16 AN ECSTASY OF IDEAS THE TIMES OF INDIA, AHMEDABAD

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2017

A thought for today

One of the biggest curses from which India is suffering
I do not say that other countries are free from it, but I think
our condition is much worse is bribery and corruption
Mind Our Language
MUHAMMAD ALI JINNAH
Attempts to depose English subject our universities to dangerous social engineering
Indrajit.Hazra@timesgroup.com report: We are informed by the Indian

Toxic Corruption On the face of it, latest

utterances by HRD mini-
ster Prakash Javadekar
Science Congress ... we are importing every
month some 600 scientific and technical
journals in English and some 12,000 to
13,000 books on the various sciences
Throw the book at anyone found trying and by President Pranab which are published in the English langu-
Mukherjee sound good, age in the UK, the USA as well as other
to bribe Election Commission officials in any language. Javade- countries. It then goes on to suggest a
kar seems to have nudged the University translatory effort ... principally directed

D
ark clouds loom over AIADMK deputy general secretary TTV
Grants Commission (UGC) into making to text-books and an appropriate volume
Dinakarans political future after Delhi Police registered amends for the non-inclusion exclu- of supporting literature in which the
an FIR against him for allegedly trying to bribe Election sion being such an overbearingly nasty translation to Indian languages would
Commission (EC) officials, to regain the two-leaves election symbol word of academic journals written in be done by a small number of people ...
for his faction locked in a bitter fight with former chief minister O non-English Indian languages in the with no fall in academic standards by
Panneerselvam (OPS). The accusation against the nephew of UGCs approved list of publications. a general change of the medium.
AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala is very serious in nature Mukherjee, on the same day, All this seems welcome to Majumdar
approved recommendations made by until he comes to this bit: There is no
and must be probed thoroughly, with the book being thrown at the Committee of Parliament on Official reason to suppose that the scientific and
offenders. When institutions are being eroded all round the election Language (CPOL), including that of technical advances made in the West would
watchdog stands tall as one of the last defences of Indian democracy. asking dignitaries such as ministers not have come to bear on Indian life and
The alleged attempt to bribe EC officials and undermine its integrity and future presidents to make speeches conditions but for the instrumentality of
threatens the roots of our democratic institutions. in Hindi if they are familiar with the the English language in their conveyance.
As pressure is mounting on Dinakaran to quit, it is also a fight for language. The jury is still out there as Appalled, Majumdar replies: This
to whether Mukherjee himself makes astounding statement is absolutely
survival for AIADMK, thrown into a good advertisement for the Hindi inaccurate and I quote it here to show the
crisis since the demise of supreme language, but wo sab baat chhodo. anti-English bias of the commission ...
leader J Jayalalithaa. The then surro-

Unlike Mukherjees approval, though,
gate chief minister OPS was asked to Javadekars nudge should not automati-
resign and make way for Jayalalithaas cally be read as facilitating Hindi. After
long-time companion Sasikala. But all, he has mentioned vernacular langu-
ages that must surely include the presi-
Sasikalas conviction in a dispropor- dents first language Bengali and Tamil,
tionate assets corruption case in
the mother tongue of the chairman of the
February led to a bitter battle ninth CPOL report, P Chidambaram.
between OPS and Sasikala resulting But adding Hindi magazines and
in her loyalist, Edappadi K Palanisamy newspapers as part of Air Indias in-flight
(EPS), becoming chief minister. reading or, making Hindi a compulsory
subject from Class 8 to 10 in all CBSE and
With efforts now on to unite both factions the uneasiness over Kendriya Vidyalaya schools, subject to the
Dinakaran, who Jayalalithaa had expelled from the party in 2011, states approval as the CPOL suggested, is
has spilled over into public view. The FIR against Dinakaran in the one thing. UGC modifying its January 11
EC bribery case ought to be the last straw for him, after he was notice to expand/replace the list of appro-
perceived to be behind the bribing of voters that led to the ved journals in which academics can earn
cancellation of the RK Nagar assembly by-election earlier this more Academic Performance Indicators
(API) points for promotions and jobs by
month. AIADMK factions now ought to merge after working out a publishing in vernacular journals is quite
power sharing deal between the EPS and OPS factions, setting aside another. Teachers will also have to publish
the influence of Sasikala and her nephew. in the approved vernacular journals to be
EC has been the torch bearer in upholding the core value of able to supervise MPhil and PhD students.
keeping Indias electoral process fair and transparent. But EC I am unsure what the words for coercion
itself has come under fire from political parties practising a form and discrimination are in Hindi, but i will
duly look them up.
of hyper-partisanship as they blame EC for their losses. This needs The original purpose of a UGC list of
to end, while the attempt to bribe EC crosses a red line. The case journals was to clamp down on scholars
must be pursued vigorously and exemplary punishment handed
out to the guilty.
publishing in fake or dodgy journals
for jobs or promotions. But the latest
attempt in democratising knowledge
(and, thereby, opportunity) turns the
field into a dangerous, unnecessary zone
for language politics.
That Hindi and other non-English
Indian languages have historically come
with baggage that dragged them down is
undeniable. As is the fact that English
has not only been the proverbial link
language for a multilingual India, but
also a power language, its use, especially
with the confidence that comes from an
English medium-education, equipping
the speaker with a class-serrated
Sudarshan chakra his dehati counter-
part is not armed with.
But to artificially push the case of
vernacular languages at the cost of
endangering higher education learning
and teaching especially in, but hardly
confined to, science and technical
subjects where textbooks and research
material in non-English Indian langua-
ges are overwhelmingly unavailable is
Ram
I am unsure what the
words for coercion and
discrimination are in Hindi,
but i will duly look them up
a recipe for widening the very knowledge
divide being sought to be bridged.
Of course, the UGC list takes care
not to discriminate against English. It
merely discriminates in favour of
non-English Indian languages (read on-
ly if you want to: Hindi).
Government of India appointed the
Official Language Commission in 1955,
which submitted its report the next year.
Asoke Kumar Majumdar, after having
impressed KM Munshi, founder of
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, would go on to
become head of its postgraduate and
research department.
In his 1965 book Problem of Hindi: A
Study Majumdar, not a Nehruvian leftie
by a long shot, quotes the Commission
Technical education is entirely due to
English [language] education. It is no
use saying that ancient India was very
advanced technically, for it will not alter
the fact that today we are more backward
than any Western country.
This is one of the editors of Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavans The History and Culture
of the Indian People series speaking, not
an editor of the Economic and Political
Weekly. Instead of body-slamming our
universities into petri dishes for conduc-
ting social engineering experiments in,
the HRD ministry can, in its finite
wisdom, pick up one thing that the 1956
Commission report had recommended:
set up a nationwide mechanism where a
translatory effort from English and other
non-Indian language academic journals
into Indian languages (including English)
and vice versa can begin in earnest.
Till then, in an India that doesnt need
any prodding any more to use Hindi, the
new aspirational language, lets stick to
English for our higher education. Its just
more fruitful and easier to not end up
dumbing things down just to try and
balance a lingering cultural imbalance.

Comparing Kasabs case with Pakistans questionable Jadhav

Icebergs Tip trial is difference between rule of law and rule of the jungle
A lot more than Sonu Nigams sleep is Pakistan has refused Indias request court under civilian law? How does a Pakistani military
for consular access to former Indian navy The controversy over trial of civilians court differ from an Indian one?
getting disrupted by forced religiousness officer Kulbhushan Jadhav who has been by military courts in Pakistan is not new. Civilians are not tried in military
sentenced to death by a Pakistani army International groups and lawyers courts in India. Military law is primarily

B
y tweeting against noisy azaans that might disrupt ones early court martial on charges of espionage. bodies within Pakistan have staunchly meant for military offences and enfor-
morning sleep, singer Sonu Nigam has stirred a hornets nest. India, which has termed the sentence opposed the system wherein civilians cing discipline in the military. Further,
Nigams objection is to loudspeaker use, and to that extent his pre-meditated murder has warned are tried by kangaroo military courts persons charged with espionage are
complaint is valid. While rules exist to regulate the amount of noise Pakistan of dire consequences if it is comprising army officers not trained in granted all rights as are available to our
carried out. As the diplomatic battle plays law, in secret locations without the benefit citizens and in fact in many instances
one can emit in residential areas, in practice those rules are routinely
out Major Navdeep Singh, advo- of a counsel and without any are ultimately acquitted since our
violated whether they be for azaan, kirtans, religious festivals, cate in the Punjab and Haryana effective appellate process. But judiciary is not a part of the state and is
election campaigns, weddings or even house parties. And authorities high court and founding president strangely such draconian provi- fiercely independent of official influence
make a special exception to enforcing the rules for religious occasions. of the Armed Forces Tribunal Bar sions were upheld by the Supreme or emotions of deshbhakti, and rightly
However, by raising the question when will this forced Association, spoke to Nalin Mehta Court of Pakistan. It is however so. What sets us apart is the strong
religiousness end in India? Nigam has on the legal options before Jadhav and the admirable and encouraging that, from oversight over military justice and other
problem with Pakistani law: what news reports suggest, the Supreme administrative actions of the military
opened a Pandoras box. It is unlikely that
Court Bar Association of Pakistan is rai- by our constitutional courts the high
he himself sees where his question is While the Indian government has sing another challenge to this charade. courts and the Supreme Court and their
leading. For forced religiousness is initiated a strong diplomatic response What is the primary difference utmost deference to the precious rights
everywhere in India, and may account for to the death sentence awarded to between a military trial, such as the of soldiers and their families, which has
the fragile quality of its secularism. It is Kulbhushan Jadhav, what are the legal one that Jadhav got, and a regular kept unbridled powers in check.
there, for example, in Indias personal laws; options available to him in Pakistan? one in Pakistan? Legally, what are Jadhavs options
Jadhav has 40 days to appeal against Firstly, a court martial in Pakistan now?
it is there when books and films are banned;
the sentence before Pakistans army does not enjoy independence. The Beyond the merits and diplomatic
it is also there when administrations look chief and then approach Pakistans prosecuting agency, the prosecution, the aspects, what hurts is that Jadhav has not
the other way as communal riots rage. It president for pardon. Any real remedy to defence, members of the jury, convening prosecution and a decision by a proper been convicted by a real court after a fair
was there when Congress governments instituted bans on cow the superior civil judiciary is barred by and confirming authority and shockingly judge trained in law, over months or even trial following proper principles of natural
slaughter, which were further ramified when BJP governments Section 133 of the Pakistan Army Act even the appellate body, function under years, all procedures are bypassed in a justice, representation and appreciation
ushered in food bans and draconian punishments for religious (PAA), and the so-called appeal lies one agency, that is, the military, and it is military trial and a non-challengeable of evidence, but by a kangaroo military
before a body of serving military all thoroughly delimited by command verdict is handed out in a few minutes. jury in a secret location with a trial lasting
offences even as lawless vigilantes have disrupted the movement or A comparison of the trial in the
officers headed usually by a brigadier influence. Secondly, the system does not a few minutes based upon some doctored
sale of cattle, harming the dairy, leather and meat industries. and constituted by Pakistans chief of conform to Article 14 of the International supposedly open-and-shut case of Kasab admission obtained in custody and thro-
Indian political parties may selectively take umbrage at some of the army staff (Section 133B PAA) which Convention of Civil and Political Rights in India with the questionable trial of ugh a confidential verdict. But thankfully,
these manifestations, depending on which part of the country or examines the punishment confirmed by wherein a fair and public hearing by a Jadhav in Pakistan makes an interesting India is not alone in raising a voice against
ideological spectrum they happen to be located, but there is no party the same chief. Farcical would be much competent, independent and impartial study in this regard. While there were trial of civilians by military courts and
willing to challenge most or all of the manifestations of forced too light a word to use here. tribunal is ordained. Thirdly, while the shrill voices against the prolonged process Pakistans own civil society and legal
Wasnt it deeply problematic civil judiciary would provide the full in Kasabs case, it was carried out transpa- fraternity have raised a red flag. May they
religiousness. Therefore, to answer Nigams pointed question, rently and that is what distinguishes rule
that Jadhav was tried by a military spectrum of rights and defence, succeed in humanising their system and
forced religiousness may actually be increasing by leaps and court martial rather than by a examination of evidence, professional of law from law of the jungle. may we succeed in saving Jadhav.
bounds in India, and a lot more than his sleep is getting disrupted
thereby. Nevertheless, one must be grateful to him for pointing
out the elephant in the room. The question now is, to tweak an old
dilbert Sacredspace
metaphor, who is going to bell the elephant?
Sign Of Liberation
He who knows that all
Antisocial media activities merely happen
because of the mere existence
Networking sites are increasingly becoming of consciousness even as a
platforms for spreading vitriol instead of views crystal reflects the objects
around it without intending
Jug Suraiya
to do so is liberated.
*$%@*$@%**!!! Chances are that youve already got, or are
likely to get, a message like this except with expletives Yoga Vasishta
explicitly undeleted on whatever social media site you use.
Social media is increasingly becoming antisocial media,

Simple Curiosity And Friendly Curiosity

and Facebook is becoming in-your-Facebook.
In India and elsewhere, social media has led to literally
revolutionary changes. It was social media that led to the blossoming of the Arab
Spring in West Asia and the non-violent dethroning of autocratic regimes.
In India social media continues to be a conduit of information and opinion, Marguerite Theophil finding all subjects and topics fascinating; some unwelcome help from adults curiosity alive. But for this, you need to
on anything and everything from recipes to home remedies for common exploring and discovering. It is positively around them, curiosity can be blocked in commit to travel with an open mind; to

R
ailments, from where to find a reliable plumber to how to get rid of the termites emember the annoying aunt, correlated with creativity, intelligence, children by evoking anxiety, guilt, refuse to constantly find fault; to draw on
that have suddenly infested your home. uncle or teacher, who poured cold problem-solving ability, autonomy, a sense competitiveness and self-consciousness, your sense of humour; try new things; not
More than the press, and even TV, social media has initiated and given water on your eager questioning of personal control, and a willingness to fear of the unknown and fear of failure. yearn for the way things are back home
momentum to important social change, from promoting womens safety to with a dismissive Curiosity killed the challenge the status quo. It is also associa- The good news is that as adults, curiosity for heavens sake you are not at home!
protecting consumer rights. cat!? Fortunately many educators today ted with positivity, subjective well-being, can always be reawakened. Anyone can Mindfulness experts have an inter-
But all this good work is in danger of being undone thanks to a particular are regarding curiosity as a strength, better long-term health, longevity and strengthen this quality with intention, esting phrase; we are invited to observe the
breed of pest which thrives in the largely even in a marks-obsessed educational positive interpersonal relationships. attention and practice. When we are curious present moment with friendly curiosity.
unregulated free-for-all of social media: the troll. culture like ours. But curiosity works in two about something, learning is This helps to clarify whats really happe-
secondopinion In Scandinavian mythology, trolls are ugly Children exhibiting high levels of ways. The same adventurous easier. By following your curiosity, ning and prevents harmful reactions, like
monsters who live in caves. In todays e-world, curiosity were found to experience higher impulses that drive curious pursuing meaningful challenges, getting angry and frustrated, or even
trolls are ugly monsters who live in the caverns of cyberspace from which they levels of satisfaction with life, and greater people to pursue multiple you can experience new levels of reacting violently.
exude their toxic malice through hate mails aimed at any and all who disagree success as adults than their more disenga- interests, to persist at what they joy and fulfilment at any age. Friendly curiosity also helps with
with them. ged peers. It comes as a surprise perhaps, do, to risk failure, may also lead Overcoming fear of failure is negative emotions. If you feel angry, sad,
Whatever the topic in question the pros and cons of demonetisation, to learn that the person who said, I have them to disregard danger or get tied to this. One way that helps anxious, or lonely, look at the feelings
whether cow slaughter ought to be banned, are pellet guns the right response to no special talents. I am only passionately involved in hazardous is to enlist a friend to join you in with interest; theyre trying to tell you
stone-pelting in Kashmir the troll turns debate into diatribe, argument into curious, was Albert Einstein. activities. Still, according to the pursuing a new interest. Making a something: you need to take better care of
verbal abuse, as Neanderthal in its lack of logic as in its grammar and spelling.
The troll is testimony to the unpalatable truth that every positive action has
According to a study by Christopher
Peterson and Martin Seligman, curiosi-
social psychologists, the enrich-
ment that curious people speaking pact that youre going to do this
together, support, challenge,
yourself, your life is out of balance, youre
in a difficult situation and need support.
an equal and opposite reactionary. ty is one of the 24 significant character experience generally outweighs tree encourage but not judge each Being friendly and curious, rather than
The troll mantra is not Make in India but Muck in India. And the troll objective strengths and virtues common to hu- the negative effects of the risks they take. other, provides great encouragement. ignoring the feelings or trying to get rid of
is to throw however much dirt if takes to turn social media into antisocial muddier. mankind. Sadly, many naturally curious, in Travelling especially without the them, youre more likely to hear their
secondopinion@timesgroup.com Their list defines curiosity as taking an terested children grow into stodgy, supposed ease and constraints of messages and do something constructive.
http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jugglebandi/ interest in all of ongoing experience; complacent, even boring adults! With conducted tours is the best way to keep Post your comments at speakingtree.in