10 of the very best articles featured in MyIndMakers in 2016
- In 2016 Year End
- 10:33 PM, Dec 30, 2016
- Editorial Team
2016 will go down the history as a year of Shock and Awe. What was usually associated with military strategy, was seen in political arena this year. As Liberals found themselves cornered with sudden rejection of what they felt was a Liberal Charter to rule the world, nationalists of all hues seized the narrative in almost all major nations. As 2017 rolls by, the only question on everybody’s mind is -Will the corrupted Liberalism that sought to cohabit with Islamic fanaticism breathe its last in this year? Will the new Liberal order arise or will nations start looking inwards to stabilize themselves first before collectively taking on the threat of Islamic terror. Closer home, India remained relatively insulated to global turmoil but didn’t escape the discontent with liberal ideas that had sought to chain the basic Indian spirit and exacerbate fault lines. An ordinary Indian struggled to hold on to his or her roots and define modernity as unshackling of colonial mind and not as enslavement to forced narratives.
As we at MyIndMakers, look back at the year that was, we realize that we have essentially become the voice of new found courage, lately discovered civilizational roots and current discontent with the status quo. As we put together this eclectic list of 10 best MyInd Articles we are delighted to note that they were all bound by a single thread of evaluating current ideas and rejecting outdated ideas. In fact, every single article published on MyIndMakers is an ode to the world of ideas.
These 10 articles were selected based on their popularity, originality and research. We congratulate authors of these pieces who touched a chord with readers in a huge way. Ultimately all sweeping historical decisions begin with one solitary germ of an idea. The only adage we go by is that change comes only when ideas are put to test and debated.
Here is looking forward to a great year of change and debate in 2017.
-The MyIndMakers Editorial Team
We present the 10 articles (in no particular order) and the 4 that almost made this list below:
- Has the United States of America just sold F-16’s into the wrong hands? By Sobdar Baluch
Striking a deal with Pakistan (“the host of Osama Bin Laden”) and thereby selling F-16’s to it is equivalent to scratching the deep and unhealed wounds of all NATO and Afghan soldiers and civilians who have devoted their entire lives fighting Pakistan sponsored terrorists. This deal will badly affect the Balochi national cause that has been brutally targeted with Cobra helicopters and other western supplied weapons. The Balochi nation is currently engaged in its fifth attempt to regain its independence but Pakistan’s response to a peaceful political struggle has not just been hostile but brutal through military attacks, subjugation of civilians, by pursuing “kill and dump” policy through state backed death squads.
Hypothetically saying, even if the Americans don’t care about the lives of innocent Baloch people they should at least think of their own sons, daughters, wives, husbands and mothers who have been killed by Pakistani military supported Jihadist extremists in Afghanistan. There is no doubt that every IED attack or ambush is engineered and coordinated from the other side of the border in Pakistan – the Western powers specially America knows this fact but unfortunately is taking no practical step to held Pakistan accountable for its crimes.
Read more at: https://www.myind.net/has-united-states-america-just-sold-f-16%E2%80%99s-wrong-hands#.dpuf
- Will Indian Media get 'Aazadi' from the fake narrative on Kashmir? By Sunanda Vashisht
For decades, the miseries of Kashmiri Pandits were ignored and continue to be ignored because it challenges the dominant narrative that war for Kashmir is in fact amongst the first jihadist theaters of the world. Couple of weeks ago, the loud speakers from mosques in Kashmir blared – Pakistan se rishta kya- la illaha illalahaa, hum subz parcham waadi -e – Kashmir mein lehraynge. Main stream Media did not report that. Main stream Media did not report that young girls were asked to ‘cover up’ and not wear ‘certain’ clothes. The Chief Minister said so in her speech and was conveniently ignored. The brave journalist, Gaurav Sawant said some stone pelters are paid to kill and promptly hit jobs were ordered.
Kashmir crisis has always had only one dominant narrative and now it has been challenged. Those who challenge it will need lot more than protective war-gear to shield themselves from these attacks.
Read More at: https://www.myind.net/will-indian-media-get-aazadi-fake-narrative-kashmir#.dpuf
- Saffron Terror - A Congress Conspiracy to destroy Narendra Modi by Shwetank Bhushan
Lead by Sonia and Rahul Gandhi and represented by Ex-PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, Ex Home Ministers P. Chidambaram and Sushil Kumar Shinde, all of them together misused and abused the constitutional offices under oath and compromised the national security of this country and protecting the enemies who has been killing our citizens in the terror attacks and bleeding India.
A series of low-intensity terror attacks targeting Muslims were conducted to create a "Saffron Terror" background, and 26/11 was the culmination. Hindu extremist organizations have been accused of involvement in terrorist attacks like 2006 Malegaon blasts, Mecca Masjid bombing (Hyderabad), Samjhauta Express bombings and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah blast. In this post, we will focus on each such terror allegations, especially the Samjhauta Express Blast case (since it's been in focus for a long time)
Read More: https://www.myind.net/saffron-terror-congress-conspiracy-destroy-narendra-modi#.dpuf
- An Open Letter to Ravish Kumar by a ‘Bhakt’ by Mayuresh Didolkar:
You know Ravish, in spite of your insistence of lumping people like me with the ones who abuse your mother and sister, we both know the reason why majority of the country is against journalists like you. It has nothing to do with nationalism and anti-nationalism. Fundamentally, today’s liberals see India as this hostile, barbaric place where women are not safe, patriarchy rules and saffron wearing radicals keep weekly targets of murdering minorities. Unfortunately, most of your target audience experience this country differently. They perceive it not necessarily as a Utopian land, but still one of opportunities. It is a straight deal where the product you offer does not interest us. The hostility begins when you call us bigots for not buying from you.
In Curt Siodmak’s ground-breaking science fiction “Donovan’s brain’ the protagonist Cory resists the hypnotic power of the dead millionaire Donovan by repeatedly chanting “He thrusts his fists against the posts and still insists he sees the ghosts.” In defence of young Cory, it must be said that there was a ghost in the story.
No ghosts here Ravish, please stop thrusting your fists against the post.
Read more at: https://www.myind.net/open-letter-ravish-kumar-bhakt
- Is Arvind Kejriwal intentionally designing bills for Rejection? By S Sudhir Kumar
“Centre returns 14 bills to Delhi govt., Kejriwal fumes” – screamed almost every headline in the country. Few of them gave us details of “some of the bills returned”. Few quoted officials and “sources” to explain why the bills have been returned. While AAP and Arvind Kejriwal resorted to their all familiar drama, as always, nuance and facts took a backseat in the main stream media.
So I went about checking about what exactly this “returning” business is about. The list of Delhi Assembly bills is here. I will elucidate on a few cases below.
Read More at: https://www.myind.net/kejriwal-intentionally-designing-bills-rejection#.dpuf
- The Demographic Expansion of Kashmir, and the Shrinking of Jammu and Ladakh by Shanmukh, True Indology, Aparna, Saswati Sarkar and Dikgaj
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has occupied the minds of many since 1947. The only Muslim majority state to accede to India, the state has been mired in controversy since its accession was prompted by a Pakistani invasion. Part of Kashmir was annexed by Pakistan in a war in 1947 and The Hindu population of the state has long been subjected to various forms of discrimination.
There are three major regions in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and the Hills of Jammu in the south, Kashmir valley in the north and the Ladakh region in the north east. Each of the three regions has its own characteristics. The bulk of the population is concentrated in Kashmir (which has a population of 6.9 million) and Jammu (which has a population of 5.3 million). The huge region of Ladakh has just over 200,000 people. In this article, we will focus on Ladakh and parts of the Jammu region. The Kashmir region, which is 99%+ Muslim, is not the focus of the article. Further, Jammu and Kathua (which are more than 90% Indic) are also not the focus of this article.
In this article, we will focus on the regions of Hill Jammu and Ladakh, which have a more mixed population, in religious terms. Specifically, we focus on the three old districts of Hill Jammu, viz, Poonch, Udhampur and Doda and the district of Ladakh We will merely show that `Kashmir' is expanding and Hill Jammu and Ladakh are shrinking.
Read more at: https://www.myind.net/demographic-expansion-kashmir-and-shrinking-jammu-and-ladakh#.dpuf
- Sabarimala temple in the ‘secular’ world by Anjali George
The holy hill of Sabari, Sabarimala, is located amidst the dense jungles of the Western Ghats in Kerala, bordering the state of Tamil Nadu. Vrischikam, the fourth month of the Malayalam calendar (November -December) marks the beginning of the annual pilgrimage to the temple. This is also when devotees observe 'mandala vratham' - 41 days of strict penance to cleanse oneself ahead of the trek to the shrine, through the dangerous jungle path. Such is the devotion that not only pilgrims, but even the faithful who cannot go to the shrine due to reasons like ill health also observe the 'vratham'. The popularity of the shrine is an eyesore for the "breaking India forces" and attempts to destroy it have been on since long
It is not easy to decipher the ‘Devata sa~Nkalpa’( concept of divine deities) of Hinduism. Most of the deities are represented using complex cryptic epithets (paroksha priyaahi iva devah). In Kerala, Dharma shAstA (teacher of Dharma) is worshiped mainly in four places - Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil, and Sabarimala. While in Kulathupuzha, he is in the form of a `balaka’ (child), he takes the form of a 'Grihasthi' (home maker) with wives in Achankovil, and as an old `tApasa’ (ascetic) in Aryankavu. Whereas in Sabarimala, Ayyappa is in the form of a `kumara’ (teenager) observing brahmacharya (literally means pursuit of brahma but in modern times, is interpreted as celibacy). These four pratishtas (installations) denote the four stages of human life – childhood, teenage, family man and old age.
Read more at: https://www.myind.net/sabarimala-temple-in-the-secular-world#.dpuf
- Analysis of the Cauvery Water Dispute by Ramaharitha Pusarla
Cauvery water dispute which is largely a case of water sharing between the lower riparian state, Tamilnadu and the upstream state, Karnataka, dates back to the events in the 19th century. Cauvery river system includes the tributaries of Hemavati, Kabini, Tunga, Bhadra, Bhavani, Amarvati and others. The states which benefit through its flow include Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry. Under the British administration, Princely State of Mysore and the Presidency of Madras signed an agreement in 1892 over the sharing of Cauvery river waters when the later raised objections over proposed plans of construction of new irrigation project across Cauvery by Mysore.
The issue began to gain heat when Dewan of Mysore, the eminent engineer Dr. M. Visvesvarayya intensified efforts to build Krishna Sagar Dam in Mysore district. Cognizant of the massive storing capacity of the proposed dam, worried over the prospect of facing water crisis, Madras government appealed to Secretary of State for intervention. In 1914, the arbitrator delivered award in favor of Mysore causing great discomfiture to Madras Presidency. To bring matters to conciliation, British administration prevailed on both parties to forge an agreement in 1924. As per the agreement, Mysore is obligated not to construct any new irrigation dams on Cauvery or its tributaries without prior consent of Madras. Madras on the other hand shouldn’t object except to protect its prescriptive rights. It was also decided to review the clauses of agreement only after 50 years i.e in 1974. But unfortunately the agreement was not reviewed.
Read More at: https://www.myind.net/analysis-cauvery-water-dispute
- For Separatists in Kashmir Charity does not begin from Home by Sona Roy
Kashmir burns yet again. Many lives lost and many more injured in the name of "Azadi". Whenever I see pictures of young Kashmiri boys pelting stones or lying wounded, I often search for one face who could be son or relative of any Kashmiri separatist leader. Never have I found any and that brings me back to my question "Why isn't any separatist standing with his son or daughter along with these young boys pelting stones and receiving pellets". This made me search and churn Google to find out what's happening with these kids of separatists, research brought out some shocking truth. While these separatists instigate and encourage a common Kashmiri youth to shun his studies and career, to join the "bigger cause Azadi", their own sons and daughters are getting educated outside Kashmir and building their lives and careers.
Read More: https://www.myind.net/separatists-kashmir-charity-does-not-begin-home#.dpuf
- Decoding the China puzzle: Xi Jingping & the relations with India [Part 1] & [Part 2] by Shashank Davangere
Notwithstanding Chinese blockage of NSG entry, India is probably in the best position to milk the situation to the best of its ability. India views the South China Sea as a secondary phase of influence and currently it doesn’t have the naval capabilities to challenge China in SCS. But that did not stop India from sending four naval vessels into the SCS for a two-and-a-half-month long naval exercise with the navies of US and Japan. All the major powers in the South China Sea are trying to achieve an advantageous outcome by pushing dangerous events to the edge of active conflict. India has economic and defense contracts with Vietnam, which China has objected to.
With US pivoting towards Asia-Pacific, it’s becoming more wary of an increasingly asserting China. As a result India and the US are moving closer to each other. US already has agreements in place with Japan and Philippines. India and the US have recently agreed, in principle, to sign the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA). USA wants India to sign two more - Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA); and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for geospatial intelligence [34]. If, more likely when, these are in place, it will boost US and Indian ties at the same time irking China. India doesn’t yet want to escalate issues with China given they both share a long and disputed border. Also, in China, a dispute with India doesn’t generate as much passion as it does with Japan.
Read More at: https://www.myind.net/decoding-chinese-puzzle-political-history-china-part-1
https://www.myind.net/decoding-china-puzzle-xi-jingping-relations-india-part-2#.dpuf
These almost made the list:
- An Open letter to Malala by Anupama Handoo
It is not the Kashmiri separatists don’t value education. Far from it. All the children of the separatists’ leaders are well-educated working as doctors and engineers and businessmen all around the world. You are aware that education brings power, the ability to question and to challenge. It is easy to control and disorient someone who is not well-read or well-educated. Ignorance breeds poverty and dependence which allows easy brainwashing and misleading of gullible youth. When there is nothing to do and nothing to look forward to; life becomes irrelevant. Imagine a world where you can’t watch movies, play an instrument, participate in sports, read books from around the world because none of this is ‘allowed’ by your ‘politico-religious masters’ and imagine a world where you don’t have the education and wisdom to question this ‘farmaan’. Your master says pick up the stone, throw it, get arrested, raise an ISIS flag and you follow the orders like a zombie. You justify every politico-religious command as you take pride in your ‘importance’ as ‘disposable cannon fodder’. Malala, this is a deep, dark world you are familiar with- it will do you no favours to forget your roots in order to pave way for your political ambitions.
Read More At: https://www.myind.net/open-letter-malala
- Achieving Energy Efficiency in India: One LED Bulb at a Time by Mukul Asher and Keya Chaturvedi
The Indian government recognises that systematically integrating energy efficiency and security in its development and diplomatic strategies is essential to expand India’s economic and strategic space. On April 23, 2016, India signed the Paris Climate Act and announced plans to increase renewable power capacity to 175 gigawatts (4 times current capacity) by 2022 as part of the government's plan to supply electricity to every household. India seeks to add 100 gigawatts (GWs) of solar (photovoltaic) capacity, 60 GWs of wind power, 10 GWs of biomass and five GWs of hydro projects. India hopes to source around two-fifths of its electricity from renewable and low-carbon energy sources and to reduce its emissions intensity, i.e. ratio of carbon emissions per unit of GDP, by around a third by 2030.
India in partnership with France has established the International Solar Alliance (ISA), with over one hundred members, to harness the potential of solar power and to facilitate global investments in this sector. It will be based in Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon) in Haryana, India. India has contributed USD 30 million, and the Alliance aims to raise USD 400 million from membership fees and international agencies. This will be leveraged to generate investments in solar industry globally from many sources.
Read More At: https://www.myind.net/achieving-energy-efficiency-india-one-led-bulb-time
- Not everything is kosher about the foreign funding received by Indira Jaising's NGO by Navroop Singh
Ms. Indira Jaising rather than answering specifics of the alleged violations of FCRA rules as per MHA Order tried to give a political color to the whole investigation as vendetta by Modi Government against those who stand against it. The charges leveled by Ms. Jaising against the Government of the day are devoid of merit, as MHA order is a well reasoned order after giving due notice and opportunity of reply, hence bias can not be imputed on the same. If Ms. Jaising and the Lawyers Collective is aggrieved by the MHA order then they have the opportunity to challenge the suspension of its FCRA license before the Court Of law. It is a well-stated ratio of Bhajan Lal case by Supreme Court, that Bias or Prejudice can not be a valid defense to corruption or misappropriation charges. The case would ultimately have to stand on basis of facts and hard evidence, which in this case squarely put Ms. Jaising and the Lawyers Collective in the dock.
Read More At: https://www.myind.net/not-everything-kosher-about-foreign-funding-recieved-indira-jaisings-ngo#.dpuf
.- How to approach setting the rate structure for India’s GST? Mukul Asher and Azad Singh Bali
Policy deliberations on the appropriate rate of India’s proposed GST have almost exclusively focused on a so-called Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR). In addition to the difficulties in modelling the RNR particularly when the tax-base and design parameters are yet to be decided, we argue that the RNR is an inappropriate basis for designing the rate structure. It is puzzling that while there is consensus that the current system is inefficient and unfair, with disproportionate high administrative and compliance costs constraining India’s growth and competitiveness, the policy debates continues to emphasize RNR for the GST. Why should the proposed GST –designed to overcome the limitations of the current taxes on domestic goods and services (i.e. consumption taxes) – aim to obtain revenue equivalent to that from the current distorted system?
The public financial management literature provides neither theoretical nor empirical rationale for structuring the GST rate in this manner. The importance of this point is accentuated by the fact that the proposed GST has the potential to expand the tax base, and it is the combination of tax base and tax rate of how much revenue is obtained from a given tax. Moreover, it is not appropriate to regard the current public financial management practices in India of not taking into account the potential of better expenditure management, and raising revenue from more productive use of state assets.
Read More at: https://www.myind.net/how-approach-setting-rate-structure-india-gst#.dpuf
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