Saturday, May 30, 2009

Racy idea !





Indians are seemingly comfortable with the idea of racism, since we have reacted mutely when it has been practiced by Indians on Indians. See how we treat and look down upon migrant workers in Delhi, or in Punjab. For that matter see how such a progressive state as Maharashtra decided to condone violence against fellow Indians. Of course southern India fares slightly better but that's owing to the fact that the net migration into those states from outside of the state is probably negative.

Kashmir decided to completely wipe away its Hindu population and unlike Third Reich, they have gotten away cleanly with it. Just because no one cares for the victims of that racial genocide. And they were not even migrants!
So it seems rather refreshing that so many people from all corners are raising their voice against the racist attacks on Indians in Australia. Maybe now we will begin to object when Indians are targeting other Indians in India.

Even at best of the times migrants have never been welcomed completely by the host societies. Even where they were needed desperately . In these times of recession migrants are an easy punching bag. Remember Nazi party rose during a recession in Germany among other factors.

Australians as a class are rather crass in their ways so they attack openly . They are however not alone. Their cousins in other western countries are smarter in their attempt to keep Indians to their place. Racism is institutionalized and totally integrated with immigration policies and levers of power. As long as Indian remains a "coolie", it is fine. In countries like Canada they do it very subtly without letting you know. So you will be cut down to size but shall have no proof of any kind!

Indian students being students start on an equal footing with everyone else and mostly surge ahead by the dint of their hard work. This is bound to attract the wrong kind of racist attention. Hence these attacks. The other group that is vulnerable is Taxi drivers. From refusing to pay the fare to looting their cash . They are an easy prey. Look here all they want is your money that you can give as fees, taxes and whatever capital you can bring in to grow their economy. They also need you to drive cabs, run corner stores and do all their grunt work . Ask for more and there is trouble ! There are hundreds of Shravan kumars for one Bobby Jindal. So beware!

We have to stop being racist ourselves before we can demand equality. And we have to stop being in such awe of the west before they will stop taking immigrants for a royal ride.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Spastics and us

What have we thought about Spastics ? Or for that matter all the other members of our society who by virtue of being differently able, need some assistance to live a dignified life. Ideally they are best cared for in their own homes and family. Surrounded by natural love , care and affection. This system however is breaking up ! As we progress as a society, which is mobile and outward looking; family as we understand in the traditional sense is on life support,if not already dead.

In nuclear family units it is becoming increasingly difficult to care for a spastic child, visually impaired family member, or anyone else facing other physical or mental challenges. In most cases at least one parent has to be stay- at -home. Now this poses another set of problems. The immediate one is the shortage of money a single income family would have to deal with. The other is far more serious. What would happen when one or both parents pass away? Who will do it? I have seen parents praying for a short life for their children who are facing these challenges. Can you imagine how shell shocking it was for me? Imagine how catastrophic it must have been for the mother asking for death for her child!

Some countries like Canada have a registered disability saving plan, that allows a parent to save for a disabled child during their lifetime .So that after they are gone the money can be used for the disabled person. The government also gives generous grants in addition. There are well managed institutions that take care of these individuals for their entire life. So what do we have in India?
I realize India is not Canada but we need to think about it. If we have abandoned the extended family as the norm, what have we replaced it with?

As a start can we please include such children and their parents in all our social and family events and make sure that they understand and feel our love and concern. Can we make sure such children are not hidden away because their parents feel that the society will not accept them. Please can we always, always include them. It does not cost anything, you know!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Does good sense always have to be costly? Why are solar Panels expensive? Why is it difficult for people to build homes without a huge amount of money to build and large amounts to run it? What can be done with so many people not able to afford a home? Has technology and design failed people on the periphery of our consciousness; living in slums ,on streets, and in rural areas,? Let us try some answers .

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Why blog!

Why not!
Sometimes I have something worthwhile to say. I want to see just how much !