Social Catharsis V : Jamgalore

Bangalore is the fastest growing city in South-Asia. It has progressed rapidly in terms of industry and standards of living. Thanks to the Information Technology Industry, Bangalore commands an unprecedented respect in the global community. But with all this progress, Bangalore has been plagued by hazards pertaining to basic infrastructure – Roads, Traffic, Real Estate etc. The rate of development in infrastructure is not in sync with the city’s rate of expansion. This has been a cause of concern for all people, be it prospective business partners, customers, visitors or the citizens of this beautiful city.

As citizens, we ought to do something to bring about a change. With this thought in mind, we, a group of volunteers, came up with a movement aimed at mitigating traffic problems within the existing infrastructure. We feel this can be accomplished by better traffic management and by better enforcement of the same. Thus was born - Jamgalore. Jamgalore is a campaign directed at alleviating traffic problems in the city by providing simple, easy-to-execute solutions.

“Jamgalore” is a pun signifying the Jams Galore in Bangalore and a corruption of the city’s name. It’s a movement to reach out to the voices-unheard, troubled, tortured, angry and annoyed, depressed and dejected.

Jamgalore’s mission is to sensitize the traffic authorities on the ground truths with respect to traffic problems and provide alternative solutions to manage traffic better. We planned to collect audiovisual evidence that highlights the problems and provide solutions for the same. In addition, we planned to collect signatures at a venue from concerned citizens. All these artefacts are to be handed over to the concerned authorities. A group of volunteers would follow up with the authorities on implementing the solutions. These artifacts, which include pictures and videos highlighting the scenario, help each one of us understand the seriousness of the situation and act on the same. We plan to organize this movement in phases, concentrating on a region at a time. All artifacts (pictures, videos, and so on) would be sent as a build-up to the event, to as many people as we can reach by e-mail.


Some Pictures depicting the Traffic Jam on the stretch from
the Central Silk Board to the Flyover at Jayadeva Institute of
Cardiology

The first phase of this campaign was kicked off on 11th December, 2005. We highlighted traffic problems on the stretch from the Central Silk Board (C.S.B) to the flyover near Jayadeva Cardiology Institute. We sent pictures, videos and presentations highlighting traffic issues over a period of 5 days by e-mail. Some of the pictures are shown here too. We received a good response from the recipients, with some of them volunteering and some others promising to be there at the venue. The signature campaign was held at The Forum Mall, Koramangala on 17th and 18th December, 2005.

We printed around 7000 pamphlets to be distributed to citizens at the venue. A stall was set up at the venue to facilitate collection of signatures and to display the artifacts that we had collected about the traffic problems. In addition, we displayed 6 flexi-banners (each measuring 5’ X 3’) in the stall that depicted the traffic problems, in the form of actual photographs.

The problems and corresponding solutions were displayed on the exterior of the stall and inside. We had signature sheets placed on the table. We also had music playing all day.

The pamphlets and banners were outsourced to print professionals. The stall was courtesy an event management group. It took us around an hour to set up the stall in entirety. We hoped it won’t rain as the stall didn’t have a roof-cover. If it rained, we had to pack up.

Four volunteers were present at the venue, answering people’s queries, guiding them to the stall and managing the signature sheets & the pamphlets. We set up a table 7’ away from the stall to distribute pamphlets. But, the authorities asked us not to distribute it outside the stall, only within it. Thereafter, we limited ourselves to the stall. Periodic security patrol was also prevalent near our stall. Once set, we were elated to see our dream in motion. At the same time, we were praying against any untoward incidents. People started coming in and slowly but surely, the scare turned into confidence.

It was heartening to see the whole spectrum of people react the way it did. People would just pass by and look at the stall with curiosity. Some of them would be gracious enough to stop by and enquire about the whole campaign. As the day passed, the number of signatures gathered momentum. Some of them would probe deep into the solutions. One such person was an architect by profession and had studied town-planning. We had a very constructive discussion with him on each of the proposed solutions. He also proposed some solutions concerning the infrastructure which was beyond our capacity in terms of implementation.

People from all walks of life passed by the stall. Auto-rickshaw drivers nearby signed in as well. As the clock struck five, the crowd thickened. Signatures started pouring in. We were on our toes explaining the problems, solutions and getting people’s feedback, their suggestions and participation. It was magical. The people ranged from school-children, college students, professionals to retired citizens. Those who came spoke with one voice. Their frustration with traffic problems were channelized into signatures – Signatures for solutions to be implemented, signatures so that they need not be frustrated anymore, signatures to resurrect optimism in each one’s mind, signatures for a better tomorrow.

We were at the venue from 9 A.M. to 11 P.M on the first day. Each moment spent there was memorable, heartening, overwhelming and filled with pride. We asked the security in charge to take care of the stall till the next day.

We could notice some clouds the next morning. Prayers began once again. We were at the venue at 9.00 A.M. The crowd was thin. It was a Sunday and we hoped it would increase soon. After a while, we saw a couple approaching us. In their 60s, they asked us what this was all about. They listened patiently as we talked. They provided us with their signatures. Thereafter, they stood there for around 45 min. and started talking about the present as it is. One could only sympathize with the senior citizens who have seen it all but still can’t do much about things around them. It was wonderful to hear their points-of-view as it gave us a picture in their mind, a picture that says “people do something about it before it’s too late”. We thanked them for helping us and being a part of this movement.

Thanks to the public address system inside the mall, more and more people came in. But there were curious onlookers now and then. Some of the people who signed were kind enough to get their friends on board too. One of the signatories, who signed the previous day, did a great job by getting her contacts to come to the stall all through the day. We were overwhelmed by such a positive response. It was very touching. The campaign picked up pace in the evening. While a chunk of the crowd read the “problems and solutions” sheets pasted outside the stall, others provided signatures and some others provided constructive feedback. At that moment, guess all of us had the same feeling - People’s active participation is here, and here to stay.

The most memorable moment of the whole campaign came at the end of it. We had just about packed up stuff when I saw a group of four guys stare at our stall. I told them it’s for traffic that they need not do anything out of the way. One guy looked at me, gave a smile and touched his right ear and lips and shook his hand. At that moment, there was a chill down my spine. I waved my hand and called them to the stall. My fingers pointed at the problems and solutions and they read all of it. I, then, directed them towards the banners that were put up, and that’s when they understood it was all about traffic jams. I took the signature sheet and showed them the same. Well, they read it and signed it. One of them smiled and said “ank u” in a very feeble, high-pitch tone. They all waved and gave a thumbs-up. I did the same. This experience will remain etched in my memory till I perish. After some time, we all packed up and called it a day.

We thank each one of you who have been a part of this phase of the movement. We need your support, encouragement and feedback to make this movement a success, to make this movement realize its goal, and to help each one make a difference.

Jamgalore is intended to be a movement by the people, for the people and of the people. To get in touch with us or to provide feedback on traffic problems anywhere in Bangalore (Be it solutions, pictures or videos highlighting the problem statement), mail us at
Jamgalore@gmail.com

We can We should We will!

Social Catharsis IV

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Disclaimer: This article is not written with any intention of trying to incite hatred towards any community in particular, or hurt the followers of the same, or any other inappropriate action thereof. Neither should it be interpreted in any of the above mentioned perspectives. Its sole intention is to sensitize people on the significance of the Judiciary in a democracy and that no one, individual or otherwise, is above that law. This article intends to establish the fact that in a democratic setup, the Judiciary has to be given its due respect.
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Religious tolerance has been the hallmark of Indian Culture for generations together. Known as Sanathana Dharma (The Eternal Way), it harnesses a culture in which individuals and society can imbibe values from various philosophies in the direction and hope of realizing the one and only truth. As a philosophy it is more than 2000 years old and has been etched in the Indian Psyche as nails on a finger. It is this trait that translates to Religious tolerance that India as a nation is known for throughout the world.

For example, when Siddhartha left his kingdom and secluded himself in the search for eternal truth, he devised a philosophy which is prevalent even now throughout south-east Asia. He came to be known as the Buddha and his philosophy Buddhism was born in India. Born a Hindu, he denounced religious fanaticism and in his eternal quest for truth attracted a huge following. His teachings were spread throughout Asia much later by the doyen of Maurya Empire, Ashoka the Great. With the advent of Buddhism in India and its effects spreading far and wide, Hinduism (as it is called by the Imperialists) never ever proclaimed superiority, neither did it force people into their religion for the want of sustenance and/or propagation. This is against the foundation principles of Hinduism. Such has been the tolerance that this culture of ours has been endowed with for generations.

The Independence Movement witnessed an unprecedented display of tolerance - unmatched in magnitude as well as sincerity. All the communities of the nation were fighting for one cause - Independence. One emerging force in the struggle was the Muslim League. Muslim League was formed with the idea of voicing Muslims’ opinions in framing the rules of Governance in pre-independent India. It worked in parallel with the Indian National Congress (INC) and was equivocal in the quest for Indian Independence. It was a period of great focus and tolerance throughout India with one voice echoing the mantra of Independence.

But a section of the League, towards the end of the freedom struggle (approx. 1930), developed a sense of mistrust for the Hindus and proposed a two-nation theory. Their mistrust got stronger by the day and by the time people could smell Independence, the country was divided and borders drawn purely on communal lines. The taste of Independence was thus bitter-sweet. Unprecedented violence followed what is now known as the Partition. Brothers who fought for independence together were now craving for each other’s blood - All this in the Land of Ahimsa (non-violence). The darkest chapter in the History of India swallowed innumerable innocents and made infinite homeless for no mistake of theirs. The scars of intolerance which were fresh then, are still visible in many parts of the nation, eating into the lives of many innocents.

Post-independence, the Muslims in India have as much a right to voice their opinions as any other. They are viewed as equals in this land of Sanathana Dharma. They hold high posts in State and Central Governments. They are very much in the thick of Indian Politics as well and are equally responsible for making and implementing laws. As a community, they have withstood lot of pain and anguish and come out of the same with roaring success. But a section of the community, it seems, is against any change or progress. There have been numerous instances in the recent past of Muslim Clergy issuing “Fatwa”. Fatwa in essence means the result of consulting on the right/wrong of issues as interpreted by the clergy from the Holy Quran. When the learned are consulted by common man on various issues being faced by him, it is the duty of the learned to guide the unguided. This guidance is termed as “Fatwa”.

This has been grossly misinterpreted nowadays and the same is being used as a weapon to show distaste of supposedly the whole community towards certain social issues/customs. Never before has a nation seen a spate of Fatwa being issued one after another as has been witnessed in the recent past. The first one was with respect to a Muslim woman named Imraana. She developed all the courage to speak the truth that had tormented her life - that she was raped by her father-in-law. By societal standards, this act is close to blasphemy. Any human being equipped with the basic of emotions will show outrage towards the father-in-law and sympathize with Imraana unconditionally. But a fatwa was issued stating that Imraana should be legally wed to her father-in-law and henceforth treat her husband as her son! Icing on the cake was yet to come. The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) came out supporting the fatwa. A matter of such grave importance brought down to the level of a community joke.

Now this instance has two critical aberrations. One is the obvious misjudgment handed over by the Board. It’s ridiculous to come out with such a statement and expect no opposition whatsoever. What did they have in their mind after all? Male chauvinism? AIMPLB was lambasted by none other than the Muslims of the country. It even claimed that it had not issued such a statement when the proof of the matter is that it was announced to the media by AIMPLB. AIMPLB buckled under pressure and in an effort to lift its image issued a new statement supporting Imraana much to the wrath of the clergy. The second aberration is not too obvious. In a democratic setup where the law of land holds good for everyone, where does the question of a personal law board come into place? Even if it does, who is it to decide when there are laws framed under the aegis of the constitution of Indian Republic meant to be followed by each and everyone irrespective of their religious inclinations?

Taj Mahal, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, was in news recently. The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Wakf Board (UPSWB), in a statement, stated that the ownership rights of the Mausoleum rested with them and not with the Government of India. It also stated that this was willed by Shahjahan, the Mughal emperor who constructed the Mausoleum. Indian law defines wakf as “A permanent dedication by a Muslim of any movable or immovable property for any purpose recognized by Muslim law as pious, religious or charitable.” The Board contended that it’s after all a grave and all graveyards, by law, have to be wakf property. They also stated that the maintenance of the Taj will still be the Government’s responsibility. This seemed like a step towards autonomy in the field of administration. Needless to say this statement didn’t gather much support though it was in News for some time. How can some people claiming to “represent their community” even be insensitive towards others? It’s the arrogance that has taken the front seat. This is downright communal and is against the basic fabric of the country and its age-old culture. Not so long ago, the living descendants of the Mughals staked a claim on the Taj. Their argument is that they would need to perform religious rites at the Mausoleum. Since it’s a family grave, they have a right on the ownership. Argument sounds fair enough except one glitch. Emperor Babar established Mughals’ Rule in India way back in 1526. His tomb is in Afghanistan. As per the argument, his tomb would also need to be attended to by the family for religious rites. Will they stake claim for that as well? It’s important to realize that such fallacious arguments come and go but what remains is a feeling in the minds of people - A feeling of “occupation” by the Muslims, a feeling of intolerance exhibited by the Muslims and more importantly a sense of not belonging to the country. This feeling will prove to be detrimental for the whole community.

Sania Mirza, Indian Tennis ace ranked no. 34 in WTA, has made the nation proud on countless occasions. She started the year 2005 ranked at 151. By mid-year she plunged in to top 70 and gracefully progressed to the position she is at now. She has made the whole country proud and has been able to make a sport other than cricket popular in this country. She is and will remain a role-model for many generations to come. Recently, a fatwa was issued by the clergy against Sania Mirza for her on-court attire. They claim it does not adhere to the norms of Islam. Now, here is an 18-year old girl who has shunned all her critics by her exceptional performance. She seems to be doing everything right and is mature enough to handle defeat as gracefully as she handles a victory. But her maturity and her performance are not appreciated by the clergy. It’s outrageous to even come up with a thought that “the attire is not appropriate”. What attire then is best for Tennis? When the Holy Quran was composed, there was not even a remote chance of pastimes like Tennis existing. How then can the clergy issue a fatwa on the same? The last thing an 18-year old requires is a threat on her life by people of her own country. If, god forbid, her form in the SunFeast Open is not up to the mark, a major chunk of the blame shall rest on the fatwa issued.

The clergy is supposed to adhere to the scripture and interpret the same for the benefit of the masses. It can not misguide people in the name of the Holy Scripture. Religion is the foundation on which a society establishes its ways of living. It also establishes rules for the betterment of the society. The fact of the matter is that every culture known to mankind has undergone metamorphosis with time. As times change, the ways of living also change. The concept of change is well-known and no religion has underestimated the same. This fundamental truth needs to be taken into account before issuing a Fatwa. Why are certain sections of the community adamant and non-receptive towards change? They can not interpret the scripture with their narrow outlook and come up with a solution that stinks of narrow-mindedness, can they? It’s an insult to the scripture, an insult to the religion called Islam.

It’s also amazing to note the confidence with which such statements are issued. It comes across as though they are here to dictate terms to the Muslims expecting them not to retaliate. Do they really think they can dictate terms in a Democracy like India? Do they really think that they are doing a service to their religion by indulging in such acts? Do they really think they can propagate their religion by adopting a dictatorial outlook towards the public? These are some of the many questions that the Muslim Clergy will have to query on. These are some questions that a Musalman should respond to with vigour and come out in public expressing distaste at the dictatorship of the Clergy. Thankfully, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come out in public against the “Politics of Fatwa” in its recently held National Executive meeting. More such political voices need to be raised across the nation. Recently, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) came up with a slogan “Jai Bheem” for its political campaign. This has attracted resentment from the Islamic Clergy in India. Their argument is that since they do not believe in “Deity Worship” and Since Bheem is deified, the slogan is against Islam. As far as I know Bheem, one of the Pandavas, is revered by Hindus across the nation. If a political party comes up with such a slogan, what is the harm that it’s causing? Moreover, what has Islam got to do with establishing the sanctity of slogans meant for democratic electoral campaign? This indeed is weird and funny at the same time.

The Muslims in this country have been treated as someone special. The Indian Government, just after independence, under troubled circumstances, passed laws sanctioning special care and protection to the Muslims of the country. This was justified then. But to carry it forward even after 50 years of Independence as though no improvements have been made is primarily responsible for the clergy’s attitude. The Legislation has “pampered” a society once gripped in fear. It has allowed them to shun all fear and impose dictatorship in its own community. It portrays the community in bad light. It depicts them as an intolerant, non-adapting and a non-changing community which is exactly opposite to what they actually are. This image created by some Musalmans tarnishes the whole philosophy of Islam as a religion. It jeopardizes the progress the community is making in numerous fields be it art, culture, sports or industry. It instills the non-existing fear in their minds and makes it work against them. If this has to stop, people belonging to that community need to voice their strong distaste against the “mindless” clergy the way they did in Imraana’s and Sania’s case. This would enable them to bring about the change in the public mindset and be devoid of any fear whatsoever. This is the need of the hour.

On another note, Mr. Deve Gowda recently issued a statement claiming more reservation in Government jobs for people belonging to 2-A Category. Adding to the debate was a senior Congress leader, Mr. Janardhana Poojary. He opined that the reservation should be extended to other communities under the schedule as well. Now, the crux of the matter is reservation - is it required? After 50 years of progress and social uplift, is it not time to move on and close the doors of reservation? It seems that every political party bears allegiance to one or more of the backward communities loosely termed as “vote-banks” As long as these people vote for them during elections they are guaranteed to hold on to power. This, in turn, means that if they meddle with the “vote-bank” (i.e. people belonging to backward communities), they are sure to be out of power. This is the primary reason why “Reservation” is not being eradicated. Even the backward-castes (as they are called), it appears, are sick of being clubbed as someone different and not equated with the rest of the nation. It is a visible contradiction when the “secular” political parties on one hand claim they are for equality of all communities and on the other, talk about reservations. It oozes hypocrisy. The bane of reservation needs to be done with if we hope to progress as a secular democracy.

We are into third generation India post-independence and we have come a long way in realizing the rights and the wrongs in a democracy. The legacy of appeasement to the “Minorities” by Governments has to end. The “vote-bank” politics needs to be eradicated. If a politician tries to woo the voters based on their community, it should be the duty of the voters to just silence him by not voting for him at all. The quota system in Government jobs has to come to an end. Admissions to colleges need to be based primarily on merit and not on quotas. It is high time merit is recognized and rewarded else the meritorious might not be motivated to perform. We are at a juncture in this journey of growth where we need to put our feet down and abolish reservation. This would also increase the quality of governance in the country. All these measures would translate into restoring the glory of a nation that was once known to be the richest and the most powerful country in the world. Not to mention the most tolerant and broad-minded too.