Thursday, October 6, 2011




Vijayadashami 2011PDFPrintE-mail
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Thursday, 06 October 2011
Sarsanghachalak speech Vijayadashami 2011
Abstract of the speech by Sarsanghachalak Shri. Mohan ji Bhagwat on Vijayadashami, 6 October 2011, at Nagpur


Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh came into existence on this auspicious occasion 86 years ago. The founder of the RSS Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar was a born patriot. He had been an active and committed worker associated with every struggle, movement and campaign aimed at awakening and enlightening the people for the independence of the country and betterment of social life. After a deep introspection, cogitation and discussion with the eminent personalities of the above mentioned endeavours, he reached a common conclusion. Working honestly and selflessly in the interest of the country, however, pursuing different ideologies and methodologies, all such people then and now have been echoing the same ideas in their own words. An objective analysis of the contemporary situation in our country and the world once again lead us to the same conclusion. Since the last Vijayadashmi festival (2010), till now, the changed circumstances brought about by the passage of time have only increased our concerns and they demand from us a sustained endeavour in a particular direction. The scenario in the world and our country and its effect experienced in our day to day life has created a disturbance in all minds .
GLOBAL SCENARIO IN THE CONTEXT OF BHARAT
The powerful countries of the world mount all kinds of efforts to exploit the international situation to establish their hegemony. This explains the current unhealthy competition between US and China for establishing their superiority. On the pretext of its war on terror the active intervention of America have reached our neighbouring Pakistan.
Corruption of the ruling class that has caused a wave of mass-anger and brought in the change of regimes in some of the countries of the middle east is also seen in some corners as a promotion of the interests of America and other western countries. Our neighbour in the north, communist China, is also boosting its strength to establish dominance in the world. Naturally, we can not remain untouched by the turmoil created by this power game. We have always regarded the whole world as one family and we seek an intimate friendship with it rather than dominance. The other countries of the world acknowledge this through their experience of exemplary behavior of Bharateeya’s living abroad. That is why they have trust in us and they welcome us whole heartedly. In tune with this world view of ours and keeping intact our sovereignty, dignity and security, we should take initiative to transform the current disturbed situation of the world into one of mutual trust and cooperation.
We have deep cultural relationship with our neighbouring countries particularly in south-east Asia. Even today this relationship is remembered with gratitude, joy and happiness. We are bound by common economic interests. There is general consensus in these countries that Bharat should lead them and stand by them through thick and thin. We should strengthen our economic, diplomatic and cultural ties with all these countries. We will have to be more focussed in our efforts in making the neighbouring Nepal stable and more favourable to us. We should also initiate efforts to end the miseries of Sri Lankan Tamilians and create a situation where by they will be able to contribute to Sri Lankan society and national life on equal footing with their civil rights and status intact. We have to tighten our security on the Bangladesh border, prevent the border being porous and stop infiltration and illegal trafficking of arms, cattle, fake currency and drugs, while we also have to see that the atmosphere in Bangladesh turns favourable to us. Even though Tibet is still occupied by China, we have to help Tibetans living there as well as those living in Bharat and other parts of the world to vent proper voice to their emotions and protect their human-rights, faith and traditions in their homeland as well as in the world.
CHINA’S MOVES
Occasionally in its own interest China seems to be taking initiative to strengthen its economic, diplomatic and cultural ties with Bharat. But recent events show its intention to expand its influence in the Asian continent and also in Bharat even by using its war strength. Intrusion by the Chinese soldiers in Leh and Ladakh, their entering into the Bharateeya territory and demolishing our bunkers, threatening Bharateeya ships in the South China sea in utter violation of the principle of the international waters and preventing Bharat from oil exploration are the recent examples of the same. China has objection when we improve our relations with countries like Vietnam. It is published in the media that as per our intelligence agency sources China has forged links with terrorists in the north east of Bharat. It is true that we want neither enmity nor war against anyone, but we must remember that we have once in 1962 been a victim of our own dreaming mentality, innocence and also the shrewd and crafty war tactics of China. Still maintaining our cultural ties that we have been enjoying with China since the time of Budhha and also our current economic relations, we nevertheless have to remain vigilant against China, build necessary infrastructure in place on the border, and not allow our military preparedness and vigilance to wither away. There is need to influence international diplomatic dialogues more effectively to garner global support for ourselves in any possible eventuality.
SITUATION IN KASHMIR
Hand in hand with Pakistan, whose military establishment has an avowed enmity with us, China has entered into Gilgit-Baltistan in the northern area of Jammu Kashmir. We have not grasped the geopolitical importance of this northern part of Bharat wherein meet the boundaries of six nations and have allowed them to be victimised by the aggressors. Terrorists are instigated to infiltrate and disturbance is created in Jammu and Kashmir at the behest of Pakistan. The truth is that even the constitution of Pakistan and the highest Court of the POK don’t regard Jammu and Kashmir as a part of Pakistan. Pakistan, even then is engaged in creating trouble in Jammu & Kashmir. Why despite all this, our Central Government and the interlocutors appointed by them insist time and again that Kashmir is a political problem? Kashmir is not merely an internal political problem. It is a problem created by aggression and terrorism instigated from across the border and fanatic fundamentalism, as also by our weak-kneed and indecisive policy. The Centre and the State Governments should pursue a policy of strengthening the voice of patriotic elements opposed to this aggression. The Hindu refugees of 1947-48 should be speedily settled there with full citizenship rights and the displaced Kashmiri Hindus should be able to settle back in their birthland and the land or their ancestors with full preparedness and with impeccable guarantee of their safety so that they can live there as Hindus and Bharateeyas. There should be a sensitive and transparent administration in the State of Jammu and Kashmir which should end discrimination against various castes and classes in the population as well as against regions of Jammu and Ladakh. Article 370 that hinders integration of Jammu and Kashmir with Bharat needs to be abolished. The mentality that harps on the pre-1953 situation and seeks separation of Kashmir from Bharat must be abandoned. The central government and its interlocutors should change their mindset. The pre-1953 situation cannot be the basis of the solution to the Kashmir problem. The unanimous resolution passed by Parliament in 1994 that POK be restored to Bharat should alone be the basis of the tone of discourse on the Kashmir problem.
PROBLEMS OF THE NORTH-EAST
It has now become imperative for our political class to appreciate the pains of the people of the north-east. They should make their understanding and knowledge deeper and thorough as to how to solve problems of those people. Completely deprived of the mass base and almost defunct terrorist groups are being given a fresh lease of life by the Centre and the State governments by initiating dialogues with them. Even a 60 (sixty) days blockade of Manipur some years ago did not show any impact on the government, nor is there any willingness visible at present to take action against the uncontrolled terrorism there. The Riyang tribe displaced from Mizoram to Tripura is facing its total extinction; but the administration is not even remotely aware of it. Without trying to understand or even listen to the problems of the people in the region and in spite of the problems arising out of a large scale infiltration into Assam, the Bharat Government seems to be over-willing in its talks with Bangladesh to part away Bharateeya Territory. Our incomplete and superficial understanding and awareness and our indifference to the difficulties of the people, our lack of a clear-cut national perspective and our mentality to exploit anything and everything for political gains have compounded the problems of the north-east as is the case with Jammu and Kashmir.
TERRORISM
It is perhaps this very lack of perspective, study and sensitiveness that our Home Minister has recently come out with a strange statement. He has stated that out of the various terrorist activities in the country the Maoists or the Naxalites are the more dangerous outfits. Does it mean that there are less or more dangerous forms of terrorism? Then if it is so, how could the Central Government appoint a person on a Committee of the Planning Commission, when a State Government suspects that person of having links with this “more dangerous” terrorist outfit?
There are people who shirk their responsibility of strongly fighting problems that threaten the unity and integrity of the country and instead foist the responsibility on the State governments. These people should desist from spreading misinformation and gloom amongst the people. Because of such thinking, the demand for quashing the death sentence of the killers of our former Prime Minister is getting political support. The Jammu and Kashmir assembly allowed the tabling of the resolution for quashing the death sentence given to Afzal Guru, guilty of attack on Parliament, while it did not even allow a discussion and support on a resolution passed unanimously by Parliament in 1994. Political activities in our country do not seem to be inspired by a clear national perspective.
ECONOMIC POLICY
The lack of clear vision and perspective is also reflected in the economic policies and activities of the country. The failures and shortcomings of the economic model of the West have been abundantly exposed in the world. Therefore, we will have to look for a distinct developmental model which should be based on our own unique world view fulfilling the requirements of our people and promoting prosperity and culture hand in hand and also strengthening the pace of progress with our identity. Over the last six decades we have simply been avoiding to achieve this and instead are imitating the West. The common people are made to pay for this through nose. While the prices of goods are sky-rocketing, the salaries of the members of the parliament and the assemblies are being hiked frequently. The poor are getting poorer and we are still indulged in defining the criteria of poverty. Moreover, instead of protecting agricultural, grazing and forest lands for the future, keeping pace with the growing population, we are forcibly acquiring agricultural land for creating Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and opening fire on the farmers who are opposing such acquisitions. Instead of tapping our own abundant resources such as geothermal, bio and thorium based sources of energy, we are hell bent on acquiring on costly terms and conditions the expensive nuclear energy which the west itself is jettisoning.
Instead of providing the retail traders with necessary training and ability to compete with the organised trade houses, foreign investment is being wooed in the field of retail trade. How can a common man with limited income for his family afford to provide expensive education to his children? He is totally lost in distress. Common man sees with growing concern the government’s reluctance in getting back the black money stashed away in foreign banks and also the deliberate laxity and delay in initiating legal proceedings against these account holders.
ANTI-CORRUPTION MOVEMENT
The pent up rage of the common man created out of the above frustrating conditions exploded into massive support for the recent anti corruption movements. Return of the black money from the foreign banks, effective legislation against corruption and its implementation without any outside interference and influence, and bringing the Prime Minister and other top functionaries within the ambit of the anti graft law – all these have become issues that give vent to the feelings of the people. The Government had to cave in to the popular pressure but total success is still not in sight. In the cases of corruption some people are in the dock as scape-goats, but known and unknown bigwigs are still at large. All the big and small organizations participating in the anticorruption movement need to sink their differences and unite to achieve long term success. The issue of corruption is not concerned merely with the theft of wealth. Investigations about major corruption cases have revealed that foreign secret agencies or criminal groups have been managing the black money of these corrupts. Thus it becomes a serious issue involving integrity, sovereignity and also the security of the country. Hence we should stay clear from power groups which have dubious background and are impatiently credit hungry. Rejection of symbols of patriotism such as “VANDEMATARAM” and ‘BHARATMATA” and gimmies to gain cheap popularity can never be tolerated in any national movement. It is necessary to keep away from those tendencies and forces existing in the so-called minorities that pander to the narrow, fanatic and separatist ideas. We will have to take care that, persons and tendencies that maintain total transparency especially in the matter of money and resources, are on board. Otherwise, taking advantage of these weaknesses, the elements that oppose the movement can create an atmosphere of distrust and calumny. This may give boost to the elements involved in creating problems for the security of our country.
The RSS volunteers are already active in all movements against corruption without craving for their own position and credit. But everyone should keep it in mind that the law alone cannot solve the problem of corruption. We will have to bring about fundamental changes in the very system that breeds in corruption. For this the administrative system will have to be made more transparent and responsive to the needs of the common people. We will have to create an environment conducive for developing cultural values. We will have to bring electoral reform to bring in the end of crime and money power. Only then we can ensure true representation of the people. The tax system will have to be more rational. We will have to end the commercialization of our educational system and make it more conducive for cultural upbringing. In this way we will need to bring in a total and comprehensive change in reform and keep up the pressure for its implementation.
The most important thing is that we will have to inculcate good values in society such as the sense of social responsibility, pure character and social services and altruism. Total eradication of corruption from society is next to impossible without setting examples through our good and moral conduct that creates an environment for such values in every village and hamlet. The RSS is working with full concentration on this fundamentally important issue.
However, the way the top leaders in the Government seem to be inclined to see things during the movement causes surprise and concern. The use of brute force, deception and arrogance by a foreign government against the innocent people agitating for their legitimate demands could be expected but using such tactics by a government in an independent country is never acceptable. Our political environment has become predominantly power-centric. Concomitantly, the national interests have receded in the background and there prevails insensitivity against the common people. Though not excusable, its reasons are not difficult to understand. But the new happenings have given rise to question whether the future of our country is safe or otherwise in the hands of such political forces.
PROPOSED COMMUNAL AND TARGETED VIOLENCE BILL
The National Integration Council at its recent meeting held on September 10, 2011 discussed the proposed Communal and Targeted Violence Bill. Majority of its members have categorically and strongly opposed the proposed bill. Honourable Prime Minister promised to put forward a revised draft for discussion, but even a cursory look at the original draft shows that it is a deceitful action of destructive mind and distorted ideology aimed at destroying the social harmony thus violating the spirit of our constitution. Moreover, one does not know the constitutional position and power of the so called National Advisory Council that has prepared the said draft bill. Curiously, the chairperson of that NAC is also the President of the leading party of the ruling coalition, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). One may ask as to how such a draft bill that can cause permanent civil disturbances and strife in the country could be prepared under her leadership. Is it true that some of the members of the NAC are under a cloud and their integrity has been questioned by the highest court of the land? Whether our country is run by our Cabinet or by such elements with a distorted and antinational mind? Are we really independent or living in a hidden subjugation? The proposed legislation seeks to destroy the federal structure and contemptuously disregards the rights of the States giving absolute power to the Centre to dismiss a State Government on mere allegation. The Bill is absolutely anti democracy as it provides wide ranging powers to a body that will leave everyone, including the chief minister of the state to the level of an ordinary employee cowering under fear of suspension and behave like puppets. This goes against the basic principles of public administration. Is it not an attempt to clamp a permanent emergency on the people of the country through a backdoor? As per this legislation a mere allegation leveled against a person is enough to implicate him, his organisation or party or government. Is it not unethical to the concept of justice? There is mention of imaginary crimes such as “mental torture”. Does this anti-justice, anti-democracy and anti-constitutional legislation which is a product of perverted minds, merit any consideration at all? The proposed legislation seeks to destroy our sense of national unity and divide the citizens of the country. This legislation represents a total negation of our national interests.
 
Parliament and the Government elected by the people of Bharat with the hope that they will provide protection and promote love and justice for all should not allow this draft bill even for discussion in any form; and should summarily reject it. The security and justice for the so- called minorities can be guaranteed by law combined with the goodwill prevailing in society. Any attempt to bring in this piece of legislation that destroys social harmony even in any other form would meet with stout opposition and disapproval from the people, because though the form may change, the very draft of the Bill had made it clear that there was an anti-national conspiratorial mentality working at the back of these efforts.
ORGANISED GOOD PEOPLE, SPIRITED SOCIETY– THE ONLY SOLUTION
A politics bereft of will power and clear and fearless national perspective becomes a collection of shaky policies, cowardice, shirking of responsibilities and selfish considerations creating an atmosphere of mistrust and frustration. Our society has to take the onus of marching ahead on its glorious path by checking aggressive and dangerous tendencies threatening us on one hand and creating power and unity in all endeavours of our national life on the other. The ever victorious benevolent divine power in form of Durga arose out of collective endeavours of the gods and defeated the demons. This is the ancient history of today’s auspicious festival. The existing circumstances are once again demanding of us the same collective endeavour with will to be victorious and it is the native Hindu society that will have to meet this demand.
Saint Gyaneshwar has prayed in the concluding chapter of “The Gyaneshwari” that good heartedness, wisdom of good actions, feelings of mutual friendship amongst all, everybody pursuing life based on Dharma and fulfillment of everybody’s wishes should prevail. He has sought blessings for the evolution of a society that teams with groups of people who are God-fearing, gentle, virtuous and dedicated to the welfare of all. This was the conclusion of all great men of creative minds in modern Bharat to transform their dream of a Bharat as independent, harmonious, powerful and vishwa-guru into a reality. This again is the fianl verdict of all those selfless and honest people who are working to promote the interests of our country. People who are not even slightly affected by selfishness, who are immensely sensible and devoted to society and who without fear and equivocation keep proclaiming the identity of our ancient nation, its all-unifying culture and glory and devotion towards its embodiment in Bharat Mata - undivided and overflowing with consciousness. Living examples of such persons will have to rise in every village and locality. It is through the nationwide collective selfless and dedicated efforts of these good people that our country could feel incandescent with wellbeing and good fortune.
CLARION CALL
The RSS is an effort to realise and establish this universally acceptable thought and conduct by organising the Hindus and was founded in a miniscule form 86 years ago. Today it stands before you in its vastly expanded form as an invaluable means of mobilising the well-meaning people. Let us become a part of it. Let us create an atmosphere of goodwill, fearlessness and patriotism in society. All the RSS volunteers should realise this responsibility and apply themselves to this work with full vigour and enthusiasm.
Let us discharge our duty in keeping our society united and harmonious with full confidence that our truthful path will prevail. Our victory is inevitable.
With heart filled with devotion to Rashtra
If the country stands as one
Overcoming all its problems
The Rashtra will stand victorious



Saturday, October 1, 2011

Is the Kerala Christian population facing extinction?


Is the Kerala Christian population facing extinction?
September 12th, 2011

Kerala is a state where various communities, be it majority community or minority communities, live in harmony. Granting incentives with the sole purpose to increase the population of a particular religious community is an intriguing idea, especially when family welfare and population control is part of federal policy.  St Vincent De Paul Forane Church in Kalpetta has promised 10000/- to Catholic couples on the birth of their fifth child. This novel initiative by the Catholic Church with intentions to augment the Christian population in Kerala has become a widely discussed issue. USA based Catholic News Agency were the first to expose the news to the public. We at dool news contacted Salu Mecheril, the regional coordinator of the programme and confirmed the news.

Justifying their stand the Church reassures that the programme is merely an impetus to boost the declining Christian population of the region.  However, KCBC has made it clear that this is not their official stand. If we juxtapose the dwindling tribal population and the Christian population the logic behind reviving the Christian population seems to be greatly flawed.

In a discussion held at dool news some prominent people express their views with us.

 “The incentives are not going to help increase the population”:T M Thomas Issac ( Former Finance Minister of Kerala & CPIM central committee member)

The attitude of the church has no connection with that of the Christian believers. This kind of news need not be taken seriously. Church as an institution has always opposed family planning. This kind of gimmicks is not going to be of much help in a state like Kerala where the yardsticks of Human Development Index such as public health, literacy and the like is much higher compared to any other state in India.

Rate of increase in population is much lesser in places like Kottayam and Pathanamthitta where the Christian is in majority. Though the government had declared incentives for family planning the decrease in population is not merely due to attractive incentives. It was the result of an increase in the standard of living of the people. Changes in man-women relationship is yet another reason. So these kinds of incentives are not going to help much.

“Christian extremism is more intense than Muslim extremism”: Sister Jessmy (Former Principal of St Mary’s College)

I am quite orthodox in thinking when it comes to the number of children in a family. I was born in a family of seven children. The more the number of children the more the training you get. Not just from your parents but also from your sisters and brothers. The argument for reducing the number of children is that they can be given better care and education. However, if you consider the money spent on counseling the children of families having single or two children, we may conclude it’s much better to have more children.

If there are more children, when they grow up and start working, it would be economically beneficial for the entire family. But there is no holy intention behind the church’s five children programme. Their only aim is to increase the vote banks. They want to increase their representation in the administrative system. This is an attempt to reduce the Muslim influence too.

In Kerala Christian extremism is more intense than Muslim extremism. Muslim extremism is visible from outside. The extremism and fanaticism hidden inside Christians are more dangerous. Who were the worst? Those who chopped off the hands of T T Joseph or those who kicked him out of his job.

Such initiatives from the church will only help in developing contempt among the real believers. In order to love each and to create selfless society larger families can be encouraged. But what the church is doing is nothing but cheap. The Catholic Church should never stoop this low.

“Increasing the population by paying money is anti religious”: Stephen Aalathara (KCBC spokesperson)

The project being implemented under the Kalpetta,St Vincent De Paul Forane Church is not the official policy of KCBC. KCBC has started an inquiry into the reasons behind such anti religious activities.

“This is anti- democratic unified civil code needs to be implemented”: U Kalanadhan (State president, Yukthivaadi Sankhadana) ( Atheist Association),

No religion is supposed to indulge in such anti- democratic  activities. Increasing the population in order to get more representation in administrative system is against the basic principles of democracy. There are loopholes in the parliamentary system that encourages such activities. It can be understood after a thorough reading of the Indian constitution.

Article XXX of the Indian Constitution confers certain rights to minorities. This is against the XIVth article of the Indian Constitution that states that all individuals are equally before law. The article gives right to the minorities to the act against the constitution. For example take the case of marriage among the Muslim population. According to Muslims there is nothing wrong in having four wives. If you have five wives the child born out of the fifth wife will have no right on their ancestral property. This has lead to an increase in the Muslim population to a great extend.

The Christians are trying to compete with them by giving incentives to have more children. The funding comes from abroad. Christians recognize only monogamy and hence they have come up with this solution.

The only solution to this increasing competition among religious groups is implementation of the universal civil code mentioned in the 44th schedule. But the politicians are not willing to implement this law as they are afraid of losing their vote banks.

Hence the only solution to arrest this dangerous trend is to separate religion from politics and rule according to secular principles.

“While farmers were committing suicide they were busy spending crores for constructing churches”: Lean Thobias (Creative Director, Panorama)

While I was working in Malayala Manorama, I had been to Wayanad to study farmer’s suicide over there.

While talking to one family we realized that there were a few factors besides agricultural problems that had caused these suicides. He like many other farmers had to pay huge amounts to the church. His son was studying in a private management school.   All these problems coupled together led to the suicide of that person in that particular family. While the suicides were being committed huge churches were being constructed in that area.

I am a catholic believer and am quite active member of the church. I informed the church about the distress faced by the farmers over there no one was bothered.  It was at this time that an abusive word was used against the Bishop.

The present offer put forth by the church is 10,000 for that the 5th child.  Can you imagine the problems the family will face once the child grows up? I think this offer is made for increasing the fee in Jubilee Medical College and the Christian vote banks. Poor men are getting nothing out of any Christian institutions.

“No need to be afraid of an increase in population”: T Ariff Ali (Jammat- e- Islami Al Hind, Kerala President)

This is a very basic issue. Manpower can be seen in two ways; Intellectual and physical. The people from Assam, Bihar, Bengal and the like are pouring into Kerala. But here we don’t have anyone.  We are exporting manpower to foreign countries.

All groups are afraid of the decrease in population. In the beginning Christian society was afraid of increase in the population. Now they are trying to correct it. There is no need to see any sort of communalism in it. These reactions should never be considered communal. According to Jamaat -e -Islami there is no need to be afraid of increasing population.

“The aim is not to increase population but to encourage life”: Salu Mecherill ( St Vincent De Paul Forane Church Project Director)

The aim of the project is not to increase population but to encourage life. There has been a drastic decline in youth population.  We intend to rectify this problem. The aim of the project is to preserve life until death.

The project couldn’t include other communities as the church can conduct this project at present only in a small scale. We are part of KCBC’s providence committee. We didn’t consult KCBC about this project.

These days women are reluctant to give birth to children. Many couples are reluctant to have kids at all. In Kalpetta the rate of farmers committing suicide are much less. The rate of increase of population is much less than even the developed nations.
According to the central government, by 2030 Kerala would be a large old age home. Hence it is necessary to have able youth that can work. So let other states do whatever they want.

There is nothing to be scared of. This is not meant for conducting war or anything. Many countries in the world are carrying on with such a project. It is not true that job opportunities are not increasing according to the population.



Terrorism : Expedite Guru’s hanging
RAKESH SINHA
New Delhi
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The civil society is closer to separatists, spreading canards against nationalist forces
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Afzal Guru, prime accused in the conspiracy to attack the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001, has been awarded sentenced to death. The trial court, high court and the Supreme Court were all unanimous that the incident fell within the ambit of the rarest of rare cases, deserving the death sentence. The incident was not merely a case of terror but part of a larger conspiracy. Had the terrorists not been thwarted in their mission by the brave security personnel, the physical casualties and political consequences would have been beyond imagination.

That’s why the Supreme Court in its judgment did not mince words and held, “The incident, which resulted in heavy casualties, had shaken the entire nation and the collective conscience of society will only be satisfied if the capital punishment is awarded to the offender.” But Afzal has escaped the gallows so far. And the delay in his execution unravels many critical aspects of politics and civil society in India. There has been a consistent campaign by a section of Indian intelligentsia in defence of Afzal Guru. They can be defined as crusaders. They are closer to the hearts of separatists and their apologists.

Their propaganda and canards against nationalist forces is a given fact. Therefore they feel proud to receive moral and monetary support from foreign countries. Recently, the US government arrested Ghulam Nabi Fai for unleashing an anti-India campaign, using foreign funds and providing patronage to some chosen Indian crusaders. Many of those who shower love and affection for Afzal and Kasab belong to this category.

Some have been exposed while others continue to do what they know the best. Interestingly the pro-Afzal campaign itself is a rarest of rare political campaign in the history of post 9/11 world which has shown an unambiguous determination to end terrorism. The USA and Europe have set up new yardsticks like zero tolerance to thwart terrorism.

Many European nations which include France and Belgium have even banned the burqa considering it as an irritant in internal security. The concern for national security has led some of them to even abandon their beloved multi-culturalism. However the Indian story is altogether different where crusaders love terrorists and show solidarity with the separatists. They take shelter behind human rights to camouflage their anti-national activities. No where in the world is the concept of human rights so frequently used and abused to favour terrorists as in India.

They consider the pro-Afzal campaign a new standard for human rights! Can there be bigger travesty of human rights than this? Nandita Haksar, a Supreme Court lawyer, wrote in Communalism Combat (June 2010) edited by Teesta Setalvad and Javed Anand, “Apart from Kashmir, many Muslims also felt that our campaign for the Parliament accused had set new standards for human rights and they saw some hope in the midst of the Islamophobia engulfing our country. The campaign made them feel slightly more secure.” The campaign is based on false propaganda that Afzal was not given a fair trial in the sessions court. They don’t talk of his trial in the high court and its endorsement by the Supreme Court. Does it mean that Indian judicial system is biased? Moreover, do they want to establish that the higher courts are incompetent to correct the ‘unfairness’ of the lower courts?

During the four-year trial, these crusaders tried their best to influence the system of justice. They failed to impress the courts. However, they have been successful in making a conspirator and an anti-national a living symbol of Kashmiriyat and to an extent the ‘security and confidence’ of Indian Muslims. Such developments are ominous for the country’s unity and integrity as well as its internal security. The UPA regime is primarily guilty for such aberrations in our society and politics. The politics of vote banks has made the ruling party overlook even internal security. Courts, investigating agencies and police have all been crippled by this attitude. That is the reason why terrorists consider India a safe haven.

The Indian State can not disguise the shame of its indecisiveness on the pretext of being a democratic state. The mercy petition by Afzal Guru to the President of India needs to be out-rightly rejected. And the crusaders’ words should not entertained that Afzal’s execution will endanger India’s internal security and jeopardize peace in the Valley. The Indian state must act firmly as Afzal represents a medieval ideology and mission.

Any mercy to him will depict India as a coward state before the world community.





Relief work by Utkala Bipanna Sahayata Samiti (UBSS) for flood affected people
The Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti (UBSS) was established in 1982 as  a voluntary Organization to serve the destitute. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, India bearing registration No. 18869/9 of 1982-83.
The UBSS is a network of dedicated volunteers drawn from varied walks of life. It works with many other like-minded organizations from where it gets disciplined work force to carry out rescue, relief and rehabilitation work in a systematic way.
It made its first valued contribution in the aid of flood affected people of the state Orissa in the year 1982 itself. Since then it has been working for the social welfare & upliftment of the downtrodden and underprivileged.
Be it flood, cyclone, famine, sunstroke or any form of natural calamity or accidents, the dedicated volunteers of UBSS have fought against all odds to reach the people in their hours of crisis.
Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti at 2011 Flood Relief
Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti has been involved in relief work during the recent floods. UBSS has actively worked in 205 villages of 36 different blocks situated in 12 different districts affected by the floods. It has served cooked and dry food to around 53,849 people and supplied around 85,000 water pouches.
Along with this, victuals like biscuit packets, chuda (flattened dry rice pellets), jiggery; articles for daily use like candles, match boxes and even cow feed were also distributed. Sanitation activities were carried out in twenty-one different places by people belonging to seven different voluntary organizations.


More than 450 volunteers worked day and night for over two weeks among the affected people in 205 villages of 36 blocks in the districts of Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Katak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendujhar, Angul, Sambalpur and Bargarh. The number of beneficiaries exceeds 55 thousand. About 54 thousand people were supplied cooked food, dry food and fodder for cattle. More than 3500 people were benefitted from health services made available by the UBSS. A team of seven doctors and seven Para medical staff are still working among the affected people in the interior parts of Kendrapada and Jajpur district. The most remarkable service rendered by the dedicated workers of the Samiti was that they supplied nearly 4 thousand bottles of drinking water among those surrounded by dirty water after collecting the empty bottles from different places. This is a service for which the administration had already expressed its inability to do anything.
  
In the ensuing days, the Samiti has chalked out a plan to provide more health and sanitation services on priority basis as quick fix against the after effect of the flood. Distribution of clothes to the needy will also be carried out on priority basis. In the long run the Samiti has planned to provide study materials to the needy students as well as promote animal husbandry among the rural folk.
Statistics of Seva Work as Flood Relief:

District
No. of Block
No. of Village
No. of Beneficiary
Karyakarta
Total
Food
Health
Sambalpur
02
05
1225
1225
-
15
Bargada
02
02
500
500
-
10
Angul
02
03
420
420
-
32
Khordha
02
17
509
-
509
13
Puri
05
85
11331
10119
1212
158 X 5days
Nayagada
01
02
150
150
-
05
Katak
05.
13
2224
1735
489
54 X 5days
Kendrapada
04
12
5740
5000
740
26 X 4days
Jajpur
05
18
10600
10600
-
56 X 5days
Bhadrak
05
15
7900
7900

44 X 8days
Kendujhar
01
12
8200
8200
-
15 X 4days
Jagatsinghpur
02
21
8542
8000
542
36 X 5days
Total
36
205
57385
53849
3536
459


AN APPEAL
In these hours of crisis, Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti has come forward to serve the distressed as it has been doing since 1982. We need your support, cooperation and participation to normalize the situation and restore the normal life.

We appeal to all individuals, sections and organizations of the Society irrespective of caste, creed and religion to come forward and help the ill-affected. We need all kinds of support from you.

Secretary
    Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti
Donation can be given in the Account No:024010100043982, AXIS BANK, SATYANAGAR, BHUBNESWAR   in favor of  UTKAL BIPANNA SAHAYATA SAMITI, BHUBANESWAR.
You can send  Cheque / Draft / Cash / Materials in the name of “Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti” to the following address
Utkal Bipanna Sahayata SamitiPlot No-41, Sector-A, Zone-D, Mancheswar Industrial EstateBhubaneswar-751 010, Odisha
 Donations given to Utkal Bipanna Sahayata Samiti shall qualify for deduction U/S 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (vide letter No.-ITO (Tech)/80G-160/2006-07,  Dt. 09.05.2007, valid up to assessment year 2010-2011 & onwards )  in the hands of  Donors.

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