka in
1100F40 Punjabi: $"^Thus far we go with you, our friend, and no further. ^You
1110F40 have a heavenly path ahead of you and we have to_ suffer a little more."
1120F40 $^A white plume of smoke rose from the jumper pyre, swirling upwards
1130F40 along the barren flanks of our mountain towards the summit of
1140F40 Kanchenjunga. $^Dejected, demoralised but then with renewed determination,
1150F40 we snaked up the mountain again from April 19. ^After
1160F40 a week of great climbing, Kiran*'s party established Camp *=3 at
1170F40 20,670 feet (6,300 metres) on the afternoon of April 26. ^*Kiran described
1180F40 the camp-site as an "oasis in the vertical hell of ice". $^Till
1190F40 april 8 our progress had been very fast, almost too good to_ be true.
1200F40 ^We had overcome the icefall. ^We had broken the defence of treacherous
1210F40 South Face leading to the crest of the North-East Spur,
1220F40 not at one, but at two places. ^At that_ stage, I had had no doubt
1230F40 that we could establish Camp *=3 by April 10. ^The tragedy
1240F40 had, however, put us back by 16 days. $^*Kanchenjunga does not give
1250F40 you much time. ^Even under normal conditions, it is a race against
1260F40 the monsoons. ^And so far we were virtual non-starters, to_ say the
1270F40 least. ^Though we had had a taste of the North-East Spur*'s terrifying
1280F40 defences, some people are incorrigible optimists: I am one
1290F40 of those and sent a signal to Delhi: "^It may be possible to_ force
1300F40 open a route over the dangerous and difficult portion of the ridge in
1310F40 two or three days*' time". ^A rude shock awaited me. ^Had I known
1320F40 then that it would take us another 16 days to Camp *=4, I am not sure
1330F40 if we could have kept up the effort, since I wanted the team to_
1340F40 be off the Spur much before the onset of the monsoons. $^Ahead lay
1350F40 the crux of the entire climb, the taming of the North-East Spur.
1360F40 ^*James Ramsay Ullman, the famous American mountain chronicler, had described
1370F40 the Spur thus: $CAMP *=6 (altitude 25,030 \0ft) $"^There
1380F40 were no rocks anywhere, no bare straightway slope of ice and snow.
1390F40 ^Instead, the North-East Spur climbed skyward for thousands of feet
1400F40 in one unending spine of broken, twisted ice. ^There were towers piled
1410F40 upon towers, cliff upon cliff, huge vertical columns which tapered like
1420F40 churh spires and shining curtains, festooned with icicles, hanging down
1430F40 the precipices from cornices above. ^There were great bulges and chasms.
1440F40 ^Wrenched by wind, and cold into fantastic mushroom shapes and grotesque
1450F40 likeness of monsters from a nightmare. ^And as if all this were
1460F40 not enough, the whole broken tortured expanse was swept incessantly
1470F40 by avalanches. ^Gigantic blocks and bergs of solid ice breaking off
1480F40 high above swept down the chutes and spirals of the Spur in two-mile
1490F40 drops of thundering destruction". $*<*3Almost A Fairy-Tale*> $^The
1500F40 Spur tested us to the utmost over the next 16 days. ^This is what
1510F40 climbing fairy-tales are made of, the toughest climbing I have ever
1520F40 encountered in the mountains. ^*Prem, *(0N. D.*) Sherpa, Norbu and
1530F40 Kiran performed with skills undreamt of earlier and, when the Spur
1540F40 was finally overcome and Camp *=4 established on May 12, it was a
1550F40 day of glorious rejoicing. ^Easier slopes lay beyond. ^We had finally
1560F40 clawed a chance on the mountain. $^It would now be a race against the
1570F40 approaching monsoons. ^After 10.00 \0a.m., clouds would form and envelop
1580F40 the higher reaches of the mountain in white-out conditions.
1590F40 ^High winds would obliterate all tracks. $^The members floundered upward
1600F40 for another week before Camp *=5 could be established on May
1610F40 19 at 23,720 feet (7,230 metres). ^Beyond Camp *=5, the strong westerly
1620F40 winds blasted us with unobstructed fury. ^We were aiming to_ set
1630F40 up Camp *=6 in the Col where the Spur joined the North Ridge,
1640F40 but a kilometre-long knife-edge arete stopped us just before the Col
1650F40 at an altitude of 25,030 feet (7,630 metres). $^The date was May 24
1660F40 and, by my reckoning, the monsoon now was only a week away. ^Time was
1670F40 running out but, on the other hand, our pace had certainly quickened.
1680F40 ^It had taken us 17 days after establishing Camp *=2 to_ open up
1690F40 Camp *=3 and another 16 agonising days before we could set up Camp
1700F40 *=4. ^Once having overcome the extreme severity of the North-East
1710F40 Spur, we had set up Camp *=5 and *=6 in another fortnight, climbing
1720F40 a further 3,280 feet in the process. ^Our morale was high and everyone
1730F40 was doing his bit cheerfully and confidently. ^We seemed to_
1740F40 have got over the shock of Sukhvinder*'s death and the early depletion
1750F40 of our team. ^We were now full of confidence in our ability
1760F40 to_ get to the top. $^Could we accelerate our progress some more or
1770F40 did Kanchenjunga hold yet some obstacles on its higher slopes that_
1780F40 would require more time to_ overcome than we had?*#
        **[no. of words = 02015**]

        **[txt. f41**]
0010F41 **<*3TOBACCO HABITS AND ORAL CANCER*0**> $*3^TOBACCO*0 was first introduced
0020F41 into India by the Portuguese in the 17th century. ^It was
0030F41 credited with qualities of calming and relaxing an individual, and
0040F41 also considered to_ be a sort of stimulant. $^Various societies and
0050F41 cultures gradually discovered their own ways of using tobacco. ^As
0060F41 time passed, tobacco habits became not only socially acceptable, but
0070F41 a tradition. ^They acquired a social status symbol and even formed
0080F41 part of cultural rituals. ^The younger generation began to_ equate
0090F41 acquistition of tobacco habits with adult behaviour. ^And the habits
0100F41 spread, until epidemiological investigations on the effects of tobacco
0110F41 smoking on health had very clearly established a relationship between
0120F41 tobacco habits and cancer and certain heart and lung diseases.
0130F41 ^Among different types of cancer, oral cancer is most common in India.
0140F41 ^In the Ernakulam district of Kerala, it is found to_ be 20 times
0150F41 higher than in England. ^In the country as a whole, of course,
0160F41 its incidence varies widely over different states. $^Oral cancer is
0170F41 one of the most mutilating diseases. ^But it lends itself to early
0180F41 diagnosis without complicated instruments because of its easy accessibility;
0190F41 the only requirement is that the clinician must be alert.
0200F41 ^Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of therapy being successful.
0210F41 ^The chances of successful treatment, and maybe prevention,
0220F41 are further improved if the diagnosis is made before the lesion develops
0230F41 to a malignant or cancerous stage. $^The best solution, undoubtedly,
0240F41 would be the prevention of the disease. ^But for this, we must
0250F41 have knowledge about the epidemiology of the disease, that_ is, the
0260F41 incidence and the prevalence figures, the natural history of the
0270F41 disease and the causative factors. ^Over the years, some hypotheses
0280F41 had been put forward, but mostly on the basis of hospital-based studies.
0290F41 $^In 1966, the Basic Dental Research Unit at the Tata Institute
0300F41 of Fundamental Research, Bombay, undertook a largescale
0310F41 epidemiological investigation of oral cancer and precancerous conditions
0320F41 amongst the rural population in five districts of India-- Ernakulam
0330F41 district in Kerala, Bhavnagar district in Gujarat, Srikakulam
0340F41 district in Andhra Pradesh, and Singbhum and Darbhanga districts
0350F41 in Bihar. ^The survey dealt with the micro-environment associated
0360F41 with the development of oral cancer and precancerous lesions, the
0370F41 environmental factor in this case being tobacco chewing and smoking.
0380F41 $^There were several questions which required to_ be answered: what
0390F41 is the incidence of precancerous lesions occurring in a population?
0400F41 ^What is the exact location of these lesions within the oral cavity?
0410F41 ^What is the association between the lesions and the different
0420F41 kinds of tobacco habits? ^At what frequency and after how much time
0430F41 do these lesions turn into cancer? ^At what rate do new lesions appear
0440F41 among those who practise tobacco habits and among those who do not
0450F41 or have discontinued? $^And, from the start, it was decided to_ maintain
0460F41 a register of individuals with precancerous lesions and a control
0470F41 register of individuals who did not have any lesions. $^A specific
0480F41 and planned methodology was followed. ^The five districts mentioned
0490F41 earlier were selected on the basis of the distinctive tobacco
0500F41 habits prevalent in these five areas. ^From each of these regions, some
0510F41 reports linking these tobacco habits to oral cancer were already
0520F41 available. ^Geographically, these districts are diverse and presented
0530F41 different racial, cultural, dietary and oral habits. ^The population
0540F41 covered was rural and, hence, our results cannot demonstrate differences
0550F41 between a rural and an urban population, if any. $^In each
0560F41 district, a number of villages were selected by random sampling. ^In
0570F41 a house-to-house survey, the entire adult population (above the age
0580F41 of 15 years) in each selected village was questioned for its tobacco
0590F41 habits as well as examined for the presence of oral precancerous
0600F41 lesions by a team of specially trained dentists. $^Over 10,000 individuals
0610F41 were examined in each district. ^Every lesion was photographed
0620F41 in colour for documentation. ^Biopsies from almost all the lesions
0630F41 were obtained for microscopic examination. ^All the information regarding
0640F41 tobacco habits and clinical examination was recorded on specially
0650F41 prepared charts. ^The information was fed to the computer and
0660F41 analysed. ^Some interesting results are discussed here. $*3Smoking
0670F41 habits*0. ^Smoking was predominant among males rather than females,
0680F41 except in Srikakulam and Darbhanga. *4^Bidi smoking was prevalent
0690F41 in all the districts but it was practised only by males. *4^Hooka smoking
0700F41 was practised by females in Darbhanga. $*4^Chutta smoking was
0710F41 popular among males in Srikakulam, where reverse *4chutta smoking
0720F41 (the habit of keeping the lighted end within the mouth) was practised
0730F41 almost exclusively by females. ^In Singbhum, smoking was almost
0740F41 an exclusive privilege of men. ^The male-female ratio amongst smokers
0750F41 was 9:1. ^In Bhavnagar, we discovered a hitherto unreported habit,
0760F41 clay pipe or *4hookli smoking, practised exclusively by the males.
0770F41 $*3chewing habits*0. *4^Pan chewing was more popular in Kerala than
0780F41 in the North, and in Kerala, it was practised more by females
0790F41 than by males. *4^Khaini was a common habit in Darbhanga and Singbhum
0800F41 districts, practised mostly by males. (^See box on 'Tobacco Habits
0810F41 in India'.) $*3^THE*0 analysis of the survey data showed that
0820F41 precancerous lesions were quite frequent in the study sample. ^Leukoplakia,
0830F41 a precancerous lesion, prevailed among 1.7 per cent of the
0840F41 smaple population in Bhavnagar and Ernakulam; 4.9 per cent in Srikakulam
0850F41 and 0.2 per cent in Singbhum and Darbhanga. ^Reverse *4chutta
0860F41 smoking in Srikakulam was associated with the highest number of leukoplakias;
0870F41 leukoplakia was diagnosed amongst 8.8 per cent of Srikakulam*'s
0880F41 "reverse smokers" and amongst 7 per cent of *4hookli smokers
0890F41 in Bhavnagar. ^Leukoplakia was found among 6.1 per cent of those
0900F41 who both smoked and chewed tobacco in Ernakulan, whereas it was 2.1
0910F41 per cent among those who only smoked, and 1.7 per cent among those
0920F41 who had only chewing habits. ^Leukoplakia among those without tobacco
0930F41 habits of any kind ranged between 0 and 0.2 per cent. $^In Ernakulam
0940F41 district, 12 cases and in Srikakulam*'s "reverse smokers", 10
0950F41 cases of oral cancer were found. $^These figures clearly show that
0960F41 those who have both the chewing and smoking habits run the highest
0970F41 risk of getting a precancerous lesion and those who do not have any
0980F41 habits show no signs of a precancerous lesion. $*<*3Prospective study*0*>
0990F41 $*3^CAUSAL*0 association between tobacco habits and oral precancerous
1000F41 lesions has been indicated. ^A doubt, however, may be raised
1010F41 as to which one came first, tobacco habits or precancerous lesions.
1020F41 ^Couldn*'4t something else have caused the precancerous lesions
1030F41 which, in turn, induced the affected person to_ take to tobacco habits?
1040F41 $^One way to_ counteract these arguments would be a prospective
1050F41 survey where indivduals without the disease are followed up periodically.
1060F41 ^After a suitable length of time, the rate of occurrence
1070F41 of new lesions among those with smoking or chewing habits can be compared
1080F41 with the rate among those without the habits. ^The ratio of these
1090F41 two would indicate the factor by which the risk of the lesion is
1100F41 increased among the addicts. ^This study would also give an idea of
1110F41 the risk of a leukoplakia developing into a cancer as well as the risk
1120F41 of developing a leukoplakia for persons with a specific tobacco
1130F41 habit. $^Such a follow-up survey constituted the second phase of this
1140F41 project. ^All individuals examined in the first survey were re-examined
1150F41 annually and questioned about their tobacco habits. ^In order
1160F41 to_ obtain reliable results, the follow-up survey was conducted for
1170F41 10 years. $^The results obtained were quite conclusive. ^Over the 10-years
1180F41 follow-up period, not a single case of oral cancer or leukoplakia
1190F41 developed among those who did not practise any kind of tobacco
1200F41 habit. $^Those who practised tobacco habits did develop precancerous
1210F41 lesions, though the rates of occurrence varied for different habit
1220F41 groups. ^For example, in Ernakulam district, *4bidi smokers developed
1230F41 leukoplakia at the rate of 0.7 per 1,000 per year and *4pan
1240F41 chewers at the rate of 3.6 per 1,000 per year. ^Those who practised
1250F41 both developed leukoplakia at the rate of 6 per 1,000 per year. ^In
1260F41 Srikakulam district, reverse *4chutta smokers developed precancerous
1270F41 lesions on the palate at the rate of 96 per 1,000 per year. $^Along
1280F41 with the individuals without any lesions, individuals with precancerous
1290F41 lesions were also followed up over the same period. ^In Ernakulam
1300F41 district and in Srikakulam district, 11 oral cancer cases developed
1310F41 during the follow-up period among individuals with precancerous
1320F41 lesions within 1 to 8 years of the first examination. $^The results
1330F41 provide definite proof *3that the surest way to_ prevent oral cancer
1340F41 would be to_ avoid tobacco in any form.*0 ^Thus, persuading people
1350F41 to_ refrain from using tobacco would be worth-while in the interest
1360F41 of the nation at large. $*<*3The 'X-factor'*0*> $^It can be argued
1370F41 that the relationship between tobacco habits and oral precancerous
1380F41 lesions is not quite as direct as has been implied. ^There may exist
1390F41 an unknown factor (x-factor) which is responsible for the cancer
1400F41 and precancerous lesions as well as the tobacco habits. ^It may be solely
1410F41 due to this "X-factor" that the tobacco habits and oral precancerous
1420F41 lesions appear to_ be related to each other. $^To_ counter this
1430F41 argument, an intervention study is necessary. ^In an intervention
1440F41 study, a part of the sudy sample is persuaded to_ give up the suspected
1450F41 disease-causing factor, in this case, tobacco habits. ^Re-examining
1460F41 the sample over a period of time, one can determine the incidence
1470F41 of the disease, that_ is, the comparative risk of contracting the
1480F41 disease among the individuals who gave up the habit and among the
1490F41 individuals who continued the tobacco habit. ^If there is a significant
1800F41 decrease in the disease rate among the individuals who gave up
1510F41 the habits, then it would prove that a direct link exists between the
1520F41 habit and the disease, and it would effectively disprove the "X-factor"
1530F41 hypothesis. ^Obviously, an intervention study will also provide
1540F41 the estimate of decrease in the risk of disease affecting the group
1550F41 who have dis-continued the habit. ^Such an intervention study is
1560F41 proposed as the third phase of the project. $^To_ persuade the population
1570F41 to_ give up their tobacco habits, a film has been made depicting
1580F41 the various types of tobacco habits practised in India and their
1590F41 relationship to oral cancer and precancerous lesions. ^The message
1600F41 of the film which has a different version for each State will be
1610F41 reinforced through personal communication, group discussion and printed
1620F41 matter. ^The population will be interviewed and re-examined every
1630F41 year. $^It is also hoped that this intervention study will finally
1640F41 remove all doubts in the way of undertaking large-scale primary prevention
1650F41 programmes for oral cancer by the government as well as voluntary
1660F41 organisations.
1670F41 $*<*3Tobacco habits in India*0*> $^Within a short time of tobacco being
1680F41 brought to India its usage became common. ^Several saints of the
1690F41 seventeenth century had condemned its usage in their writings. ^Over
1700F41 the years, tobacco usage in India has evolved in two distinct forms,
1710F41 chewing and smoking. ^Snuffing is also practised, but is not as common.
1720F41 $*<*3Chewing habits*0*> $^Actuailly, tobacco chewing is not a
1730F41 correct description of the habit because, in most cases, tobacco is kept
1740F41 in the mouth and not chewed. ^Below is a description of some of
1750F41 the most common forms of tobacco chewing and smoking in India, some
1760F41 of which were studied by us. $*4Pan chewing: ^The practice is at
1770F41 least 2,000 years old and has the sanction of ancicnt Indian scriptures.
1780F41 ^Basically, *4pan is a combination of betel leaf, catechu, slaked
1790F41 lime (calcium hydroxide) and piece of areca nut. ^Several condiments
1800F41 and sweetening and flavouring agents are also added. ^With such ingredients,
1810F41 normally no spitting is necessary and the bolus formed by
1820F41 chewing is swallowed. ^Today, however, almost all the habitual chewers
1830F41 of *4pan chew it along with tobacco. ^The addition of tobacco
1840F41 has made condiments and sweetening and flavouring agents superfluous.
1850F41 ^When chewing *4pan with tobacco, the "chew" formed in the mouth has
1860F41 to_ be spat out. $*4khaini: ^It can be described as the habit of chewing
1870F41 tobacco without the betel leaf. *4^Khaini addicts usually keep
1880F41 two small metal boxes containing slaked lime and tobacco. ^A small
1890F41 quantity of tobacco is taken out on the left palm and vigorously mixed
1900F41 with slaked lime by the thumb or forefinger.*#
        **[no. of words = 02003**]

        **[txt. f42**]
0010F42 **<*3WHO OWNS BOMBAY?*0**> $*3^BOMBAY OCCUPIES*0 a unique place in India.
0020F42 ^*New Delhi may be the political capital, and Calcutta, the
0030F42 cultural capital, but nobody can deny that Bombay is the financial
0040F42 nerve-centre of this subcontinent. $^During the last one hundred years,
0050F42 Bombay has witnessed many communities gaining and losing economic
0060F42 power, depending on their weaknesses and strong points and the
0070F42 backing of the political power at the centre. ^A study of the ever-changing
0080F42 pattern will be very interesting and throw light on the various
0090F42 socio-economic and political forces in the country. $^*Shivaji*'s
0100F42 *4loot of Surat had frightened the British and made them change
0110F42 the idea of having their headquarters in Bombay. ^It then was a fishermen*'s
0120F42 village. ^Communication was difficult. ^But it was an excellent
0130F42 natural port. ^The *5Pathare Prabhu*6 community became prominent
0140F42 then, and held vast landed properties in Bombay. ^Thus, the entire
0150F42 Malabar Hill was owned by *5Pathare Prabhus*6. ^They acted
0160F42 as the counterpart of *5Kayastha Munshis*6 in the Moghul Court
0170F42 and during the early British period and became politically and financially
0180F42 dominant. ^In fact, they became the only landed aristocrats
0190F42 in the relatively backward, unknown and poor island. ^Even today the
0200F42 community has some beautiful and commercially very paying land in
0210F42 its possession. *4^*Prabhus were addicts of wine and women. ^They were
0220F42 very extravagant, vain, and always in the pursuit of anything soft,
0230F42 beautiful, and pleasuresome. $*<*3Rise of Parsis*0*> $^The Parsi
0240F42 community followed the *5Pathare Prabhus*6 in the socio-economic
0250F42 dominance of Bombay. ^The Parsis were soft-spoken and looked very
0260F42 fair and generous. ^To_ begin with, they were very backward and
0270F42 poor. ^They acted as interpreters to the British and won their confidence.
0280F42 ^The British patronage and education completely transformed
0290F42 them. ^They were superior to the *4Prabhus in one respect-- they were
0300F42 first class businessmen. ^They took to trade, commerce and industry,
0310F42 once they had gained sufficient trust of the British rulers. $^Their
0320F42 vast profits in business and industry was neutralised by their
0330F42 lavish extravagance. ^They were philanthropists. ^An ordinary Parsi
0340F42 during the British period considered himself superior to the 'natives',
0350F42 but the leaders at the top were different. $^The Parsis opened
0360F42 arts colleges, hospitals, theatres and what not. ^They gradually became
0370F42 the leaders in all fields. ^As employers, they were kind and generous.
0380F42 ^In politics, they always sided with the British and preserved
0390F42 interest of their community. ^This resulted in more concessions,
0400F42 contracts and licenses for the new industries for the Parsi entrepreneurs.
0410F42 ^Unlike the Hindus, the Parsis had no inhibition in regard
0420F42 to dining, wining and travelling with the foreigners. $^The Maharashtrian
0430F42 *4Brahmins, though brilliant and talented, aggressively opposed
0440F42 the British rule in India, and the British could never trust
0450F42 them. ^Naturally, the non-Maharashtrians, particularly the Parsis
0460F42 and Gujarati *4Baniyas, profited the most. $^The Parsis thrived
0470F42 for quite some time because of three reasons. ^They were fair and
0480F42 racially looked nearer to the Europeans than the Hindus or the Muslims.
0490F42 ^Secondly, they showed that they were non-aligned in politics,
0500F42 and were nonentities in power politics. ^As a rule, they played the
0510F42 role of conservatives and opposed the radicals like Tilak. ^Thirdly,
0520F42 because of their gentle and witty nature and generous employment
0530F42 potential, they were quite popular in the politically-conscious Bombay.
0540F42 $^The Parsis had a peculiar system of trusts which increased
0550F42 their popularity and gave them a very good image in the country. ^If
0560F42 a Parsi has no issue, the community laws forbid him to_ adopt a
0570F42 son. ^Thus, after the death of a rich Parsi, all his property goes
0580F42 to the community in the form of the trust made in the name of the departed.
0590F42 ^Thus, the familiar name, Godrej, is a trust, and is no individual
0600F42 or a group of members of a family. $*<*3Goodness of trustees*0*>
0610F42 $^If the trustees are good, they would work hard to_ invest and
0620F42 reinvest the money of the trust and enlarge its operations. ^It is
0630F42 a wellknown fact that the finances to_ run the Tata Cancer Hospital
0640F42 come from the Tata Trust. ^The trustees can certainly function
0650F42 far better, because the element of selfishness or family interestis
0660F42 automatically curtailed. $^The Gujarati *4Baniyas entered the
0670F42 field simultaneously with the Parsis. ^The *5Vaishnav Baniyas*6 from
0680F42 Saurashtra and Surat earned a lot of respect because of their
0690F42 truthfulness and religiousness. ^Relatively, the *5Jain Baniyas*6,
0700F42 the late comers on the scene, were more shrewd, soft-spoken and introverted.
0710F42 ^It was very difficult to_ have full trust in a *5Jain Baniya*'s*6
0720F42 words. ^Wittily, it was said about him, "^He does not kill
0730F42 flies and insects; he kills men and digests them." ^There were many
0740F42 differences between the Parsis and the Gujarati *4Baniyas. $^A
0750F42 Parsi would be really generous. ^A *4Baniya would not even show that
0760F42 he was one. ^The Parsi businessmen liked all the pleasures of life and
0770F42 enjoyed them to their heart*'s content. ^A *4Baniya would hardly think
0780F42 of these things. ^He enjoyed *4satta, but speculation frightened
0790F42 a Parsi businessman. ^A Parsi had set principles in dealing with
0800F42 his customers and would generally stick to them. ^A *4Baniya was ever
0810F42 obliging and accommodating. $*<*3Gujarati *4Baniya*0*> $^The advent
0820F42 of Gandhiji*'s political movement helped the Gujarati *4Baniya to_
0830F42 earn the much coveted entry into certain sectors of the industry
0840F42 which till then had been monopolised by the Parsis. ^*Gandhiji*'s
0850F42 politics confused the British administrators, but convinced them that,
0860F42 unlike the aggressive Bengali and Maharashtrian rebels, Gandhiji
0870F42 could never fight them violently. $^Actually, Gandhiji*'s movement
0880F42 introduced a new element and it was fully exploited by the Gujarati
0890F42 *4Baniya owners of the textile mills in Bombay and Ahmedabad.
0900F42 ^They did not mind diverting a part of their profit to_ finance Gandhiji*'s
0910F42 movement. ^It is well-known that Gandhiji started full-time
0920F42 political worker system in India. ^It was this community that_
0930F42 popularised Gandhiji*'s politics all over the country. $*(0^*S. K.*)
0940F42 Patil, the then uncrowned king of Bombay, gave a good lift to
0950F42 the Gujarati *4Baniyas. ^The Parsis gradually withdrew and made
0960F42 room for the Gujarati *4Baniyas who later on were joined with Patels
0970F42 and Lohanas from the mainland of Gujarat. ^The Hindu *4Vohras and
0980F42 Muslim *4Bohras did have good time for some time, but could not
0990F42 flourish like *4Baniyas or Parsis. ^Their community was too small.
1000F42 $^The Gujarati *4Baniyas had already made their mark as successful
1010F42 businessmen outside India, particularly in East Africa. ^The
1020F42 Patels and Shahs from Gujarat had also been prosperous there. ^Importing
1030F42 foreign goods on a commission basis had already been started
1040F42 long ago by the Parsis and the Gujarati *4Baniyas, but the Patels
1050F42 added a new dimension by exporting the Indian finished goods to
1060F42 the underdeveloped countries. $*<3Marwaris in competition*0*> $^*Gandhiji*'s
1070F42 movement helped another community indirectly. ^It was the
1080F42 community of the Marwaris. ^*Bajaj and Birla were the custodians of
1090F42 Gandhiji*'s funds. ^No wonder, these two Marwaris encouraged their
1100F42 own kith and kin who appeared late on Bombay*'s stage of trade,
1110F42 commerce and industry. $^The competition
1120F42 between the Gujarati *4Baniyas and Marwaris reminds one of
1130F42 the story of the hare and the tortoise. ^It is very interesting to_
1140F42 study how the Marwaris slowly progressed and replaced the Gujarati
1150F42 *4Baniyas in the Bombay market and achieved supreme position
1160F42 there, despite the cut-throat competition by the newcomers, the Sindhi
1170F42 and Punjabi businessmen from the North. ^In 1960, after the formation
1180F42 of the separate Maharashtra State, its first Chief Minister,
1190F42 *(0Y. B.*) Chavan wanted to_ cut *(0S. K.*) Patil to size.
1200F42 ^He took financial assistance from both the rival groups for his
1210F42 party politics and gradually deflated *(0S. K.*) Patil in his own
1220F42 kingdom. $^The Marwaris in pre-Independence era were petty traders
1250F42 dealing in waste paper and waste metals and secondhand utensils and
1240F42 ornaments, usually stolen. ^They went from the dry desert of Marwar
1250F42 to distant places and devoted their full attention to business.
1260F42 ^They had no educational background and would live anywhere. ^They
1270F42 were known as the misers of the highest order, probably because in the
1280F42 beginning, they had nothing to_ spend. $^They were highly religiious
1290F42 and orthodox. ^Though they prospered in their business in the course
1300F42 of time, they preserved their only possession-- the metal pot,
1301F42 a rope and the loin cloth. ^This was
1310F42 done deliberately to_ remind the members of the family of their
1320F42 early days. ^They did not allow their womenfolk to_ take part in any
1330F42 social event. ^Sharing responsibilities in trade or business was out
1340F42 of question for their women, although the males talked about business
1350F42 all the day. $^The Marwaris started building their prosperity in
1360F42 Berar where Gandhiji chose to_ have his main *4Ashram. ^During the
1370F42 Gandhian movement, the idealistic Maharashtrian professionals (mainly
1380F42 *4Brahmin teachers, doctors and pleaders) and *4Ijardars left
1390F42 their profession, and started getting impoverished and selling their
1400F42 properties. ^The shrewd Marwaris, however, gradually started purchasing
1410F42 these estates at throw-away prices. $*<*3Rise of Marwaris*0*>
1420F42 $^Earlier, the Maharashtrian *4Brahimins had settled in Berar and
1430F42 Marathwada and had become landlords and also leaders in political
1440F42 field. ^The decline and rise of Marwaris is very interesting to_
1450F42 study. ^Gradually, the Marwaris became landlords, leaders in the
1460F42 chambers of commerce and newspaper owners, and captured educational
1470F42 institutes. $^Enthusiastic Maharashtrian *4Brahmin youths who were
1480F42 idealists helped the Marwari capitalists by working all the 24 hours
1490F42 of the day and seven days of the week, sticking to the ideals of
1500F42 patriotic mission, life of sacrifice, *4Swadeshi and *4Swadharma.
1510F42 ^No wonder, the Marwaris prospered and the Maharashtrians declined.
1520F42 $^The same process was repeated in and around Bombay. ^In most of
1530F42 the fields, the Marwaris have proved their superiority and have displaced
1540F42 the Gujarati *4Baniyas partly or in certain sectors fully.
1550F42 $^Gradually, the Marwaris realised the value of education. ^Once
1560F42 the Marwaris became educated, there was a transformation in their
1570F42 investment policies. ^The trader and the businessman now became ambitious
1580F42 to_ own the industires which gave better and richer returns. $^The
1581F42 *4Marwaris are no entrepreneurs. ^They are best at cooking the account
1600F42 books. ^They are excellent organisers and successful managers,
1610F42 of course, from their own profit point of view. ^*Laxmi is their only
1620F42 goddess and each Marwari is cruelly business-like in his dealings.
1630F42 ^Even the son would not spare his father in getting his legitimate
1640F42 commission, and surprisingly, the father does not mind it because he,
1650F42 too, has treated his father likewise. ^It is on this score that_
1660F42 the Marwaris have outsmarted the Gujarati *4Baniyas. $^The chief
1670F42 characteristic of the Marwari businessman is that he carefully avoids
1680F42 his identity in all his dealings. ^And yet, he is very much there.
1690F42 ^To the person in need, he will speak very sweetly and appear reasonable.
1700F42 ^He will surely help the man in need. ^But he will have complete
1710F42 information about him through his own intelligence network. $^The
1720F42 Marwari has already fixed an expiry date in his mind and will wait
1730F42 patiently till then. ^After that_ the person would feel and see
1740F42 his real character. ^The Marwari would be cruel enough to_ get every
1750F42 *4paisa of the interest and the capital, if necessary, through the
1760F42 court decree. ^Once he gets his money back, he would be courteous and
1770F42 would say, "^What to_ do? ^This business compels me to_ take
1780F42 such a drastic step. ^You are my good friend. ^Please remember whenever
1790F42 you are in any need, please do not hesitate to_ approach me." $^A
1800F42 Marwari would only show that he is not interested in politics. ^Yet
1810F42 he is fully aware of the politics going around him and tries to_
1820F42 have a full, though invisible control over the same. ^If one brother
1830F42 shows inclination to the Congress, another would show his affiliation
1840F42 to the *5Jana Sangha*6, the third to the *4Swatantra, while
1850F42 the fourth would show sympathy even to the communists. $*<*3Money
1860F42 making \0vs king-making*0*> $^At home, they would sit together and
1870F42 jointly think of their business interests and exchange notes to_ exploit
1880F42 the situation for their personal interest. ^It is a pity that
1890F42 the different parties hardly know about this strategy and always boast
1900F42 of 'capturing' this Marwari *4Seth or that_ .^Few realise that
1910F42 a Marwari is essentially interested in minting money, and would prefer
1920F42 to_ become a king-maker than be a king himself.*#
        **[no. of words = 02003**]

        **[txt. f43**]
0010F43 **<*3Is *(0M. O.*) Mathai a *5Namak Haram?*6*0**> $\0*3^The*0 yearning
0020F43 to_ write is one I understand. ^And reminiscences of an important
0030F43 and eventful era are something of value. ^But there has been too
0040F43 much glib and hasty writing about important events of late, and Mathai*'s
0050F43 is a dishonest addition to the scrappy jobs that_ pass as book-writing
0060F43 among us. ^His book rests on the simple and unscrupulous expedient
0070F43 of insinuation. ^Several insinuations are presented as facts, leading
0080F43 to the conclusion Mathai wishes us to_ draw. ^This is how the
0090F43 method works: ^We are told Nehru has visits from a "comely" woman on
0100F43 several nights, arranged by his secretary, Upadhyaya. ^Next, a woman
0110F43 produces an illegitimate child in an unknown, untraceable convent in
0120F43 Bangalore. ^The authorities of this mysterious place find letters addressed
0130F43 to her from the Prime Minister and return them to him. ^The
0140F43 convent remains anonymous and heavy hangs the implication that these "letters"
0150F43 are of a certain kind. ^This trail of "information" is wound
0160F43 up with a story about Napoleon*'s bastard. ^What each of these statements
0170F43 has to_ do with the others is not at all clear. ^But what Mathai
0180F43 clearly intends us to_ believe is that Nehru fathered a bastard.
0190F43 $^We must not ask why in Heaven*'s name this convent has vanished
0200F43 off the map-- or else how could a convent in Bangalore, as distinct
0210F43 from one on Mars, fail to_ be located? ^We must remember, too that
0220F43 this convent must be the only place in India where everyone*'s lips
0230F43 are sealed forever. ^In a country where everyone babbles so, and where
0240F43 a flourishing yellow Press waits-- and certainly waited in Nehru*'s
0250F43 time-- to_ pounce on scandal, not a whisper of this was ever heard.
0260F43 ^It was left to Mathai, all these years later, to_ "reveal" these
0270F43 "facts". $^Here is what Nehru*'s secretary, Upadhyaya, whom Mathai
0280F43 calls Nature*'s fool" has to_ say about this episode. ^During the Hindi
0290F43 agitation (spearheaded by Seth Govind Das in the early 1950s)
0300F43 the woman known as Shraddha Mata came from Lucknow to Delhi and
0310F43 interviewed a number of \0MPs in support of the Hindi Bill that_ was
0320F43 then under consideration in Parliament. ^She was probably in her late
0330F43 Thirties, dressed in an orange *4sari and wore her hair loose over
0340F43 her shoulders. ^*Upadhyaya was then in charge of the *4am-janata gatherings
0350F43 on the front lawn of Teen Murti House where people came every
0360F43 morning for *4darshan. ^This woman met Nehru a couple of times through
0370F43 him on these occasions. ^One night about midnight Upadhyaya and his
0380F43 family were asleep when she arrived at his house. ^One of his daughters,
0390F43 who answered the door refused to_ wake her father as he had been
0400F43 unwell, but the woman pushed past her and demanded agitatedly that
0410F43 he be roused as it was a matter of life and death, and that Upadhyaya
0420F43 must take her to_ see the Prime Minister at once. ^*Upadhyaya,
0430F43 though terribly nervous about intruding on the Prime Minister who,
0440F43 he knew, would be working or dictating in his study at that_ hour, and
0450F43 would be irritable if he were interrupted, could not withstand the woman*'s
0460F43 urgent pleas. ^He accompanied her in her car to Teen Murti House.
0470F43 ^As he had anticipated, Nehru was dictating to a \0PA. ^He was greatly
0480F43 annoyed at the interruption, and furious when Upadhyaya said
0490F43 that Shraddha Mata wished to_ see him on a matter of life and death.
0500F43 "^That_ wretched woman again-- why do you go around with her? ^She is
0510F43 highly dangerous." ^However, he went down to the portico where she was
0520F43 waiting in her car and she told him of tragic consequences for the country
0530F43 if the Hindi Bill were not passed. ^*Upadhyaya recalls that Nehru
0540F43 was very sharp in his reply and ordered her away in no uncertain
0550F43 terms. ^The incident took about ten minutes. ^The Prime Minister returned
0560F43 to his study. ^The woman had no further interview with him. $^*Upadhyaya
0570F43 further adds that the woman*'s clothes were a cover for her activities.
0580F43 ^She had "men friends" in Ferozeshah Road Delhi, whom she
0590F43 visited regularly. ^It was rumoured she had had an illegitimate child.
0600F43 ^*Upadhyaya declared he certainly did not regard her as "holy" and nor did
0610F43 anyone else who knew her. $^Since Mathai has commented on Upadhyaya,
0620F43 let us have Upadhyaya*'s comments on Mathai. ^He vividly recalls
0630F43 Mathai*'s arrival in Allahabad "in a *4tonga loaded with junk" which
0640F43 included for some reason a crate of empty Coca Cola bottles-- perhaps
0650F43 a legacy of the American Red Cross he had been employed by. ^He
0660F43 was accommodated in a room in a little outhouse of Anand Bhawan which
0670F43 my great-aunt had, in her life time, used as a *4puja-ghar. ^The
0680F43 outhouse was where she herself had lived the Spartan ascetic life
0690F43 of her choice during the long windowhood. ^From that_ modest habitation
0700F43 to the suite and impressive study at Teen Murti House a few years
0710F43 later-- where he sat for a portrait by Elizabeth Brunner and looked
0720F43 down on Ministers ambassadors and the like-- was a very short road.
0730F43 ^*Upadhyaya says that Mathai was formidably efficient. ^His typing and
0740F43 shorthand were of a high order. ^He had also been trained in book-keeping
0750F43 and accounting. ^He was an enormous asset to Nehru, released from
0760F43 jail and faced with a mountain of personal and political correspondence.
0770F43 ^*Upadhyaya, regarded as a member of the Nehru family and long devoted
0780F43 to it could not compete with this competence. ^Within a year Mathai
0790F43 saw to it that all papers and correspondences passed through him.
0800F43 ^All "outside" business, for example, the morning "*4darshan" on the
0810F43 lawn once Nehru moved to Teen Murti House, were passed on to Upadhyaya.
0820F43 ^*Mathai also wanted Upadhyaya to_ be sent back to Anand
0830F43 Bhawan to_ look after the house. ^This was tried but Upadhyaya returned
0840F43 to_ tell Nehru, "I have served you and your father before you.
0850F43 ^*Anand Bhawan has always been my home. ^But if you don*'4t need my
0860F43 services any more I would rather go and live in Almora." ^*Nehru
0870F43 kept him in Delhi and later he entered Parliament, not at the suggestion
0880F43 of Mathai but that_ of two \0MPs, Captain, Avdesh Pratap
0890F43 Narain Singh and Shambhu Nath Shukla. $^*Mathai*'s efficiency rapidly
0900F43 enabled him to_ set up an absolute command. ^*Vice-President Radhakrishnan
0910F43 could be kept waiting on the telephone, or not be put through
0920F43 to Nehru at all, unless Mathai sanctioned it. ^On one such occasion
0930F43 Upadhyaya intervened to_ inform Nehru that the \0VP had been trying
0940F43 to_ get through to him and Nehru, angry at the discourtesy shown
0950F43 to Radhakrishnan had reprimanded Mathai. $^Now let us apply Mathai*'s
0960F43 methodology to Mathai, using a series of statements to_ 'arrive
0970F43 at a conclusion'. ^*Mathai liked his booze and indulged in it. ^In retirement
0980F43 this was carried to an extent that was detrimental to his health.
0990F43 ^He was taken to the Willingdon Hospital several times. ^*I
1000F43 suppose this could mean he was hospitalised for alcoholism. ^More methodology.
1010F43 "^A certain relation of Shamsher Singh*'s" (Mathai was living
1020F43 with Shamsher Singh at the time) has declared that Mathai was a victim
1030F43 of delirium tremens, the result of alcoholic excess. "^A certain
1040F43 relation of Shamsher Singh*'s" has also declared that Mathai was
1050F43 caught forging a cheque in Shamsher Singh*'s name. ^The old man, this
1060F43 relation said, was not aware of half that_ went on in the house with
1070F43 Mathai in sole charge. ^Personally I do not believe that statements
1080F43 such as these constitute the stuff of evidence, nor should cases
1090F43 or books be built on them, but apparently Mathai does, for this is
1100F43 the system he uses in his book. ^Used on him it certainly shows him up
1110F43 in a far less rosy light than he would like to_ be seen. $^*Mathai
1120F43 has used the same technique on Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit by a display
1130F43 of photostat receipts without any connected story as to their origin,
1140F43 significance or final disposal, yet leaving the unmistakable impression
1150F43 with the reader that these are monies illegitimately collected.
1160F43 ^He also makes a surprising misjudgement about a woman whom he had many
1170F43 opportunities to_ observe. ^Revenge is no part of her nature. ^Her
1180F43 friends and enemies all know she suffers, if anything from an excess
1190F43 of generosity in things material and spiritual. ^Her loyalty to her family
1200F43 is old-fashioned and carried to the last ditch. ^The idea of revenge
1210F43 toward any member of it is wholly ridiculous. $^In the first week
1220F43 of November, 1977, Mathai called on my mother, Vijaya Lakshmi
1230F43 Pandit, in New Delhi to_ say goodbye. ^He was leaving that_ day, he
1240F43 said, for Madras to_ settle down. ^He had continued to_ live in
1250F43 Delhi after his exit from Prime Minister Nehru*'s staff in a house
1260F43 on the President*'s Estate given by the Government to Rajkumari
1270F43 Amrit Kaur and her brother, Shamsher Singh, for their lifetime,
1280F43 in exchange for their property in the Punjab. ^*Mathai had made this
1290F43 arrangement with his benefactress, the Rajkumari. ^It was not altogether
1300F43 to her brother*'s liking, but it continued till Shamsher Singh*'s
1310F43 death in his 90*'3s a few years ago. ^The house and garden were ample,
1320F43 gracious and well-staffed. ^If Mathai contributed anything besides
1330F43 his presence to the establishment, any contribution he made must have
1340F43 been illusory in proportion to the style and standard of living he
1350F43 enjoyed. ^After Shamsher Singh*'s death he moved to the Northern
1360F43 Extension area and a much reduced standard of living. ^He stayed on
1370F43 in Delhi presumably to_ get his book ready for his publisher. ^This
1380F43 done he left for Madras, a perfectly timed departure that_ spared
1390F43 him the necessity of explanations when his book was released in Delhi
1400F43 immediately afterward. $^Not that the book was a secret. ^He had sent
1410F43 selected chapters (not including the one about her) to my mother.
1420F43 ^*I had read these and thought they were in poor taste. ^His references
1430F43 to Kamraj*'s mother as an "inkpot", to "Lal Bahadur*'s puny figure"
1440F43 and so on seemed ill-humoured and petty. ^*I found his remarks
1450F43 about Padmaja Naidu particularly odious for she had shown him-- something
1460F43 of a waif and stray when he first arrived in Delhi-- much kindness
1470F43 and consideration. ^Apart from this she was a woman of considerable
1480F43 human quality and a delightful companion whom Mathai*'s account shrivels
1490F43 and distorts into a person who had "tantrums". ^All his character
1500F43 sketches are caricatures, without the saving grace of caricature which
1510F43 is to_ make people laugh or think, or both. $^*Mathai*'s caricatures
1520F43 turn the spotlight on Mathai, and I wondered at the bitterness contained
1530F43 in these pages. ^*I concluded that he was in financial straits
1540F43 and needed money and that this sort of book would provide him with it.
1550F43 ^What occurred to me when I read his extracts and later the book
1560F43 itself, was this: ^Who is *(0M. O.*) Mathai and what are his qualifications
1570F43 and credentials to_ pass flippant judgement on these and other
1580F43 characters? ^Anyone can, of course, pass judgement on whomsoever he
1590F43 wishes. ^But it is interesting to_ know who is doing so. ^If a five-year-old
1600F43 tells me he prefers a blotch of paint to a Rembrandt, I am not
1610F43 likely to_ take his word for it that the blotch is greater art. ^And
1620F43 if the monkey at the zoo would rather eat a peanut than a "*5shahi
1630F43 tukra*6", he is welcome to it, but that_ does not make him a gourmet. $^So
1640F43 I hoped Mathai*'s book would say something about Mathai, a promise
1650F43 grandly held out in his Preface. ^Had the Preface ended with the
1660F43 first sentence-- "this book is... chatty stuff containing my reminiscences"--
1670F43 no further comment was needed on anything he had to_ say. ^But
1680F43 he goes on to_ add that this "chatty stuff" is "guided by the philosophy
1690F43 contained in the Introduction to Volume *=5 (1902) of the monumental
1700F43 13-volume work *3Napoleon et sa Famille*0, by Frederic Masson."
1710F43 ^He continues that he has been further guided by "the exceptionally
1720F43 frank 3-volume atuobiography of Bertrand Russell". ^These two venerable
1730F43 guides, along with thick helpings of diverse quotations through
1740F43 the book are there, I suppose, to_ let us know-- for we are quite
1750F43 likely to_ miss the point otherwise-- that *(0M. O.*) Mathai is literate.*#
        **[no. of words = 02031**]

        **[txt. f44**]
0010F44 **<*3GETTING MARRIED THE *4MAITHIL WAY*0**> $*3^THE*0 *4Maithils are
0020F44 a small, distinct community, inhabiting that_ part of North Bihar
0030F44 called Mithila, the land of Sita. ^Although the district of Darbhanga
0040F44 is their citadel, they have spread into the neighbouring districts
0050F44 of Purnea, Suharsa and Bhagalpur, parts of Muzaffarpur and Champaran
0060F44 and the *4terai regions of Southern Nepal as well. ^Mostly impoverished
0070F44 *4Brahmins, they have, however, a rich cultural heritage which
0080F44 is manifest in all social events, particularly the wedding. ^A
0090F44 *4Maithil wedding typifies the culture, folklore and religion of Mithila.
0100F44 $^Like weddings all over, the *4Maithil wedding begins with
0110F44 the betrothal. ^In their zeal to_ improve the *4Maithil stock, they
0120F44 proscribe '*4intra-gotra' marriages and marriages between people
0130F44 within seven generations on the father*'s side and five on the mother*'s.
0140F44 ^Being so small and closely-knit a community presents genuine
0150F44 difficulties in finding a suitable partner. ^There are professional
0160F44 men, '*4panjiars', who maintain genealogical records of established
0170F44 families. ^For a small fee, the *4panjiar furnishes a list of eligible
0180F44 bachelors beyond the prohibited degree-- the '*5adhikar mala*6'--
0190F44 to anxious fathers of daughters. $^The betrothal ceremony is really
0200F44 the *4panjiar*'s show. ^The couple is represented by male relatives
0210F44 who gather opposite one another in a mango grove or educational institution
0220F44 in the presence of the *4panjiar. ^In the manner of that_ African
0230F44 'griot' in *3Roots*0, the *4panjiar reels off the name of the couple*'s
0240F44 forebears. ^He certifies to the match on a dried palmyra leaf
0250F44 in red *4Maithili script. ^The leaf is given to the boy*'s representatives
0260F44 who hand it to the girl*'s party, confirming the acceptance
0270F44 of the proposal. ^The '*4siddhanta' is celebrated with an exchange
0280F44 of '*4thalis' of '*4paan', reflecting *4Mithila*'s abounding poverty.
0290F44 $^The '*4Tamrapatra' is venerated for the sealed pact that_ it is,
0300F44 and is seldom revoked. ^On being brought to the fiancee*'s house it
0310F44 is placed before the family shrine, while women collect to_ sing praises
0320F44 to Bhagawati. ^These hymns are followed by songs called '*4kumar'
0330F44 which emphasise the bride*'s chastity. $'*4^Ubtan', a turmeric-sandal
0340F44 paste, is applied on the bride*'s face and limbs; her hair is oiled
0350F44 and let loose, while evil glances are driven away with the '*4kajal'
0360F44 lining her eyes. ^She is dressed in yellow and stripped of every
0370F44 ornament. ^On her wedding eve, five married women give her a ceremonial
0380F44 bath or '*4kumram' beside a pond, pouring water over her head.
0390F44 ^Thus purified, she sits with an older married sister who roasts
0400F44 the '*4lava' for the *4vedic ceremony. $^*Maithil women love music and
0410F44 art and a wedding gives them ample opportunities for both. ^Beginning
0420F44 with invocations to Bhagawati, they end up with ribald songs aimed
0430F44 at one another. ^Wherever a ritual takes place, the women decorate
0440F44 the floor with '*4aripana'. $"*5^Matrika puja*6" or oblations to ancestors
0450F44 is a necessary prelude to every *4Vedic ceremony in Mithila.
0460F44 ^When the wedding day dawns, the bride sits with the person giving
0470F44 her away, to_ remember the ancestors. ^Thereafter both she and her
0480F44 bridegroom begin a '*5brahmacharya vrat*6', to_ be given up only after
0490F44 the '*4chaturthi', the fourth day of marriage. ^The couple subsists,
0500F44 among other things, on an ascetic diet of fruits, sweets and milk,
0510F44 without salt and cereals. $*3^THE*0 bridegroom is traditionally
0520F44 dressed in a yellow *4dhoti, *4kurta, a '*4dopta' draped over his
0530F44 shoulders and a peaked cap peculiar to Maithils called the '*4paag'.
0540F44 ^He sits on an '*5aripaned pirhi*6' before a large bamboo tray or
0550F44 '*4dala' on the *4aripaned floor. ^His elders shower their blessings
0560F44 in a sprinkle of fine rice and '*4doob', after which the women, led
0570F44 by his mother, lift the large *4dala containing all the symbols of
0580F44 fruition and good luck such as unhusked rice, well-set curd, bananas,
0590F44 coconuts, *4paan leaf and *4supari. ^They tip the *4dala onto his
0600F44 head and the mother lines his eyes with *4kajal to_ drive away the evil
0610F44 eye and smears sandal-paste on his forehead. ^Then rather poignantly
0620F44 she takes him under her '*4anchal' against her breast for the last
0630F44 time, surrendering her sole prerogative over him. $^He leaves, accompanied
0640F44 by male relatives, preceded only by the '*4saankhar' carried by
0650F44 four men. ^The *4saankhar is a large bamboo basket symbolic of the
0660F44 co-operation between the parties. ^It contains all that*'1s needed
0670F44 for the *4vedic ceremony, including the bride*'s nuptial clothes (a
0680F44 '*4lahenga' set) and a *4saree along with which the bridegroom will
0690F44 give her the first veil. ^Besides, there are spices, nuts and a large
0700F44 mound of powdered sugar in a '*4thali' sent as contribution to the
0710F44 wedding feast. $^The '*4baraat' is welcomed with utmost respect and humility
0720F44 with the eldest surviving male in the bride*'s family going forward
0730F44 to_ wash their feet. ^While they are served light refreshments,
0740F44 the bride performs a fertility rite, marrying a mangotree to a *4mahua
0750F44 by winding a yellow thread around them. ^She returns to_ sit on an
0760F44 oar to_ have a lock of her hair bathed with milk by a washer woman
0770F44 and to_ obtain her blessing. ^The legend of the washer woman wrecking
0780F44 Sita*'s conjugal life is still rife in the hearts of all Maithils.
0790F44 ^Only after the '*5dhoban*'s suhag*6' does the bride wear her red
0800F44 bridal attire. *4^Lac bangles adorn her wrists and a *4lac locker called
0810F44 the '*4gua-mala' is tied around her neck. ^Her hair is loosely
0820F44 plaited with red tassel and she wears all the gold and silver jewellery
0830F44 that_ her parents give her. ^She sits on a mat in the '*4kobar-khar'
0840F44 (nuptial room) facing north, performing the '*4gauri-puja', in
0850F44 the tradition of Sita. ^The '*4gauri' is a tiny *4supari placed in
0860F44 an earthen lid on a clay elephant*'s back. ^The floor is decorated
0870F44 with '*4aripan'. ^Colourful earthen pots one holding a lighted lamp,
0880F44 the other a twig of mango leaves, flank the elephant. ^Before the
0890F44 bride*'s eyes is a *4kobar, drawn on the wall, now popularly known as a
0900F44 *4Madhubani painting. ^It depicts the sun, the moon and '*4navagraha',
0910F44 symbolising the stars that_ govern one*'s life; the fertility symbols
0920F44 (a fish, a turtle, a flowering bamboo, rivers), a mat to_ denote
0930F44 the bridal bed and, of course, a couple. ^The four corners picture
0940F44 shrews who will cast their spell on the new bridegroom, making him
0950F44 appropriately henpecked. $^The bridegroom is led to the courtyard where
0960F44 the women welcome him with '*5parichhani dala*6'. ^It contains
0970F44 among other things, a lighted lamp. ^The bride*'s maternal grandmother
0980F44 performs the '*4arti', lining his eyes once again with *4kajal and
0990F44 applying sandal-paste to his forehead. ^Some voodoo is done to_ drive
1000F44 away spirits by throwing things over his head. ^Reminiscent of the
1010F44 days when the bridegroom was first seen at the wedding, she ensures
1020F44 that he is not deaf or dumb by asking him to_ name common objects on
1030F44 her *4dala and measures him with a string. ^Then literally leading
1040F44 him by the nose with the aid of a betel leaf, she brings him to the
1050F44 '*4mandap'. ^Here he must display his prowess in pounding a pestle,
1060F44 albeit with eight other men. ^Only then is he entitled to_ fetch his
1070F44 bride from her *4gauri-puja. $*4^TANTRIC occultism and superstitions
1080F44 govern the minds of Maithils so completely that no stone
1090F44 is left unturned in taming the new bridegroom. ^A married woman takes
1100F44 him around the four corners before the shrews, chanting "*4nainajogin"
1110F44 chants, in the belief that he will remain submissive to his wife.
1120F44 ^So he comes to_ pick up his bride, beside whom a younger brother
1130F44 also sits, both covered by a sheet. ^A clever man will know that his
1140F44 bride must be on the left as ordained in the mythologies. ^Taking
1150F44 her by her little finger he brings her to the *4mandap. ^She sits at
1160F44 first beside the person who will give her away. ^Everyting that_ she
1170F44 receives as part of her '*4stridhana' (dowry) is gifted along with
1180F44 her and once she receives the '*4gotra' of her husband she goes to_
1190F44 sit beside him. ^He leads her out into the open for the actual *4vedic
1200F44 rites, to the '*4vedi'. ^A bamboo split into four and dug into the
1210F44 ground marks the four corners of the *4vedi. ^The rest of the bamboo
1220F44 sticks up in the air. ^In the *4vedi, the bridegroom lights the
1230F44 '*4havan' and in the presence of the elements and before the great testifier
1240F44 fire, and a terrestrial witness the '*4brahma', he takes his
1250F44 marital vows. ^The '*4sindoordaan' is performed after the '*4saptapadi'
1260F44 or walking around the fire seven times, sprinkling *4lava each time.
1270F44 ^Standing behind the bride, the bridegroom applies *4sindoor. ^This
1280F44 earns him the responsibility of protecting her modesty and so he
1290F44 covers her head for the first time with a *4saree brought for the purpose.
1300F44 $^The *4baraat is now invited to_ see the bride. ^Members of the
1310F44 *4baraat bless the new couple showering rice and '*4doob' on them.
1320F44 ^The bride*'s veil is lifted and the *4baraat has its first glimpse
1330F44 of her. ^Token gifts are given. ^In the best traditions of Mithila,
1340F44 it never exceeded \0*4Rs. 2 to_ avoid embarrassment to poorer relations.
1350F44 ^But now each gives according to his own ability and such considerations
1360F44 are dying fast. ^The *4baraat is then taken into dinner.
1370F44 ^They cannot accept true hospitality as yet until the consummation of
1380F44 the wedding on the *4chaturthi. ^That_ is why they are served no rice,
1390F44 only '*4puries' and vegetables, but without salt. ^Many pickles
1400F44 are served to_ make up for this, topped with curds, innumerable sweets
1410F44 and, at the end, with a delicious '*4sakrauri' best described as a
1420F44 '*4boodi-kheer'. $^The women entertain them with at least three bawdy
1430F44 songs. ^To everybody*'s relief the *4baraat leaves soon after dinner
1440F44 with only a few returning for the *4chaturthi feast. $^The bridegroom,
1450F44 however, continues to_ stay in the bride*'s home. ^They are brought
1460F44 to the *4kobar but are expected to_ maintain their *5brahmacharya
1470F44 vrat*6 refraining even from speaking to each other. ^In the days of
1480F44 child-brides a matron kept guard on the couple. ^But nowadays it is
1490F44 presumed that the *4vrat is observed.
1500F44 $**<*3In God*'s Image**> $^Some miles from Bombay, at Pen village
1510F44 near Panvel, activity among the villagers becomes feverish. ^Most
1520F44 of them specialise in creating clay idols the year round. ^But August-September
1530F44 is the time for making idols of Lord Ganesh. ^Trucks
1540F44 roar out to far-flung corners of the country from this little
1550F44 village, carrying idols of all sizes. ^The idols are priced from \0*4Rs.
1560F44 20 or less to ten times the amount or more. ^Thus, even a poor
1570F44 villager or urban dweller can afford to_ buy them. $^In Pen, the
1580F44 making of idols of the elephant-headed god is the main industry. ^The
1590F44 craftsmen of Pen have been making these idols for several decades
1600F44 now. ^The art is handed down from father to son and several generations
1610F44 have dedicated themselves to this task. ^Very few other centres
1620F44 have been able to_ match the artistry of the craftsmen in Pen. ^For
1630F44 them, making a Ganesh idol is not merely a commercial proposition,
1640F44 but an act of piety. ^The sand that_ is available in and around
1650F44 Pen is ideal for the purpose. $^However, like communities of craftsmen
1660F44 everywhere, this community is also facing the winds of change. ^The
1670F44 cost of raw materials has steadily gone up. ^Many of the second
1680F44 generation craftsmen are more interested in taking up jobs in Bombay
1690F44 as clerks than pursuing the family trade. ^Fewer and fewer families
1700F44 are involved in the business every successive year. ^If nothing is
1710F44 done about the situation, soon will come a day when this exquisite
1720F44 art will die out. ^Let us seek the benedictions of the elephant-headed
1730F44 god to_ avert such a calamity. $^The birth of Ganesh, the elephant-headed
1740F44 god who is also known as Ganapathi, is celebrated all over
1750F44 the nation on the fourth day of the Hindu month of *4Bhadrapad (August-September).
1760F44 ^This year, Ganesh *4Chaturthi falls on September
1770F44 6. $^The festival is of particular importance in Maharashtra.
1780F44 ^Community celebrations of Ganesh *4Chaturthi began in pre-Independence
1790F44 days. ^*Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the freedom fighter from Maharashtra,
1800F44 saw an opportunity to_ spread the message of freedom among
1810F44 the people by means of the festival since the British would not dare
1820F44 break up a religious gathering.*#
        **[no. of words = 02018**]