Business to the Buddha

Tag: Anna Hazare

  • Indian Elections – Criminals in politics






    When Anna said once – “I don’t agree to party politics.” I didn’t understand that. During election days I was being very hopeful on good candidates from the opposition parties and hoping they would make it one sided whitewash of ruling parties. Unfortunately I was too optimistic about Indian political system. There are many tainted candidates from all parties who have been in power for so many years. Just to give you a perspective

    Criminals in Election

    Source – ADR report first 6 phases Link

    Note when my friend Vaibhav called to suggest write on elections I said no. He suggested don’t write favoring any party. So this suggestion boils down to what Anna Hazare said. A good way to make Indian political system accountable is voting a non criminal, non corrupt and good candidate at each constituency. Then forget he/she is from which party.

    This will eventually force everyone to put forth better candidates – educated and worth voting for.

  • Indian Elections – Divided we stand Together!






    You should not be surprised when Economists (all educated – PhDs from the USA) are not looking at these expenses; …they are saying that this is an inflow of money from Swiss banks so this is boosting Indian economy! Markets are anyways touching high almost every second day [Pun Intended].

    One of my friends – Vaibhav – called me last week. He said someone (Lets call him Ravi) came canvassing for a political party to him. Viabhav asked me if I can write something on Indian Politics! I plainly rejected saying my blogs relate to Business and Spirituality I wont write on politics.

    Economist'sHe further persuaded me, said- (Vaibhav speaks) let me give you my example, I said to Ravi – I am supporting who will form Govt! Ravi told me “good, are you sure you support criminals in politics, do you find corruption as chalta hai!…” Vaibhav said “no!” Ravi – than what is your take? Will you vote for corruption, criminals!”

    Vaibhav continued over phone “Pravin, it made me think. I shall vote for what I think is right even if that person loses election. Why dont you write?” I still said – no to political blog, I am favoring a better India, not any political party. Everyone must have their plans for a better India. Every party has different priority, we should respect each one. Vaibhav said do not write in favor of any party per se, ask people to vote for what they feel as right not necessarily for any party.

    Today I voted, so thought that I should speak my mind out.

    Earlier I have written on various topics closely related to governments, economy and corruptions. All these include crony capitalism as well (perhaps subtly). How can these big parties invest so much on election? Who funds them and what is the part in the flesh (of these invisible hands) in future policy making? According to news the Ad expense itself is in Crs ref Hindustan Times News! Forget about ground activities such as rallies, printing of leaflets and air travel of netas (buying votes by cash/liquor) etc. You should not be surprised when Economists (all educated – PhDs from the USA) are not looking at these expenses; perhaps they are saying that this is an inflow of money from Swiss banks so this is boosting Indian economy! Markets are anyways touching high almost every second day [Pun Intended].

    What I see in the current Indian political system is – lack of effective opposition. It is evident that the government also realized it. The UPA government has talked about everything except Janlokpal bill in 2011. Passed a weak bill (just to garner votes in 2013 state election & general election now). If we look at 2011 at various occasions Govt spoken to malign those who want to stand against corruption. The list includes – Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal (his wife) and Sri Sri.

    It has been observed that CBI can VERY efficiently work against those who can be threats to Govt. but CBI FAILS miserably to Find facts, File cases and Finish the proceeding against any political parties. It simply proves the current system does not work. I asked myself few questions about two years back – Will Mr Raja contest next election? Will Mr Sibal contest? Mr Digvijay Singh had been finishing his 10 years “Sanyas” after a comprehensive (Bijli, Sadak, Pani) MP Defeat, would he contest next Lok Sabha elections? All are answered now.

    Corruption has become talk of the history. No one speaks as passionately against corruption as we – citizen of India – voiced in 2011. The reason is simple – we are divided by political parties – we all want things to change, we do not want to change our narrow focus of political affiliation!

  • Need of the hour!







    Recently, I woke up early in the morning, it was not because I had to go somewhere, but because in the night I forgot to switch on my mosquito repellent. Apparently, I didn’t have to kill the mosquito. All of them put together had sucked enough blood to wake me up and as individuals had sucked enough to full their bellies that none could fly. And they all fell under my weight to die!

    I was wondering about the same in different context and thought about politicians of India and some corporate houses (include Kingfisher). In current context the Anna movement, Occupy Wall Street movement and economy world around has made every commoner – like me – to think seriously about what is happening around. Now it seems that not all politicians and executives can get away with the deeds. They have to be accountable and answerable because the pinch of the rash and extravagant decision are backfiring. If I compare the scenario to my waking up and inadvertently killing few mosquito, the weight of economy has killed some companies (Lehman Brothers) and some are in the lurch. Either politicians and executives have to understand that there has to be enough and more responsible actions and decision or people would gather on streets to protest.

    I am not against development and taking risks yet we have to balance risk and be responsible for the powers offered to us by the shareholders, banks and others. Is it fair to party when you know you are under debt of 1000s of cr (tens of billions) rupees? Is it fine to sponsor and own events when you are under lots of liabilities? I was wondering when I read the news – LIC may be forced by the Govt to rescue Kingfisher. Thankfully it does not seem to happen, otherwise LIC policy holders – such as me – would feel robbed of their hard earned income.

    The collective power has toppled a Govt in Middle East – I term it as French Revolution of Middle East – and other countries of Middle East are feeling the heat. Credibility of a company was on stake when Murdoch was summoned. We see a strong voice against corruption in India and against the reckless decision of bankers as Occupy Wall Street movement. Is not it fair to assume that all educated people (politicians and executives) would understand that commoners are asking for only fairness and accountability, and perhaps it would solve many issues we face in current times, That’s it!

  • Syādvāda – The Doctrine of Postulation







    I had written about this earlier, however thought to revisit the same again. What is the meaning of system when it is not solving the required purpose? Let us take the same example again from my previous post Lost in translation. What is the meaning of grammar (System) if the language (Following the system) is not able to communicate the message using the grammer?

    To make my point further clear, let me take recent developments in India. In case of Anna Hazare, the Government was shouting about the SYSTEM in place, “THE SUPREME PARLIAMENTARY PROCESS” and therefore was not relenting to the rightful issue of sentiments of the common man of India. What is the use of such process which is not listening to the voices of people, and we call it DEMOCRACY! At the same time, Supreme court of India has kept death sentences (ruled in favor of High Court) for Killer of Mr Rajiv Gandhi and Afzal Guru (involved in parliament attack of 2003), let me repeat – Supreme Court of India. Yet for many years they are in jails of India. Now, the system of respecting the Supreme Court is not followed. What kind of SYSTEMS we are talking about?

    A man/woman – actually killer in some sense – is in jail not receiving the fruits of his/her crime, why because we can do away with some systems selectively to suit our benefits. At the same time a man (Anna) – who is fighting for a cause – is given rule-book and all sorts of stories of systems, stating what he is doing is not in favor of democracy. What nonsense! Are not these systems making us handicap rather than helping us? Is the system making us feel – in India, you can get away with murders too?

    Reiterating this from my earlier blog – …I am not arguing against systems. I am just trying to say that one has to answer the question – why at first place we designed systems?

    1. to facilitate operations of society (in case of religion, culture and laws)
    2. to facilitate operations of work (in case of businesses).

    Inputs from Prof Mankad on need of system –
    3. to facilitate understanding of the present and formulating vision for the future (in case of education)
    4. to facilitate orderly day to day living for people, ensure fairness in dealings, security and openness (in case of governance, transparency and judiciousness). At times, systems are inadequate too.

    And therefore my stand is no spiritual teacher advocated “create a religion in my name” …and do business on the same. They just showed the path, I recall Mahavir (one of the messengers of Jainism) used ‘Syādvāda’. What I understand about ‘Syādvāda’* is – this is true and that is also true. Everything is based on relativity. Systems are correct if they solve the basic purpose, if they do not – better to change them. Everything of 12th century (or Before Christ) may not be relevant today better abolish some of them, right? So, relevance is important and thus the doctrine of postulation… systems are correct but in context, be it democracy of India. Mahavir said that 500 years BC (Before Christ), we are still not listening/learning, are we?

    More on Syādvāda in future blogs.

    *Note – it is purely my understanding and please do your research for references