Shedding Uniform - Musharraf Style.

Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf shed his military uniform, put on the majestic Civilian clothes and sworn in as a Civilian President for a second five-year term. Could this be later extended to life-term? The U.S Secretary of state described this as “a good first step”, and waiting for the second step, that of “lifting the Emergency”. That Intended to be lifted on December 16^th. The international community is “Half Happy” so to say.

But the person, inside the Uniform earlier and in Civilian clothes later, is the same. If shedding attire and putting on the other were to be a key for a change of heart and mindset, we are to believe that present day leaders would require several trendy clothes!

This act reminds me of the fairy tale - Little Red Riding Hood, in which there were four characters - The little girl, Her Grandmother, the Wolf and the hunter. In this fairy tale, the bad wolf enters the house of grandmother in the guise of little girl by wearing the red hood, eats the grandmother, and then waits for the girl, disguised as the grandmother. It waits for the girl and eats her too as she enters. Later on the wolf is killed by the hunter, and the little girl and her grandmother come out. The moral of the story is a lesson to the children not to go alone into the forest.

The citizens of Pakistan are akin to the little girl; grandmother is the Supreme Court; Musharraf - the handsome wolf; and the hunter is the International community led by the USA.

Handing over the command to his handpicked person, and getting sworn in by the judges appointed by him to continue to exercise power, President Musharraf has not shed his dictatorial tendency. In this new capacity, it would be naïve to believe that he would be an important ally to fight the terrorists.

It is a pity that the country appears to be devoid of leaders, even on the distant horizon. Any how, it is difficult to predict the future under the circumstances. We only wish the country has a democratic form of governance and peace reigns soon.

I never visited Pakistan, nor do I hope to in future. Many Indians view that country as a recalcitrant state. That Country views India as a ‘Bully’! Be that as it may, I am fond of their Cricketers, who like Indians are greatly talented. They are currently in India, playing matches and the on going contest is thrilling, with India leading in the test series at the moment. On and off the field, there is a tremendous goodwill for all the players, playing the game in true spirit. This is one game through which genuine friendship can be built and consolidated between the countries, and many an issue could be settled through diplomacy, which anyway going on and off for decades. I do say that the citizens of both the countries desire peace as never before, more than anything else since the partition 60 years ago.

The leaders are the Block on either side, with distrust deeply rooted in their blood. They are egoistic, beat around the bush during discussions, and sign in to continue their talks further. We hope this mindset changes, and the blockade is eased.

Tailpiece. He that put on a public gown must put off the private person. - A proverb.

It is better to develop a well-rounded Personality.

These days I see lot of articles being written on ‘Personality Development’. The emphasis in those articles is on cultivating certain traits that are essential for success in one’s career life. But, then career life is only a part in one’s life. Many of those, who are successful in ‘Career life’, lack basic skills in handling many works in their social and domestic areas. They avoid doing them, often depending on others to get those works done. They end up spending more money. They are often labeled, by their family members, friends and relatives, as ‘Useless’.

I am referring to those mundane works of day to day necessities. Like buying vegetables and groceries; payment of bills; banking transactions, getting works done through government departments, and minor and major household repairs etc. They also ignore household chores, and avoid helping others either in the kitchen, or upkeep of their own house. To handle these works, an attitudinal approach is all that is required. But the present day youngsters dismiss these works as trivial, boring in nature, and go about with an air of arrogance, saying “there are better things to do”. I often come across educated people who do not know how to write an application to an official/institution, and what contents to be included in that. They have this strange thinking” What do I get doing these things”? They would rather prefer spending time watching TV, and do not feel embarrassed if these things are done by others, their parents, and sometimes by spouse. In other words, they are NOT self-reliant.

I feel sad and disappointed at their attitude. I frankly do not know whom to blame for this. All I can say with confidence and pride that I have never been like them. I further say that they are missing an opportunity to become a refined and a wholesome individual, who can be called - individuals for all seasons.

Let me, for a moment, call these works - odd jobs and even trivial. With a little bit of patience, and proper planning, they can be done with satisfaction. Doing these works help you get a “Real Picture of Life” and makes you learn how the administration functions, and how you can deftly handle these works. It helps you develop a positive frame of mind in all walks of life as you grow in age. One comes to know and understand “Human Psychology”, and through this you acquire - Simple Common Sense. You acquire many positive traits like - willingness to learn; adaptability; setting short-term targets, and paving the way for achieving long-term goals; communication skills; self-belief and confidence.

At my young age, my parents and my siblings often used me to do all these jobs. At times, I did rebel and refused, but more often I did oblige. I was to learn later that these works helped me face and handle many issues with ease, in all walks of my life so far. In the process I learnt that one needs to be inquisitive, adventurous in outlook and take the initiative to face and do any task.

“Jack of all Trades, but master of none”, that is what specialists would call you. It does not matter. They are trying to cover their weaknesses. The generalists and the specialists are as much necessary to the society as the right hand and the left hand to the human body.

I never felt ashamed doing all these works, and in fact took pride in doing them. I strongly feel that doing these physical activities keep your body in good condition, and do provide grace in your physical movements.

Developing a well-rounded Personality has become all the more necessary in the present day society, where many youngsters have become greedy, selfish, and sadistic. They neither seek advice, nor happy receiving advice from their parents and other elders. They claim to know everything, but end up projecting an image of a recluse, at home and at their work place. They neither inspire, nor get inspired. In a sense, they are morose, fretful, and unhappy in mind - always.

In the present global scenario, it is imperative for an individual to learn as many skills, academic and all round knowledge, to get along in life successfully with contentment. You have to be in the team, and be an important member at home, at work place and in the Society. The aim is to make others want you, feel your presence as a necessity in a team. For this, you should acquire and possess the required skills, keep improving them, and be different from the average person. There is always happiness in giving rather than taking.

To sum it up, “Be useful and helpful to others” that would be my simple advice.

A Nation in Distress.

The Pakistan Mess; A Bet goes sour; Darkness in Pakistan; Musharraf Clamps Emergency.

These were the headlines of Editorials and front page news that were published in Newspapers I read daily, following proclamation of emergency in Pakistan, about ten days ago. The write ups trace the events that have been happening in that country since a few months.

The declaration of Emergency in Pakistan was in the air, a couple of days before it was announced. That was the scenario unfolding as events were happening over a period. Now, it is no surprise that a military ruler using this option. This is what he knows, besides using his barrel when he is cornered.

The world has not learnt from History. There is little chance of Democracy surviving in a country ruled by a military dictator. Any dictator should know that a country cannot remain oppressed for long, would always remain unstable, and people would revolt off and on. There may not be any concrete developments worth mentioning during this period.

Civilians form the majority in any country, and they alone are equipped to deal and solve problems of the civilians. If a military ruler sheds off his uniform, he may perhaps learn the tricks to administer the country, but may not be popular.

Democracy is for the people, by the people, and of the people. In Pakistan, this has not been allowed by the Military rulers for a major part of that nation’s existence.

Of late, even among the countries where democracy is thriving, we often come across elected leaders showing streaks of dictatorship. “Do as I say, don’t do as I do, and don’t ask me questions” seems to be their style of functioning. Their greed for power and absolute power corrupts their mind. All their decisions coming out of their thinking defy logic.

Lack of Trust resulted India getting divided into India and Pakistan. That was sixty years back, and even today, distrust exists among its leaders. Several rounds of talks have been held between the leaders of both the countries at different levels, yet permanent peace and friendship still eludes. It does appear, Pakistani leaders are never interested in solving issues, but ever creating problems to seek aid, sympathy and attention without working to improve their country.

It is again no surprise that India, though desires Pakistan to be a democratic country, is exercising caution in not exerting pressure on Gen. Pervez Musharraf. The continued state of Emergency in Pakistan is definitely not in India’s interest. There could be infiltration of terrorists into the southern region of Jammu & Kashmir, and also there could be tensions alongside the borders. India has come to live with these problems, and can face them.

Indian people are unhappy with this development, and the Indian press is certainly playing its role objectively.

There are lots of similarities in our cultures. The people of both the countries desire peace. There have been stories of love, friendship, and hospitality whenever people met across.

The Cricket teams of both countries have enormous following, and whenever they meet, there is a tremendous excitement, and the level of cricket game gets raised. The hospitality shown by the fans of both countries on these Cricket teams should be seen to be believed.

Yet, it raises a puzzling question- Why there is so much of distrust? The answer seems to rest with the respective leaders. They agree at the table, but get back to playing the game of distrust, by issuing provocative statements, and projecting an image of an aggrieved nation.

America, the country so vociferously supports democratic form of governance, has been supportive of Pakistani Dictator, trusting him as an important ally in its fight against terrorism. This implies that USA is NOT supportive of Pakistani People, and their aspirations. It is no wonder that there is a strong anti-Americanism in them.

The culture and the living conditions of people in this part of the continent, is beyond the thinking of those in America responsible for framing its foreign policy. Sometimes I believe the foreign policy makers are themselves in a Marshal Law. It is better they adopt the policy of “Horses for Courses” (An idiom). It would be foolish for USA to support Musharraf further, as he has already drained them $ 10 Billion Dollars for nothing in return!!

It would be long before Pakistan returns to normalcy. President Musharraf has to be judged not by his words, but by his deeds. And this applies to Ms.Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz shariff as well. Both do not have a good track record of Governance, when they were Prime Ministers. It is unfortunate that there are no Charismatic leaders with strong credentials. Both the former Prime Ministers, may have a following, may be crowd pullers, but have no vision for that country. Yet, they would serve their country well if they remain as Party leaders, and propose a leader whose record is clean, honest, and can take that country to prosperity.

People of Pakistan have a long struggle ahead to bring in Democratic rule, and the nations of the world MUST exert pressure on President Musharraf till he steps down. As a ruler, he has nothing fresh to offer, even as a civilian. It would be in his interest to get into oblivion.

The call of a common man in Pakistan to Musharraf would be “GET LOST”

Tail-piece: A Bully is always a Coward. - As per a proverb.

If it’s breaking, it must be Belgium.

In the late sixties, a film by the name “If it’s Tuesday, this must be Belgium” was released and proved to be successful at the box office. It was a romantic comedy film, featuring a group of tourists taken on a whirlwind tour of Europe in a travel coach. It was later classified as a ‘Vintage Classic Film’. I saw it then and enjoyed very much.

That Country is now in the news, for different reason. The news that Belgium, a small nation could split due to incompatibility between Flanders (Dutch Speaking) living in the north region of that country and Walloons (French Speaking) living in the south region, makes a sad reading. The Flemish separatists want to slice the country into two independent nations - Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north, and in the south French speaking Wallonia.

Belgium is one of the founding members of the European Union. Brussels, its capital has both Dutch and French speaking citizens. It hosts headquarters of European Union, and NATO. The move to form a European union was excellent in concept despite cultural diversity that existed among the nations in Europe. In the wake of formation and advocating a strong European union to counter the Power of USA in a globalized world, where people and goods are moving to places offering scope for development, the lifestyle is slowly inching towards similarity. This being so, I am sure, many of its citizens have visited the neighbouring nations, and ought to be aware of the diverse culture that exists within the union, and in that continent. I have been reading articles that have appeared in the newspapers on this topic of breaking, and the reasons put forth by the separatists. The Walloons in the south are being subsidized economically more than the prosperous Flemings in the north; each espousing the preservation of their own culture and language. The feeling is natural, but hatred of the other is bad.

I have not visited Europe, and so not aware of its diverse culture and daily life. Yet, I do feel many of them speak more than one language, and quite familiar with living habits of other nations beside their own. Their desire is to become prosperous, and enjoy freedom. So be it. Then why think of getting split?

I, in all my naivety think the Westerners are more reasonable and rationale in their outlook to life. I am wrong. I sincerely hope the Kingdom Of Belgium does not break, and their thought of split is only a temporary mental aberration.

That mental aberration is ever present in the political leaders of India too. They raise weird issues; harp on it in the name of fulfilling people’s desire. But, of late, here too demands are being raised to balkanize states further for administrative convenience!

We the people in India, take pride in living in diversity, which is in abundance. There is so much of variety of life here. Traveling across India by train, one comes to see the diversity that exists. People speak freely in a language that is understandable.

Thinking of the breaking-up idea of those in Belgium; diversity in the way of living; train travel; compatibility, I am reminded of the story “Intrigue Express” written by Irving Wallace in his book- The Sunday Gentleman. The Train “Orient Express” running between Paris and Istanbul was forced to halt due to blinding snowstorm during a winter night of 1930. It had passengers representing a dozen nationalities, and might become irritable, troublesome, and even dangerous, due to prolonged halt. Let me reproduce a Para verbatim from that story:

A rule was made, promptly announced, and as far as possible, strictly enforced. Passengers must not discuss politics with each other. They might discuss, nostalgically, their homes, friends, experiences, they might discuss art, literature, sex, sports, but absolutely no politics. This was a sage rule that Orient Express personnel, themselves representing seven nationalities, observed on their hectic trips three times weekly between Paris and Istanbul, and it had prevented friction on the run for almost a half century.

So then, now and for ever, it is politics and the politicians who play this game and create friction. They set the trend for the public, ever so gullible as a group, to take the path of separatism. Their policies in the process of implementation often set trends of living in the society. This is evident as we see the economic disparity widen between the haves and have nots.

Every country seems to be grappling with problems that are being created, off and on by the rulers. Are we to think that this is also one kind of diversity?

It would be in the interest of all that Belgians stop thinking of breaking, set a trend and go about making the European Union strong.

Let the world hear “If it’s strengthening, it must be Belgium”.

Tailpiece

Common-sense is the growth of all countries. - A proverb.