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List of Articles Social Analysis & Commentary | Water Issues & Climate Change | India-Pakistan Relations & Kashmir | Looking Beyond India's Borders | Book Reviews & Excerpts Social Analysis & Commentary Crisis as Opportunity / The tragedy of “Kashmir” from the start has been that the part has been conflated with the whole. Kashmir is less than J&K. Urban Immobility Threatens / Innovative reforms are required to cope with crippling urban snarls, fast spreading from metros to medium and even smaller towns. The Real Battle: Equal Opportunity / Everybody, it seems, wants to be declared “backward” in order to move “forward” on crutches. Development, Resource Depletion, Lifestyles / Natural resources are national assets that belong to the people and ideally exploited by the public sector, but conservation, pricing and technology need examination. The Stench We Live With / Bhopal was no “accident”. It was an accident waiting to happen. Priority must be given now to a genuine healing and cleanup – not just abstract “justice”. Tackling Maoism Another Way / Rehearsing the past does not answer the challenge of the future. Where then do we go from here as the Maoists keep tormenting state and society with people’s war and class annihilation? Loose Cannons Volley and Thunder / From junior ministers sounding off out of turn and sordid influence peddling for control of the airwaves to “paid news” scandals, a litany of disorder. Bizarre Classification Policy / It is time to declassify material and open it fully to public scrutiny. Only then can we have an “Indian” version of history. Good Omens for a Naga Resolution / Any agreement with the NSCN-IM is likely to exercise a profound influence on other warring groups. Blood On Their Hands / Called by a Tribunal at long last, the vehemence of Narendra Modi’s protestations appears proportionate to his own sense of guilt over the genocide of Muslims in Gujarat in 2002. Grudging Men Empower Women / The women’s reservation Bill got rough passage through the Rajya Sabha. In the teeth of opposition from caste-based parties, the Congress has thus far stood firm. Towards a Naga Settlement / Both the Naga and the larger Indian leadership and societies need to abandon outworn notions to embrace emerging opportunities. Oh, Manipur! Will it turn the corner? / Despite the violence and missed opportunities, Manipur, the Northeast’s most thorny issue, could be resolved with the right medicine. When Will They Ever Learn? / It is time the government stood up to the Shiv Sena’s hooliganism and said “No.” The movie My Name is Khan screened despite the threats, and rightly so. New Standards for New Decade / Standards are vital for if India is truly to become an emerging “power” it must strive for the highest standards, which are hallmarks of leadership. Aspects of Governance / A nation that does not learn from history risks repeating its mistakes. It is time to examine good governance and take steps in the right direction. Ends and Means: Ayodhya and Telengana / There is an optimal numerical and areal span for good governance. But small is not necessarily ideal, nor big bad. Symptoms of Desperation / The Shopian expose by the CBI and a panel of doctors shows no evidence of rape. It was a set-up. Now the separatists are upping the volume. Lament for the Media / The “sale” of paid news packages for slanted electoral coverage has gone from low-level viral outbreak to full-blown epidemic. A Cruel Charade / After 17 years, the Liberhan Commission produces a 1,000-page report that sheds little light. In any event, many of the actors are now dead. Stemming The Rot / More sittings for Parliament and some overdue reform could enable this august body to come to grips with real debate and issues. Maoists Soften, RSS Hardens Stand / Respected individuals, NGOs and others could act as intermediaries to establish contact, bring emissaries from the two sides together and play a catalytic role. Talking With The Maoists / The State is not at war with the Maoists but it is certainly engaged in enhanced law and order operations against a misguided movement. Yet, the door to dialogue should remain open. Cooperation in a Time of Uncertainty / Bangladesh and India have much to share and learn from one another as each has accomplishments of which it can be proud. Jumpy, Jingoistic and Muddled in Turn / Political speculation and media reaction to the Pakistan nuclear build-up indicates a jumpiness that encourages thoughtless adventurism. India At 62 / India’s plurality finds expression in its secular and democratic ethos that has withstood constant buffeting. The BJP Loses The Plot / The BJP has shot itself in the foot with Jaswant Singh’s expulsion and lacks coherence and maturity in responding to real issues he raised regarding Jinnah. Midsummer Madness / Summer heat and addled minds from West Bengal to Pakistan as the BJP too grapples with its Hindutva and identity. Failure, Nemesis, Opportunity / The CPM's failure has meant that a considerable number of tribals, dalits and peasants have been driven into the hands of the Maoists. A Moment of Truth / While there is room for a moderate Right, nothing will change for the BJP unless it gives up its Hindutva ideology and breaks free of the bondage of the RSS and its Parivar. Get Down To It Now / With a fresh mandate it is time for the government to get down to governing, disciplining unruly MPs, dealing with neglected sectors and reviewing the balance between need and greed. Disgraceful Cover Ups / The Quattrocchi affair is a disgrace but, fortunately, not all cover-ups remain permanently under wraps. Electoral Gamesmanship on Lanka / It is shortsighted for Tamil Nadu to force the Centre into pressuring Colombo on behalf of the LTTE, a proscribed organization. Self-Appointed Protectors Vandalise India / India faces grave danger from the narrow, intolerant “cultural nationalism” spawned by the Sangh Parivar. It is an aberration, foreign to India. Bloody Lessons From Mumbai / The heroism must be applauded. But anti-terror operations as in Mumbai need a clear chain of command, controlled perimeters, better communication, and a coherent public face. Beware Perverse Patriotism / Perverse patriotism fed on false notions of “nationalism” must be squarely fought. Terrorism is terrorism, irrespective of community. Pump-Priming the Global Economy / Lessons from the global economic debacle and why the government should plough some of its foreign exchange reserves into agriculture, health, housing and infrastructure. Communalism and Terror Combine in New Threat / Combating terrorism requires cool heads and sober leadership, not lynch-mob rhetoric and finger-pointing. Treading Dangerously in Tamil Waters /The DMK’s action in holding a gun to the government’s head, demanding the Centre intervene on behalf of the LTTE, is fraught with peril. Here’s why. No Condoning Soft Terror /Seeds of social hatred must be countered. Remember, Hindutva is not Hinduism. The latter is profoundly tolerant, catholic and accommodating. More Than Glaciers Are Melting /The India-US nuclear deal paves the way for clean, renewable energy as the global reordering continues from Wall Street to Gujarat (minus Bengal). Much Reprocessing, No Enrichment / Singur is symptomatic of a malaise that requires urgent attention. It is time to tackle poverty and its root causes. Luddites move over. India Unshackled / India has a chance to move ahead with new alignments, reform, and a crack at finally becoming a top global player. Towards a New Federalism / For federalism to work, governors need to be independent functionaries and not the Centre’s lackeys. Towards an Achieving and Just Society / Education reform is perhaps India’s greatest challenge. Now the Supreme Court weighs in. Debasing the Coinage / Unfortunately, rank, status, money and muscle are placing all too many above the law. Hooray For Nano! / What Nano proves is that India too can dream and innovate. Now wait for the multiplier effect. Our Land of the Rising Sun / The development of Arunachal is the best antidote to Chinese claims. Keeping Faith With the Constitution / The Supreme Court’s dismissal of frivolous cases against artist M F Husain is to be lauded. The question is, what kind of India do we want? Naked And Unashamed in Gujarat / The Congress is fast losing its moral authority as the BJP side-steps key issues and Gujarat critics turn a blind eye. Comrades With Arms / Nandigram raises issues that must be addressed. Is this the Left’s last hurrah? Making a New Start / The President represents the nation’s conscience. The work is “political” though not partisan. Poll over, this is a new beginning. The Muslim Condition in India: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow / Accelerated economic growth, education, and a rapprochment with Pakistan are key elements in liberation. The Indian idea: towards fraternity / Gujarat has questioned the very idea of India. It is time now to revitalise India's incredible diversity. Lessons from Gujarat / The answer does not lie in retreating into an imagined past that is exclusive and divisive, but in focusing on the future. Northeast: unfinished business / Pointers towards restructure, reform and reconciliation in India's troubled frontier and why it is time now to get on with the job. Outcast, convert, citizen, reform / The quagmire of caste and discrimination fuels impetus for new Faiths. The Tamil Nadu Conversion Act misses the point and blurs Church-and-State distinctions. Who's afraid of a Unified Civil Code? / The bogey that a uniform civil code (UCC) necessarily entails the repeal of personal laws needs to be laid to rest. This is simply not so. Bringing Down Walls of Hate and Fear / Don't let mafia goons masquerading under the garb of religion create a permanent divide in Ahmedabad. Nowhere People No Address, No Rights / Understanding and dealing with migration stress and distress. Middle India Under Siege / In Chattisgarh, confrontation and state-sponsored vigilantes are queering the pitch. South's Demographic Transition Complete / Stable demographics in India's southern states is a great leap forward. Rediscovering Delhi, Underground and Over Ground / The redevelopment of Delhi – with the advent of the Metro – could set a model for the revival of other inner cities in the country. Best Bakery to Jessica: Between Hope and Anger / The judgement on the Best Bakery case redeems justice in Gujarat. But what of Jessica Lall? Reflections on Gandhi and Gandhi / Gandhi has been ritualised and frozen. Yet he was a dynamic force. Change is good. Parties need to nurture younger cadres and hear new voices. Right to Information Remains Alive and Well / Officials maintain proposed amendments do not demolish the RTI Act. Water Issues & Climate Change The Inconvenient Truth / Responding to Pakistan’s Water Concerns and Challenges. Ideology Threatens Indus Treaty / Ideologues and jihadis many cavil at cooperation and ground realities, but climate change will not respect boundaries or political sophistry. Pakistan Gamesmanship on Water / The Indus Waters Treaty has worked well in a harsh environment of recurrent war and recrimination under the watchful eye of the Indus Commission. Political Fuss Over The Indus / The Indus Water Treaty is a triumph and must be worked into the Indo-Pakistan peace process to ensure stability and insure against climate change. Transboundary River Management for Climate Resilience / From Kathmandu to Copenhagen: A Vision for Addressing Climate Change Risks and Opportunities in the Himalaya Region From Kathmandu to Copenhagen / The common peril of climate change could foster a new beginning for the Greater Himalaya countries. And Quiet Flows The Barak / India and Bangladesh need to find common ground on water sharing. Tipaimukh dam will moderate floods and aid fisheries, navigation, and salinity control. New Charter for Water / Waiting for the rains – again – as climate change takes it toll. It is time to start managing India’s water future. Response to Kosi: Rebuilding Relationships / After the Bihar floods, a magnificent opportunity to rebuild and reorder society and renewed development. Dams, Development, Displacement, Tribals / Chinmanbhai Patel lecture: Water is often taken for granted, but only so long as it is available. In India, water availability is hugely skewed, spatially and seasonally. Water Conservation and Climate / The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal may help lay to rest a long-standing controversy. Yet there are some worrying omissions. India-Pakistan Relations & Kashmir Rebuilding Trust, Civil Supremacy / The Thimphu meeting on the margins of the SARC summit between Dr Manmohan Singh and Yousaf Raza Gilani could usher a welcome thaw in Indo-Pakistan relations. AfPak: Will They, Won’t They? / Some silver linings as Pakistan’s civilian leadership appears to be in the ascendant rolling back authoritarian holdovers but the military still calls the shots. Beyond “Lectures” and “Literature” / Quiet discussion and tutorials after a pause have their place too. The Prime Minister is not alone in seeing value in engagement with Pakistan after the post-26/11 stand-off. Seven Dossiers and Still Waiting / As India relives the horror of 26/11, Pakistan protects those responsible yet reels in a terror inferno of its own making. What is the way forward? Kashmir Hopes Rise Above Terror / More jihad over J&K may hurt India but threatens to destroy Pakistan which confronts an end-game. Taming Pakistan’s Military / As the noose tightens around Pakistan’s military over missing billions, it is time for the country to doff its camouflage green and return to humanistic Sufi Islam. Cutting the AfPak Gordian Knot / Pakistan “confessions” on terror and the hit-India knee-jerk policy are pouring forth. What is the way forward? Jaswant’s Jinnah: Understanding Pakistan / Singh’s singular effort to seek a new beginning in his book “Jinnah”, should trigger debate on how things can be mended rather than buried in barren acrimony. From Tragedy to Triumph / Jinnah’s first surprisingly secular and open address to the Pakistan Constituent Assembly has gathered mould while the country slipped into denial. Now, new opportunities beckon for India and Pakistan to stand shoulder to shoulder. Detoxifying Pakistan / The J&K polls have been a triumph of self-determination over the gun. Kashmir is neither a “Muslim” issue nor a “disputed” territory as the West blindly believes. Stay Focused, Act Responsibly / We need to strengthen democratic forces in Pakistan, and they in turn must stop living in a world of make-believe. India is not out to destroy Pakistan. A Great Window of Opportunity /The government has called the separatists’ bluff with the decision to hold the Jammu & Kashmir elections. Elections Equal Self-Determination, QED / The shadow of Kashmir elections has jehadis and self-styled “self- determination” proponents on the run. It is time to let the people speak. Grand Reconciliation not Utopian / The “grand (Indo-Pakistan) reconciliation” that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister ventured to project is no utopian ideal. There are positive signals. Supping With The Devil / The US joins Musharraf’s charade but the game is up. Musharraf has destroyed every vestige of trust in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Enemy Within / Army & Business / Pakistan's military-business combine poses the biggest threat to democracy, stability and genuine economic progress. Getting it right in Jammu and Kashmir / The Indian Government needs a coherrent policy on Kashmir. Cut-and-paste improvisation simply will not do. Elections in J&K are a sound first step. Here's why. Forward From Baglihar / Why Pakistan's fuss over this hydro-electric project is a storm in a teacup. On your marks, get set, but go forward / It is time for India and Pakistan to stop circling each other. They must find the middle ground and move briskly forward taking into account current realities. Looking Beyond India's Borders Chinese Chequers and Dam(n) Nonsense / The East Asian summit in Bangkok may provide in the margins an opportunity for Indo-Chinese dialogue to clear the air on both the border and the Brahmaputra. Thaw in Myanmar? / Delhi should continue quietly to press the Junta to open up so that the path to a democratic restoration for all of Myanmar’s varied people is eased. Kosovo UDI Problematic / NATO, midwife to Kosovo’s UDI, seems determined to start a new cold war by insisting on spreading eastwards and setting up new missile defence rings. The Cry of Freedom / The authorities hope to pacify Tibet behind a cloak of censorship. Modern technology, however, makes this a difficult task. Africa: Neighbour Across the Ocean / The First Indo-African Forum Summit is a welcome initiative that lays the foundation for an important new strategic and economic partnership. Unique Opportunity in Nepal / The Maoists were surprised by their own success in a fair and open election. Their task will now be to keep exuberant youth cadres in check. Chinese Jitters Over Tibet / Talk of an Olympic boycott is misplaced but India should urge Beijing to show restraint and open a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Fashioning a Policy for Myanmar / Sanctions don’t work. India needs to work with others to bring about a speeded process of national consultation and economic regeneration. Land bridges in inner Asia / The opening up of an India-China corridor through Sikkim and Tibet offers huge opportunity and gain for both in the long run. It is time to settle boundary issues in a pragmatic manner. Rupee devaluation rollercoaster / Outlook magazine excerpt from BG Verghese’s memoirs, First Draft: The Making of Modern India, to be published by Tranquebar Press/ Westland Ltd, in February 2010. Pakistan’s Search for Identity / With Pakistan struggling to find its identity, regardless of any rapprochement with Delhi, there will always be a search for a substitute “Kashmir problem”. Farzana Shaikh, explains why in her latest book, Making Sense of Pakistan (Hurst Press, London, 2009). Kashmir, through an old, distorted prism / The Kashmir Dispute: Making Borders Irrelevant, by P RChari, Hasan Askari Rizvi, Rashid Ahmed Khan, S Suba Chandran. Samskriti. New Delhi, 2009. 130 pages. Advani’s Cloistered World / L K Advani's political biography, My Country, My Life is conspicuously devoid of vision and sense of underlying history. No big picture emerges from this disappointing tome. Proliferating Terror / Deception at our doorstep / Deception: Pakistan, the United States and the Global Nuclear Weapons Conspiracy by Adrian Levy and Catherine Scott-Clark. Penguin, 2007. Gandhi / the Man Behind the Metaphor /
Mohandas: A True Story of a Man, A People and an Empire by Rajmohan Gandhi. Penguin/Viking, 2006. Misconceived and mischievous / Eulogised by the Home Minister, the book, "Religious Demography in India" is packed with bogus sociology and dangerous prejudice.
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