#10 "Festival of Democracy" Hope of Change

The smell of election is in the air now a days, with the assembly polls in the five states and election propaganda for upcoming General Elections, which will going to held in 2014. Leaders of different political parties delivering long speeches to the mass gathering of people, criticizing opposing parties. News papers, News channels, Social media, everywhere there are discussions over politics because "Elections are the biggest Festival of Democracy".

India is the biggest democracy in the world with 1.237 billion people (2012). Democracy is a form of governance in which people elect their representatives to form Government. when independence came, when Parliamentary institutions were created under the Indian Constitution, we declared a democratic country. Democracy guarantees some basic rights and freedom for individuals. These rights are known as fundamental rights. Most important one is Right to vote. Unfortunately, over a last couple of decades the system goes corrupt, because of substandard politicians and criminal representatives. The concern of common man still the same as that were decades ago i.e food, shelter, education. Large population still want basis needs to be fulfilled.

India is county of various religions, castes, creeds living together since centuries, makes country secular state. But what politicians are doing taking advantage of sentiments of people in the name of religion, caste and sometimes language, for their greed to rule the nation. They use minorities as a source of votes but didn't do any welfare for them. The corruption creating a biggest problem in the way to become a developed nation, the economic condition is shaking due to the poor policies of govt.

What I think, the major concerns are well known to everyone, but our casualness creates problem. We have seen the MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly), MP (Member of Parliament) and other political leaders visit our areas at the time before election to seek our votes from us or after once when they came to power. This doesn't means that every one are same and they are not doing development for our areas. But we should think about it seriously that, the leaders who are elected by us are the right person or not? There is one more serious problem in our democracy is the polarization of votes. We can find the thoughts of polarization among our friends, relatives and even on our family but this is is mostly everywhere. Some give votes because a political party encourages a particular religion or language. So many people give vote by makeup their minds for particular political parties rather than leaders. One should not vote for particular political party but vote for right person whether it belongs to any party. The right person is one who do welfare for society and for development of areas than for state and ultimately for country.

"Right of vote" is ultimate right in democracy. By this, we can change the entire system. What we have to do is only to utilize this right in a correct way. Everyone must give his/her precious vote to make our democracy strong. And most important is to vote for right person. Election brings a hope of change in current paralyzed system. India is home of large no. of youth and we can definitely change the system. The ballot box and EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) is a way to change the direction of political wind form paralyzed leadership to strong. In every five years, we'll get this pious opportunity to take part in election. Let's decide to vote for our country and take give our offering in this ritual. "JAI HIND"

- Prateek Dixit

#9 “Debut to Retirement”….End of an Era

The exhilarating persona, a humble human being, dedicated person, jewel of Cricket and a man with a pride, no one but Sachin Tendulkar, finally announced his retirement from the test cricket made millions of fans woeful. A man who is playing cricket since last 24 years, entertained millions by his spectacular batting performance, have now two more tests to play.

Sachin is not only a great cricket player, but in charge of happiness of million cricket fans across the world. Cricket is more than a game in this country, a religion which is followed by children, youths and olds. And Tendulkar is considered deity of cricket. There are so many players in the list of great cricketers, but he is more than a sportsman. A person whose presence is enough to shatter the opposition’s will power and every time give confidence to the team. Sometimes he appeared in bowler’s dream and made their nights uneasy and several times gives a tremendous start to the innings and founded a strong base for the upcoming batsmen. He had well played a role of opening batsman and at no. 4 he played unmatched.

Sachin holds almost every record as a batsman whether it may be a highest no. of match played or being a person scoring highest number of runs in international cricket. He became the first person on planet to score 200 in an ODI (One Day International). He scored highest no. of centuries in both the formats of game (ODI and Test). Despite of good batting track, he also played a good role as bowler. Yes, he was playing since 16 year of age but his dedication towards the game and his physical fitness is unrealistic. At the age of 40, he is having a very much craziness to play more and more good cricket like a young player. This makes him different from other once.

As quote states that- “A great person faces so many up and down in life like all, but balanced them very well”. He also had faced ups and downs in his long span of career. Sometimes played out of form and sometimes faced critics. But he is the person very far way from any type of controversy, every time come back with extraordinary performance rather than replying with the words. His long 24 year career is totally clean and he plays like a gentleman. His clean career is a lesson to those players who are indulging in the illegal activities and spoil this gentleman sport. These qualities make him a motivator for all other cricketers, a good man and superstar for cricket fans all over the world.

Sachin Tendulkar, who has set many records, received many awards for his great cricket performance like- Cricketer of the year, ICC Cricketer of the year, LG People’s Choice award, Wisden leading Cricketer in the World, prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan. Apart from these big official awards, he has honored by several media awards also. In 2011, Tendulkar was conferred with Indian Air Force’s honorary rank of Group Captain and became to first sportsperson to get this honor. He is the Member of Parliament as in April 2012, UPA’s government nominated him to the Rajya Sabha.

“Every beginning has an end”. This will prove again with the retirement of Sachin. A master class batting, high technical shots, helmet with tricolor, jersey no. 10 will be available only in recordings and mind of the people. The charismatic personality will not be present on the ground to entertain the billion cricket lovers. The person who is the motivation for the team since last 24 years will not be with them in dressing room. Sport will not stop, but will lose his gem, as the debut of 16 year old young boy came to end with his retirement at the age of 40. But his great batting is unforgettable and everyone will remember forever this maestro. Sachin is a god of cricket and he will be.

- Prateek Dixit

#8 Unrest in Syria "Civil War Ongoing"

The effect of transformation of rulers i.e. the Arab Spring in the Middle East reached Syria two years ago. Arab spring is a great series of events happened in this decade. The rulers since a long time ruled over them with a force or a strict laws. They did not focus on the employment, education and healthcare of their people. They imposed so many restrictions, which make the lives of the people uneasy. The result comes in the form of protests against ruling parties. This protests become known as the "Arab Spring".  Starting from Tunisia to Libya, then to Egypt and with affecting other countries it reached to Syria. But here it had taken lives of more than over 1 lac people.

President of Syria is Bashar Hafez al-Assad. He has served as President since 2000, when he succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, who led Syria for 30 years. The effect of protests in other neighboring countries encourage Syrian people to protect against the ruling party. Protesters demands for political reforms and change in civil right laws. A mass protest was started in February 2011 which led the country to a deadly unrest. Situation deteriorated after Syrian authorities responded with violence against protesters. The violent resistance against protesters worsen the situation and bring Syria to the state of Civil war as so many people killed in the bloody clashes between protesters and Assad's lead Syrian Armed forces.

According to UN report, over lac of people left Syria and living in refugee camps in neighboring countries. Thousand of people within Syria living without food. The economy  is crashed and heavy sanctions by International community are imposed over it. Big concern arises when the use of chemical weapons in Syria reported. United Nation inspection team were send to Syria to investigate in this matter. Recently on 21 August, a Chemical attack in Damascus had happened, which killed around 1300 people. This attack believed to be done by Assad's forces against the protesters. However, he is refusing the allegations against him.
This attack proved the presence of chemical weapon in the form of Sarin gas. This shocked the international community. Meetings of Security council were held but end without any result. Russian and China opposed the proposal of USA to do Airstrike on Syria. But America was in favor of unilateral military strike on Syria. World seems divided in two different views. One against the war, another in favor.

What I have perceived, the Security Council and the whole international community seems to fulfill their benefits and advantages. They are  trying to dominate the Council by imposing their views without knowing the actual cause. If I see as a person who is in favor of war, then we saw that 3 lac people died in protest. Isn't a human right violation? If yes then what is wrong with to use of force against Assad's regime. Here we see Russia and America who are historic rivals, standing on different side of wall despite solving the matter. One supports Assad, another supports protesters. Big part of the world is silent over the issue as they did not want to stand against the big powers. 

If I against the war and consider the issue then I feel, war shows the supremacy of power over weak country. What USA did in Iraq and Afghanistan taken thousand of lives. And the unilateral military invasion will violate the international rule and it may dissolve United Nation. The veto power is law and one should respect the UN charter. In this context, Russian comes with a overwhelming proposal to keep the Syrian chemical weapons under UN watch. This proposal is accepted by Assad without and second thought and USA is also agreed upon it.

This was the opinion as pro war and anti war view. But what exactly should be required to do is the question? World having an organization (United Nation) which is established to solve the international matter peacefully, and Security Council should handle the matter without imposing their views forcefully over others, but with mutual trust and proper investigation.

The importance of the protests across the middle east are very big and should be understand by all dictators and rulers who are ruling their country by imposing so much restriction on people and not providing basic needs to them. The main problems in the middle east are presence of people with radical thought in the government. They are ruling the countries with a strict Islamic laws. People want freedom, education, health and employment. The involvement of religion in the government will push any country years back. I wonder when i see the people of one religion don't want involvement of their religion in the govt. This is only due to the problem created by religion in system. They are not against the religion but they want freedom. Democracy seems only problem but the path appearing bloody and difficult. What pro democracy protesters is doing is really needed a aim. Now it's time for ruler to understand the importance aspects and effects of protest and act maturely to make their country prosperous and happy. 

#7 Food Security in India "Distinctive Law"

Soon after independence, India adopted the path of planned development, but in the mid 1960s and early 1970s we were faced serious economic problems. First, because of war with neighbors. Second, due to increase in import. Finally, food production failed to increase and our country became increasingly dependent on food imports by United States under US Government's PL 480 law. But around 1968 agriculture production increases due to adoption of Green Revolution and make our country self sufficient in food production. And we had never thought of, that we will provide guarantee of food to our people. We are the first nation in the world to talk about this scheme.

First, let's understand what Food Security Bill is? The Food Security Bill is the UPA’s scheme, aims to provide subsidized food grain to around 67 percent of India's 1.2 billion people. This includes the distribution of wheat, rice and coarse grains at just Rs 2, Rs 3 and Re 1 a kilo. 
If this scheme be properly applied, it will end country’s malnutrition soon. On the other hand, various challenges also here.

First is the production of huge amount of crops. Because it is a huge program and the estimated production for providing food will be 62 million tonnes. After the enforcement of bill, there will be a tremendous pressure to produce huge amount of grains. And if we fail to do so, then we would import the food to fulfilling the law. This will increase cost of food and import bills. Second is pressure on economy. There will be a heavy pressure on govt fund. The size of the subsidy is estimated around $24 billion. If the production remains same every year then still subsidy will increases due to increasing cost of food production and growing population. So this is big factor to be considered. Third is the beneficiary of this scheme. According to bill, states will provide food to poor. But the indicator of poor is not clear. It will be a major challenge for govt to decide the beneficiary. Government should ensure that the food will reach to needy peoples. Fourth is the method of distribution. Government will use existing PDS (Public Distribution System ) for delivering food to the poor. The PDS is already used to deliver food subsidies to the poor but around 51% of the food is currently lost to leakages. It is sold in black market at relatively high price. We need to reduce the leakages from the distribution system and make it transparent. Chhattisgarh is very good example. Other than this four challenges, climate changes and farmers concerns also a factors to be considered.

The bill is a great and unique initiative but major challenges are also there. The current bill is under consideration in parliament is defective but better than none. This bill should not taken as a political action and all parties should give important suggestion to improve this bill which is happening. Now it is govt responsibility to amend all the defective points and make bill less vulnerable. If bill is properly come into force it will change the life of poor, otherwise it will led to a biggest scam ever.

- Prateek Dixit  

#6 Neighbor's Willfulness "Time to Retaliate"

Since a long time, Indian foreign relations with neighbors always been nasty, whether with Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Nepal or Sri Lanka. Our foreign policies always failed to maintain good relations in all aspects. We have several different disputes with all, like border disputes with China and Pakistan, sea disputes with Sri Lanka and many more. So-many times we faced some disgusting responses from the neighbors.

Recently on 06 Aug 2013, Five Indian soldiers have been shot dead in Indian-administered Kashmir in a cowardly attack by Pakistani army serving personals. This tragic episode is not new for us, as Pakistan has violated cease-fire 57 times in 2013. Several unsuccessful infiltration attempts has also been made by them, in which 14 intruders killed by Indian security forces. And intense frown by Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) on borders, increases tensions and aggression in India side in the last few months. This type of events put a question mark on our security situation. We know our Security forces is ready to face any challenge, and people of India having a strong faith in it. But the problem is our weak political will. After every attack govt only make a sad remark and condemn it, but no strong actions has been taken and failed to raise a strong voice. And this increases morale of neighbors to act more.

We had fought few war against Pakistan and China. Due to unfruitful past, subject to threats has increased in last few years. We can not trust them blindly. It's time to retaliate against them. In my opinion, we need to take a strong stand, but it does not means to act like them. We know India have a big, strong, courageous and civilized armed forces, still we are showing a great durability in response to deceitful act. Because our forces acts after govt orders, unlike Pakistan army who always seems to control their govt.

In the time of liberalization and globalization, every country want to make good relation with everyone to make their economy strong. At the same time the tradition rivals always shows their superiority over another, and this led to bitter relationship. On this difficult path, we have to address the problem very carefully. We cannot change the geography, but can take such important steps which protect our sovereignty and maintain good bilateral relations with neighbors. First of all, continue to strengthen infrastructure on our borders as china is doing. This will help us to take appropriate action at tough time. Second, to increase our troops in the vulnerable areas along the borders to stop infiltration and illegal trade, and allow them to take appropriate action without govt orders. Third, we should develop an aggressive foreign policy against neighbor when such roguery happens. Like what china do, they never tolerate any kind of threat against them. Forth, political parties should stop playing politics with terrorism. This make me sad and all other Indians, when we see lack of unity among political parties. They must be unite on  these flammable issues. Last but not least, to strengthen our trade and strategic relations with small neighbor and raise strong point of view without any external pressure in the international community. And should play an important role in the establishment of peace. 

This also a matter of concern, I feel that today's politicians as a whole no longer respects the soldiers who have served and are currently serving for us. The politicians make disgraceful remark on Martyrdom and shows less respect towards them. The politics is getting poorer now a days and without moral values. Every one is seeking to attract voters in the name of religion. This will help neighbors to act against us.
So to maintain internal peace, integrity, sovereignty, unity and self respect we have to change our image from cold nation and take pressure-free decisions and actions. In this way, we can stop our more warriors to being martyr. "Jai Hind"

- Prateek Dixit

Prateek Dixit Blog!!: Disaster in Uttarakhand "Himalayan Tragedy"

Prateek Dixit Blog!!: Disaster in Uttarakhand "Himalayan Tragedy": With happiness, greenery, crops and many thing, Rain brings disaster and loss too. Though it is a natural phenomenon, but humans are direc...

#5 Disaster in Uttarakhand "Himalayan Tragedy"

With happiness, greenery, crops and many thing, Rain brings disaster and loss too. Though it is a natural phenomenon, but humans are directly responsible for own damage. World is facing this problem, since earth started transforming from green place to concrete jungle. Rain is a  natural cycle event, but nowadays water is seeking place to store itself, but where is the place? Development is need for huge population, but care of environment should not be masked. Global warming also plays an important role to turmoil the situation at extent.
Rainy season is the time in India in which large no. of people visit holy places in the northern states, mainly in Uttarakhand. This regions are called Himalayan region due to presence of Great Himalayan range. People full of reverence go in hilly state in large numbers. Landslides, flood and cloudburst are common here due to its geography. Chances of damage increases because of it. This year monsoon arrived some days before its routine, and caused second biggest natural disaster in India after Tsunami.
Official death toll reaches up to 1000 and more than 3000 are missing. But official figures are always less as compared to original figures. The state government was so ill prepared to handle the situation, resulting big loss. The people living there, are equally responsible for calamity. To earn money in this peak holy time, they do so many illegal construction near the river. The construction there are not well planned according to geographical location. The unplanned construction of several dams over rivers, make weaken the mountains. This lack of preparedness and planning will make state more vulnerable to disaster in future.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) failed in his job to make a stand. But Thanks to Army, IAF, ITBP, NDRF for their collaborative evacuation of more than 1 lakh people from various places in the state, and this became world largest rescue operation. Though an unsolicited chopper crash has happened in which 20 people killed. And almost after 15 days, the  evacuation operation has succeed on 02/07/13(Tuesday).
The main problem what the local people are facing now is the restoration of what they had lost. This is major task in front of the authorities and state govt. Despite of all this, Govt should find remedy about the future, which includes proper construction, environmental care, disaster management and a regulatory body who maintains the accounts of expenditure provided for relief and development purpose. Increase in the no. of visitors in rainy season is matter to worry. Because nowadays people visit there to spend holidays. Every year increment in the number of SUVs instead of public transport worsen the situation.
The Uttarakhand high court had passed an order asking the state government to demolish structures that come within 200 meters of the river banks. But the administration did not act. When the floods came, many of those illegal structures got demolished anyway. This happened because the nature does not accept bribe and always find their way. We should understand this.

- Prateek Dixit

#4 Sports in India "In Midstream"

"Healthy mind resides in healthy body" and Sports make this phrase a reality. Earlier, it was believed that if a person plays sports, it would spoil his/her educational career. But with time this mentality eventually diminished as sports became a profession, the source of good income and platform of fame. Games and Sports in India are not new, but played since old ages. After invasion of Europeans, new flavor of sports was also began to be accepted in India like Cricket, Football. Chess, Ludo and on the other hand other games that were originated in India were modified after reaching other countries.

The popularity of sports in India increases after we hosted several international sporting events. Such events include the 1951 and 1982 Asian Games, the 1987, 1996 and 2011 Cricket World Cup, the 2003 Afro-Asian Games, the 2010 Hockey World Cup and the 2010 Commonwealth Games. We had a very good team of hockey, they performed exceptionally well in many sporting events and won gold in Olympics. The popularity of hockey diminished because of introduction of astro turf. Popularity of cricket increases after 1982 World Cup victory. And now situation is that every other sport is faded in front of cricket. It is treated as religion. We are doing better in other flavor of sports like Boxing, Wrestling, Tennis, Badminton. But what lead us to stand far behind as compared to other countries? 

First and foremost is sports facilities. We lag behind in providing world class infrastructure and facilities to players. Corruption plays an important role. The sports are also prone to corruption. The governing organizations only intend to make profit out of sports. Recent case of spot fixing in IPL which is the second highest paid league in world after NBA, shake up the faith of people toward the credibility of cricket. There is need to clean up the sports by taking strict actions both against the accused sportsman or bad working of organization. Government should make a regulatory body to keep a check against it. One more problem is lack of commitment toward sports. Like in archery, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the Archery Association of India (AAI) president for 40 years. Involvement of ex-sportsman is less in administration.

Our performance is also a matter of concern. We are billion in number but win few medals in Olympics. Is this merely a co-incidence? No! this is the result of poor facility, lack of investment in sports and education system. In India, we focused more on academics rather than sports. Children from initial stage of school should get opportunity to play and participate in various games activities apart from books. Sports governing bodies like (BCCI in cricket) should pay handsome amount like BCCI pays to cricketers. This will encourage youth towards other sports too. Sports should be kept so far away from the internal politics and the good sportsperson should get chance to play. Also the governing bodies should be barren of politicians and their administration must be in hand of retired players who would definitely be more aware of the do's and don't's of the game as well as of the challenges faced by the players on ground. If all this concurrently been applied, we will get extraordinary results. 

-By Prateek Dixit 

(Reviewed by- Anand Choubey and Rusheel Shukla)

#3 “Division of States”.... Is this a legal demand?

In the diverse nation like India, where the people belongs to different castes, creeds, sects and religion, living together from centuries. It is very hard and important to understand and fulfill needs and demands. We know that we are union of states, which is divided on linguistic basis by our politician. Many new states formed after Independence. The main question is- Is this good for India or Not?

It is important to form state because in federal type of government it is easy to govern small states. And if all states developed together and govern well, then ultimately our country will develop. But after 66 years of independence this is not happening due to various problems.

It is a big deal in India to maintain unity and integrity among diverse culture. Due to presence of 22 languages and so many dialects, the people belong to one, hates other. E.g. - protest done by non-Hindi spoken states at the time when Hindi to be announced as a National language. Hence we have no national language. This diversity is a gift, but politicians use this for their political gain. In a big states where particular area is unaffected by development, feels neglected and lost their faith in government and start demanding new state. Problem is created when this neglected area is rich in natural resources. This is big threat to our unity. What is happening in "Telangana" is an example.

Division of state is beneficial in terms of better governance and proper development. Local languages and cultures may also be better preserved in smaller states. Creation of small state is one of the answers to reduce corruption or at least corruption amount. But it will lead us to a serious problem of hatred among them. Fulfilling demands to split certain states, may give rise to similar demands from other states. Creation of small state will further divide India.

This is the time not to play political game and ensure internal security. If we fail to solve internal complications, then how we tackle external threats. Remember, it does not matter “state is small or big, most important thing is- who are our law maker and administrator and how honest he is with his job and nation.”

- PRATEEK DIXIT

#2 Naxalism "A Big Challenge for Indian Democracy"

The attack on congress convey by Naxalites in Darbha valley(Chhattisgarh) last month, again marked a black spot in history. Around 25 peoples killed including local leaders and several injured in the attack. This attack actually shows failure of the governmental policies against the Naxal movement.
Operation 'Green Hunt' was started in November 2009 to fight against Naxalites rebels by Indian Governments seems to be fail. Some are blaming to the operational disability of paramilitary forces. yes it is true that our paramilitary forces are trained to maintain law and order and not to fight against insurgencies, but reality on ground is very different.
The whole 'Red Corridor' which is affected by the serious problem, is tough geographic area. Military operations are very difficult  in that areas. It is hard to make difference between the innocent tribal people and rebels. And this is one of the main reasons that the government fails to make equal developments and planning as in other parts of the country going on. Since a long time the tribal people living a severe life. The are disappointed by the government, lost their faith in the Constitution, suppressed by the corrupt bureaucracy. And so they chose a way which is undemocratic and full of destruction.
To destroy the whole Naxal network is not a big deal for Indian Armed Forces, but to use them against our own people will give a wrong message. We can kill them but are is this a real solution? Answer is No. We have to go through the whole matter to the root of the problem. They want justice, equality and a life for which they misled themselves and picked up the weapons. Hostile Countries are helping them by providing arms and weapons so to unrest our country. 
It's time to take a productive steps by which we can solve the main problems of the tribal peoples. What it needs a essential start of development over that areas and giving them a better life to survive. By this way, we can bring them to the Mainstream of the country.

- PRATEEK DIXIT

#1 Social Media "The virtual world, affecting the real"

Some peoples wants to find their old friends or relatives those who was not in contact with them. For this purpose they created a gateway where peoples can search the others, meet them, share their interests and lovely moments by pics and videos resulting a new evolution of web called Social Media.

It gives a tremendous energy to Internet and successfully able to increase the number of people on it. This evolution led the world to a very open environment which is very different from the real world but affecting it.

This revolutionary event of changing the real world not happened in a blow but  gradually ignited by the stupid policies of the government. People since a long time badly affected by the policies which suppresses the voice of people and established a censored world where the media is also seeking only the popularity among peoples. Social Media provides a platform where people shares their view, opinions about anyone freely and feedbacked by others too. The result are extraordinary in the decade resulting a spread of historic transformation of rule over middle east countries named Arab Spring, which was started from Tunisia and covered several countries under it. Egypt, Libya, Yemen are another examples. Syria is still burning. This revolutions  was supported by Social Media in a very big manner, and provided a way to show their anger against the government.

Some rules in various countries are in scary that the Social media can diminish them too. They started censoring the content over Internet and restrict the use of Social media to stop the uprises of peoples. Communist China are the best example, where the Media and the Internet are under the shadow of censorship.

This great evolution of Internet can change the whole world and establish a better environment where people will not afraid by the government and easily share their views and opinions which truly helpful for the government too to make a people favourable policies. And this is happening. The only need is to understand the aim of Social media both by the rulers and the common peoples. We have to know the use and its effectiveness on our real life. If this will happen, Social sites are more than what we understand it today.

- Prateek Dixit