BANANA HANGER

Promod Puri

Ever since it was first introduced in the kitchen accessories section of departmental stores I am still debating to buy it or not. Over the last 10 years or more, when the object of my moot was first displayed as an innovative and somewhat bizarre item, it has been a challenge to my buying impulse. 

During this X-Mas season of all the popular and useful gifts items Banana Hanger is at the bottom of my list. And it has been sitting there ever since its first appearance.

I can buy a 'banana guard' to protect it from spoilage or an apple peeler, but banana hanger still has to hang on till I am convinced of its merit(s). I use shirt hanger, pant hanger and even I can think of buying a tie hanger, but for banana hanger 'not yet'.

I remember once getting a banana hanger as a gift perhaps during the holiday season or on my birthday. The dilemma was what to do with that, to use it or to pass on to somebody else. Rejecting the both, I thought of leaving it out in our back alley for street collectors. But the idea was outwardly rejected too. The reason was simple these people love to have bananas not banana hanger. The poor gift item finally landed in at the Salvation Army thrift store.

I do admire the craftsmanship involved in its design and its usability to hang a bunch of  bananas ( not overly ripe ones ). With its sleekness and curves it does have an aesthetic value and adorn dining table. But my only apprehension is that what I am going to do with this gizmo when I am left with a single banana. I can't hang the lonely one on it. Moreover, unlike monkeys my appetite for bananas is limited.

Despite my aversion to banana hangers the fact is that these are still being sold and people are buying them for their own use or as a gift item. Smart invention, great marketing!

While the BH is on my wait list, I certainly would not buy some "useless products" which sprout up abundantly during the Christmas Season. These include: ear dryer, shoes with tiny umbrellas at toes, hat with false hair, lighted slippers, bacon floss, egg cuber, underpants for hands, and many more.

Happy Holidays

Pastime On Stairs

Pastime On Stairs

By Promod Puri

The fun in life includes some simple recreational activities in our daily life. And the one I like the most is just a few steps away as part of my everyday up and down commute.

These are the stairs leading up to our apartment. Over the years I have done this personal Grind hundreds of time. Although my experience with stairs is quite extensive, still I would not call myself a stair-master.

But as a veteran of the stairs I have learnt some techniques and some dos and don'ts of going up or down. These know-hows are not meant for practicing to hike Mt. Everest, but simply to enjoy the staircase walk as a physical activity. Stairs make an excellent place to get daily dose of cardio and some belly alignment.

They say keep a balance in life. That is true for stairs too.

In this upscale workout keeping the body in balance is essential. Tripping and slipping often happen when the body wobbles due to imbalance. Balancing exercises are quite common in gym. A popular one is trying to balance body on a hemisphere shaped ball. At home one can practice balance by standing on one foot or keeping one foot in front of the other for as long as possible. Balance requires concentration. Or to be more precise it is meditation in action to coordinate mind and body.

A brief stretching of legs, keeping a uniform pace and raising each leg almost parallel to upper body for each step, are some of the tips of the trade. At little advance stage one can climb two steps at a time. Or do a little bit of descending acrobat of lifting the entire body by firmly holding railings on either side and then dropping both the feet on just one step down, not two.

Another tip: While going up or down, heels or toes should not be hanging down rather whole foot be placed on each step. This gives full footing with more safety as well. A trivial act of misplacing a foot can be the cause of a serious fall. Looking down is not only a humble posture but a better choice to avoid stair accident.

If safety is the main concern, and it should be, then the cardinal principle is the use of hand-railings all along the stairs. Railing is primarily meant to be a support system for fall-free stair walk. Curves, bends and sleekness of a staircase are the aesthetic elements which don't promise safety.

It is often said when going up or down the stairs do NOTHING but going up and down the stairs. No phone, no buttoning of shirt, etc.

Keeping these safeguards in mind stairs offer a simple, easy and free recreational activity.

Have a good time with stairs step by step.

India-Pakistan - Promod Puri

India, Pakistan: Same Culture, Same Traditions But Still Fighting

By Promod Puri

( In view of the recent border fighting empathy toward the peoples of India and Pakistan has been the main reason in writing this article. The objective is not only to underscore  the commonalities among them but to make these known both within the two nations and the rest of the world as well ).

P

Flip the coin and on one side India and Pakistan seem to be combating with each other for ever. On the other side they are sharing the same bread of common roots, common cultures, languages and traditions. 

This love and hate relationship between the two neighbors is both as a result of natural and historic bonding between the peoples of the two countries. At the same time there is the hostility generated by militancy from Pakistan and India's dithering stand in resolving the Kashmir problem.

In 1947 when the British colonial rulers left the Indian subcontinent Pakistan was established. It was on the basis that the Muslims population would have their own country. This was done by simply drawing a distorted boundary line along the north-western part of the united India. A similar line was drawn in the northeastern part. Thus a geographically unique nation of Pakistan, with miles apart east and west regions, was constituted.

The partition of the united India in practically three regions saw one of the worst communal riots. In this abrupt war of hatred hundreds of thousands of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were killed. Millions faced unprecedented miseries as a result of sudden uprooting of people from their ancestral homes and lands. 

In that bloody anarchy, however, Pakistan got its Muslim majority. 

But the genesis of Pakistan based on one religion could not represent the diversity within its Muslim population. Different languages, different cultures, along with different sects within Islam were part of the reality of Pakistan as well. The result East Pakistan was completely scratched out from the map. And a new nation of Bangladesh was born. This was a negation to the perception that a common religion would hold the nation together irrespective of its cultural, linguistic and ethnic pluralities.

In this context one wonders why the subcontinent was divided in the first place. If carving a Muslim state was the main reason to establish Pakistan then it did not take in its fold all the Muslims in the united India. Nor it could address the regional and diverse cultural and linguistic aspirations of its people. Urdu or Hindusthani speaking migrants settled in the Sind and Punjab provinces of Pakistan felt alienated.

Moreover, the division of the sub-continent generated a never ending hostility between India and Pakistan which is dominated by the Kashmir problem. 

Pakistan bases its argument that the state of Jammu & Kashmir has majority Muslim population. And that it should be part of the country. Whereas India's position is that Kashmir belongs to India because the autocrat ruler of the state did sign the accession treaty with India.

Also is the fact that India itself took the Kashmir issue before the United Nations. The latter passed a majority resolution that a plebiscite must be conducted in the state so the people can decide their future to belong to Pakistan, remain with India or stay independent.

However, the problem is not that simple. Being just a Muslim majority state is not the only determining factor to decide its fate. The state is extremely heterogeneous.

People in the Valley of Kashmir speak Kashmiri language. And being most outspoken Kashmiris control the politics of the entire State of Jammu & Kashmir. That leaves the regions of Jammu and Ladakh totally out of the picture in the ongoing issue of the un-representative Kashmir Problem. 

Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are culturally, linguistically, religiously and even geographically three distinct regions of the disputed state.

Equally important is the non-Kashmiri speaking region of Azad Kashmir now under Pakistan control. And which was once part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir under the Maharaja rule before 1947. People here speak Pahari dialects, including Mirpuri, which are akin to the Punjabi dialects, but altogether different than the Kashmiri language. And that is the reason people in the Azad Kashmir region of the state are fundamentally different both linguistically and culturally than the those in the Kashmir valley. Their affinities are more toward the people of the Jammu region.

It is the Jammu and Azad Kashmir regions of the state which suffered the most during the partition period. And whenever India and Pakistan border flares up, as has happened recently, this is the area of hostility between the combating forces resulting in immense suffering for the people living on both sides of the border.

Pakistan views the Kashmir problem from only one aspect that it is Muslim in majority. That is true. But that is not the reason, and should not be the reason for its being part of Pakistan. And as far as India is concerned both its leadership and the deliberating bureaucrats always try to put the Kashmir problem on a back burner as it is a non-issue.

Referendum can be a part of the solution toward Kashmir tangle. But in the changed political and economic situations it will not end the problem for good. Still, India now with its strong governing leadership and offering better economic alternative for the state than Pakistan, need not shy away from this democratic exercise of plebiscite. It could be very bold step toward an effort to resolve the Kashmir tangle.

However, beside seriously handling the Kashmir problem there is much more as far as the relations between the two nations are concerned. India and Pakistan are two different ruling entities. But historically, culturally and even emotionally they are together as one people. Their heritage is the same and will remain the same for ever.

And the side of the coin which displays the ugly site of hostality between the two countries could be replaced by two friendly neighbors sharing their traditional bread.

( Promod Puri is a former editor and publisher of South Asian Canadian weekly newspaper, The Link, retired and resides in Vancouver, Canada).

India, Pakistan: Same Culture, Same Traditions But Still Fighting

By Promod Puri

( In view of the recent border fighting empathy toward the peoples of India and Pakistan has been the main reason in writing this article. The objective is not only to underscore  the commonalities among them but to make these known both within the two nations and the rest of the world as well ).

P

Flip the coin and on one side India and Pakistan seem to be combating with each other for ever. On the other side they are sharing the same bread of common roots, common cultures, languages and traditions. 

This love and hate relationship between the two neighbors is both as a result of natural and historic bonding between the peoples of the two countries. At the same time there is the hostility generated by militancy from Pakistan and India's dithering stand in resolving the Kashmir problem.

In 1947 when the British colonial rulers left the Indian subcontinent Pakistan was established. It was on the basis that the Muslims population would have their own country. This was done by simply drawing a distorted boundary line along the north-western part of the united India. A similar line was drawn in the northeastern part. Thus a geographically unique nation of Pakistan, with miles apart east and west regions, was constituted.

The partition of the united India in practically three regions saw one of the worst communal riots. In this abrupt war of hatred hundreds of thousands of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were killed. Millions faced unprecedented miseries as a result of sudden uprooting of people from their ancestral homes and lands. 

In that bloody anarchy, however, Pakistan got its Muslim majority. 

But the genesis of Pakistan based on one religion could not represent the diversity within its Muslim population. Different languages, different cultures, along with different sects within Islam were part of the reality of Pakistan as well. The result East Pakistan was completely scratched out from the map. And a new nation of Bangladesh was born. This was a negation to the perception that a common religion would hold the nation together irrespective of its cultural, linguistic and ethnic pluralities.

In this context one wonders why the subcontinent was divided in the first place. If carving a Muslim state was the main reason to establish Pakistan then it did not take in its fold all the Muslims in the united India. Nor it could address the regional and diverse cultural and linguistic aspirations of its people. Urdu or Hindusthani speaking migrants settled in the Sind and Punjab provinces of Pakistan felt alienated.

Moreover, the division of the sub-continent generated a never ending hostility between India and Pakistan which is dominated by the Kashmir problem. 

Pakistan bases its argument that the state of Jammu & Kashmir has majority Muslim population. And that it should be part of the country. Whereas India's position is that Kashmir belongs to India because the autocrat ruler of the state did sign the accession treaty with India.

Also is the fact that India itself took the Kashmir issue before the United Nations. The latter passed a majority resolution that a plebiscite must be conducted in the state so the people can decide their future to belong to Pakistan, remain with India or stay independent.

However, the problem is not that simple. Being just a Muslim majority state is not the only determining factor to decide its fate. The state is extremely heterogeneous.

People in the Valley of Kashmir speak Kashmiri language. And being most outspoken Kashmiris control the politics of the entire State of Jammu & Kashmir. That leaves the regions of Jammu and Ladakh totally out of the picture in the ongoing issue of the un-representative Kashmir Problem. 

Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are culturally, linguistically, religiously and even geographically three distinct regions of the disputed state.

Equally important is the non-Kashmiri speaking region of Azad Kashmir now under Pakistan control. And which was once part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir under the Maharaja rule before 1947. People here speak Pahari dialects, including Mirpuri, which are akin to the Punjabi dialects, but altogether different than the Kashmiri language. And that is the reason people in the Azad Kashmir region of the state are fundamentally different both linguistically and culturally than the those in the Kashmir valley. Their affinities are more toward the people of the Jammu region.

It is the Jammu and Azad Kashmir regions of the state which suffered the most during the partition period. And whenever India and Pakistan border flares up, as has happened recently, this is the area of hostility between the combating forces resulting in immense suffering for the people living on both sides of the border.

Pakistan views the Kashmir problem from only one aspect that it is Muslim in majority. That is true. But that is not the reason, and should not be the reason for its being part of Pakistan. And as far as India is concerned both its leadership and the deliberating bureaucrats always try to put the Kashmir problem on a back burner as it is a non-issue.

Referendum can be a part of the solution toward Kashmir tangle. But in the changed political and economic situations it will not end the problem for good. Still, India now with its strong governing leadership and offering better economic alternative for the state than Pakistan, need not shy away from this democratic exercise of plebiscite. It could be very bold step toward an effort to resolve the Kashmir tangle.

However, beside seriously handling the Kashmir problem there is much more as far as the relations between the two nations are concerned. India and Pakistan are two different ruling entities. But historically, culturally and even emotionally they are together as one people. Their heritage is the same and will remain the same for ever.

And the side of the coin which displays the ugly site of hostality between the two countries could be replaced by two friendly neighbors sharing their traditional bread.

( Promod Puri is a former editor and publisher of South Asian Canadian weekly newspaper, The Link, retired and resides in Vancouver, Canada).

The place is called Virasat-E-Khalsa. It is also known as Khalsa Heritage Complex. But for the local and ordinary folks the unique monument in Anandpur Sahib near Chandigarh is simply known as "Ajuba". And it certainly is a wonder.

With the help of latest in sound and information technology along with impressive architect influenced by the surrounding historic structures in Anandpur Sahib, the place is really an awesome marvel.

It is much more than just a tourist attraction. It is a place of knowledge and inspiration presented in concise and easy steps as one walks along the galleries of the museum.

Massive and colorful murals portray the heroic and vibrant history of Sikhs under the leadership of their gurus. The whole learning experience is guided by "auto-trigger" headphone with crisp commentators' voice that it is indeed an absorbing class in Sikh history."This museum aims at illuminating the vision of Sikh Gurus".

Impressively designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie, the museum along with the surrounding water pools is spread over an area of 65 acres. It is almost walking distance from the historic Ananadpur Sahib Gurdwara, the birth place of the Khalsa Panth.
-Promod Puri

Culture Supersedes Religion To Establish National Identity

Culture Supersedes Religion in Establishing National Identity

By Promod Puri

Culture is a distinctive feature of one group of people comprising of several aspects. One of them is religion, and the others are language, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. Obviously, one aspect of a culture does not represent the totality of it.

The expression "Hindu culture" is as vague as saying Hindu cuisine (except by airlines referring to "Hindu meal"). And it is as much blurred as trying to contrive a language, music, arts, customs, etc with suffix of Hindu. This applies to all other religions as well who try to create a culture exclusively linked to their faiths.

Culture in most cases is secular in nature.

When we talk about a cultural community, we mean an all inclusive explicit way of life. It represents all the group of people sharing common identities despite belonging to different religious denominations. But all speaking same language and sharing same social and cultural traits.

Often people of one cultural community have several religions. These sub differentiations are covered by conventions and customs. Together these are represented by the sanctified rituals on which Hindu tradition, Sikh, Muslim or Christian traditions establish their respective identities.

The unity of India lies in its cultural plurality. This factor was the basis of states' reorganization at the time of India's independence in 1947. Each state was constituted representing the cultural homogeneity of that region. And wherever there were more than one homogeneity states split respectively. Thus the cultural aspirations of people have been adequately addressed.

"India is a colorful country" mainly because of the exuberant nature of its diverse cultures. The cultural sameness in each Indian state along with the religious diversity is the accepted model for both political and administrative purposes.

Whereas each Indian state mostly represent one single cultural distinctiveness, it is the state of Jammu and Kashmir which within itself does carry more than one identity. The state has three regions, namely Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. And each one of them is culturally, religiously, geographically and even climatically different. Azad Kashmir under Pakistan domain has its own identity which is again quiet varied from rest of Jammu and Kashmir state.

The Kashmir problem has never been examined and tackled from its diversity aspect. The politics of the state has always been dominated, controlled and represented by the Muslim leadership of the Valley from the Kashmir region. The multi-facet and heterogeneous character of the state is the undetermined reality which otherwise can play a dominant role in resolving the Kashmir problem. Aligning the issue only on religious basis because about 64 percent of the state's population is Muslim is a futile exercise to determine its fate. By not allowing the diversity factor in the Kashmir debate is suppression of its other identities as well.

In a democratic setup regions or nations which play only the religious factor in politics and governance, always have cultural identity crisis.

That has been the fate of Pakistan. It does not recognize and accept that the country's cultural affinity lies with India which it can't shake off. Both the political and military leaderships of the country in their hatred toward India try to establish a religious-based Arabic identity. Naturally, this is not working.

Pakistan must realize that cultural-based identities cut across religious-based identities. And the former can play more decisive and healthier roles in determining a cohesive and stable future for the country.

Perhaps Pakistan can learn from Canada as how the latter is establishing its national identity.

In a multicultural Canadian society there are a multitude of cultures, traditions and religions, with lot more sub banners within each group. It is a myriad with a diversified web which gives Canada an image of acceptance and tolerance.

This certainly is a unique experience in human social history to be represented by one culture which collectively is a multi-culture.

Canadian culture is not only ever evolutionary but vibrant and lively too. The reason being its multi-facet aspect which gives it the color and character of being involving and exciting.

-30-

( Promod Puri is a former editor and publisher of South Asian Canadian weekly newspaper, The Link, retired and resides in Vancouver, Canada).

Rituals And Religions

Rituals Add Color And Complexity To Religions

By Promod Puri

All religions are basically the same. It is their respective rituals which differentiate them.

The underlining pathway of all religions is a treasury of morals and ethics, dos and don'ts.

Rituals originated from local customs and traditions and from the priest class. The latter also sanctified them.

Rituals give color and shape to religion, which otherwise could be a bland presentation. And that is how each religion gets individual character and lot more complexity.

LIFE IS A GAME OF SOCCER

LIFE IS A GAME OF SOCCER

By Promod Puri

All our thoughts and actions are influenced and regulated by the consciousness of the "landscape of reality" around us. In this landscape one makes a selection of his or her own space in life's play field.

And the game starts. It is a collective game, a team game. There is no absolute independence. Our individual likes and dislikes, thoughts and behaviors, actions and reactions, morals and rules, all are parts of the game. Social and environmental structures around us are the team's norms shaping and steering the game.

Stamina, discipline and coordination in these environments help in scoring our goals. Individual performance determines the scale of awards. Ronaldo and Messi based on their skills, hardworking and some luck collect millions while others make less.

Environmental selection is limited. There is seldom a level play. Speeding race toward the goal is unexpectedly blocked.  We are tripped by those who get yellow and red cards. We fall and are bruised. New strategies kick in. Still challenges are a constant. We keep on running toward the goal while being pushed back and forth. And the participation goes on.

The Referee blows the final whistle. And the game is over.

This is our father, Shri Shanti Sarup Puri, and grandfather and great-grandfather to our children and their children. He was a forester and retired as Divisional Forest Officer, a high post responsible for the growth and conservation of forests in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. His reasonable salary was what he earned and spent, but he enriched his life with dedicated service, sincerity, honesty and being kindhearted. A story about him goes like this: during the 1947 communal riots a mob of rage-packed fanatic Hindu youth armed with swords came to his residence and demanded that he immediately handover all the Muslim women and children, whom he was protecting by giving them safe shelter. My father came out with a loaded rifle and with courage he shouted that if any one in that angry mob would move forward and tried to enter the house he would shoot and kill each one of them. Nobody dared, and all the women and their kids were saved. Besides being a daring person our father was a religious man starting his day by reading Gita, Japji-sahib, and after morning walk and bath he would go thru Guru Granth Sahib which was diligently underlined with red-blue pencil. This picture was taken in front of the bungalow in Dehra Doon's Forest Research Institution where he worked for few years after his retirement in late '50s. The place was on a sloping street where as a 10-year-old kid I used to bicycle, occasionally taking my hands and feet off from the handle and the paddle and that acrobat move once resulted in breaking my right arm. These are nostalgic memories of my childhood and my father. Happy Fathers' Day.

Book Review: G.S.Bhatia

Book Review By Promod Puri
-----------------------------------

Truth, Love, Non-violence, The Story Of Gurcharan Singh Bhatia

The fascinating story of Gurcharan Singh Bhatia, a man of conviction and compassion with multiple virtues, began when as a teenager he courageously saved the life of a Muslim toddler girl picked up from a heap of corpses dumped on a street as a result of ferocious and indiscriminate bloody communal riots during the India- Pakistan partition in 1947.

In a recently released book, titled Truth, Love, Non-violence, The  Story Of Gurcharan Singh Bhatia, author Alexis Kienlen has compiled an interesting biography of this 'Complex personality with many facets', who migrated to Canada in early '60s and now retired in Edmonton, Alberta, after having a long, exciting and eventful life as a political and social activist, businessman and human rights advocate. The book is available on Amazon.ca.

Powered by extensive research the author, providing a brief introduction to Sikhism and its teachings of equality of all human beings, service, charity and sharing, has entrenched the connect between these tenets of the Sikh religion and Bhatia's life. Moreover, Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent protest against British rule, respect and tolerance of fellow human beings and moral courage has quite an impact on Bhatia's own thinking and attitude toward fellow human beings.

So influenced by the doctrine of non-violent actions, principles of truth, justice and equality, that these have remained lifelong guiding ethics in Bhatia's life. And perhaps for that reason the author has devoted a full chapter highlighting Gandhi's messages and struggles toward India's freedom and the emancipation of its people from social evils of racial and religious prejudices.

His devout religious mother, who also apprehended Gandhi's message of non-violence that "made sense and he was the voice of the reason", and his father's utmost belief in "truth is God and God is truth", that Bhatia adhered to these moral values throughout his life.

Following the Gandhi's leadership Bhatia being a fearless fighter, actively involved himself quite early in life with the freedom movement both for India and his own state of Jammu and Kashmir from the autocratic maharajah rule.

The Independence, which partitioned the subcontinent into two separate nations of India and Pakistan, was defaced by 'massacres, bloodshed and extreme acts of violence' between Hindus and Sikhs on one side and Muslims on the other. The sovereignty 'resulted in millions of refugees, economic disruption and social unrest'.

It is in this troubled and distressed backdrop in which his own family also suffered immensely in the loss of many family members and their properties, that the author has elaborately woven a captivating episode of Bhatia when he was merely 16-year-old.

His political activism in Kashmir affairs makes an interesting chapter of the book which  revealed how he along with his lifelong friend Balraj Puri were able to convince Prime Minister Nehru to help bring a democratic governing system in Kashmir.

After the death of his father during the partition riots, the young Bhatia, being eldest of the siblings, took on himself the responsibility of being the breadwinner of the family. Beside political activism he felt "life is question of survival" too.

Gurcharan Singh Bhatia is the story of a hardworking and goal seeking man who with determination, self confidence and discipline studied diligently to become a chartered accountant. And in pursuits of 'adventure and knowledge' he went to Glasgow, England, to study business management and administration.

With his academic background and professional credentials Bhatia returned to India to join his uncle's travel business.

And while he was settling down in his job, he met 'the love of his life and his soul mate' Jagjit Puri, popularly known as Jiti, whom he married in 1962. And ever since it has been the most dedicated relationship between the two. However, as they say behind every successful man there stands a woman, he acknowledges "her patience, attitude and capacity to handle the problems in the family that helped us".

As destiny had its own plans that after their marriage the family moved to Canada along their daughter. Initially, they settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which was a tough choice back in early '60s, and that too in a place known for severe winter weather of sub-zero temperatures.

But in Winnipeg Bhatia soon became an accomplished businessman as a senior partner in a real estate developing company which thru its various projects literally changed the city's downtown landscape. Later in early '80s he moved to Edmonton where beside being a developer he involved himself more actively in community and social activities with particular interest in human rights.

The author's extensive narration of Bhatia's life in Canada gives a very vivid description as how this family man faced initial hardships of settling down while sticking to his ethics and principles based on his Sikh religious teachings. "Accepting challenges and never "give up our efforts......this is an attitude that has helped me to grow, think and survive", was his mantra of success and becoming part of the Canadian mosaic while retaining his Sikh and ethnic identity.

A recipient of the Order of Canada, the highest honor for a civilian Canadian, Bhatia submits "I knew I had entered business for a living, but at the same time, I thought I could play a better role - one that could be satisfying for me and my family, the community and the future, promoting multiculturalism, Canadian citizenship and human rights"

His life's diverse profile includes being accountant, real estate owner and developer, entrepreneur, newspaper publisher and journalist, community activist, member of the Canadian human rights commission, persuasive involvement in Canada's political, social and human rights affairs, and Citizenship Judge.

He helped in redefining the phrase "Canadian values", to include "tolerance of ethnic and religious diversity, acceptance of new immigrants".

And lately even in his senior years Bhatia is fervently involved in the Edmonton-based International Association for Citizens for a Civil Society, which was created to promote better understanding and peace among peoples with different religious backgrounds. The association's civil society theme is based on "five pillars", which are: right and respect for the life of every born and living human being; the promotion of the rule of law; justice and non-violence; advancement of literacy and education; and promotion of human rights and Canadian values.

A key project of the Civil Society is to hold an annual Daughters Day to recognize the achievements and contributions of women, and bring awareness of gender equality. "Daughters Day is another creation that is part of the man's legacy", writes the author about Bhatia.

A distinguishing aspect of Bhatia's personality the book brings out is that of his humorous nature. " I take everything seriously, but I know there is humor in everything, too", Bhatia asserts.

Brilliantly written, reading the book is like hopping on to a sailing boat and cruising in often rough and challenging waters where the cool and confident captain knows how to ride the waves, and thus making the voyage an engrossing experience of adventures and inspirations.

----30---

The Past of Modi Should Not be dimmed To Look for Future

By PROMOD PURI

In the dazzle of his "landslide victory"( BJP securing 31% votes) should we dim the legacy of Narendra Modi as chief minister of Gujarat during the past over ten years.

If so, it would be a suppression of our perception and sensibility that in this celebration of near eclipse of dynastic and corrupt Congress regime, and dawn of promised economic prosperity under Modi's premiership that we simply think no more of the massacre in Gujarat.

And that we turn back on serious human rights violation, the rule of intimidation, false police encounters and killings, protection and rehabilitation of convicted genocide criminals.

And that we notice almost dismissal registry of human development as laid out by Noble laureate Amartya Sen and adopted by the United Nations in our obsessiveness on ambiguous "Gujarat Model" of economic growth which has not trickled down to underprivileged and poor.

Under his absolute and authoritative command Modi's downright refusal of giving his party's zero representation to Muslims in the Gujarat state legislature is also part of his legacy.

Fast-forward, Modi is now the prime minister of India after a grueling fight whereby the issues of Gujarat riots and the poor human development records in the state got lost in the hot and often ludicrous personal barbs among the campaign leaders of all the parties. Perhaps the BJP leader steered it that.

As well he strategically put the Hindutva agenda on the back burner and saffron card close to his chest.

However, his entire election drive was more focused on the terse maxim "it's the economy, stupid". All through out the poll operation Modi asked for votes in the name of development, jobs and economic opportunity and stability. In return he promised less government and more governance, decisive leadership as compared to a decade of dithering, and economic growth as against stagnation.

 “The government should hear from the poor and work for the poor. My government will be dedicated to the poor, youth and women. It will be a government of villages, farmers, Dalits and deprived sections. All efforts will be aimed to live up to their hopes and expectations,” Modi said as he stepped in first time the Indian parliament.

In the "temple of democracy",as he epitomized the institution of parliament, "humbled and grateful" Modi seems to be in the process to attain a new avatar.

In all fairness, after winning a mammoth, clean and fair election with a promise of strong leadership, India's new democratically elected prime minister has certainly "given wings to the hope, aspirations and dreams of millions", and that includes the 69 percent who did not vote for him.

India Election: Modi, Congress & Third Front

By Promod Puri

It is Narendra Modi of Bharatiya Janata Party vs the rest.

Vote for the BJP is not a vote for the party but for Modi himself as he prefers it that way during the current India election campaigns.

Even the party he belongs to BJP, including its veteran leaders and founders, and the party's motherboard RSS, are ducked under his fortifying stronghold.

So Modi is the BJP and the BJP is Modi. All in one.

And among the rest of the political outfits, though there are opposing candidates, their individual target has been Modi.

This is the Modi cult. If he becomes prime minister it can be alarming and even terrifying for the following reasons:

1. Modi carries an indelible tattoo of being anti minorities particularly Muslims, and to some extent being anti Dalits and Schedule Caste. He is silent on the issue of violence against women and their rights.

2. His model of development is based on crony capitalism whereby dirt cheap loans and agricultural lands are given away to industrial houses in the name of economic development (benefisheries Tatas, Ambanis and Adanis; losers poor and helpless farmers and farm workers).

3. His claims of economic headway in Gujarat are logically and reasonably challenged; and his record of human development as chief minister is dismissal.

Despite all that Modi is projected as the next prime minister mainly because the ruling Congress Party under the twin leadership of Sonia Gandhi and prime minister Manmohan Singh is furiously despised for the following reasons:

1. The two continuing terms leaves the Congress with a legacy of mega scandals and corruption.

2. The dynastic control of power from Nehru down to Rahul

3. Indecisiveness to tackle issues.

4. Frequent breakdown of law and order resulting in miseries and deaths. The latest being in Assam.

5. Environmental degradation and persistently stinky garbage and sanitation problem.

And the list goes on.

In this tainted scenario the BJP and the Congress are the only two national parties dominating the Indian political space. The Communists seem to have migrated to Cuba.

An average Indian voter is in dilemma. The choice is limited either to select stigmatic Modi led  BJP or the dynastic run and scandal-wrapped Congress.

But still there is the Aam Aadmi Party factor, and the vehement role being played by the influential regional parties.The latter can emerge to undertake the role of a king maker, either from its own ranks or from any of the two national parties.

And if that happens, despite its hotchpotch outlook, the democracy in India will be more rooted with better regional representation and autonomy. Moreover, this coalition beside boosting secularism in democracy can curb  the racist emergence in the Indian political formations.

In the next several days we will see if India will sit in Modi's godi (lap) or opt for the so-called third front. Keep fingers crossed till May 16.

RAPE AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA

By Promod Puri

(On the issue of rape and violence against women in India following are the notes and brief articles written for the Dubai-based The Indian Trumpet magazine December 2013 edition).

.....Bacha Lo Hamari Bachchi Ko

“Jo bhi karna hai kar lo, bas bacha lo hamari bachchi ko (do whatever you have to, just save our child)", the father had told the doctors. But they could not. She slipped into eternal sleep, leaving the family in deep mourning, and the nation awakened. A year later as her photograph hangs in the prayer room, the father says,"She was so full of life. Whenever we look at her picture, we see a different expression on her face. Sometimes she smiles, sometimes she wants to ask us something".

In that "something" she is asking why she is subjected to violent and horrendous rape attacks again and again in Bengal, Bihar, Mumbai, Goa, Delhi and all over the country including those countless unreported assaults and cover ups.

And she is as much in agony and distress to know the rape of a just three-year-old in a Delhi play school. She wants to know as to why sexual violence is increasing at an alarming rate in India.

She wants to be part of the serious and meaningful debate about the causes and solutions to fix this culture of violence and rape. She wants to be the inspiration and hope; she wants the candlelight vigils, protests, outrage and  slogans to continue with full enthusiasm.

She wants the mentality change.Yes, "sometimes she smiles" at that silver lining up in the horizon hoping for change, progress, an increased respect for humanity and a more educated and violence-free nation in the long run.

And she has that vision when no father will ever say again "bas bacha lo hamari bachchi ko".

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Race Riots and Violence Against Women

The dateline is Muzaffarnagar!
Six gang-raped, 24 accused. Not a single arrest so far. And the story continues "the women, named names in their FIRs, but still see the accused roaming free". More Amanats, more Daminis and more Nirbhayas. Here in Muzzarfarnagar it is all under the cover of religion. A different front of race related rapes. But a willful criminality; happening again and again and again. The sparks from India Gate have not yet charred the evils within the lewd "spiritual" gurus, apathetic politicians and a high-profile journalist with "blatant Hypocrisy".  A year ago the government was pushed into action and quite extensive and intensive new laws were introduced; strong in wording, but weak in activation. The result, same rundown day after day. "Stringent" laws but with protractive straphangers. They say justice delayed, justice denied.  In the meantime, on an individual level "educating our sons" seems to be a small effort but an effective part of the campaign to clean up this "big mess".
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Not Acceptable

Rape, violence, insecurity, injustice, domestic assault, inequality, exploitation and discrimination against women! None of these are acceptable anymore. Also not acceptable are the dowry system, bride burning, stalking, acid and chemical attacks, female feticide and infanticide, and Manu's gender based dictates. The contemporary Indian woman is striving to gain respect and dignity, safety and protection, justice and equal rights, and an environment where she can also realize her "dreams, career aspirations and life goals". Is anybody out there listening! Yes, the politicians and the government do listen. But with selective hearing they decide when to hear and when not to suit their own political agenda and strategies. Still the pounding must go on. The crusade does not stop on this front only. It is the front within to feel and recognize that the time is now over to accept the "back seat" which is not a "comfort zone" anymore.

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Hammering Must Start Now

A lot of issues relating to rape and violence against women are on the anvil. The hammering must start more vigorously to create a just society where women feel secure and safe, respect and dignity, no more domestic violence, physical, sexual or acid attacks. And where women feel full efficacy of their competence and capabilities, candidly realize their dreams as well. The electrifying spark produced last December has enough glow to remove that centuries of darkness, and enough power to kickstart the revolution of women emancipation. Education of our future generation for gender equality and justice, as well as campaign of realization among women to instill self confidence are part of this compelling revolution of change. And those who have earnestly volunteered themselves to undertake these inspiring roles are to be commended.
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It is Happening All The Time

It does happen, every day, every hour, every minute. Horrendous moments of agony traumatizing for the rest of life. Physical wounds may fade but indelible psychology scars remain for life.There is no solace. Snail-pace justice system, laws with wavering teeth, politicians' double talks and double standards, stupid remarks from the flourishing community of holy men (omg), all this and more nonsense are more injurious than healing. Meanwhile, victims "A,B,C,D..........." continue to fall into the net of lust, power or  extreme chauvinism. The "numbers" become statistics.

Waiting for that morning with fresh breeze to walk without fear and with confidence.

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The Problem Rooted In Mindset

" Hang them, amputate them, life imprisonment, no parole,  flog them", whatsoever it be. Justice is served. The victims, the families and the empathetic segment of the society are somewhat relieved. A closure is drawn to carry on with life. Crime and criminals are exposed in front of public; fodder for some media. One horrendous incident followed by more. Life goes on. The "core" issue is still there.  Retributive sentences have "message for criminals". Does that work. May be, may be not. The problem is rooted in the "mindset". What can be done. Many combat zones. And the campaigns can go on at all the fronts simultaneously. However, the calling begins from home. The emergence of civilized society starts from home.
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The Torch Is Lit

"............... that society is not devastated by the misdeeds of badman, but by the silence of the so-called good people”.This time, however, all the good people did not stay silence. Spontaneous outburst of anger spilled over the streets of Delhi and all over the country. Thousands got organized to rally in an unorganized and robust protest. Social media was the tool. Banners, slogans,  battle with police and their brutality became part of this historic march. Many got seriously hurt, tear gassed, but the bravehearts were able to lit the torch. And the struggle continues.....

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Light At The End Of Tunnel

Is there light at the end of the tunnel! Hope so, but the passage is very long. Along the way the scenario looks same, seldom changes, rather seems repeated. But rays of light are increasing, boosting our resolve and promising a level field of equality, dignity, respect and freedom.
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Where Is The Trust

Different situations, different reasons, but it can happen and it does happen! Acquaintances, relatives, "uncles", family pride, honor, customs and traditions, lust or pure addictions.Where is the trust, the shelter, the "shield"; where to plug. The walkways are frightening, and even the sidewalks have manholes with deceiving covers.

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Fight On Many Fronts

Yes, we have to fight back. And the fight has many fronts, many battlegrounds. It is long and some times or most times frustrating. It is not woman versus man, but humanity against beasts. The latter exist in every fold of the society. Quite identifiable, and attack is the best strategy to defend.

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Re-incarnations

If multi-armed Hindu Godesses Durga, Laxshmi, Kali and other related divine "sisters" and incarnations have to be reimagined and their portfolios redrawn then more arms have to be adjoined to each of them to represent the multi roles women play in the changing, complex and challenging contemporary society.

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Combat Plan

Optimistic attitudes along with resolved and spirited combat plan are indeed encouraging signs of not only a victory over centuries old 'culture' of violence against women but treating them with reverence and dignity.

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"Woh Subha Kabhi To Ayegi"

The desperate wordings in Talaash Azadi Ki...... has sparks of determination and hope, and that reminds me the revolutionary poetry of Sahir Ludhianavi :

वो सुबह कभी तो आयेगी, वो सुबह कभी तो आयेगी
इन काली सदियों के सर से, जब रात का आँचल ढलकेगा
जब दुःख के बादल पिघलेंगे, जब सुख का सागर छलकेगा
जब अंबर झूम के नाचेगा, जब धरती नग्में गायेगी
वो सुबह कभी तो आयेगी........

My Tribute to Khushwant Singh

By Promod Puri

Perhaps the least revealed aspect of Khushwant Singh's colorful and long active life, which he cited several times but which has been ignored as irrelevant by wordsmiths who wrote about him including the obituaries, was the fact that in his life he perfectly balanced his cogitative pursuits with active physical lifestyle of exercise, sports and walks.

Unlike most of the known contemporary thinkers and writers Khushwant Singh realized that both mental and physical activities occupy an equal space in ones daily routine, and that both are healthful to each other.

The last column I read by him at the age of 98, which still had his trademark of wits here and there, he talked about his daily routine and diet including a couple of shots of single malts. The latter was essential to give that kick of 'saroor' to relish his simple food and the evening.

 He emphasized the need for massage, which was done two times a day, to keep the body muscles invigorated and for better blood circulation. His reasoning was that in old age one can't do much strenuous exercises for muscle strength, but to keep them healthy and in shape massage was the only way.

Khushwant Singh also mentioned in the same column that how important it was to keep ones bowls clean. His prescription was that one should have fleet enema occasionally. And in his imaginative and typical satirical style he quoted Gandhi who used to have the enema not only for himself but doing it on his female aides as well.

He loved stomach friendly easy to digest food, and for that his preference was South Indian idly and sambhar. Still he never liked 'upampa', the wheatmeal  pudding-look salty dish which was not palatable to sweet halva-loving Punjabi Khushwant Singh.

His physical activities included playing tennis which of course he abandoned in his most senior years. He was a popular and friendly walker as he strolled along every morning with his neighborhood friends.

A lot has been said about his immense contribution toward contemporary Indian literary writings and his widely-read and lucid daily columns. However, his other big contribution was his creation of two funny characters in the name of Santa and Banta. The popular jokes attributing to Santa-Banta or revolving around them were what elevated Khushwant Singh from the level of an intellectual elite to the status of a simple fun-loving 'aam aadmi'.

(Footnote: as a tribute to Khushwnat Singh, my all-time favorite journalist, this piece was written with a glass of wine. Cheers and salutation Mr. Khushwant Singh where ever you are).

Malecon - An Abode Peace
(Puerto Vallarta Mirror)
By Promod Puri
It was one of these weekend evenings at the Malecon that this hub of Puerto Vallarta was more busier than other days. With lots of people, tourists, locals, young and old, family with children all seem to be having an enjoyable time strolling along the bay of Banderas, one of the best sea sidewalks in the world.

The whole ambience had a festive look as everybody seems to be happy and worry free. While there was recreation in savoring freshly cooked Mexican snacks from the vendors in the Zona Romantica area, there was quite an entertainment by the talented artists at los Arcos stage making the gathered crowd clapping, laughing and having fun. And facing the bay Mother Nature was having its own non-stop dance show of waves going back and forth in rhythm. In that breezy weather there was music all around. People were leisurely walking, talking and sharing laughs, and children were joyfully running around like free birds creating a scene of complete harmony and amity. At a distance somewhere from the north of the bay there was firework display joining the festivity. To cap this all the frequent sounds of bells from the majestic Guadalupe church were like heavenly blessings.

Overall, in all this congenial din there was a feel of complete tranquility and an atmosphere where the people were elated and having a good time of their lives. And that was what made me ponder if the whole world could be like the one I was experiencing at the Malecon how peaceful it would be.

I AM COMPLAINING, COMPLAINING, COMPLAINING

I'M COMPLAINING, COMPLAINING, COMPLAINING ......

By Promod Puri

I am a complaint type of person. So are some or perhaps most of us of this breed (complaining! ).

Actually I have not done any googling to find statistics about the extent of this addiction among us. The reason is even if I shovel to dig for the numbers these would be available in some percentage configuration as most of the surveys report these days.

Whether it is desired or not the trend is that a lot of information and data come in the mathematical veil of percentage. Example: there is a new small apartment building of 10 or 20 suites coming up in our neighborhood, and the latest sign says "90 percent sold". Why don't they make it more clear and simply say nine or 18 sold and only one or two are left. Another one: the merchandising sales are advertised like "50% to 70% off". Again we don't get the actual prices of sale items unless we visit the stores advertising these super special sales.

This subtlety of percentage is always baffling to me. Anyway, the point is that I am complaining even about trivial matters or things.

Still I feel the nature of complaining gives us an outlet to express our dislikes or disapprovals about something or most things we come across or experience in our day to day life.

There is an extensive cross section and mixed bag of complaints; an endless list of our grudges against governments, politicians, leaders, bosses and mother-in-laws; big corporations, big businesses, lawyers, doctors, dentists and plumbers; friends and relatives mostly at their backs; culture, traditions, systems, religions, god ( why not! ); weather, environment, health and bad knees; etc, etc, etc.

And then there are complaints about complaints, quite genuine ones.Here is a sample: a friend is meeting his buddy after quite sometime. His first remarks the moment they meet are like this "why you did not inform me about your father's death". Before the buddy comes up with a reply, the friend continues "anyway, I am sorry to hear that....". The very basic civility is to express condolence before complaining of not being informed about the sad news.

My own experience about complaint is regarding talking with relatives in India by phone. A few of them, the moment they pickup the phone, sarcastically say " finally you have come to remember us" or " you are phoning us after a long time". Again the underlying social grace is to express thanks for my phone call and then complain if one has to. Here in Vancouver, Canada, the den of preserved Punjabi culture, the complaint goes like this " O' phon phan maar liya kar kadi".

And then some people don't have any distinction between a complaint and a compliment. Example: "Oh you look weak, you have lost so much weight, are you ok" or "you have put on quite a weight". "Nice to meet you"!

I don't know what is the psychology behind being of complaining nature. But  complaining can be considered as healthy criticism (sometimes). And for that reason we should be in the elite category of being called critics like food critics or film critics.

So folks keep complaining, it gives an outlet to express oneself as well as some status of being a critic.

Tackling Rape Problem In India

By Promod Puri

Massive number of demonstrations have been staged, a lot has exuberantly been expressed, suggested, written, discussed and debated on the ever burning issues of violence and rape against women in India. Do we need more to say, more to express and more to propose, as well as reiterate, replay or rerun to build up the spectrum covering the issues.

Categorically Yes!

The more uproar we continue to drum up, even if it is repeated thousand times, to express our anguish and to keep the debate on, the rally of words is both a conviction and an incessant tool to weed out the imbedded immorality.

The street protests rallies may be abating, the politicians may be staying away from the row, the parliament and judiciary might have done their work in formulating and introducing new laws, and the police might have more ammo to apprehend and prosecute the culprits, but the words perpetually being expressed on the issues can keep the fire on.

Delinquent teens and adults, even those approaching the senior age, to fake gurus and saints promising celestial peace, powerful and privileged politicians, high-profile bureaucrats and professionals including the crime-busting scribes, those with "compulsive and impulsive" addictive behavior, and a lot more scums of the society, all are culpable party to this multi-facet social disorder.

Atop an observing post the landscape looks visibly blighted with crimes of rape and violence against women committed by beastly creatures who have practically debased every fold of the Indian society.

Also from the same post the cries and sobs of traumatized women vehemently struggling to somehow slip away from the beasts, their screams and shrieks to catch some help and their desperate "don't, don't" pleas during those dreadful moments endlessly reverberate like the recreated sounds of executing afflictions from Andaman's "kalapani" jails.

But the agony of the ordeal do shake up the nation's consciousness as has been lately happening in the country. And an ambience of hope is slowly emerging from the horizon. Beside other positive developments, more and more victimized women are boldly coming forward or trying to get thru the clogged system to report the crime and expose the criminals.  After all "silence is the enemy of justice".

Not to speak out publicly is appearing to be a receding taboo. This trend along with the public condemnation and outbursts, overall awareness of the twin issues thru extensive media reporting of the crimes, the protest rallies and the continuous exchange of opinions are all thrown in with a downpour of words. And that sure can help to drain out the culture of rape and violence against women.

The blitz of words must continue.