Delhi Gang Rape (the country crying for you )

That girl, the one without the name. The one just like us. The one whose battered body stood for all the anonymous women in this country whose rapes and deaths are a footnote in the left-hand column of the newspaper.
Sometimes, when we talk about the history of women in India, we speak in shorthand. The Mathura rape case. The Vishaka guidelines. The Bhanwari Devi case, the Suryanelli affair, the Soni Sori allegations, the business at Kunan Pushpora. Each of these, the names of women and places, mapping a geography of pain; unspeakable damage inflicted on women’s bodies, on the map of India, where you can, if you want, create a constantly updating map of violence against women.
For some, amnesia becomes a way of self-defence: there is only so much darkness you can swallow. They turn away from all the places that have become shorthand for violence beyond measure, preferring not to know about Kashmir or the outrages in Chattisgarh, choosing to forget the Bombay New Year assault, trying not to remember the deaths of a Pallavi Purkayastha, a Thangjam Manorama, Surekha and Priyanka Bhotmange, the mass rapes that marked the riots in Gujarat. Even for those who stay in touch, it isn’t possible for your empathy to keep abreast with the scale of male violence against women in India: who can follow all of the one-paragraph, three-line cases? The three-year-old raped before she can speak, the teenager assaulted by an uncle, the 65-year-old raped as closure to a property dispute, the slum householder raped and violently assaulted on her way to the bathroom. After a while, even memory hardens.
And then you reach a tipping point, and there’s that girl. For some reason, and I don’t really know why, she got through to us. Our words shrivelled in the face of what she’d been subjected to by the six men travelling on that bus, who spent an hour torturing and raping her, savagely beating up her male friend. Horrific, brutal, savage—these tired words point to a loss of language, and none of them express how deeply we identified with her.
She had not asked to become a symbol or a martyr, or a cause; she had intended to lead a normal life, practicing medicine, watching movies, going out with friends. She had not asked to be brave, to be the girl who was so courageous, the woman whose injuries symbolised the violence so many women across the country know so intimately. She had asked for one thing, after she was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital: “I want to live,” she had said to her mother.

But there is always one that gets through the armour that we build around ourselves. In 1972, the first year in which the NCRB recorded rape cases, there were 2,487 rapes reported across India. One of them involved a teenager called Mathura, raped by policemen; we remember her, we remember the history and the laws she changed. (She would be 56 now.)
Some cases stop being cases. Sometimes, an atrocity bites so deep that we have no armour against it, and that was what happened with the 23-year-old physiotherapy student, the one who left a cinema hall and boarded the wrong bus, whose intestines were so badly damaged that the injuries listed on the FIR report made hardened doctors, and then the capital city, cry for her pain.
She died early this morning, in a Singapore hospital where she and her family had been dispatched by the government for what the papers called political, not compassionate, reasons.
The grief hit harder than I’d expected. And I had two thoughts, as across Delhi, I heard some of the finest and toughest men I know break down in their grief, as some of the calmest and strongest women I know called and SMSed to say that she—one of us, this girl who had once had a future and a life of her own to lead—was gone, that it was over.
The first was: enough. Let there be an end to this epidemic of violence, this culture where if we can’t kill off our girls before they are born, we ensure that they live these lives of constant fear. Like many women in India, I rely on a layer of privilege, a network of friends, paranoid security measures and a huge dose of amnesia just to get around the city, just to travel in this country. So many more women have neither the privilege, nor the luxury of amnesia, and this week, perhaps we all stood up to say, “Enough”, no matter how incoherently or angrily we said it.
The second was even simpler. I did not know the name of the girl in the bus, through these last few days. She had a name of her own–it was not Amanat, Damini or Nirbhaya, names the media gratuitously gave her, as though after the rape, she had been issued a new identity. I don’t need to know her name now, especially if her family doesn’t want to share their lives and their grief with us. I think of all the other anonymous women whose stories don’t make it to the front pages, when I think of this woman; I think of the courage that is forced on them, the way their lives are warped in a different direction from the one they had meant to take. Don’t tell me her name; I don’t need to know it, to cry for her.

Battleship Potemkin My favourite ..........

We are talking history, we are talking cinema of the montage, a resurgence of Russian revolt - an epic. So this is tribal....this is primal....this is Sergei Eisenstein’s battleship Potemkin!. An ostentatious masterpiece, it’s about a society where injustice and domination leads to mutiny and emancipation. The film is a powerful deterrent for an ex-soviet citizen speaking of the times the Russians were facing then. It’s That most famous of all Russian films, boasting of all the features that were once a trusted formula in many Hollywood flicks but which have now faded into obscurity while the unsinkable battleship is almost invariably in pride of place.

In Battleship Potemkin, The powerful communist propaganda was treated deftly in its portrayal of a then oppressed Russian society. The history of its release in the west is trailed with constant attempts by the censors to ban the film. 1954 saw the ban lifted in Britain.

The film lives revolutionary method of montage that makes it one of Einstein classic. But it is not answer enough since incendiary as the event may have been it can’t Willy Nelly its way to proclaiming the status of numero uno! Even now in the aftermath of the demise of Russian Communism, the Potemkin battles on. As its two dimensional semblance of  bally- hoo festers, the film has hit upon yet another layer which feeds the eternal need for rabble rousing  (protest) against any form of oppression.

When the film was shot, the use of the twelve apostle’s cruiser had swift impact. For the seven years that saw the film ban from theatres, there were no free seats in German cinemas. Even as Hitler rose to power, the crowds in Munich were craving for a glimpse of the battleship!. Goebbels, the German propaganda minister, called on German film-makers to channel Eisenstein’s brilliance in their own films saying, “I am convinced that if some cinema showed a film which portrayed our epoch in a true way, and if it was a true national socialist Potemkin, in such a cinema all the tickets would be sold Battleship Potemkin would fall flat as poll was called for. Film makers are not too fond of the montage technique anymore, it being dispersed and demystified - becoming a truism. Andrei Tarkovsky, the much celebrated master of “post Stalin” Soviet Cinema, publicly depreciated montage as effeminate and artless, because it "buttonholes", the audience and does not amount to an accurate entirety. The film doesn’t entertain a linear narrative and thought its black and white the absence of shading rather than color is an

People from post war era are much more used to a three-dimensional depiction of the pre-revolutionary aristocracy, members of which were shown advocating decadence, romance, confusion and decline making them more human than some mighty, relentless and outright revolutionaries. Adaptations of Chekov, Bondarchuk and Balgakov were frequently staged and televised inspiring nobility with profound implications. The film on the other hand cultivates a rather subliminal and streamlined story of real events, acted by dull, two-dimensional marionettes but nonetheless it was heartfelt to me for the way it harbors the need to disobey and strive for freedom against any form of inhuman oppression. Not for its numerous interpretations of reality, nor its montage technique. All of us have that basic instinct to crush that which holds us back; establish justice. Potemkin is more “anarchy” than “Communism” - more “early Christianity” than “Marxism-Leninism”. The film only pictures what triggered the mutiny on the ship – (the rotten meat) rather than explain the reasons for the revolution. Even then some scenes from the film strike upon orthodox icons – that lady with the murdered child as the reification of Mary, the mother of Jesus , benign citizens as modern martyrs And the battleship firing its mighty cannons at the tyrants is perhaps the image of God punishing the evil-men. The turbulence that Russia faces as Political chaos clouds the country almost a century after the film is not too different from the images in Eisenstein’s Potemkin!

Legacy: As the soviets' disappointment with the ways of changing the world grew after a decade of romance with the avant-garde, the Bolsheviks’ taste for experimentation was soon gone to be replaced by a sense of predictability that social realism reflects. nevertheless, that flirtation with experimentation resulted in a horde of classics, be it in, sculpture, theatre, painting, literature and of course, cinema – which, quotes Lenin is “the most important of all arts for socialist Russia “And it would be nothing short of blasphemy to question Eisenstein’s genius that evolved during this period. To this day, battleship Potemkin continues to be one of art’s (cinema) triumphant achievements and a favorite of critics and film-makers alike as constant inflow of ideas and innovations plague this extraordinary medium of cinema! off long in advance."Eisenstein's answered in an open letter:"Great art, true portrayal of life and life itself are only possible in the Soviet land.” a student of engineering and architecture, Eisenstein believed in transformation, defying machines and technology. He thought a world revolution was in order. In this belief he was quite a mnemonic deputy of the Russian intelligentsia of that time.

My days on student union and my changing views towards politics 4 (country is calling u)

Youth is associated with energy, impetuousness, ambition, independence, fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Every field, be it science, education, research, technology, literature, music or filmmaking, the youth plays a significant role in them. Youth forms the future and the hope for progress in right direction.


But when it comes to the sphere of politics, the youth are seldom seen in the forefront. Especially the urban youth studying in schools and colleges have distaste for politics. Very few youngsters have an ambition of pursuing a career in politics. They cannot be blamed entirely, as many politicians do play a dirty game under the guise of politics. Neither is the system of getting into a political party and transforming its internal dynamics so simple or transparent.

Rural and uneducated youth are more susceptible to the promises and the teachings of hate politics practiced on distinctions of caste and religion. So they end up entering politics for all the wrong reasons and fighting for the wrong causes. The semi-urban or urban youth is wiser to the kind of tactics that politicians employ. Some go as far as calling it a way of increasing the bank balances by sacrificing whatever ideals democracies stand for.


Idealism is important for the proper running of any democracy. The youth are becoming cynical and very few believe that idealism and politics can coexist. The riots roused, the bribery given and taken, empty promises made by mountebanks; are all characteristics of our political system. But our responsibility does not end with stating this as a fact and shrugging it off. Building and maintaining peace and progress of the country is something you can start at your own individual level; by saying no to intolerance and unjustified societal dogmas and saying yes to education and unity.


Today’s youth icons of India, like Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Omar Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi, show promise. And although the idea may be repulsive, Raj Thackeray is a youth icon to many. When people who claim to lead from front are preaching the wrong philosophy, it becomes difficult for impressionable minds to judge between right and wrong.


Recently, Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the youngest Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. His heartening ‘I am a Muslim and an Indian too’ speech in Parliament has won him approval of the youth. Here is, at last, something that makes sense in the civilized republic of India. This is a far cry from the religion based politics played by most politicians in India. But isn’t it ironical that we are admiring something that should be a fact, not an out of the world declaration?


By 2015, 55% of Indian population will be below 20 years. This shows what kind of prospective power rests in the younger generations. We have to see that they are empowered through the right education and the proper spirit is nurtured. Then there will be no looking back on the communalism, resentments and violence of today. So, it is now time to let go of the ties that are tying us down to hate and intolerance. The dream of our nation can be converted to a reality if the youth join hands and pass on new legacies to the future.

My days on student union and my changing views towards politics III (youngsters & political leadership)

Youth Politics is a category which involves or otherwise impacts the Youth. It was first identified in the American Politics with the formation of the American Youth Congress in the 1930s. Omar Abdullah’s recent speech in parliament on the confidence motion started with, “I am an INDIAN first and Muslim second”; and brought the focus on the importance of the Youth in bringing new ideas, freshness and transparency in the Indian politics. One of the stories that unforgettably describes India’s tragedy is- “The mother of India had two sons. One knew how to run (the country), but went to fly and met his end; the other knew how to fly, but went to run the country and met his end.” Symbolically, that has always been India’s problem– misallocation of resources and incapable leaders at zenith.

It is true that with age comes experience, but the likes of B-School graduates like Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora and others like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia add life and a fresh set of ideas to the decision making bodies. Bharat Uday Mission is one outfit of IITians who are planning to enter in politics at a certain point of time. The Indian Army started new programs last year to attract the Youth in the army. There are movies promoting Youth in politics, like Yuva, RDB, etc.

Omar Abdullah, 38, was sworn in as India’s youngest Chief Minister in the New Year. Barack Obama is just 47. A prominent stage in Youth involvement came in the form of call given by then Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. One of the most violent phases of Youth politics came with the attempted self-immolation by Rajiv Goswami, in protest against the implementation of Quota system under the Mandal Commission.

For our generation, politics, as a career, comes way down the career-option list. Rampant corruption, criminalization of politics, lack of accountability, lack of family and peer support, etc. are some of the reasons behind this. In UK, Tony Blair retires at 58 while in India, the chief posts are mostly occupied by the politicians above 50, rather 60. Another reason is the misrepresentation of the Youth as `cool, young and happening’. Very few people possess a voter identification card and an iota of them actually go to vote, all of which result in a degraded majority and a wrong party on power. “Nobody will ever deprive the Indian people of the right to vote except the Indian people themselves- and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”

Thinking and contribution from freshers is fresh, as it is not influenced by any partial view of reality. J.K. Rowling has aptly said: “Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth”. In today’s knowledge-based economy, what you have is more important than what you’ve experienced.

In last elections, the Regional Congress committee hinted that it would positively consider Shahrukh Khan as a candidate if the actor sought a ticket for the coming Lok Sabha polls from a constituency in Mumbai. If we as a nation have to move ahead and build the country of our dreams, we have to use politics as a medium to ensure that the Government remains sensitive and accountable to the people. We need developed and young minds instead of corroded and corrupt minds.

It is us, the generation X (Next), Y (Youth) and Z (Zealous), who can resuscitate India. As the new Airtel advertisement puts it “One act of defiance- can spark a revolution”. The Youth has to become a part of the politics to facilitate the reconstruction of a better society and a country. Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. Is the Shining India ready for politicians who are educated and eager for a Revolution? India, can you hear me?

My days on student union and my changing views towards politics 2 (Lets be in politics)

Today, Indian politics seems to be going astray from the path laid for it by yesteryear statesmen like Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru. Most of the politicians appear insignificant compared to these magnanimous personalities. We all seem to be wary of their promises and assurances, and tired of their constant use of religion and caste to garner votes.

But don’t we have a habit to blame everything, right from the terrorist attacks to bad roads and lighting on the government on the government? Have we ever realized that it is the common man who chooses the government? How many of us think of elections as a day off work and college, and don’t bother voting?

After the reservation was announced in educational institutions the youth came all out criticizing the government and complaining of having lost faith in the system. But why not be an active part of the system itself?

Most of us are too content with lives at IITs and IIMs to look beyond. But it is very heartening to see that there are a bunch of young graduates who are willing to step out of their corporate boardrooms and take up leadership, responsibility and join active politics.

Five IITians have formed a new political party in India- Paritrana; Bharat Punarnirman Dal, a party started by twenty alumni from IIT has fielded two candidates for the Delhi polls; many medicos in places like Chandigarh have floated an anti – reservation party; apart from these there are a growing number of graduates from top B-schools who are joining politics. These young guns have decided to give up the comfort of lavish offices and air conditioned boardrooms to step up and invest efforts in the betterment of the society. Not only that, they also derive creative satisfaction from their work as the management principles apply equally to political parties and one can do a lot more for people by joining politics. For many politics is similar to entrepreneurship which is dynamic and where one has to take risks.

Nevertheless these young politicians have set an example for the youth. They are moving out of drawing room and coffee house discussions and are plunging themselves wholeheartedly into the democracy called India.

The youth is a source of dynamic energy and untapped power, which, if channeled in the right direction can do wonders to the current political setup. If not active politics, it is definitely our duty to just spare a couple of minutes and go and vote, rather than just sit and criticize the current political situation in the country.

It is high time that we take into account the bigger view rather than being content with our own small world. We must first get rid of our ‘chalta hai’ approach and start looking at taking active part in the system itself. The leading, bright young minds can be aptly used for the progress and development of the nation.

In Mahatma Gandhi’s words- ‘You must be the change you wish to see in the world’. Its high time the youth stops criticizing and start leading.

My days on student union and my changing views towards politics 1

“The need of Indian politics today is infusion of young blood, which takes a modern and contemporary view of things.” This is the rhetoric that most Indians sing today. But where is one supposed to get this young blood from? Student politics is an answer; a good breeding ground for future politicians. The involvement of students in the political stream is not new; it has been prevalent since the freedom movement. Today, even when the aim of politics has changed from liberating the country from alien clutches to planning for national welfare of a free country, students take active part in the field of politics.
There are two views to the issue of student politics; while one, for reasons of its own, completely abhors the idea of students involving themselves with active politics, the other supports student participation in politics of all forms and claims it to be the denial of a democratic right if disallowed. This fix calls for a moderate view-point to be taken on the issue of student politics. Like any issue, this too has both negative and positive attributes to its credit, but the sad part is that many who are involved in the issue are seldom aware of either or both sides of the coin.
Many people enter politics fully aware of it being a difficult, dirty game, thinking that though they will get themselves dirty they will emerge victorious, with power, money and fame in hand. No doubt, the present state of politics in India can best be termed a ‘dirty game’ where everyone plays for his own benefit. However we cannot overlook the existence of sincere, honest and spirited politics, nor is the tag of ‘dirty politics’ unalterable. Many young minds who are in the political fray today might not even know the meaning of ‘politics’, which is only a small dictionary-hunt away. They cannot be entirely blamed for this. The older generations of politicians have not been successful in keeping up to its meaning of ‘being instrumental in the betterment of the polity’. For the modern man the word politics has come to acquire an altogether new meaning, synonymous with corruption and scandals.
So the question that arises is whether or not the gullible, impressionable young students should be allowed entry into politics? We know that young politicians are needed and that politicians are not just born after graduation. We know that sufficient learning being required in this field, if they don’t begin early, they will be a part of the ‘older generation’ by the time they become politicians. Then why should there be an opposition to the idea of student politics? There are reasons that make people say what they do. One of their claims is that students being young and lacking in knowledge about politics, are not mentally well equipped to handle the complexities of politics. Another point that joins the list is that most students get involved in politics due to peer pressure and not out of a desire to work for the society, ending up as beneficiaries neither to the country nor to themselves. Though this claim cannot be generalised to each individual who is a part of student politics, there is a large population which gets trapped; drawn by peer pressure, they sacrifice their studies for a cause about which they do not know much nor are interested in.
Irrespective of whether one wants to take an active part in politics as a career, education in the field of politics should be imparted to students at both school and college levels. While some extra education is harmful to none, it will enable everyone to develop a dispassionate and detached view about the whole political system, and then take sides as per the ideologies that one individually supports. This automatically addresses the problem of students getting involved due to peer pressure and lack of knowledge. Another step towards education is sincerity on the part of parent political parties under whose patronage the student wings function. This must come in the form of having the party’s ideologies clearly spelt out and publicised for the benefit of prospective student politicians.
Student politics is a very benefiting field for the political system and ideally should not be discouraged; though negative attributes exist they are not invincible . Apart from the education system of the country, the parent party of any student political organization has a large part to play in the removal of these bottlenecks. While this will ensure not just young but also new blood, it will expand its effects of transparent politics and competent politicians beginning from the domain of student politics to the larger political system of the whole country.

My video trailers during university studies ,my interview