Climate Science is Sound...

Claims Michael MacCracken, Chief Scientist for Climate Change Programs at the Climate Institute in Washington DC.

A wide range of scientific information makes clear that significant global warming will result from unchecked human activities, particularly the combustion of coal, petroleum, and natural gas. The carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is now over 37% above the pre-industrial value determined from air bubbles trapped in ice cores, and the methane (CH4) concentration is over 150% higher. That these higher concentrations will lead to global warming is clear from Earth’s history, from conditions on Mars and Venus, and from theoretical analyses. The changed concentrations are, however, not the only factors that affect climate. Both natural factors and other human activities (such as emission of sulfur dioxide and black carbon [soot], and changes in land cover) can also alter the climate. Actual conditions thus depend on the changing mix of these influences over time, all slowed by the time it takes for the oceans to warm, snow and ice to melt, and other factors to adjust.

While roughly similar situations in the geological past can serve as analogs, the present situation is unique in many ways. As a result, computer models of the climate’s atmosphere, oceans, land surface, and ice necessarily provide the best tools for understanding the potential response of the climate as forcings change. Because they are theoretical, however, testing is used to evaluate the level of confidence and caution to place in their results. The tests indicate that models do quite well in representing the range of climates around the world and its response to major volcanic eruptions. Most importantly, the models reproduce the large-scale space and time variations of the 20th century, finding that both natural and human-related factors played a role, with the human-related factors being the only way to explain global warming and climate change over the last several decades.

The really troublesome aspect of the model studies is that they tend to underestimate. Compared to model projections, Arctic sea ice is retreating faster, the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are losing mass faster, sea level is rising faster, oceans are taking up CO2 less rapidly, the ranges of plants and animals are shifting faster, and more. Closer examination has been showing that there are amplifying processes that have not yet been included in the models because it had been thought they would react slowly. Claims by skeptics that models overestimate and that recent warming has slowed rely on a very selective analysis of the data; they then draw a conclusion not backed by any of the other data sets indicating rapid change is underway.

For the future, increasing reliance on coal and other fossil fuels can only make the climate situation worse—and much worse if we do not rapidly start to reduce the global emissions exerting the strong warming influence. Both developed and developing nations have to participate in this effort, but issues of equity and alleviation of poverty merit thoughtful consideration, as described in the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Fortunately, the science of the situation suggests an approach of ‘Differentiated Responsibilities, but Comparable Challenges’ that can accomplish this.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Global warming: An inconvenient truth or a convenient untruth?

While the debate simmers in copenhagen, Rahul Chaudhary explores a tizzying array of perspectives that would've sent our planet spinning, if it weren't already...

Even as world leaders converge in Copenhagen to save the world from impending doom, induced at least in part by man-made global warming, scattered but strong voices that dismiss the save-the-planet clamour as a figment of the collective imaginations of the climate scientists, are getting louder. Clearly, the global warming debate is far from settled. In fact, it might just have received a shot in the arm, especially after the events in the run up to Copenhagen, touted as the most decisive meet on global warming and climate change.

As we wait for action to heat up in Copenhagen, where negotiations begin in the true sense with governments fighting hard to haggle for concessions and cuts in emissions besides deciding on future mitigation targets, there are those who believe that the only winning party in the whole exercise will be states and groups who stand to gain with the introduction of discriminatory licensing policies, taxation regimes and expensive technology, thus offloading the costs of vital economic development on the developing world in the process. The sceptics believe that such a scenario would only serve the purpose of entrusting governments with greater control over our lives, and therefore our destinies, and cause further economic and social disparity in the world.

Climate change believers on their part maintain that ‘deniers’ are often funded by rich corporations (biggest consumers of fossil fuels) who contribute much to the climate woes facing the world. They cite examples like the 2003 heat wave in Europe that killed close to 35000 people to support their theory.

Scientists are after all humans, and therefore capable of erring, not to mention the assumptions that go into the climate models. So whose word should the common man go by? Perhaps the answer to that lies in the question. Without, for a moment, subscribing to either view (and there is a good reason for that, for one cannot impress the public by mere number crunching, or by explaining just how these climate models work, nor can we risk mistaking the words of climate change sceptics as gospel truth), let’s consider both possibilities. Let’s for once believe that we’re the ones causing climate change or global warming, however, big or small our contribution. Let us say that doomsday prophecies of melting glaciers and rising sea levels, of food shortages and resulting epidemic are a future reality, however distant. What then? We can then take solace in the fact that the world at large is on the right track. For clearly, there is evidence-based consensus among the ‘green’ scientists and that forms the basis for the global warming mainstream thinking endorsed by international governments. And if the world, as they claim, is really falling apart, then whatever we achieve at Copenhagen or in any future agreement will only help us buy more time for future generations.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Sex workers get a saviour

Dera chief wants his followers to marry them

Infamous for stirring controversy, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has asked his young followers to marry sex workers. Addressing a huge crowd of devotees in his hometown, he said: “It’s important to understand that poor women and girls, who are trapped into a life of perpetual slavery, have no opportunity to escape this dreary existence. A benevolent society can help them out.”

Over 50 followers have already obliged him by publicly announcing their intention to marry sex workers. Appreciating the move, Aditya Insan, a Dera spokesman said: “Guruji has proposed that young men should marry disease-free sex workers and those suffering from disease should get treatment and be rehabilitated in different ways.”

Even transgenders are being cared for. There are plans to provide them free schooling and vocational training. Keeping this in mind, a Dera delegation has zipped to Kanpur to attend a national congregation of eunuchs to discuss the issue. The sect already runs a campaign, Shahi Betian Basera, under which girl children are adopted.

But several Sikh organisations are apprehensive of the radical social reform being initiated by the Dera chief. Is he encouraging some kind of a free sexual commune? they ask. Lashing out at the Dera chief, Jasvir Singh Dhindsa, chairperson of the International Religious Tolerance Organisation, said: “These marriages will just be a drama because it is not so easy to end sex trade.” Others who criticised him included Naib Singh Khalsa and Gurjant Singh, conveners, Shahid Bhagat Singh Society, Village Tungiwal. One of them said: “Social reform is not Dera chief’s main concern, he just wants to be known as a great religious leader.”

But the Dera spokesman is least deterred. He said they were the first to rebuild houses in Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir after earthquakes struck the states. So it is all a part of the tradition, huh?

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Major Sangita Tomar

Major Sangita Tomar was one of the 25 girls belonging to the first batch of lady officers to be commissioned in the Indian Army in 1992. They were the harbingers of change. Before she joined the Army, she had been selected for doctoral programme at Jawaharlal Nehru University. But she joined the Army as most importantly, she had to prove to her father that she has officer-like qualities. She did her Infantry attachment, a compulsory period to be spent with infantry troops, with 18 Jats along the India-China border. She vividly remembers the dilemma on the sentry’s face when she entered the unit. He was surprised to see a woman in an officer’s uniform. Gradually, she earned the respect of her troops. Talking about women in service and combat, she says, “When you see four soldiers getting involved just to prepare a separate toilet for a lady officer, I think it’s a waste of resources. A male soldier can sleep with fellow soldiers in a bunker, but to ask the soldiers to vacate a barrack just to accommodate one or two female soldiers is like wasting resources. Hence, it needs to be systematically done.

Today, Major Tomar is into social work and has even contested elections as a candidate of Youth for Equality. She was selected after screening of biodatas, group discussions, personal Interview and a public debate. She was part of the Judge Advocate General stream of the Army and is also a trained lawyer. After her retirement, she joined a multi-national company but had to leave it because she was asked to do stuff she found to be unethical. She is using her legal prowess to help the society and is determined to make a mark as an honest political leader.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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The next ISI hub

The Pak agency has chosen the leather capital of Kanpur and its adjoining areas as its base to spread fake currency, recruit foot soldiers and impart arms training, Pramod Kumar digs out much more

Last week, when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called a meeting of chief ministers to discuss the issues of Naxalism and internal security, Navin Patnaik was the only one to turn up. Other chief ministers from Naxalite-affected states gave it a miss. A peeved and hurt Manmohan sent letters to all the absentee chief ministers expressing regret over their attitude vis-à-vis issues related to internal security.

In letters sent by MOS in PMO Prithviraj Chavan and National Security Advisor MK Narayanan to the chief ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, it has been categorically asked of them to keep a keen eye on the law and order situation in their respective states. The letter talks in details about the recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition from Gaya in Bihar and activities of Pakistan-trained militants in different cities of Uttar Pradesh. On the other hand, the Union home ministry has also cautioned Uttar Pradesh Police that Pak-trained ISI agents are trying to set up their operational hub in Kanpur. All these years, Azamgarh used to be the centre of ISI activities but the Pakistan agency is now trying to set up a base in Kanpur as well. This follows a report given by the Special Investigation Bureau to the state government in their letter numbered MHA/IB/-33221/VIP-09. The letter led to the arrest of Imtiaz, an ISI agent, from Kanpur on September 12. According to sources in the bureau, Imtiaz used to deal in drugs and fake currency. He used to frequent those districts of Uttar Pradesh which lie on the border with Nepal. He is also supposed to have visited several districts in western UP as well.

Imtiaz has made startling revelations under sustained interrogation. According to the bureau, Imtiaz confirmed that the decision to turn Kanpur into an ISI hub was taken after detailed research and recce. He was given the task of setting up the logistics. He has also revealed that he was assisted by quite a few people in his operation. On his tip-off, police has detained one Jayant Budhani, an unemployed youth who had recently shifted from Gujarat to Kanpur.

A resident of Ratanlal Nagar in Kanpur, Jayant is dependent on his father. When IB conducted a detailed background check of Jayant, it was found that this 28-year-old man indulged in all things which required continuous flow of fat money. When his calls were traced, it was found that Jayant was regularly in tough with Imtiaz and used to call him late in the night. It was also confirmed that he had apparently promised to work for Imtiaz in lieu of money. It was also revealed that Jayant used to transport fake currencies between Delhi, Gujarat and Mumbai.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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On Wings and a prayer

The wetlands of Chilika are home to some of the most delicate species of our planet – the migratory waterfowls. But for how long, wonders dhrutikam mohanty....

A cruise over the never-ending stretch of blue waters of Chilika, flanked by green hills, is achieved in the exalted company of the ‘twitterati’ – the twittering glitterati of the skies… herons, flamingoes, kingfishers, kites, pintails, shovellers, coots et al transform the landscape into what might have been a spray painter’s canvas.

Chilika is India’s largest brackish water lagoon and one of the subcontinent’s largest winter-ground for migratory birds. Located just south of Orissa’s capital city Bhubaneswar, the 1100 sq.km lake is bordered on the north by the alluvial plains of Mahanadi Delta and on the east and south by the rocky hills of Eastern Ghats. A natural habitat and breeding ground for both resident and migratory birds – the latter from as far as Caspian Sea, parts of Russia, central and south East Asia, and the Himalayas – Chilika is home to over 150 species of birds that arrive in October and stay until March every year.

The Nalabana, an island in the lagoon is a designated bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act. 8.928 lakh birds across 168 species were found at Chilika in the 2008 census. The species-wise counts indicate the Gadwall Ducks topped the numbers at over 1.69 lakhs. The populations of the northern pintails and northern shovellers too exceeded a lakh while the birds exceeding 50,000 were Eurasian wigeon, common pochard and common coot. Rare birds such as pallas’s fish eagle, pintail snipe, brahmin duck, bar-headed goose, oriental white ibis, Eurasian spoonbill and even the spot-billed pelican of the ‘Near Threatened’ IUCN category were observed. However, this bird-watcher’s paradise is fast turning into a poacher’s paradise, what with indiscriminate habitat destruction, use of pesticides and climate change.

The IUCN press release, earlier this year, had pointed out that about one in eight birds are threatened with extinction. And in the IUCN Red List for 2008 for birds, India has the largest number of vulnerable species. All warnings and pleas of conservationists have gone unheeded, as increasing number of our winged guests fall prey to merciless poachers. “Birds are no more safe in Chilika. Local poachers are killing countless birds everyday. With birds selling at Rs 100-400 in the local market, poaching has now become a lucrative business to make money. Efforts of the forest and wildlife authorities seem trifling. While non-governmental sources quote the number of killed birds at thousands, and the number of active poachers around one hundred plus, authorities have only been able to nab five to ten poachers in the year,” avers Sachidananda Behera of Soran Village. Behera and some other like-minded bird lovers have founded an organisation named ‘Kalijai Pakhi Surakhya Samiti’ to preserve Chilika as a favourite destination for birds, and tourists.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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A sweet revenge

As RLD and SP look to reclaim their lost territories, sugarcane farmers in UP suspect UPA's allegiance towards Sugar Mill owners, says anil pandey

That was indeed a historical day in an agrarian movement. The collective voice of thousands of sugarcane farmers was so strong that the Centre finally had to capitulate. In many ways, it evoked the memory of 1988 when a large multitude of farmers had gathered at the Boat Club to make their voice heard. Although the latest movement lacked the similar impetus, none the less, it was enough to stir the capital. In fact, managing the November 19 rally became an uphill task for Delhi Police too, as the city came to a grinding halt and witnessed massive traffic jams. And irrespective of what Delhites thought about them, farmers kept trampling whatever came in their way. It appeared as if Delhi for them was a mere manifestation of power-brokers that they so despise. Trampling Delhi was like trampling these lawmakers.

The rally of these wronged-against farmers had a momentum of its own. In a way, it was not instigated unlike generally held political rallies. In fact, the cadres of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) were busy arranging for vehicles to ferry farmers to Jantar Mantar. It came as a pleasant surprise to them that the farmers had already arranged their conveyance and that too with their own money. Clearly, for once, a movement was not fabricated from the beginning.

It was therefore not surprising that sugarcane farmers from western Uttar Pradesh had gathered at Jantar Mantar cut across all social and political lines. Farmers, waving sticks of cane, outnumbered those who were waving flags of a particular political party. Farmers were peeved over the new ordinance by the Central government that advocated setting the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of cane for the agriculture year 2009-10 at Rs 129.85 per quintal. This essentially means that if the respective state governments fix the price of procurement that is higher than the above quoted band, then the margin amount will have to be borne by the state government and not the sugar mill owners. Clearly, it appeared as a respite for the owners.

However, the burgeoning farmers' movement and the univocal support by the Opposition parties made the government sit up and listen. Subsequently, the UPA regime and, more importantly, its agriculture minister Sharad Pawar had to reverse the decision. The government will bring in amendment in the current ordinance that will ensure that if the state government fixes the State Advisory Price (SAP) higher than the FRP, the margin will have to be borne by the mill owners.

However, farmers from western Uttar Pradesh still feel cheated. Referred at times as the “Sugar bowl of India”, Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of sugar in the country. However, the farmers in the state get far less a price for the cane than their counterparts in other states in India. In adjoining Haryana and Punjab, the MSP for per quintal cane is around Rs 210. The corresponding price in UP is merely Rs 145. In Maharashtra, farmers are paid in a band of Rs 260-270 whereas in Gujarat, it is slightly lower at Rs 210-230. In Maharashtra, sugar mills also sell out dividends to the farmers.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Red Fading away

The days of the West Bengal CPI (M) are numbered, writes Chandrasekhar Bhattacharjee

In the last Lok Sabha elections the communists were left with just 24 seats – down from their previous tally of 61. In West Bengal – once the Red Citadel – the CPI (M)’s share of MPs dropped vertically, from 27 to nine. It lagged behind the Trinamool Congress and Congress in over 200 of the 294 assembly segments. Indeed the outlook is so bleak that in the 13th West Bengal Legislative Assembly polls in 2011, even the CPI (M)’s friends expect the once impregnable fortress to collapse as the Berlin Wall did in 1989!

Yes, the party seems pretty nearly over. The CPI (M) is tottering everywhere – far beyond the Bengal-Bihar-Orissa borders: a fact that went uncommented till the 15th LS polls. And now we need no comment. It’s staring us right in our faces. In Khejuri (East Midnapore district) – ever since the people’s revolt started on June 8 – unauthorised arms are being recovered almost every day.

The CPI (M) had once called Khejuri – till the mid twentieth century a stronghold of the Gandhians – Bengal’s Leningrad. Former Union minister and freedom fighter Abha Maiti hailed from this block. But post the 1990s the place came to be referred as the communists’ ‘Liberated Zone’, leaving space for no other political party. Indeed, even LF allies were not allowed to function there.

During the Nandigram agitation it was from Khejuri that the CPI (M)’s armed militia randomly sprayed bullets at innocent agitators. The infamous Janani brick kiln, the bunker of the CPI (M)’s armed militia and hired killers, still exists. The CBI arrested ten armed CPI (M) cadres from there three days after the Nandigram massacre on March 14, 2007 – coincidentally Karl Marx’s 124th death anniversary.

The Superintendent of Police, East Midnapore district, Pallab Kanti Ghosh, had told TSI on June 15 that five revolvers, 12 pieces of improvised rifles, 21 rifles, six country-made pipe-guns, 1,566 rounds of cartridges and 99 desi bombs had been seized from Khejuri. But villagers, who consider Ghosh to be a protector of CPI (M) toughies, say this is just the tip of the iceberg and that the illegal arms and ammunition in the party’s possession are far in excess of what has officially been accounted for.

The courtyard of the palatial party office at Kalagechhia in Khejuri block, which was ransacked by angry mobs, is littered with burnt papers, official documents and party flags. The half-burnt BPL cards and identity cards of the NREGA beneficiaries, which should have been kept in the panchayat’s offices, were strewn all around. The scene at the CPI (M) zonal committee office at Kunjapur was no different, except that it was under lock and key. The Kamardah party office had been razed to the ground. According to the West Bengal CPI (M)’s own admission, 60 party offices are currently controlled by the opposition Trinamool Congress. Its own men, say these reports, have resigned.


So which party or group mounted those raids? Says Swapan, the younger brother of Khejuri-based CPI (M) leader Makhan Panda: “Those who came to demolish our houses are CPI (M) workers and supporters. The TMC men did their best to save us and our property. CPI (M) leaders Kamalesh Maal and Lalu Maal were supervising the ghastly operation; and others like Himangshu, Prashanta and Nirapada, who killed and beat up innocent people, now have to pay the price”.

An elderly woman near the demolished Kamardah party office says she had seen the goons frequenting this party office before the Lok Sabha polls. She wasn’t sure whether they were party members. All she could say was that now, finally, she and others like her felt free to express their views before strangers, without any fear of being penalised. Some CPI (M) dissidents said the party’s armed network was controlled by Himangshu Das, who is currently a district committee member. His comrades-in-arms were said to be Prashanta Maiti, Bijan Roy (both ZC secretaries), Rabiul Islam and Makhan Panda.

Says local resident Tapan Maiti: “The hoodlums stole our land holdings decades back.They would threaten us saying the plots would be given away to share-croppers (bargadars) and that we would get these back only if we gave a written undertaking that we would support the CPI (M)”. The party’s Purbachara branch committee secretary Bimal Kumar Maity admitted that the party forcibly occupied a 10 bigha plot of the Maitis at Tentulbari with a fake barga claim, and that it was restored only after they made a down payment of Rs 20,000.

But that nightmare is going away. Recently 9 of 11 panchayat members (elected unopposed) quit the party. They handed over their two offices, both forcibly taken from two shop owners, to the TMC. Says a Khejuri stall owner referring to the unopposed elections: “We couldn’t even cast our votes. The comrades did that on our behalf. And as a reward we got food packets.”

This anti-CPI (M) movement has caught on in a big way. Now people in Vajachauli and Dharampur under the Lalgarh block have also begun speaking the same language. Vajachauli was tense on June 15 and 16 after police broke open the CPI (M) office and raided its leader Anil Giri’s residence. They seized two revolvers, two pistols, a few muskets and gun powder. So the writing on the wall is clear. And the rally taken out by 15,000 of Dharampur’s tribals on June 16 was proof, were proof needed, of what a thorough beating the CPI (M) goons have taken. Red never looked so faded as it does today.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Songs of success

PA Vijay is a leading young Tamil film lyricist. The National Award-winning poet failed in his 10+2 examinations in 1993.

Born in a village near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Vijay was a fair enough student with a passion for poetry. His family and friends thought he would get through his exams with ease. For his +2, he opted for computer science. His father had clear plans for his son: he wanted Vijay to become a civil engineer. But the boy failed in physics.

“There is a saying in Tamil - Vaathiyaar paiyan makku (a teacher's son will be a fool). My mother was a schoolteacher. I was reminded of this saying when I found my name missing from the list of those who had passed. I went home expecting a mouthful from my father. But he asked me not to worry. I have come this far only because of those words," says Vijay.

Abandoning his studies, Vijay headed straight to Kodambakkam, the home of Tamil cinema, to chase his dreams. Not only is he now a hugely successful lyricist, he is also playing hero in an upcoming film, besides having written dialogues for a Tamil production.

“To be truthful, I was really upset when I failed in my exams. But I would today say that marks don’t really matter. So never ever berate a student for not doing well in an examination. Life always gives you a second chance. If one door is slammed shut, look for another one and you’ll find it,” says Vijay.

It is easy to see why the poet’s memories of his school days don’t fill him with any happiness. He even contrived to misplace his +2 mark sheets. We now have reason to suspect that it was a deliberate act.

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An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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Peace & politics – oxymoron

The rise of red dragon with a stupendous economic growth has resulted in elimination of the largest number of people from the clutches of poverty ever. That’s the achievement of modern China even under the clinch of autocracy. Autocracy, in short, means when the key groups of people select a leader (the phenomenon is known as “selectorate” as opposed to “electorate” in democracy) and will support his policies. For example, Communist Party Politburo consisting of 20 members is the selectorate of the premier who heads the Chinese government. However, China proved how progress can be achieved under the reign of monarchy. It set example by removing Jiang Zemin from power in 2002, because of rising inequalities in income of its population threatening to undermine the very economic success of China — the cornerstone of accountability to the politburo. There are more examples of powerful selectorate who could not be purged by the leader, and is responsible for his accountability. General Castelo Branco was the military dictator of Brazil from 1964 to 1967, when he was removed from his chair by the armed forces (the selectorate in this case) to be replaced by General Emilio Medici, in spite of the best effort by his predecessor to forestall that. Emilio’s economic policies were responsible for Brazil’s economic miracle in late 1960s and early 1970s. Another success story of autocracy (in this case monarchy) is the resounding economic success of the Gulf States. The superlatives of UAE can only evoke awe from even the developed West. The tallest skyscraper, the best luxury hotel, the largest shopping mall, and the artificial island are some of the awe-inspiring achievements of this desert state. The Dubai Model, as they choose to call it, is an absolute belter; accomplished by the dynasty who rules the nation. Still they are not satisfied with their achievements, as they hanker for higher and bigger projects that include Dubailand (an amusement park with three times in size of Manhattan in an estimated area of 3 billion square feet), an exact of Eiffel Tower and a large stadium. In case of dynasty like in UAE, when the ruler dies; he is succeeded by the member of the same family. But the dynamics is more complicated when a military dictator supported by his selectorate expires. The military dictator of Portugal, Salazar (who brought expansive economic growth for his country) was replaced by Marcello Caetano in 1968 after his demise, who continued the good work and remained in power; thus maintaining stability. A similar example in Asia, as recalled is when the Thai military ruler (responsible for rapid progress) Sarit Thanarat died in 1963; his successor maintained the stability and growth.

This article is not in favour of autocracies. Although all autocracies are not successful, but still it can be heralded that if there is accountability of a ruler supported by institutional arrangement and pressure groups. So, are we advocating that we should go back to monarchy? Well, definitely not!

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Some Indians whose birthday last year was engulfed by death and destruction

Kanchan Milind Vichare

Working woman, mumbai

Kanchan, an employee of Kalpsutra Chemicals in Mulund, will be 37 years old on November 26 this year. “On my birthday, I will go to a temple and pray for those who lost their lives in the 26/11 attack.”

Kanchan was at home playing with her eight-year-old son, Prathamesh, when the terrorist attack on Mumbai began. Her first reaction was fear but as she watched the bereaved people mourning their lost ones, she was filled with courage and fortitude. “Since that day, I tell my son he must be brave and that he must stand up against all those who have evil designs on our nation,” she says. “The day after the attack, we were back at work. My husband is a driver.”

Kanchan adds: “The situation is going from bad to worse, but that does not mean we will hide in our homes. We have to confront the threats… 26/11 is a day we will never forget. I will celebrate my birthday for it will also remind me of those who suffered on this day last year.”

Mayank Aggarwal

Engineering graduate, delhi

Last year when the attack took place in Mumbai I was preparing for my last exam of the semester. As we had an exam the very next day, our celebrations were on hold. But the event that happened on the 26th and the repercussions that followed made me change my mind. I was really shocked and filled with anger. Every passing moment, more than thinking about my birthday, I remember it was the lives of the hostages that I was praying for. No doubt, November 26 is now regarded as a black day for our country and will be counted with December 6 (Babri Masjid demolition), Mumbai attacks, Indira Gandhi’s assassination, etc. The horrific events of the day are compared to the ones which occurred on September 9, 2001 in America.

A birthday is always a special day for a person and one feels like sharing his/her happiness with dear ones. But if a tragic event occurs, the day tends to bring back horrifying memories. It’s my birthday and I feel I have the right to celebrate it the way I want to, but thinking about the people who lost their lives that day I feel sympathetic towards their kin and feel their loss as my own. For this reason I won’t be celebrating my birthday partying out somewhere with friends.

I might go out for dinner with my family and spend most of the time with them as we always live in the shadow of fear. People may forget the event after sometime, but every year I am sure I will be reminded of the tragedy. It’s there with me for the rest of my life. I will maintain two minutes’ silence and offer prayers. If possible, I will join the people to commemorate all those who lost their lives that day.

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Source : IIPM Editorial, 2009

An IIPM and Professor Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist) Initiative

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