DECLARING AIYER A REBEL: NOT FAIR

It is once again a matter of great concern that an individual expressing his thoughts / point of view is being compared with revolting. Does it mean that when an intellectual joins he should stop thinking? Does it imply that on joining a party or being part or government one has to follow group and keep personal views in safe custody beyond the reach of anyone. Is this a true democratic approach? This is a question that we all should ask, for if it is true many thinkers may avoid being part of a group devoid of intellect.

Coming to the current issue. Looking at the living condition of our brethren spending 70,000 crore on sports definitely appears to be a wastage. The argument that it is for image building does not hold water, since eradicating poverty; making education and medical facilities available are also image building activities, so what wrong is Mani saying? Mani reminds us of the approach on foreign policy and stand we have taken in the past or he advocates that the Panchayat should be involved in developmental activities of the area etc., and for this positive approach we declare him a rebel, are we fair to him?

Let the democracy grow and flourish without gagging or branding if we are interested in a healthy democracy, which I am sure we all are.

Keep it up Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer, the government needs to be poked and forced to think and this can be done by people like you. Just by somebody naming one a rebel one does not become one.

RESPONSIBILITY OF MEDIA.

It is a fact that but for the relentless effort and hard work the inactions of the people at the helm of affairs can’t come to light. It is their effort that opened the eyes of the people to the epidemic of corruption, the huge amount of Indian wealth stacked in safe heavens, the black money stored by the leaders and high ranking officials in novel ways; the misuse of authority and position, etc., the list is an unending one.

Having said that it is felt that we are Indians and are responsible to safeguard the dignity, position and prestige of our Nation. In this context the timing and the time / space given by the media to a particular disclosure / act is of paramount importance. By no stretch of imagination it is suggested that the issue should be pushed under the carpet. The issue at this point is that of CWG. It is felt that if all the connected aspects i.e., corruption, condition of village, collapse of bridge in case were not given so much air then it is felt that humiliation / damage could have been less.