Land Acquisition Bill

Dear Friends, Since past few weeks i have been exploring europe every weekend and in process have travelled to five major world cities and travelled across 7 countries. Now am enroute to Krakow (Poland) and by the end of the trip i would have completed almost 9000 kms in  6 weekends. What is unique about my trips is that without exception i have utilised the night to travel and all the journeys till now have happened via roads using buses. Yes you read right all 9000 Kms covered in bus.

In India too, i prefer buses and have travelled countless times from Aligarh to reach Rishikesh early morning. While in a full night journey i covered  around 300 kms in India, i am covering 700 kms in Europe. While a robust road network  here is helping me travel far it is also helping european economy by facilitating trade. Robust road network is both a sign of economic growth and prosperity , it also gradually helps reduce economic inequality.  All members of European union are connected together with a system of robust roads.

A robust road network in India will promote economic growth , promote national integration , reduce pollution and also reduce regional economic inequality by bringing regional economies near. A robust rural network which connects rural areas to nearby cities will not only connect villages to cities, it will also lead to economic growth of villages and facilitate cheaper goods to cities.

After the 2nd WW almost the entire europe and specially germany was back to stone age with rubbles all around. While Europe spent past 6 decades  in building efficient roads our priority lied elsewhere. Not only is our average speed  much lower in India, by end of a long journey one suffers a body ache.. (you know why )

It is possible for India to have good road networks because
1. We have made a good beginning by building golden quadrilateral project , Mumbai pune highway and Agra to Delhi expressway etc.
2. We just have to reciprocate the model in India.

Since past 60 years our nation has been held hostage to petty politics. Even our railway budget has historically been tailored to suit the needs of upcoming state elections. Dharnas , Agitation has laziness of our political masters has held us back. Is it a surprise that even inspite of abundant and cheap manpower we dont even have access to good infrastructure. Organising protests is not a difficult thing in India and warring groups have always gave in to this temptation even if it means derailing Indias growth. While this won political point to them, it held us back as a nation and our rank gradually slipped in world economy inspite of our potential.

The new government which has majority in lok sabha and is one of the most powerful government of 3 decades (atleast by numbers) has a task set out in front of it. It should weed out illogical opposition to  the bill. It needs to communicate its intentions to the stakeholders and perform its job of providing good roads to country. Landowners will be given 4 times the market price of the land and hence in national interest they should be willing to relocate. For those who know how local politics work, Social impact assessment is an impossible thing to do in India and moreover it delays us.

I hope atleast the educated ones will realise that Indian government after long time of 65 years has finally taken a right step to develop infrastructure of India. Its a pity that even after more than 65 years of Independence we have not been able to provide electricity, rural connectivity to whole of India. Land acquistion bill is a good step in this regard. However this bill is a two sided sword and government should be guarded against the misuse of the bill. With the ordinance now passed i hope we begin our infrastructure development soon, not only it will provide jobs to our youths, it will also serve as a catalyst to our national growth. With cheaper labour we can either organise protests or develop infrastructure , i hope atleast now we choose the latter. All the best India.

भारतीय संस्कृति का वैश्वीकरण

भारतीय संस्कृति का वैश्वीकरण

भारत एक प्राचीन सभ्यता के रूप में विश्व प्रसिद्ध है। प्राचीन काल से जब मानव नें व्यावसायिक कारणों से विश्व में यात्रा का आरम्भ किया,  तब अनेक सभ्यताओं के परस्पर संपर्क में आने  के कारण सांस्कृतिक ज्ञान का प्रचार प्रसार भी आरम्भ हुआ। इसकी छाप आज भी विश्व में देखी जा सकती है ।

उदाहरण के लिए, आज भी इंडोनेशिया की मुद्रा में देव गणपति चिन्हित हैं, अभी हाल ही में इंडोनेशिया ने १६ फुट ऊँची माता सरस्वती की प्रतिमा अमेरिका में स्थापित की, जिसे अमेरिका स्थित भारतीय दूतावास के समीप देखा जा सकता है। लेबनान में आज भी  प्राचीन भारतीय कलाविदों द्वारा निर्मित कमल उनकी कलाकृतियों का अभिन्न अंग है। भारत द्वारा प्रदत्त "शून्य " और "अलजेब्रा" का आज भी विश्व उपयोग करता है।

योग की बढ़ती लोकप्रियता

आज के इस ज्ञान युग में यात्रा एवं संपर्क के नए माध्यमों ने भारतीय संस्कृति के वैश्वीकरण में उत्प्रेरक की भूमिका का निर्वाहन किया है। प्राचीन काल से  भारत में प्रचलित योग आज विश्व भर  में प्रचलित है। अभी हाल ही में संयुक्त राष्टृ संघ ने जून २१ को "अंतर्राष्ट्रीय  योग दिवस " के रूप  में स्वीकार्यता दी है , और अमेरिका , चीन सहित १७० से अधिक देशों ने इस प्रस्ताव का समर्थन भी किया। ये अवश्य ही योग की बढ़ती लोकप्रियता का परिचायक है। मेरे नगर फ़्रंकफ़र्ट में भी भिन्न-भिन्न मार्गों के अनेक योग संस्थान हैं,  किन्तु सब संस्थांओं का उद्गम स्थान है- भारतीय संस्कृति। मेरे अनेक जर्मन मित्र अपने जीवन को योग के प्रचार प्रसार में समर्पित कर चुके है। आर्ट ऑफ़ लिविंग" संस्थान जिसका जन्म भारत में हुआ वह विश्व के १५० से अधिक देशों में अपनी पहचान बना चुका  है।

भारतीय दर्शन में समाज की बढ़ती रूचि

भारतीय दर्शन के परिचय की धारा जिसका आरम्भ संभवतः स्वामी विवेकानंद ने किया आज वह वेगवती नदी बन चुकी  है। स्टीव जॉब्स, अल्फ्रेड फोर्ड और रॉकफेलर जैसे अनेक प्रसिद्ध व्यक्ति इसके के प्रति कृतज्ञता का भाव व्यक्त कर चुके हैं। समाज की इस स्वीकार्यता को विश्व चलचित्र में भी देखा जा सकता है। उदाहरण के लिए प्रसिद्ध छायाचित्र  "मैट्रिक्स" मैं माया और कर्म की अवधारणा भारतीय दर्शन से प्रेरित है। "मैट्रिक्स रेवोलुशन्स" का समापन भी बृहदआरण्यक उपनिषद् के निम्नलिखित श्लोक से किया गया है।

                                      "असतो  मा सद  गमय, तमसो मा  ज्योतिर गमय, 

                                         मृत्योरमा अमृतं  गमय. शांति, शांति , शांति ."

अभी कुछ ही दिन पहले कैलिफ़ोर्निया के गवर्नर और सुप्रसिद्ध कलाकार अर्नाल्ड ने महर्षि महेश के  "ट्रांसडेंटल ध्यान " को अपनी सफलता का एक कारण बताया।

भारतीय भोजन

आज भारतीय भोजन विश्व भर में अपने लिए एक पहचान बना चुका  है, और विश्व के सभी बड़े शहरों में भारतीय भोजनालय मिलना एक आम बात है। अगर आज ब्रेड भारतीय नाश्ते में पहुँची है तो लस्सी, डोसा आदि भारतीय व्यंजनों की भी विश्व में मांग उत्पन्न हुई है।

आयुर्वेद

धीरे धीरे विश्व समाज मात्र रोग निवारण और पूर्ण स्वाथ्य लाभ की भिन्नता को समझ रहा है। वह चाहता है की रोग निवारण के साथ साथ रोग प्रतिरोधक क्षमता भी बढे और दवाइयों का  दुष्प्रभाव भी न हो , इसलिए विश्व में आयुर्वेद के प्रति जिज्ञासा उत्पन्न हुई है। हालांकि इसके प्रचार के लिए अभी बहत कुछ किया जाना शेष है।

वर्ष २००८ मैं पिउ फोरम के द्वारा कराये गये एक सर्वेक्षण में पाया गया  की अमेरिका की ६५ % जनसंख्या, "विभिन्न धार्मिक मार्गों से व्यक्ति का उत्थान संभव है" ऐसा विश्वास रखती है । इसी सर्वेक्षण से ये भी स्पष्ट हुआ की २५ % जनसँख्या पुनर्जन्म में विश्वास करती है । निश्चय  ही इन दोनों विचारों का उद्गम स्त्रोत भारतीय संस्कृति है। स्पष्ट है की भारतीय संस्कृति शनेः शनेः विश्व में अपनी पहचान बना रही है। विश्व ने जब जब ज्ञान युग में प्रवेश किया है तब भारत ने उसका मार्गदर्शन किया है। आशा करते हैं भारतीय संस्कृति जिसने प्रकृति के साथ सामंजस्य बना के सहस्त्राब्दियों तक जीवन यापन किया है विश्व का मार्गदर्शन करने मैं सहायक सिद्ध होगी।

आइए आपके धन को दो गुणा करें

मित्रो, अपने अल्प जीवन मैं अनेक यात्राएँ करने का सौभाग्या प्राप्त हुआ ! मेरी अधिकतर यात्राएँ अकेले ही की गयी हैं ! अकेले घूमने मैं जो ध्यान रहता है और उस ध्यान से जो अनुभव जन्म लेता है, वह बहुमूल्य है ! सारे अनुभवों के विषय मैं इस माध्यम के द्वारा बताना संभव ना होगा किंतु कुछ विशेष अनुभव का उल्लेख निश्चित ही करना चाहूँगा ! आशा है की आप लाभान्वित होंगे !

मित्रो चाहे गोआ हो, दिल्ली हो , पॅरिस हो या फ्रॅंकफर्ट , आपके धन को दो गुणा करने वाले व्यक्ति हर जगह मिलेंगे ! मध्यम अलग अलग हो सकते हैं किंतु ध्येय एक ही होता है आपके धन को दो गुणा करना ! ये आपके हितार्थ सड़क प्र चटाई बिछाते है  , शोर मचा क्र आपको आकर्षित करते हैं और वस्तुतः अधिकतर व्यक्ति प्रलोभन मैं पड़ मूलधन भी गवाँ देते हैं ! अनेक मित्र अपने इस अनुभव के विषय मैं बता चुके हैं और कई ना बताना चाहते भी बता जाते हैं!  सौभाग्य से मैने इस विषय के बारे मैं विचार कर लिया था कि अगर इन व्यक्तियों मैं धन को दो गुणा करने की क्षमता होती तो वो सड़क पे चटाई बिछा के ना बैठे होते !

कृपया कर यह सुनिश्चित कर लें की सामने वाला व्यक्ति जो प्रलोभन दे रहा है , क्या उसमें उसको सिद्ध करने की क्षमता है ! आपको सब सस्ता करने का प्रलोभन दे किंतु ये ना बताए की धन कहाँ से आएगा तो समझ जाइए की कुछ गोरखधन्दा है !  बहुत दुःख की बात हैं कि अनेक वृद्ध व्यक्ति अपने जीवन काल  मैं अर्जित धन को ऐसी "चिट " कंपनियों के  झांसे मैं आकर लुटा  चुके हैं ! मित्रो "चौबे जी गये थे छब्बे जी बनने और दूबे जी बनके लौटे " जैसी कहावतें ऐसे ही मित्रो के लिए लिखी गयी हैं ! स्मरण रखिए लालच बुरी बला है !

कृपया कर इसे आगामी  दिल्ली चुनाव  से जोड़कर न देंखें !

अंतरिक्ष् भारद्वाज  की कलम से ! 

Living in Exile in their own country - KPs

Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets of statecraft - Winston Churchill

Capture of Tibet by China offers many lessons in National security of a country. Tibetans were traditional people living their life dedicated to persuit of self realisation. They were harmless people and have been living that way since thousand of years. With each family contributing  1 member  to be a lama (monk) and surviving through farming and animal rearing. Communist china sought an opportunity of expansion and captured Tibet. Leadership of the tibetans had to flee to India and established their provisional government in India. It was immense loss to India too, Tibet used to act as filler between India and China and except for some part of arunanchal pradesh we had no border conact with China privy to capture of Tibet by chinese dragon.

While the provisional government of Tibet (Dalai Lama) think that one day they would be able to go back to their land but with the arrangements that china has done it is nay impossible. China has done immense infrastructure development in Tibet and also has promoted migration of chinese people in Tibet. Today due to immense economic and political clout of china in world and by  flexing right diplomatic muscles by China, most countries have recognised Tibet as part of China. Few years ago we (India) also agreed to one China policy. 

However hardly half century ago in period preceding WW2, China was being bullied by Japanese.  China which was geographically 20 times bigger than Japan and had more than 6 times the japanese population was under existential threat from japan. Why so ? because chinese leadership was fragmented and their leaders were busy opposing each other. However soon sense prevailed and threat of extinction forced them to unite and china was able to thwart the plans of capture by Japanese. Today China has emerged as a global power due to its unity and today China can defend itself against any adversary.

Four timeless lessons that we can learn from Tibet/China/Japan episode are

1.  You can be harmless and wish peace for all but some one can still capture you for its needs and expansion plans.  so merely good intentions and harmlessness are not enough , we should have muscles to defend ourself.

2. If injustice is happening to your neighbour and you can sleep , wait for your turn you are next. India did not properly respond to Tibets SOS and we soon had to face war with china  and some of territory that we thought as ours was captured. 

3. Unity has immense strength. A united japan thought of capturing disarranged china. But when China got united in course of time it was able to thwart the japanese.

4. Sureshot strategy to absorb a land is to win it culturally and remove people antagonistic to it. China promoted migration of native chinese people to move to Tibet . Similar method of instigating local population and capturing the land was used by Hitler before the 2nd World War and Austria was captured without firing a single shot. 

Let us understand how above four lessons are relevant in kashmir of India. We shall also see whether these lessons of history can teach anything to set things right again. Lets remember that those who dont learn from history become history.

Something similar was being done by our small neighbour to capture Kashmir. Insurgents were asked to march in kashmir and process of radicalisation was started. Kashmiri pandits who were harmless were soon attacked and killed in large numbers. Later on the entire generation of Kashmiri pandits (5 to 6 lacs) in number fled and settled all across India. During 1990s while kashmir was witnessing migration of kashmiri pandits, India was also going through a period of political turmoil and our politicians were more busy in ensuring that who gets to be the PM of India rather than saving the lives of Kashmiri Pandits. (1990s was full of political instability and we had 2 prime ministers). Also we as Indians did not show the unity to save them from their fate and remained largely a mute spectator (Generally speaking).

With Kashmiri pandits removed, one right step by our neigbour and Kashmir could have become independent for time being to be later absorbed by our neighbour. Some countries under influence of china and pakistan would have ratified the independence of Kashmir and India would have lost a strategic position of national security and crown of India.  Today rather than Kashmir we would have been fighting for Jammu and later on some other state if  Indian Army would not have moved to protect our position.

Some of our decisions in the past, including fiasco in tibet and kashmir leave much to be desired. We were suffering from the delusion that being a peace loving nation is a guarantee of our peace. After independence we even had plans of disbanding our army however war with china woke us up to the reality.  So we should have strength to defend ourself (Lesson 1)

We remained quiet for tibetans, lets not forget to speak for KPs or else we will soon face fate like them. permanent migration of KPs has set wrong precedents in country and may lead to some more conflict like these.  (Lesson 2)

United efforts by us can reverse the situation and we should promote migration of people in India (even from south) to live there and set their seperate colonies. Ex Servicemen would be more suitable to this task. Industries should be set up and we should try to win the hearts of Kashmiris and establish kashmiriyat in Kashmir the land famous for its erstwhile Sufi saints and Kashmir shaivism. Economic well being would also lead to promotion of peace among youths and preaching of Jihadi literature should not be permitted (As in 1990s mosques were asking Kashmiri pandits to convert or flee ). Lets us stand up for wellbeing of Kashmiri Pandits, because in their well being lies wellness and peace of our country.

The wise man learns from someone else’s mistakes, the smart man learns from his own, and the stupid one never learns - Ancient Russian proverb

Mother India : How can i contribute to Vishwa Guru Bharat

If you are reading this that means i am addressing atleast 20 % privileged class of my country. If you have ever ventured to some villages of India or to the slums you should be  aware of life and challanges of people there. What are the goals and priorities of their life ? Will they ever be able to come out of vicious circle of poverty is a question we should ask.

We are contributing to our poor brethrens by contributing taxes to government. Administration has a gigantic task cut out in front of it to ensure that government subsidies and benefits reach the needy's and PDS leakage is reduced. The new government has begun well and i see lot of hope and positivity in the air to tackle this menace of corruption which we have nurtured from times even before independence.

Government effort in right direction has a limited potential but when it could meet with Citzens effort potential is limitless.

Some of the ways in which i can think of are

1. Saving Fuel  :  Let us compare what happens to our money when we spend money on fuel rather than  eating out at some restaurant. The burden on our pocket is the same but it is way different for our economy. When we buy fuel the money ultimately escapes our economy and in  increases our current account deficit. At the same time fuel also pollutes the environment. If we all can reduce our fuel consumption even by one litre per month (its not difficult) cumulatively it will have tremendous impact  on environment and on our economy.

      Some suggestions

       a) Using public transport instead of personal vehicle :  In addition to this being cheaper it will also save your time which would be spent in driving. Use this time to invent some more wonderful ideas that can lead our country :)

        b) Using cycling / Walking / running /Skating rather then taking our bike or car  : If your city permits it you can do it for short distances. You will realise that these short distances cumulatively add up and lead to more than hour of activity. Short walks are good for your health and also help you connect with yourself and environment. I was pleasently surprised to know through my app that i everyday walk for more than an hour.

      

      c) Driving style :  Change in driving style can help you save fuel. Drive with awareness and make your life safer. i.e shutting engine in traffic or running at economy speed can bew few suggestions. Since it taxes the environment too its worth taking the pain. Very soon saving fuel will be your habit.

       d) Using Solar cooker to cook food :  Cooking food using solar cooker will also preserve nutrients and will taste great ( food nutrients stay preserved when food is cooked at low temperatures). Taste bhi health bhi.. 

         e) Soaking pulses and rice in water before cooking :  In case you are not able to use solar cooker this simple step will reduce your LPG usage. You will also be contributing to control of global warming. Really beneficial if you have some property at coastal area :P. Years since 1990s have been warmest in recorded history . Who knows if our small efforts can save human race from escaping the fate of dinosaurs.

2. Saving electricity : Now we have many Indians who dont have access to electricity or face power cuts due to lack of electricity. While government will be upgrading its infrastructure our steps can help in lighting few houses and the good news is that we will also be reducing our electricity bills. some steps are

     a) Using  LED bulbs in place of CFL lamps and never using normal bulb

     b) Using Solar Energy for water heating :  Solar powered water heater will greatly reduce your electricity bill.

       c) Using solar panel based electricity as a component : Get a small solar panel and use its electricity as a component. 

       d) Conscious use of electricity

3. Volunteering for Community Service  : Lets remember how privileged we are. A visit to slum or to a village school will open new vistas in front of us. The concerns of people living there are totally different. Even the younger generation is bereft of the advantages of education due to corruption and super poor quality of teachers generally speaking. Our volunteering to teach them will secure future of our country. And trust me , Your help will come back to you manifolded thousand times. So contact any NGO nearby and chip in your time. Trust me you will feel great.

4 Swaccha Bharat :  Is it practical to expect that government authorities will be able to clean our neigbourhood while citizens themselves keep on throwing wastage here and there. I have been living in one of top 7 global cities of the world in terms of comfort and know that it is clean due to the fact that we throw garbage in the bin. We have to take initiatives because it is our country and it is our home. 

5 Polythenes : Please pressurise your government to ban polythene bags. In the country where i live it is priced at 20 Euro cents i.e Rs 18 per polythene, resulting in all reusing the same polythene bag when i shop. Could we follow the same model in India. Besides most of India would be cleaned if we can just get rid of polythene in our garbage.

Swami Vivekananda : Man who saw future

Swami ji's contribution to world and India

11/7 is a day which is most remembered for the attack on World Trade centre , however this date in 1893 is the one which changed the destiny of India and perhaps of the world. It was in 11 Sep 1893 when Swami Vivekananda presented ideas of India to the world. Swami ji's message and response made him an instant celebrity. He was invited to lecture around america and his attendees included famous scientists like Nikole Tesla and industralists like Rockefeller. In a private meeting with Rockefeller, Swami Vivekananda mentioned about importance of helping the poor the idea which then met with fierce resistance, however later on Rockefeller had a heart change and Rockeller foundation became one of the biggest charitable organisation of America for times to come.

In India, Swami ji's works led to the uncovering of Ideas that would soon become the core of India.  Most of the freedom fighters including Gandhi ji , Subhash chandra bose and others were inspired by his patriotic works and vision for India. BR Ambedkar the man hailed as father of our constitution was a great admirer of his works. Back in 1900s Swami ji had regarded untouchability as a superstition and among one of the many things which have prevented India from surging ahead. Later on when India's constitution was written,  "Prohibition of untouchability" was one of the first things adopted in it. His meeting with Jamshed ji tata and his vision for India to have research institute which would make India self sufficient in technological research led to creation of IISC Bangalore.

Interesting Phenomenon

Save for the response that Swami ji speech drew in America , he would have been largely unknown in India and his ideas buried like many other great works that lie unnoticed today. In order for India to accept his wisdom, acknowledgement from west was needed.  

It is really interesting to ponder why Swami ji who had wandered all across India as a mendicant had to travel to America before his wisdom would be appreciated in India ?

Causes

Perhaps seeds for the same were planted during of era of colonialism and imperialism by Britishers. In order to enslave some culture . History of India was systematically changed and new concepts like Aryan invasion which were figments of imagination were introduced. Even till today we can see an effect of this in our psyche.There is a fascination for products which are made in America or UK rather than those who are made and produced in our country.   Most among us consider conversing in English rather than our mother tongue a matter of prestige. If that was not enough, we even go to extent of imitating british or american accent. Foreign langauage with foreign accent seem to be holding the key for success. 

Some months ago i was having a discussion with my friend who was against HRD ministry's decision of teaching sanskrit instead of German.  His primary point was that Indians should learn German as it would help them in  getting employment abroad.  His comment made me realise that for many of us getting employment abroad seems to be purpose of our existence. Is it a surprise that India has not created any of the products like Google, Facebook or twitter however most of these companies have majority of workforce as Indians.  We seem to be good at following orders rather than taking initiatives. 

Such is the disconnect that some Indians have towards their own culture, that  few days ago when Union Minister Dr Harshvardhan stated a historical fact that Phythagoras theorem and Algebra originated in India he was mocked. 

Indias clarion call to the world

Among all above humdrum there is a role reversal that is seen. Visit the cities of Vrindavan, Rishikesh and you will notice the attention that Yoga and meditation have generated in the world. During my stay of over 4 years in Europe i have been a witness to the attention that Sri Sri Ravinshankar , Mata Amritanandmayi,  Baba ramdev or ISKCON have generated here. Today Yoga is taught in major cities of the world and even in Frankfurt (the city i live) there are over 9 different organisations that teach yoga and meditation.

Vedic mathematics techniques can greatly enhance learning abilities of children.

Ayurveda has potential to complement Allopathic medicine system and a promote a healthy life style across the world. Ayurvedic medicines enhance the immunity of body and are not limited to disease elimination. 

There are so ways in which India can contribute to the world.

How can India rise again 

Before we can be a global force again we need to be aware of the immense potential we have today.  

In Government organisations, Red Tapism should be replaced with innovativenessa and entrepreneurship. A red tapist will create obstacles in the way of work while and an entrepreneur will find ways to make things work.

The dull environment of a government office can be replaced with much colour if our officials have a  purpose of making Vishwa Guru Bharat rather than ONLY getting paycheck.

Our entrepreneurs should have the belief that we are destined for greatness and India is going to be a global force soon.

Lets us commit our next 50 years to worship mother India through our service to humanity

Bharat Maata ki Jai! 

State of Denial or State sponsored Denial

Few days ago, i happened to watch part of a “humorous” public speech being given by young Bilawal Bhutto which drew some public attention in India . If i remember correctly his name trended on social media for days indicating that for “good or bad”, lot of discussion were about him. It was perhaps for the “foolhardiness” or the “humorosity index” that he became an instant celebrity here. As if by miracle, different twitter handles simultaneously suggested that he is “Pakistani version of Rahul Gandhi” . Again telling that that we share a lot with our younger brother “Pakistan”.

However i was surely moved when i heard him mentioning in an another speech that

“I want to tell the world that we are the inheritors of a five thousand years old civilization. We are neither Arabs to whom we are assimilated nor products of the western civilization. We have our own identity of which we were sadly deprived...

Our rulers, our educational institutions, our clerics and our madrassas have hid the truth from us. In the name of Pakistan Studies, we have been taught the wrong history. In the name of Islamiat, the shape of our religion has been totally changed”. 

I was pleasantly surprised that this poltical leader knows and appreciates the difference between culture and religion and is candid enough to admit it. One may follow any religion but we inherit culture from our forefathers. To give an example , Indonesia a country with highest number of practitioners of Islam still respects its ancient culture. They are not hesitant to use Ganesha in their currency and their aircraft carrier is “Garuda” among many other things.

Indonesia's currency and Garuda's Airlines logo 

Indonesia recently chose to gift US govt statue of Goddess Saraswati which is today installed in Washington D.C .

Denying the Ancient History of Pakistan

Pakistan and India share a common past and its all in history why a new state was created out of India in 1947 and i will not go into the reasons in this article. Perhaps in order to wipe out connection with past cultural heritage the cities were given a new name. Lest they be forgotten let me bring to forefront in the mind of the readers about the current cities in Pakistan and their ancient link

• Today's Multan was erstwhile Kashyappura: An incarnation of Bhagvan Shri Vishnu, Bhagwan Shri Narsingh appeared to protect his devotee Shri Prahlad from the tyrant Hiranyakashyap in the holy city of Multan over 10,000 years ago
• Today's Quetta was erstwhile Shalkot - The traditional name for Quetta is Shalkot which translates to Shining fort from Sanskrit
• Taxila erstwhile Takshila :Takshila (Taxila) is the world's oldest standing University and is located near Rawalpindi. Students from as far as China came to obtain a religious based education. The city was established by Bhagvan Shri Ramchandra's brother, Shri Bharat ji.
• Peshawar erstwhile Pushpapura : The name Peshawar is derived from the Sanskrit name for it which is Pushpapur - the city of flowers.
• Charsadda erstwhile Pushkalavati: The traditional name for Charsadda in the North West Frontier Province is Pushkalavati - City of the Lotus and was founded by the younger brother of Bhagvan Shri Ramchandra ji - Shri Bharat ji
• Harrapa :The Punjabi town of Harrapa (Whose name translates to "The city which is protected by Bhagvan Shiva" from the Sanskrit language), is amongst the oldest remaining examples of a Vedic city in the entire world and the pride of Pakistan's ancient glory. 
• City Lahore also derives its name from king Lav (Son of Lord Rama)
• Apart from that it was the place where holy Ramayan was written by valmiki ji. It is also the birthplace of Sikhism.

Denying the obvious
Today the problems experience by our younger brother are not unknown to the world. Its a pity that the place which has confluence of five rivers and  choicest gift of mother nature is known in world for other reasons. Sadly today USP of Pakistan in world is that "Osama bin ladin" was captured from here. Though as a state Pakistan may deny that state had no role in providing shelter to him but the mistrust world has is indicated by the fact that USA chose to attack the place itself through a covert operation rather then informing Pakistan. They thought that leaking information to Pakistani state would lead him being alerted.

Years ago, During 1947 Pakistan denied its role in war in Kashmir. It termed the attack on kashmir being conducted by stateless tribals and it had no role in it but later it was found it was military officials in the garb of tribals.

Pakistan too started the war on India in 1965 by attacking Kashmir.

Something similar was done during Kargil war in 1999 fought in our times, where initially pakistan claimed that those who had captured kargil are tribals and pakistan had no role in it. But long after Kargil war was over Pakistan admitted the martyrs as its army men.

                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                

Pakistan Air force chief in a candid conversation 

Reality today

Since you have followed so far in this rather lengthy article in the age where multiple threads clamor for attention, let me finally break why i chose above title for this article.

Bhagat singh was hanged at fawara chowk in Central Lahore Pakistan, when Progressive intellectuals wanted to name it after Bhagat singh the extremists exclaimed "there cannot be a memorial for a kafir (infidel) like Bhagat Singh in Islamic Pakistan" portraying the state of affairs today.

I hope better sense prevails and Pakistan shakes off this momentary delusion and fanaticism that has crept in its society today. Progress of our neigbour also means India can concentrate more on assuaging the poverty and in development of India rather than sorting out problems that our younger brother creates for India.

It appears difficult today but for milleniums this land has spread waves of peace and tolerance to the world. Its this message which has reverberated since centuries.

Om Shantih Shantih Shantih !

May There be peace everywhere.

References:

1. Bilwal Bhutto speech http://mediacellppp.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/text-of-ppp-patrons-speech-sindh-festivals-closing-ceremony/

2. Wars on India – Admittance by Pakistan Air chief marshal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTWWB9_9MiQ


3. Pakistan Air chief admitting that pakistan inititiated wars against India.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WydQnXaxOJ4


4. Ancient History of Pakistan :

http://www.oocities.org/pakhindu/hindus.htm

5. Bhagat singh - Fawara chowk

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/stoi/deep-focus/Bhagat-Singh-sparks-a-new-revolt-in-Pakistan/articleshow/27745869.cms