The news that some of the leading lights of India figure in the PANAMA papers shows how the corruption has exponentially increased in liberalised Indian economy. Last year it was Swiss leaks, a global list with over 1100 Indians holding secret bank accounts in HSBC Geneva, which shaped the debate over black money parked overseas. Now it is Panama Papers. These papers, infact must shame the '" who is who" who have figured in the list and they must follow the example set by Iceland's Prime Minister. I would say that our Auditors and pliable IT officials who work hand in glove must also be punished severely. Though Govt of India has promised action following the revelations, one wonders whether there will be results at all. The fact of the matter is that the Govt is not that serious in putting an end to this menace of black money.It is evident from the progress the Special Investigation team constituted to look into the issue of black money has made till date. A Govt's amnesty scheme that was offered to Tax dodgers last year has met with lukewarm response while Finance Minister's warning of consequences, appear to have more sound than substance. The case of Vijaya Mallya, is one such example. Despite various acts such as Foreign Exchange Management Act, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Prevention Corruption Act etc many seem to be able to spot the loopholes while we continue to remain cynical.
   If we see the Govts across the world, show no political will in retrieving black money stashed in tax heavens, as the leaders mostly rely on funding by money launderers to stay in power. It is shame that public personalities in politics, cinema, sports worshipped as " role models" are on lists of dishonour. I personally feel, the Panama Papers are a blow to the NDA, as its promise to bring the black money stashed abroad, remains unfulfilled. It  must be a cheerful news to the opposition, having another reason to stall parliament when needed. Infact the Govt having failed in getting back the promised "several lakhs of crores of rupees of black money" from abroad should atleast now try to redeem itself by acting in right earnest against the tax defaulters on Panama Papers list. If probe limited to a single Law Firm Mossack Fonseca could unearth black money worth fifteen hundred lakh crores of rupees, the total amount hidden in the tax heavens must be beyond any one's imagination. If one consortium of journalists could expose corruption to this extent, mightier Govts must be able to act against tax defaulters.
   Here again people have doubts on many things especially, knowing that Vinod Adani of Adani group, said to be close to the top echelons is among 500 Indians linked to tax heavens, while the others include Amitab Bachan, Aishwarya Rai etc. It was reported in some newspaper that India would have the privilege of getting Bachan as next President of India.
  But all said and done, these revelations are a chance for BJP, Govt to translate its promise of unearthing black money.
  For any effective investigation to take place, it is imperative to make the findings transparent and free from political influence. For this the Govt requires strong political will as there appear to be heavyweights on this list. The centre must also closely cooperate and coordinate with International groups to build a global network that cracks down on money laundering.

Few days ago I read an article titled ' Quota Conundrum'. The article was thought provoking. The author says, that the poverty exists in a family unit and not at the caste level. No caste is really backward or forward. New emerging groups in the upper castes who deserve, must be given the benefit of reservation. Infact there has been a great social change after independence. The social inequalities are on the wane in the villages. The economic inequality is the only ill which is troubling irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. And panacea for employment is to do away with reservations.
Sajjad Nomani, a member of Muslim Personal Law Board says, " Ram temple construction is a political issue and that treating the SCs & STs who converted to Islam as not eligible for reservations is a religious discrimination. Therefore he calls for constitutional correction which all political parties and secular parties should press for. Dr ,Subramanya Swamy wants the Supreme Court to decide on Ram temple construction. The court could decide who the first occupant was. Ram is the king of Bharath which consists of entire sub-continent; while Babri is a commander of Mughal forces. Islam doesn't have caste system and hence SCs,STs and OBCs on joining Islam are ineligible as per rule, for reservations and hence there is need for ' correction' in the constitution. Dr Ambedkar wanted reservations for a limited time. It is politicians extending it indefinitely for vote bank, cheating those castes that are responsible for the present troubles that the nation is facing.To honour Dr Ambedkar economic reservations irrespective of caste, faith and origin, is the correct way and will solve the problem- no tinkering with constitution is needed. This is0 my opinion and it is not to hurt anyone's sentiments.

The National award for Telugu movie Bahubali is really surprising. No doubt SS Rajamouli had stunned the cinematic world with its mixed fantasy and folklore, with stories of unbridled imagination. UK's The Guardian, gave the film a four star rating, calling it a " fantastic bang for your buck" . The Forbes also gave it a four star rating, while BBC included the film in their documentary :"100 years of Indian Cinema." After a gap of many years, my youngest daughter took us to the nearby Cinema Hall in a Mall, for this movie. To me, The Bahubali depicted feudal era internal strifes in a royal family that too fictionally. No realistic history or social message about protecting country's unity or human values. Those who have seen Benhur will understand this wherein, it depicts the plight of Jews during Christ's life time in Roman Empire. Infact, to me , it was like story in Chandamama, mixed with Kommuri Sambasivarao's detective story line. I am sure if Rajamouli has done like this on " Kakatiya Pratapa Rudra" or " Dwarakadheesh Srikrishna" or " Krishnadeva Raya" with historic facts, he would win an Oscar awards. too. It looks that the Govt must have mistook Bahubali for Hindu religion upliftment, as the leftist Malayali intelligentsia used to get awards every year during Congress days for depicting India in bad shape. Other wise many classical pictures or culturally rich films by K Viswanath were neglected lot during leftists hold on cultural stage in India.
Bahubali's global success has thrust Telugu cinema,into a lime light. I wish all the Telugu movies Directors all the best. The main objective of National awards is to encourage good and small budget films and explore unknown talent in various fields connected with cinema. It is surprising that it took 63 years for a Telugu film to win coveted award. In retrospect it is surprising to note how celluloid classics such as Mayabazar, Sankarabharanam, missed the awards. Infact Mayabazar was adjudged the greatest Indian film of all times in poll conducted 2013 by a leading News Channel. In comparison Bahubali was average, had series of special effects and graphics and was garish as such. Ofcorse, Bahubali -- the beginning is no doubt good and it's director has been honoured with Padma award but I fail to understand on what basis it was judged the best film given that it was just hyped and high budget movie with all commercial elements minus a message for the society.

The recent event "World Cultural Festival" held in New Delhi, on the banks of River Yamuna organised by Guru Sri Sri Ravishankar of Art of Living. And the gathering was addressed by the Prime Minister of India. The fact of the matter is there is no business like Godmen business they have no fixed working hours, indulge in extensive travel, they get public adulation and no need to shave every morning.
It is also a known fact that the saints and the self-styled Godmen have been around the powers that be from times immemorial. With regards to their habitat, some lived in mountains and caves while others lived in palaces as advisers with the heads running to them for salvation and solutions. It is not out of place to mention that in today's date they enjoy the patronage, for they represent vote bank while moulding the public opinion. From Punjab to Kerala and Gujarat to Assam, we have seen them acting as spiritual advisers and in the process, have they not become Kingmakers or influencers of Govt policies?

Sri Sri Ravishankar or Baba Ramdev, who have done admirable work in their respective fields have easy access to the nation's high and mighty and they both have followers across political parties. Corporate Gaints, Bollywood actors and actresses, diplomats stand in queue to touch their feet and our great Prime Minister, is not indifferent to their lure. By spending over Three hours at the venue, Modi left no one in doubt that his faith in Sri Sri Ravishankar and his Art of Living was unshakable. The fact remains that the PM and All his Ministers dismiss the criticism of the event, while ensuring that entire might of the state was mobilised to make WCF a grand success. Modi infact called the WCF a Kumbh of all cultures as he clearly understands the utility of the New- age Gurus, since both Ravishankar and Baba Ramdev, represent the pulse of two major social groups. Ravishankar is useful to PM owing to his world connections and liberal India while Ramdev delivers to Modi the rural and urban middle class. The fact of the matter is Modi has been a frequent visitor to Ramdev's Ashram in Haridwar and he has been invited by PM to any official function, held in connection with spirituality.
But the PM even deployed the Army to create the infrastructure at the venue. And during his speech PM had all praise for him and his Art of Living (AOL). It has been reported that AOL has been connecting him with many international leaders. But Ravishankarji' s posturing on Indo-Pak relations may be at varience, with that of PM and Sangh Pariwar but MODI allowed the Aol, to persue people to people contact with Pakistan!
Modi 's detractors have already charged the Govt with doling out huge financial and other concessions to both Gurus.We now see AOL is beginning the sale of daily use products like mineral water and tooth paste etc, while Ramdevji had never hidden his commercial interests and Patanjali has taken on well established multinationals.
Only time will tell what would be impact of such gurus in the Indian context vis a vis Modi Govt.

The Supreme Court questioning the age old practice restricting of women ( middle aged) to the sanctum sanctorum of Ayyappa Temple is bound to deeply hurt the religious sentiments the world over. Is it not preposterous on the part of the Apex court to ask for proof from the temple board that the women didn't enter sanctum sanctorum some 1500 hundred years ago,? The court found fault with the board against the discrimination as it goes against the Fundamental Rights of a citizen. Again a similar incident happened near Shani Singanapur in Maharashtra where women under the leadership of Trupti Desai followed by hundreds of women activists were prohibited entry into the sanctum sanctorum on the day on which India was declared Republic. It was said 400 years old tradition couldn't be broken. The women were permitted to offer worship God outside the platform which the women activists denied. It may be noted that that there are no such restrictions in many other temples of the country. The Supreme Court must have taken a prima facie view that temples can not bar devotees on basis of gender but agreed to examine. The spiritual temple of Lord Ayyappa has been restricting the entry of women from young girls after puberty to those yet to attain menopause long as the temples be it Ayyappa Or Shani Dev remain religious places par excellence it is up to the devotees to stipulate the rules and regulations. The matters of faith by their very nature are outside the ambit of reason and logic
so the Kerala Govt has submitted an affidavit that banning entry of women of menstrual age in historic Sabarimala temple has been prevailing from the times immemorial and it is for the priests to take view. Infact a temple is not a public museum or picnic place where the right to congregate is unrestricted. There must have been certain unwritten rules and traditions being followed for centuries. For instance one rule observed in the case of Sabarimala is the observance of Vratam for 41 days which can never be changed to suit to a section or some sections of people. Infact it is the prerogative of temple management to impose restrictions while it is to be noted that this is one temple where there is no discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion. A temple is a sacred place for devotees and a devotee is expected to comply with the rules and respect the traditions.
   To me it appears that women in India have

many problems like Dowry, Domestic violence, Eve- teasing, Harassment at work place etc. Agitators like Trupti Desai should focus on such problems instead leading women into a state of unnecessary confusion. Women's dignity will in no way be degraded if they don't enter a temple or a place of worship. Indians have some age old traditions and customs which have to be followed without any resistance. Generally speaking Hindu women who have periods refrain from doing religious rituals. There are few temples in India where the non- Hindus are prevented from entering into the temple. Till Hindu community and Priests are not ready to change the tradition for whatever reasons, is there any need  for any legal intervention and the instant cases of Sabarimala or Shanisinganapur can not be seen through the prism of gender discrimination. All religions enjoy equal amount of respect and status in India. Such age old customs should better be left unquestioned as neither they are a threat to social harmony nor a challenge to the basic human rights.

Few days ago the President Pranab Mukherji released 2nd edition of his book, " The Turbulent Years 1980-1996. " There were lot of speculations about sensational revelations in the book in the media. This piqued my interest to read it but the book was out of stock on Amazon. But as per the available reports, Mukherji, while discussing Babri-Masjid, it seems, pointed out that that its demolition was an act of absolute perfidy which should make all Indians hang their heads in shame. As every one knows, that the demolition of Babri-Masjid indeed has deeply wounded the sentiments of Muslim community, in India and abroad. But after somany years of demolition, why is he raising this issue now? Infact he was part of the Govt, then and what was he doing at that time? I feel it is better not sprinkle salt on the wounds of Muslims and as the President of India, now, he should take concrete steps that no other religious place, be it a Masjid or Church , to be demolished ,
   It was reported that he has accused the former PM P.V. Narasimha Rao with regards to his role in the demolition. Many books on this subject were in the market that time including PV's own book giving clarifications. PVRK Prasad,  former Media Advisor and Additional Secretary who was working closely with him on this exclusive issue also cleared the air by mentioning it in detail, in one of his books.
   PV in his capacity might have failed to avert the unfortunate event but it would not be unfair to dub it as something perfidy and a mistake committed by the then PM? He had sent Para Military troops to Ayyodhya and conducted series of consultations with both Hindu organisations and other stake holders. As a true follower of constitution, he must have hesitated to impose President's rule, as a preemptive measure, fearing to be perceived by some as unconstitutional or anti- Hindu. He can be blamed for his failure to assess the turn of events and gravity of the situation but can not be held guiltiest than the real perpetrators.  Pranab Mukherji should have restrained from hurling accusations on his bete noire who is no more to defend himself.

   It is unfortunate that PV could not get his due for his greatest services from his colleagues and his own party even posthumously.

Netaji Declassification

The release of100 files related to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has not set the India/ New Delhi on flames.True it has evoked huge response but the declassified papers haven't thrown any new light on the  circumstances surrounding Bose's disappearance or death. Prime Minister Modi has surely fulfilled his promise given to Bose's family members about declassifying all files related to him. However it would have been better had the whole bunch of files been released at one go. In such case Modi Govt could have escaped criticism that the periodic release is politically motivated.
  Though the move has garnered accolades from die-hard fans of the INA chief and his family members, it has also served to ruffle the feathers of those within the Congress .Even then,the declassification was welcome move by the Modi Govt. But my friend gave me different perspective to the whole affair. He was of the opinion that ever since the present Govt came to power, a concerted campaign has been launched to denigrate Nehru, and thereby the Congress. After appropriating Sardar Patel's legacy as a foil against that of Nehru, it is now using Netaji's communications, was my friend's opinion. 
   The three commissions set up so far have failed to give a conclusive explanation on the circumstances leading to Netaji's death.The most plausible theory that still holds is that he died in a plane crash. However according to some, this theory is a trash, while some say that he was not in that plane at all, while according to some others, the crash of an airplane in that area , on that date never took place. There are also rumours that he resurfaced in India in the guise of Sadhu, as per some others theory he was spotted in China in his later years.
   After reading some articles in news papers recently and also after listening to the observations of some intellectuals, on this subject on TV, what I have understood that the declassified files have confirmed what one had always believed --- that Jawaharlal Nehru was too noble a soul to allow his political differences with Netaji to influence him at a personal level. Witness the steps he took to ensure the financial well being of Netaji's widow and decision not to bring the mortal remains of Netaji from the Renkoji temple out of the regards for the sentiments of his kin. It was Nehru who donned his barrister gown after a long gap to put up spirited defence of the arrested INA officers at the famous trail at Red Fort and on the other hand Netaji too had such a high regard for Nehru, that he even named o

ne of the brigades of INA as "Jawahar Brigade."
Welcome as the declassification is, it must have disappointed those who were clamouring for it to find documentary evidence to support their allegations of wrong doing against Nehru. The truth be told, hardly any one who can be spoken of in the same breath as Gandhi, Nehru, Patel or Netaji. To overcome this handicap they have gone about planting stories. Unfortunately the statements of some of Netaji's kin have only aided this game plan.
   However, the declassification will only give room for fresh research leading to needless controversies. What really happened to him is anybody's guess and stale subject to the common man as of now. The emerging truth is of no use and will have very little impact on the lives of the ordinary Indians. Both the earlier classification and the recent declassification were purely political acts.
   To me, the Govt has better things to do instead of wasting time and energy in a pointless search for resurrecting incriminating documents as evidence of Nehru's role in Netaji's death. Let it focus on pressing issues of the day, like the growing menace of terrorism, price rise and atrocities against weaker sections etc and think hard on why " Acche din" promised by our PM during the elections, still elude the common man.