The Trouble with T.M.Krishna

T.M.Krishna is a good man. Has his heart in the right place. An extremely talented and proficient musician, he has made a name for himself in the rarefied sphere of classical Carnatic music. His concerts are well attended and he has a devoted fan following which is enviable and is envied. It is obvious that TM is also a committed humanist who wears his concerns on his sleeve. Like many liberal minded people, TM feels that divisions in society based on class, caste and other factors are abhorrent and unjust. TM is horrified that Classical music especially Carnatic music has become the monopoly of the upper classes and is being denied to the Hoi Polloi and he wants to do what he can to correct the injustice. How can the denizens of Cheries not have the opportunity to listen to and savour Carnatic music, he asks?

What TM is doing with his obviously good intentions is opening the Pandora’s Box of age old debates about the conflict between Elitism and Populism, Meritocracy and Social Justice. Also, unfortunately, being blind to the natural order of things. When Monarchies, Dictatorships etc. gave way to Populism resulting from the Knowledge and Communication explosions, the casualty gradually was Meritocracy with the growing belief that all the men are capable of doing and achieving all things, not just the Elite. As Democracies took root the strong sense of social justice further suppressed the importance of Meritocracy. Not only Democracies, even Authoritarian regimes suppressed Meritocracy in the name of Populism. The classic example of this is Nazism and the raise of Hitler fighting the so-called dominance and consequent cornering of riches by Jews and resulting in the horrendous Holocaust eliminating millions of Jews. The spread of Populism in Europe was fueled by the hatred towards the control established by bureaucracy run by the well educated, accomplished and capable Elite of society. Another horrifying and disastrous example is the Cultural Revolution led by Chairman Mao in China where Intelligentsia were made to do manual work utterly disregarding the natural order of different abilities of different people.

Donald Trump used Fake Populism proclaiming his intention to help the less educated White population in the US who had lost jobs mainly because of Globalisation and succeeded in getting elected to highest post in the strongest nation in the world. All the time, it was obvious that he only wanted to help himself and his rich business cronies as evidenced by his tax proposals. The words written by H.L.Mencken in 1920 have become prophetic.

“As democracy is perfected, the office of the president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people.  On some great and glorious day, the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be occupied by a downright fool and complete narcissistic moron.”

At home, there is the resentment towards Reservation being extended forever even against the wishes expressed by Dr.Babasaheb.

To quote a cliché, all the five fingers are not the same. Due to hereditary, genetic, social and other factors, we are all endowed with different abilities in different fields. It would be senseless to assume that everyone is capable of everything. This is especially true in the field of the Arts. All Classical Arts need effort, inclination and repetitive exposure on the part of the follower to become a connoisseur. Even among the so-called forward classes, it is only a small percentage that appreciates classical music, painting, sculpture or literature. To assume that the Cherikkaran will appreciate classical music if only he is exposed to it is a fallacy. Some among them may, but the majority would rather enjoy Tappankuthu,

Among performers, how many of the Janata can sing like Lata Mangeshkar or even TM?

Catholicity of Hinduism

CATHOLICITY:

1.    broad-mindedness or liberality, as of tastes, interests, or views.

2.    universality; general inclusiveness.

                                                                                                  (Dictionary.com)

It is an irony that we live in a land where the beliefs and traditions followed by the majority of its people are ridiculed, criticized, harangued about on a day to day basis by all sorts of people who are either ill informed, misguided or driven by personal agendas. Add to these the so called scholarly Indologists from abroad who with a limited knowledge of the ethos of the land can only point out all the negative aspects. Among all the nay-sayers, the worst are the home bred Academicians/Historians who wear their leftist chips (we don’t believe in religion, you know) arrogantly on their shoulders, most of them not realizing that it is the fact that they are considered Hindus they have the freedom to dish out all manner of drivel without the fear of their limbs being cut off.

The bogey of Hindutva is raised now and again as if it is imminent that a great misfortune will descend on all of us if we even whisper Hindutva. These fear mongers decry that Hindu Nationalism will ultimately destroy the country. They despair that India is becoming more and more intolerant and freedom of speech is being denied to its citizens. The worst aspects of behavior from some rogue elements are highlighted to denigrate the whole lot of the innocent majority not realizing that the majority does not subscribe to any form of violent behavior at all. This silent majority has its hands full grappling with carving out a decent living for itself not having the inclination or the time to indulge in violence or even demagoguery about a social or political issue.

Nationalism is a recent phenomenon as far as India is considered. Not too far back in the past, most people owed allegiance to the local Raja or Chieftain and had a sense of belonging to the surrounding area which could be quite small. With a plethora of languages spoken and difficulty in moving from place to place, the idea of a nation seemed a difficult proposition. Yet, and yet, there was and is the sense of oneness from Kashmir to Kanyakumari regardless the language spoken. The binding factor for this amazing oneness is very importantly the culture and shared values common to the whole region. These have emanated undoubtedly from the Epics of Ramayana and Mahabharatha, stories of Puranas and to a smaller extent the Upanishads. The oral tradition of transmitting stories and values ensured that even an illiterate person could assimilate them. The values of Dharma and Karma are in the blood of everyone whether you are a tiller in Punjab or a wealthy Chettiar from Tamilnadu. The lessons of Bhagavadgita are known to millions and millions irrespective of their level of education. Names of Shiva, Narayana, Rama, Krishna, Ganesha, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kali are everywhere and have become part of normal conversation wherever you go. A feeling that ours is Dharma Bhumi and that  Rama Rajya is an ideal is all prevalent. This feeling of oneness goes much beyond the recent concept of Nationalism as defined by Western nations. The fact that Mahatma Gandhi could influence millions of the literate, illiterate masses across the vastness of the country with his message of Satya, Ahimsa and Ram Rajya proves the point of oneness of the nation.

Hinduism is not an institutionalized religion and is essentially non-doctrinaire. It is inherently an individual’s religion with everyone having the freedom to pursue one’s own goals treading one’s own path.   One is urged to look within oneself to achieve Self-Realisation. One can go to a Guru for guidance or follow a religious leader’s teachings but the journey is one’s own individually. A Hindu is supposed to be one who accepts the validity of the Vedas. Vedas are the root of Dharma the concept of which is firmly entrenched in the Hindu psyche. From the four Vedas emerged Upanishads and the different schools of philosophy with their incredibly sophisticated thinking. Many sceptics will be surprised to learn that Mundakopanishad says that there is a greater knowledge than that included in all the Vedas and other scriptures! What can be more liberal and less dogmatic than this? This liberal stream is what led to emergence of schools of thought such as Charvaka which propagates a totally materialistic view of life not acknowledging Dharma, Karma or Moksha. Many of the other philosophies including Sankhya are atheistic. You can say even Advaita with the concepts of Nirguna Brahman and Mayavada is Non-Theistic. One has to understand that there are no absolutes in Hinduism and one is free enough to question all aspects of Hindu traditions or schools of thought. No one said Hinduism is flawless and beyond reform. There have been many reformers over time who have fought against injustices in the tradition but they have had the freedom to propound their own thoughts without fear. Hinduism is not a proselytizing religion by any stretch of imagination. There is nothing in it which exhorts Hindus to take to the sword and kill non-Hindus if they do not become Hindus.

The two major points used commonly to belittle Hinduism are the Caste system and Rituals. While discrimination on the basis of Caste is certainly abhorrent, one has to understand that we are prisoners of history and that man is imperfect. Over centuries, each Caste or Social group has tried to gain power and money by hegemony and deviousness using all means including Casteism. Oppression is more a social problem than one induced by religion. With education becoming more universal, one can see the diminishing importance of Caste. In places like Mumbai where work is supreme, one can see the emergence of an egalitarian society where what one can do is more important than who one is socially. The same goes for gender equality. It has always been a male dominated society not only in India but all over the world. Again, with the emergence of universal education one can see the gap narrowing. Again, it is not the religion but social values which created have the gap in the first place.

When we talk of rituals, all societies have rituals in one form or another. If one believes in a supreme being and one wants to propitiate him/her, one has a tendency to do it ritualistically. There are people in our society who believe that following a ritualistic way of life, one can attain Chitta Shuddhi and Moksha. Most people who practice prescribed rituals assiduously are Brahmins and they believe that observing rituals, Karma Marga, is one of the three paths to salvation, the other two being Jnana Marga and Bhakti Marga. But Brahmins constitute less than 10% of the population. Others observe all sorts of rituals, mostly to please their Gods, which have evolved as per their needs and customs. Trashing the observance of rituals is denying one’s right to one’s faith and way of life. The critics of ritualism are those who shout themselves hoarse about individual liberty!  But the most important point to note is that no one is punished for NOT observing rituals. One can shun rituals, be an atheist and talk ill of orthodoxy, one is still not expelled from the Hindu fold.

Rig Veda -Mandala 1.1.89 says

Aa No Bhadra Kratavo Yanto Vishvataha

Roughly translated it means

May powers auspicious come to us from every side, never deceived, unhindered, and victorious

Shubhashita says

Ayam Nijah Paro Veti Ganana Laghuchetasam

Udarachritanaam tu Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

“This person is my kin and that one is not” such a thought occurs
only to the narrow-minded. To the broad-minded the whole earth is one family.

One wonders if such things are taught in Delhi Universities.

One needs to wonder how the Hindu way of life has survived for thousands of centuries despite having marauding invaders and scheming Europeans ruling the land. The answer can only be in the liberal and broadminded traditions of the Hindu.Are we in danger of becoming a fanatical Hindu state? No chance with the majority not subscribing to any of the extreme views. 

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On Bias

The occasion was a function organized to formally release a book written by a pioneer entrepreneur who dared to venture into uncharted territory of low cost flying. The well attended programme boasted of the presence of commercially the most successful Kannada author who did the honours, the well known editor of the local rag and a sizeable number of glitterati in their finest. An item in the agenda was a Conversation with the Author by an ex-editor of a National magazine famous for its tilt towards the Congress party and the Gandhis (not of the Mahatma clan)

From the word Go, it was obvious that the ex-editor was totally biased against the current political dispensation headed by Narendra Modi. As seems to be the vogue currently, Modi can do no Right and he is responsible for all that is wrong. As another maverick, Kejriwal with his obsession with Modi, is said to, jocularly of course, blame Modi even when his wife doesn’t cooperate with him at night! Quoting statistics from GDP to manufacturing data to employment generation to ownership of some Airlines, he sneered at the author for having some respect for Modi. When the author very rationally explained the misdoings of politicians and bureaucrats and the absence to accountability because of lack of autonomy in institutions, he would have none of it as if there couldn’t be people holier than bureaucrats!

This well orchestrated slamming of Modi and his ilk makes one begin to wonder why this so called English speaking elite have such a bias. It is certainly a Class thing as Modi doesn’t belong to the Doon school Englishwallah society and is Desi to the core. Remember, Mani Shankar Aiyer deprecating Modi as a Chaiwalla saying a Chaiwallah wouldl never be a PM. That he did is another question. I remember Shekar Gupta contemptuously putting down ‘These Mantra spouting pandits’ in a TV panel discussion, brushing away centuries of tradition. It is surprising to see such strong biases in some of the TV channels when what you expect is neutral and unbiased reporting of news. When something wrong happens somewhere in the country such as a Rail accident or horrible deaths of children in hospitals, the reporting comes with a smirk of ‘We told you so” implied, never mind the causes of such ghastly events.

This small percentage of biased, anti-desi, anti-tradition section does not seem to understand the psyche of the vast majority of Bharatvasis with its own native wisdom. This is exemplified by the recent incidence of Mrs.Sudha Murthy being questioned by two so called high society ladies why she was standing in the line for business class because she was wearing Salwar Kameez and couldn’t possibly belong to their class!

It is time that these biased folk turned inwards towards Bharath and see what can be done rather than keep pointing out what is wrong. It is a pity that in a land where Mahatma Gandhi moved millions of Indians with his ‘Naked Fakir’ dress as Churchill once sniffed, we still have these nose-up-in-the-air snooty folk who claim to be a Class Apart.

A Poet Departs

The news read: Well known poet and intellectual, Vijay Nambisan, passed away yesterday after prolonged illness.

I am no poet with my feet, I think, firmly on the ground. But muse, however weak, occasionally strikes

This Body That Confines

Sad that the spirit eternally seeking freedom is finally free

We can no longer listen to its voice

The words of beauty about integrity and privacy

Sad that ultimate privacy is beyond the body

Does one need to get beyond the body

To find oneself as Gurus and Seers

Keep telling us? Or does the body

Sustain the inseparable spirit?

The Yogi tries to train his mind

To master the body and search

For that real ‘You’ and attain

Eternal bliss, or so they say

Why does a poet feel compelled to find

Ways to succumb to all the temptations

Abusing his body in his search

For that inner, illusory spirit?

Mangalore in Monsoon

When I wanted some background material about Bhootaradhane and Tulu culture for the book I am writing, it was my friend Byndoor who gave me contacts of a few persons who could help me. And artist Chandranath gave me a few more. Both said it would be best to visit Dakshina Kannada and have personal discussions rather than have telephonic or e-mail interactions. So, I decided to visit Mangalore & Udupi overlooking the fact that it was monsoon and in coastal areas it rains and rains and rains during monsoon.

When the train reached Mangalore Central, it was pouring. Somehow made a wet trip to the pre-paid auto stand and left for Hotel Highland Residency. I had done the booking online through Cleartrip and the website showed an attractive hotel with very reasonable tariff. When the auto stopped, it was in front of a commercial building with numerous shops and I couldn’t spot Highland Residency. When I asked the driver, he looked at me contemptuously and said, ‘So, you want to see the board also? There it is’ showing a small board with the name of the hotel amidst a plethora of boards. Hotel Highland Residency turned out to be a glorified lodge on the third floor leaving me wondering how it looked so alluring on the website. Even though it was 9 in the morning the desk clerk appeared brushing his teeth and proceeded with registration. Since I had already made the payment online, I had little choice but to stay on. Fortunately, even though the facilities were basic, it was a clean place and I said to myself OK and decided to stay on.

Topography of Mangalore is very similar to that of Western Maharastra, Goa and Kerala with lots of ups and downs and plenty of greenery and streams. Mangalore is much bigger than Mysore and looks very prosperous with quite a few high-rise buildings and fancy shops and malls. My first engagement was with Dr.K.Chinnappa Gowda who is an authority on Bhootaradhane with quite a few acclaimed books on the subject and related issues to his name. He has done Post-Doctoral research on Oral Epics and was associated with the Oral Epics project with Prof.Lauri Honko of Finland. He served for a brief period as the Vice Chancellor of the Janapada University, Haveri.

I booked an Ola taxi to meet him at his residence near the University of Mangalore. It was very evident that I was in Tulu land when I heard the FM broadcast in the taxi in Tulu. When the driver spoke to Dr.Gowda to get directions, it was in Tulu. All around I could hear Tulu being spoken. Tulunadu is the area south of Kundapur including Kasargod in Kerala. Tuluvas, as they are called, have a hoary tradition dating quite a few centuries back. I met Dr.Gowda and his wife Dr.Shanti at their residence in Asaigoli in Konaje. Dr.Gowda gave me a lot of information on Tulunadu, Tulu culture and Bhootaradhane which is a traditional form of worship of spirits. Tuluvas do not believe in reincarnation and believe that spirits of departed souls live with them. A person who does the Bhootakola in elaborate costumes becomes a medium and suggests solutions to problems concerning individuals and the community. Each community has its own Daiva or Bhoota who is worshipped. Dr.Gowda was kind enough to give me three of his books for further information.

We visited the Yakshagana Museum which he helped establish at the University of Mangalore and saw the elaborate models of Yakshagana roles. It was a very satisfying visit where I could get a lot of information and enjoy the hospitality of Dr and Mrs.Gowda.

I was free in the afternoon and wanted to do some sight-seeing. Sight-seeing in Monsoon? Madness, you would say. The same taxi driver took me in pouring rain to Kadri Manjunatha temple and Tanneerbhavi beach. I was forced to buy an umbrella but believe me, incessant rain is no companion to have on a visit to a beach. A visit to a cosy Bar-restaurant was certainly the saving point of the evening.

My next stop was Udupi to meet Bannanje Babu Amin fairly early in the morning. Mr.Babu Amin is almost a living encyclopedia of Bhootaradhane and Tulu traditions. Being from the Idiga community, he has the insider’s view of everything. Just a matriculate in education, the 74 year old veteran has written over 20 books on the subject and is regularly invited to talk at various events. We spent over two hours talking about the culture of Tululand with, of course, most of the talking done by him. He also presented three of his books for further information.

A visit to the famous Krishna temple and return to Mangalore ended a very rewarding trip to Dakshina Kannada in monsoon thanks to Dr.Chinnappa Gowda and Mr.Babu Amin.

We are feudal, come what may

This happened a few years ago when KSOU had not yet been derecognized. I wanted to meet the professor of Sanskrit and was in the corridor searching for his office when I heard a commotion behind me with someone saying, ‘Give way, give way’. I turned around to see two security guards clearing the way for a group of people with the Vice Chancellor in the centre and others fawningly following him to pass unhindered. I was taken aback. Is this 21^st century, I thought, when a Vice Chancellor is treated like royalty. It was disgusting to see such feudal mentality and kowtowing even to an appointed official.

We see similar behavior all the time. MPs behave as though they own the place and demand special privileges as it happened at airports in two recent cases. They are invariably not apologetic and claim privileges as their right. And there are instances of followers on of minor politicians vandalizing toll booths when asked to pay the toll as normal citizens are supposed to. I do not know if it is a hangover from the days of Maharajas, Zamindars and Pallegars but we seem to instinctively pay obeisance to anyone in power. Despite adopting the so called socialistic pattern of governance where everyone is considered to be equal, we seem unable or unwilling to shake off that Ji Huzur mentality.

This feudalistic mindset also influences our attitude towards obeying laws. As the so-called rulers think that they are beyond the law, the ordinary citizen takes vicarious pleasure in breaking the law which he feels is imposed on him by the ruling authorities. If you can break the law and get away with it, perfect- there is nothing like it. Don’t even ask about the law being for the common good and that there is a case for consideration for others in a civil society. It is remarkable that a highly feudalistic society such as the Japanese has transformed itself into an extremely law abiding one. I do not know if the White Anglo-Saxon Ethic has anything to do with it but in most of Europe and USA people are by instinct law abiding. There was a case of a visiting Indian minister in Europe wanting to skip the line because of being a VIP when he was pointed to someone in the queue who was the Prime Minister of that country!

The only place in India where this feudalistic mentality is vanishing seems to be Mumbai where utmost importance is given to the work at hand rather than the person handling it.

Can we ever see a truly egalitarian India where everyone is equal and treated as such?

Whither Language?

At the recently held Mysuru Literary Fest which was more like a Government Sponsored Conference than a Literary Festival it professed to be, one of the speakers, Professor Harish Trivedi expounded on How the use of English was hindering the rendering of social justice to millions of English-illiterates in India, that is Bharat. His contention was that the English based Administration system which has been inherited by us from the Raj, is skewed to favour only 5% of Deshwasis as the rest are disadvantaged by the lack of literacy in English. While there certainly is merit in what he said, the topic raises the issue of language and its importance in our daily life.

To state a fundamental point, language is essentially just a means of communication. All languages have evolved over time as per the needs and characteristics of people in each region. Languages are constantly subjected to modification under the influence of interaction with other languages with the import of new words as well as by the introduction of new words internally. Languages spoken anywhere at present differ substantially from those spoken, say, even fifty years ago. Also, languages probably change every 200 Kms, geographically due to local influences. This is true of any language anywhere in the world. There is no such thing as a perfect language.

As languages only evolve, no one can impose a made-up language anywhere. There was an attempt to introduce what was considered a simplified and logical language called Esperanto which failed miserably. Another point to note is that one does not need to learn grammar to pick up a language. A child learns a language just by being around people speaking that language. When one goes to live in an area where the language spoken is different from one’s own, one picks up the new language just by being there. No one can teach a language by teaching grammar except academically. A grammarian can only record the generalities and exceptions of a language but cannot impose a rule.

Though Prof.Trivedi says only 5% know English in India, he probably refers to the so called correct English spoken by the elite. But the fact is that English is spreading all over India in myriad forms as people realise the advantages of learning it. Just as the so called uneducated have taken to use of mobile phones and associated internet because of their immense utility, they will adopt English as their own for their benefit. This will lead to transformation of English in India depending on the region, local language and effectiveness of communication. One can expect that English in India will be extensively used all over but with any number of variants such as Punjabi English, Kerala English, Bengal English etc.

Shakespeare may turn in his grave but taking liberties, one can say

The only thing certain in this world is change

On Reading Books

‘Is the habit of reading books on the wane in India in this age of Electronic Media and the Internet?’ This was posed by Mr.Evercurious when we were all having Bondas and coffee at the drive-in restaurant.

Quickly sprang-up Mr.Know-all with a reply. He said, ‘No, not at all. According to many surveys including the Nielsen Youth Book Readership survey, India is one of the few countries, where book readership is on a climbing path.

Mr.Doubtful said, ‘I am not sure. Before the advent of TV, I remember we were all avid readers. Circulating libraries were special places to go, get the latest books and meet other buffs to discuss books of all kinds and exchange notes. They don’t seem to be around anymore’. 

Mr.Know-all said, ‘Look, you have to take into account the spread of education and literacy because of the huge growth in population. While people who belong to Mr.Doubtful’s section of society may have been reading less, there is an altogether new and very large readership from upwardly mobile, social sections. You would never have heard of millions of copies of books of single authors sold as it is happening with Chetan Bhagath and Amish Tripathi, not to mention S.L.Bhyrappa.’

Mr.Doubtful said,’ I am lucky to belong to a family where the reading habit was actively encouraged. Everyone read. Books, Magazines, even paper wrappers of grocery items! It was not unusual to find someone with a book even while eating and reading late into night was a common thing. Now, when you go visiting, all you see is people glued to the TV screen or fiddling around with their smart phones. No books in sight. Also, you hear of how so many successful book stores of yesteryears are closing down’.

Mr.Don’tcare said, ‘Our family never read except school or college books. In fact, my uncle used to tell us children, ‘Don’t read too much. Or your head will heat up!’ I read only sports magazines mostly because they are illustrated’.

Mr.Joker said, ‘No one accused you of being a hotHEAD! And I know which other type of illustrated magazines you read!’

Mr.Wiseman said. ‘Don’t undervalue book reading. Only a well-read person will know its worth. Let me give you some famous quotes.

A book is a device to ignite the imagination. – Alan Bennett

Books were my pass to personal freedom. – Oprah Winfrey

Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life. – Mark Twain

 Books are a uniquely portable magic. – Stephen King

 No matter what his rank or position may be, the lover of books is the richest and the happiest. – J.A. Langford

Mr.Doubtful said. ‘Enough Sir! Or we will be drowned in quotations. As they say, ‘To each, his own. Let the readers read and non-readers at least look at the pictures like Mr.Don’tcare!’

Time to say Good Bye to Kashmir

It is a losing battle that the Indian Government is fighting in Kashmir.

When stones are thrown at the funeral procession of a Kashmiri soldier killed by Kashmiri militants, isn’t it time to say Good Bye?

When school girls get involved in stone throwing, isn’t it time to say Good Bye?

When there are no voters at election booths, isn’t it time to say Good Bye?

When a Kashmiri militant swears by ISIS and wants a Caliphate, isn’t it time to say Good Bye?

When locals help in infiltration of cross border terrorists, isn’t it time to say Good Bye?

When banks are looted and policemen killed in Kashmir with impunity, isn’t it time to say Good Bye?

When religion rules the roost with the so called Kashmiriyat giving way to persecution of Kashmiri Pandits, isn’t it time to say Good Bye?

When the cost of maintaining an army in Kashmir becomes humungous at the expense of poverty alleviation in the country, isn’t it time to say Good Bye?

When the vast population in southern parts of the country do not even know where Kashmir is, isn’t it time to say Good Bye.

When people in Ladakh and Jammu believe in a secular state isn’t it time to say Good Bye to Kashmir valley?

Let’s trifurcate J&K, get out of the valley and let the people there do whatever they want under a Caliphate or under Pakistan. Let’s draw a new international border and save our pluralistic state.

Corruption, the Norm

‘Karnataka is the most corrupt state in India’ said the headline reporting on the study of corruption in different states of India. Interestingly, most people thought that this could not be true as they believed that their own state was the most corrupt!  It was almost as if they were disappointed that their state was not number one. It is indeed a pity that not a single state is free from corruption. Corruption seems to be a fact of life that one had to accept and carry on.

When Keshav built his house which, according to him was constructed with all the conditions laid down by the authorities having been scrupulously adhered to, he did not foresee any difficulty in getting the Completion Report from XUDA. Little did he know about the reality on how matters are resolved. When there was no response to his application even after a couple of months had passed, he met the Assistant Engineer concerned and enquired about the status. He was told that someone would come and take measurements to make sure that conditions were met. He waited and after a couple of days someone called and suggested that they meet somewhere in town to discuss his application. Curious, Keshav met the gentleman at the prescribed venue. He was pleasant enough and after checking up copies of all the records submitted with the application said that he could get the Completion Report in about two weeks’ time. But he said that there was a cost involved. When asked how much, he said that money has to be distributed along the line and that it would cost ₹30,000. Aghast, Keshav asked, ‘Why should I pay when all the conditions have been met?’ The reply he got was shocking. ‘You were allotted land at a subsidized price and do you know that the value of the land now is at least four times the money you paid? Why are you cribbing at paying a measly ₹30000?’ Astounded and not wanting to pay, Keshav decided to keep visiting the office till his job was done. Nothing happened till someone told the Assistant Engineer that Keshav was a distant relative of the State Vigilance Commissioner. He got the report within a few days. Keshav who had not wanted to use relationship for personal gain could not help thinking that even using your connections was a form of corruption.

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Raju was getting impatient that the clearance for the Electrical Substation he had installed in his new factory was not forthcoming in spite of his contractor’s taking care of the engineers and others at the Electricity Board office dealing with connections in the industrial estate where he was building a new, large expansion at considerably larger investment he had undertaken than ever before. For the first time, in view of the size of the project, he had obtained loans from the bank. Machinery purchased against the loans from India and abroad had already been installed. This meant that the interest ticker was on and the longer the delay in starting production meant greater the liabilities he had to bear. Raju was no stranger to corruption and being a pragmatic industrialist knew that any refusal to pay would only mean that it would be impossible to achieve anything as planned. He asked his contractor to invite the engineer concerned to drinks and dinner at the Cosmopolitan Club. When they met, the engineer was forthcoming about what the issue was. A new unwritten rule had been made that any high value installation beyond a certain value had to be passed by the Minister in charge of Electricity. Sure fire way for ministers to make their share. Raju had no other option but to comply and after negotiating the amount to be paid, was able to start production though later than planned. When he was mentioning this to his friend Govind who seemed to have contacts with politicians of various parties, the reply he got was certainly not palatable. ‘Do you know how much politicians have to spend to get elected as MLAs? And do you know how much they have to manipulate by doing all sorts of favours in order to get selected as ministers?’ No wonder they will milk the system as much as they can.’ Govind seemed to believe that it was all justified.

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Madhav’s uncle passed away early in the morning on Sankranti day. Cremation with all the funeral rites had to be carried out during the day after all the relations who wanted to attend could arrive. The problem was getting the Purohits and getting the arrangements made at the crematorium. Madhav contacted his family purohit whether he could come and perform the rituals. The answer was a definite no. For one, he did not perform the Apara Karma of funeral rites and then he was busy with pujas at various places on account of Sankranti being celebrated. He, however, gave the number of Srikanth who was a sort of arranger for funerals which he was engaged in as a business. Madhav could contact Srikanth only after many frustrating attempts. Srikanth, initially was reluctant saying that it was festival day and also that he already had three deaths to attend to. He also said that he had to really search to get the Purohits and the crematorium staff had to be kept happy. Guessing where this was leading to Madhav said that cost was no issue but he had the get the cremation done on the same day. Srikanth said that he would call back and did in fifteen minutes and said that he could get everything done as a package and the cost would be ₹40000. Surprised at the high cost, Madhav pleaded with him to reduce the price and was finally was fixed the price at ₹35000 which was higher than what would be the normal rate. Then it was the question of getting the doctor’s certificate without which the crematorium would not accept the body. Finally, he managed to get his nephew to run around and get a doctor to visit at a much higher than usual cost because of the festival. When the cremation was done, he had to collect the ashes the next day and apply for the Death Certificate from the Corporation. Srikanth said that it would normally take about three weeks but for ₹500 he could ask the crematorium staff to get it in three days. Feeling totally helpless, Madhav had to agree telling himself that he was in a rare situation of a death in the family. Srikanth told him that he was lucky because there were many who had to pay much more.

XXXXXX

Kulkarni’s son Atul was a bright student and Kulkarni had high hopes that he would score much higher than the required marks both in the exams and at the Joint Entrance Examination. Kulkarni had spent considerable sums of money sending Atul to coaching classes and spent a lot of time mentoring and motivating him. Though Atul scored in the near 90% in the college examinations, he was not able to do very well in the JEE. He was left in the dilemma of being given a seat in an engineering college far away from home and also in a branch not of his liking. Kulkarni had no option but to contact a Managing Committee member of a prestigious engineering college in the city. He was told bluntly that there were different rates for different branches with Information and Computer Technology branches the highest closely followed by Mechanical Engineering. Not wanting his son to be away from the family and not wanting anything other than Information & Computer Technology branch, he quietly shelled out ₹1000000 and got his son admitted under the Management quota. Discussing the matter with his classmate Raghav whose son got admission into Medical College on merit, he was told, ‘You are lucky that Atul chose engineering. The rate for Medical seats is beyond imagination running into crores in some cases.

XXXXXX

It is not just the common public which has to suffer the consequences of corruption. Officials in Commercial Taxes Dept. or Police Dept., key government officials are made to pay through their noses for transfers to profitable job locations.

It is a truism to say that one cannot get anything done without bribing. Corruption is the norm.

Age is catching up with me

When Sridhar called Aswath to find out if he would join the group on the proposed trip to Hosaholalu, he said, ‘I wish I could, but you know how it is. With my backache and my knees not cooperating, it would be very difficult for me to manage the travel. Age is catching with me and my body is no longer in a shape to let me do what I want to do. As the saying goes, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak’

Our group of classmates from long, long ago consists of old fogeys all past seven decades in age. It is, therefore, no surprise to hear someone or other complaining of one ailment or another. Many are diabetic, a few have had heart surgeries and one is afflicted by Parkinson’s disease. Almost all have enlarged prostates causing numerous breaks in their sleep for bathroom trips. Some are widowers, some have ailing wives but almost all are in good spirits with almost child-like curiosity about everything on earth. Many are addicted to classical music and attend cutcheris regularly. Some are inclined towards spiritual matters and philosophy and argue endlessly about God, Soul, Life after death, Dharma, Karma, Bhakti and so on. Almost all are secure financially due to prudent financial management over the years and assisted in no small measure by support from children working abroad.

At the meeting to plan the trip, Sridhar informed the group about Ashwath’s opting out and the reason.

Jayaram: Isn’t it amazing? All of us suffer from aches, pains and age related diseases but somehow we keep our spirits high. It is almost as if our spirits are not subjected to aging unlike our bodies.

Ananth: You should have heard Swami Hariharananda’s discourse last Monday. He explained how our tradition emphasizes that Soul, call it Atma or spirit is separate from the body and one should strive to realize one’s soul to attain Moksha or liberation from cycle of birth-death-birth.

Venkatesh: Bunkum! We have been hearing this all through our lives, but it is difficult to believe in a soul which has no feelings just like that.

Ananth: OK, OK, Non-believer. The Swamiji explained it this way: When a child is born, it has sentience or life or spirit or whatever you want to call it. From the time a child opens its eyes, it is constantly subjected to external stimuli. Guided by its sensory organs, it keeps acquiring knowledge which if you analyze is all external to its soul. Call it Ego or I, it is separate from the world outside.

Venkatesh: So why should I break my head over some abstract theory? I am very aware that it is I who suffers when there is injury or sickness or even due to horrible weather and to me, I and my body are inseparable.

Jayaram: I also heard him say that the Soul does not age but only the body does. Even as the body ages, you do not feel aged but only suffer body aches. And you suffer the diminished physical abilities of the body.

Venkatesh: But according to Scientists, it is all physical and everything can be explained using scientific tools.

Ananth: Yes, you can, if you consider the Soul to be a physical entity but it is not. One can only experience it and not feel it physically. Look at it this way. A dead body and a living one will have all similar physical features but yet the living one has that ‘life’ ‘sentience’ or spirit. How would a physicist explain it?

Venkatesh: That is all very well. Tell me, when you look at an attractive female even at our age the urge that you feel, is it felt by the soul or the body? I firmly believe that it is all physical.

Jayaram: That proves Ananth’s point. Because even though the ageless soul feels the urge, it is your aging body that will prevent you from satisfying it. Hence, the two are separate.

Ananth: No. That’s not it. When a soul occupies a body, Ego, Intelligence and Sensory organs are created within and as part of the body. Without these the soul is without any attributes. It is given to one to live a life time with the soul and body as integral parts. But that doesn’t take away the fact that soul and body are separate.

Venkatesh: Come on! We are here to talk about the trip to Hosaholalu. Let’s finalise the arrangements of moving our bodies there, feeding our bodies at lunch time and keeping the pace slow to enable our bodies to manage the travel, OK?

Jayaram: Also, at the same time pray at the temples to gain blessings and wash our sins.

Venkatesh: Gaining blessings and washing of sins for our souls or our bodies?

Jayaram: You are incorrigible and the debate is endless. To each his own.

                                               

High in the Estate

It is now nearly nine years since we moved to Mysore after living in Madras/Chennai for 40 years. What is really gratifying is the continued association with friends from Chennai, especially Rotarians, and the affection they show towards me and my wife Kamala. So, it was no surprise to receive an invitation from Rtn.R.N.Veerappan and Ann Olagi to visit them over the weekend at their estate in Pandalur near Gudalur on the Western Ghats. We are really happy that we accepted because it turned about to be an excellent holiday beyond anything we had imagined.

Since Gudalur is around 100 Kms from Mysore and Pandalur is another 25 Kms away, we decided to drive down. Starting early on Saturday the 11^th, we could reach Gudalur by 10 AM. I had dreaded the notoriously bad stretch of road from Mysore to Gundlupet but we were in for a pleasant surprise driving on the newly laid 4 lane highway. Things were not so fine for a while after Gundlupet but not for too long. We were then in reserve forest range of Bandipur which slowed down our speed considerably because of the countless speed breakers. But it was very pleasant driving through the forest though very disturbing to see the ravages caused by the recent forest fires. Deer and Langur monkeys roamed around freely, unmindful of people driving by. We crossed the Karnataka border and entered Mudumalai forest reserve in Tamilnadu which was very similar to Bandipur. Though we reached Gudalur fairly early, a wrong turn made us reach Pandalur nearly half an hour late. Veerappan was waiting patiently at the Petrol Bunk and we trailed his jeep to his Thangamalai Estate in quick time.

Veerappan has over 100 Acres of plantation almost fully covered with tea and coffee plants. Since the elevation is 3500 ft., it is possible to grow coffee. The estate is surrounded by two estates of Parry Agro, Mangorange and Athikunna each covering over 2500 Acres. Each estate has its own Tea processing factory which makes it convenient for Veerappan to supply his produce without any difficulty. It also makes it easier for him because Parry Agro’s major shareholders are his relatives. After a delicious lunch and a short nap, we were ready to go round the estate. Estate manager Kuruvila got us sticks to negotiate the slopes and up we went. The neatly laid out Tea plants with trees in between present a very pretty picture and it was a very pleasant climb up. We saw cardamom, areca and clove trees planted here and there along with some coffee plants. Soon we came upon a tunnel dug in the hills which we were told was used for Gold mining! They used to extract Gold from the hills and gave up after the yields stopped justifying the labour put in. Veerappan said that there is still some Gold in there. No wonder the estate is called Tangamalai(Hill of Gold) estate!. Kuruvila showed us spots where a wild elephant had trampled some trees and plants in its foray for food the previous night. Wild animals keep roaming around in estates during nights because of reduction in their natural habitat. Veerappan said that they could not safely keep live stock or dogs because of the wild animals. We got back to the estate house all ready for the scotch treat that Veerappan had set up for the evening.

The day-after turned out to be a memorable one. We went to a 400 year old Krishna temple belonging to the Maharaja of Nilambur set in sylvan surroundings. We then set out to the Pandalur club which was holding its annual Tennis tournament. Executives from estates around and far away had gathered for a day of fun and frolic. Club tennis players of varying ages with their ladies who seemed to step out of the pages of fashion magazines displayed bonhomie creating a lovely picnic atmosphere. Non-stop supply of eatables and drinks helped a great deal in building up a joyful atmosphere. Then there was a sumptuous spread of lunch in the club house built by the British which we were tempted to take in, despite all the snacks and drinks already imbibed. It was around 4.30 PM by the time we got back to the estate with feelings of drowsiness and lethargy. Not ready for any more food and drinks, we sat around chatting and enjoying the sunset and the cool weather.

When day broke, it was time to pack up and go, after thoroughly enjoying the wonderful atmosphere and the great hospitality of Olagi and Veerappan, wishing that there were more such memorable diversions in our lives.

Many, many thanks Olagi and Veerappan!

Scent of a Region

As I walked down the road on my morning walk, a flower seller on a bicycle went past me leaving a trail of the wonderful fragrance of Jasmine flowers. Blessed I am, I thought to be walking in the pleasant weather of good old Mysore, fully enjoying the Mallige Parimala (scent of jasmine). There is something about Mysore which gives you that sense of smug comfort and ‘All is well in the world’ feeling. As if to substantiate that view, one of the regulars coming from the opposite direction saw me and gave a big smile and asked ‘All well? Haven’t seen you for a few days’ I told him that I had gone to Chennai on work the last couple of days and missed the walk. There is an atmosphere of gentleness and softness in Mysore which you will find hard to come by in other places.

The Tippu Express from Bangalore stops only at Mandya en route to Mysore. The other day when I was on the train, we had crossed Mandya and were looking forward to timely arrival at Mysore. Suddenly, near Pandavapura the train halted with a jerk. I thought that it had halted to facilitate crossing of a train from Mysore when I heard a commotion at the next compartment. Coming out, I was told that someone had pulled the chain to stop the train. It transpired that a young man from Bihar having failed to get off at his destination, Mandya because he was dozing and realizing it suddenly, had pulled the chain so that he could get off. A crowd had gathered in front him and there was a lot of shouting. A man obviously from the North said, ‘Maro! Sale ko’ (Hit the bugger) threatening to do so. The culprit, almost in tears, said that chain pulling was quite common back in Bihar. One local said, ‘Che Che. Hogli Bidi Papa, What could he have done?’(Che Che Let him be, poor chap). Other locals nodded displaying sympathy rather than anger, while the Northerner glowered at them not being able to understand their reaction. This ‘Hogli Bidi, Papa’ could very well be the anthem of the region.

The region is what used to be called the Mysore state, before the formation of Karnataka state in 1956. Away from the harsh weather of both the coastal area and the dry northern districts, Mysore state which came under the benevolent rule of the Wodeyars is blessed with very temperate weather which many say determines the nature of its people. ‘Lotus Eaters!’ is the derisive term for Mysoreans used by many in the always hot Tamil country to the east. To a Mysorean, it is difficult to understand the rather harsh (at least outwardly) ways of the Tamilian and the Malayalee in their dealings with others. Visitors from outside seem to get upset that nothing gets started till late in the mornings whereas they boast that they are up and about at 5 in the morning. A typical Mysorean’s reaction would be ‘Why on earth should one get up so early!?’ Some say that people’s attitudes get formed due to incidents of history and the weather. They say that people in the South have never been exposed to invasion from hostile armies and do not know extreme weather conditions. They point to Punjabis who are portrayed as martial and aggressive in their outlook because they were in the forefront of fighting invading marauders. While this may be generally true, one can not the paint the entire population of the area with the same brush. I remember reading Khushwant Singh’s piece on the subject, ‘I have seen mousy Sardarjis, uncultured Bengalis, aggressive Kannadigas and many such to say that there are always exceptions’.

Old Mysore state was really blessed with benevolent, non-aggressive and visionary rulers such as Krishnaraja Wodeyar and illustrious Diwans who served them. Apart from genuinely being concerned about the welfare of their subjects and ensuring implementation of many pioneering projects, they represented an era of culture where Music, Arts and Education were given utmost importance. It seemed that there was a sense among citizens of being well looked after by the rulers. This highly remarkable way of ruling enhanced the cultural values of the people in the region which continues till date. The effect of the temperate climate cannot be underestimated, either. We all know how pleasant it is to keep sleeping covering ourselves in a blanket in winter and basking in the mild winter sunshine. However, this gentleness has not prevented remarkable achievements of Mysoreans in all spheres of activity all over the world.

This all pervasive gentleness is portrayed in much of Kannada literature of all genres. It is no surprise that many of our novelists and poets were influenced by Romanticism of English literature. Mysore Mallige by K.S.Narasimha Swamy is a classic example of depicting this gentle, laid back and romantic way of life. Even D.V.Gundappa’s classic which is compared to the Bhagavad Gita was called Manku Thimmana Kagga (Dull headed Thimma’s Writings). Finest of poems, great works of literature, sophisticated philosophical works invariably had that streak of gentleness and self effacement. When Kuvempu writes about setting the spirit free to break the shackles, he does it in a beautiful gentle poem ‘O, Nanna Chetana, Aagu Nee Aniketana’(O, my spirit, please become unbound). Or when Nissar Ahmed describes the land in his poem, Jogada Siri Belakinalli(In the rich lights of Jog), the feeling conveyed is of Romantic richness of the greenery and hills of Malnad.

This gentleness is not confined to one class or section of society but is all pervading. Since it seems to be caused by the lay of the land and the climate, even people migrating from harsher lands fall prey and become gentle over time.

As I neared the end of my morning walk, I passed by the Sampige (Magnolia Champaca) tree near the temple with the heady fragrance of the yellow flowers drenching me.

Ah! To be in Mysore…

                       Fifty Years Later….. A Tribute

It was a very saddening sight. The entire area including buildings was covered with overgrown vegetation. What one could see of the buildings were the paintless and grey exteriors which seemed to cry about their desolate status. The gates were locked and there did not seem to be anyone around to enquire about what had happened. I walked around on the side road which led to the living quarters. The situation was no better there, either. Spotting a small bar restaurant next door, I peeped in and said Hello to the owner.

Dinesh Nayak was friendly enough and curious about what I was looking for. I told him that I had worked in the factory Fabril Gasosa from 1964 to 1966 and had come back 50 years later to see if any of my acquaintances were still around. He said that the place had gone to seed due to wrangling among the heirs and legal disputes. He said that his son knew the son of Joseph who was the Foreman who was there when I had joined. Unfortunately, Joseph had since passed away and Dinesh could not think of anyone who could tell me about what had happened. Dinesh was kind enough and did not accept payment for the Limcas I and my wife drank.

It was 1964 and I had come to visit my sister, who worked in Caranzalem, after completing my BE degree in Mysore, with an idea of getting a job. Erasmo Sequeira was a burly, handsome and likeable personality. When I approached him for a job, he subjected me to an almost grilling interview with a table lamp directly beamed at my face. Obviously, He thought I might do and took me in as an electrical engineer to work in their Coca Cola bottling plant in Borim. With a place to stay thrown in, I was ready to begin my sojourn in a land full of charm and friendship and great music.

Sequeiras were a well known family in Goa with Dr.Jack Sequeira, Erasmo’s father, active in politics. I remember travelling in Erasmo’s luxurious Citreon sedan with hydraulic suspension from Miramar where the family stayed to Borim. The factory was a pioneer in bottling Coca Cola in Goa. A plastic injection moulding plant and an automobile garage were added and the place was brimming with activity. Week-ends and holidays were filled with get-togethers over Urak and Feni. Always present was someone who could sing Konkani songs and played the guitar.

At the Navelim church I passed by on this trip, I could see a wedding party all dressed up and waiting for ceremonies to begin and immediately came to my mind that well known song

Aum Saiba Poltodi Voita, Damulya Laganakku Voita

Maka Saiba Vaat Daakhoi, Maka Saiba Vaatu Kalona

(Saheb, I am going across the river, going to a wedding

Show me the way Saheb, I do not know the way)

With Erasmo, I had the opportunity of meeting the famous cartoonist Mario Miranda and his architect brother Lucio Miranda, and saw their beautiful traditional house in Loutolim. Lucio besides being a partner in Kenkre and Miranda was a very talented singer who could sing Konkani songs as well as Portuguese Fados. I still recall his beautiful rendering of Manhã, tão bonita manhã in Portuguese as well as the soulful Konkani song ‘Daryachi Larari’. ‘Manhã’  became famous in English with Perry Como and Frank Sinatra singing ‘The Carnival’.

Konkani folk songs with the influence of Portuguese were a delight to listen to.

Madgaon Tovyagir, Tovyagir, Mezu Kelare Dhondu

Tachorek Chedu Nachoita Chedu Nachoita

Vankade Karoon Bhendu

Taka Ek Pakalo Choita Pakalo Choita

Burakan Ghaloon Tondu

(In Madgao, Dhondu got a table made

On top of it a girl danced

Bending her body

A Half-breed saw her

With his face thrust in the hole to see)

My colleague at the factory, Purushotham taught me a Hindu Konkani song.

Tya Disa Vadya Kade

Gadada Teensona

Manda Manda Vazata Aylee

Tuzeego Paizana

(On that day near the house

It was thick dusk

Softly, softly came the tinkling sound

Of your anklets)

My interest in music very quickly got me assimilated into the group around me. Cecil Lobo, Vasco Barbosa and the tipple loving Arvind Barros were great people to be with. Their company and friendship gave me the opportunity to attend weddings both Hindu and Christian in villages and towns and get exposed to the culture of the land. I learnt how Brahmin Christians would not marry into non-Brahmin Christian families. And even how Bardez(North) Brahmin Christians would not marry into Salcete(South) Brahmin Christian families and vice-versa. If they say Poloita in the north to mean ‘Sees’, people in the south would say Choita for the same meaning.

 I heard in churches the prayer. Santa Maria, Ora Pro Nobis (St.Mary, Pray for us) and the prayers in the temples at Mangesh, Mardol and Shanta Durga among others.

There were no bridges across Mandovi and Zuari rivers then and ferries were used to cross them. The wide rivers, undulating terrain and the greenery presented a soothing and enjoyable vista.

When I learnt of the problems at the factory and its closure, I couldn’t help remembering the song.

Undira Maza Mama

Ani Aum Sangta Tuka

Mazoricha Pila Lagin

Khel Manu Naka

Undir Mama Aaylo

Ani Kati Pinna Raylo

Ani Mazoricha Pila Teka

Ek Ghasant Khaylo

(My Mama the mouse

And I will tell you

With that cat from Mazorim

Don’t play around

Came Mama the mouse

Stayed under the cot

That cat from Mazorin

Ate him In a gulp)

Ya Ya Maiya Ya

Ya Ya Maiya Ya

It was indeed sad to see the factory where I had begun working in such a dilapidated condition. But the very visit brought back memories of a wonderful period amongst the lovely people of Goa. Though the effects of nostalgia, naivety of a raw graduate may result in a romanticized look back as halcyon days, there is no denying the magic and charm of the place and the wonderful time had.

As the song from Amche Noxib says,

Mogan Ason Boren, Jeevith Sukhi Khare

(If true love is around, living is happy for sure)

Susegath, Maaray.