"Pratyaksha" Editorial December 25, 2008

The editorial written by Parampoojya Aniruddha Bapu (Dr. Aniruddha D. Joshi) for the ‘Dainik Pratyaksha’ issue dated December 25, 2008

ALERT

Watching shots from war movies and actually living the war are farther than poles apart.

Talking war and making provocative statements do not require effort and that is why there are a whole lot of people out there, who indulge in this kind of talk.

‘War’, be it of any kind, is best avoided as far as possible; says history standing witness to the fact. However, when the destruction resulting from the avoidance of war is far more horrific than that resulting from the aftermath of war, ‘war’ is the inevitable option.

Diplomacy, mediation, dialogue, Bhagvan Shreekrishna did it all in the Mahabharat as Mahaprabhu Hanumant did in the Ramayan, in order to avoid war. Both Shreekrishna and Shreehanumant were well aware that the enemy they were faced with was extremely devious and heartless and did not have the slightest repentance over any wrong and yet these two great beings, epitomes of morality and value, offered to Duryodhan and to Ravan respectively, a chance to avoid the war. ....and this precisely is the tradition of the Indian culture. the Indian culture is basically not the warhungry or the aggressive kind; it considers ‘non-violence’ to be a venerable principle in every way. However, submitting to those, who trample on the principles of morality and non-violence is not the mindset of the Indian civilization either. On the contrary, history tells us time and again that firm and strict action has been taken against those, who kick around the principles of morality and non-violence. The Shreekrishna, who seemed inclined to mediate, later, on the failure of mediation, went on to instruct Arjun in no uncertain terms, ‘Vñ_mV² C{Îmð> H$m¡ÝVo` `wÕm` H¥$V{ZíM`:Ÿ&’ (‘So then rise Arjun, O son of Kunti, be determined and with a firm resolve, prepare for war.’).

In the present situation too, it is standing by its ancient culture and its values that India has made its moves. Pakistan imposed four wars on India, in 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999. Apart from these, Pakistan has brought about terrorist attacks in various places in India and thus since 1980, i.e. over 28 years, kept fanning the embers of unrest and uncertainty to keep them alive. The attack on Mumbai just cracked the threshold of the Indian’s tolerance.

Many are under the wrong impression that it is the attack on ‘Mumbai’ that has triggered this talk of war against Pakistan. Kashmir sees these sort of episodes day in and day out but India never talked of war. So then why talk of war only now?The issue that India is faced with, is not just Kashmir or Mumbai, it is that of Pakistan’s continual policy of impeding India’s progress and for the purpose, of constantly causing damage to India.

One might well say, ‘it has indeed been Pakistan’s policy to do so ever since its birth i.e. since 14th August 1947.’ Then why does India feel the need to go to war now?

The answer is straightforward and simple - every single field in Pakistan is passing over to the hands of terrorist groups.The destructive terrorist activity not just in India but all over the world thrives on energy sources that can be traced to Pakistan. What with the Taliban now proclaiming clearly ‘we are with Pakistan’! So then Pakistan is no more a mere nation, it is a training school for international terrorism. And India is going to bear the maximum brunt of this.

And so it is extremely essential that India takes action against it.During the period spanning the beginning upto the end of war, air attacks are a distinct possibility. If war is avoided for fear of these attacks, there might not be any air attacks; but then is it really possible that Pakistan would on its own, give up causing bomb blasts and terrorist attacks all over India like it did in Mumbai? Not at all. Therefore it would be relatively easier and advisable to face the ‘the known devil - the danger of war’

Or else, these products of the terrorist school of Pakistan will keep causing bomb blasts and other destruction and then no Indian would be sure that a fellow Indian leaving home in the morning will return home safe in the evening.

Repeating the mistake that India did with regard to China in the period 1960-1962, and that too where Pakistan is concerned, amounts to making a public declaration that India fails to learn from history. Deceived by the crafty false pretences and treaties (the Panchasheel) of China, India invited a very difficult situation hindering its progress upto three whole years.

The late Mrs. Indira Gandhi ensured that such a mistake never be repeated and this is what we owe India’s present galloping progress to. At the time, no other nation except Russia supported India whereas today several nations afflicted by terrorism stand firm and strong to support India.The United States never wants war on its own soil and that is a fact in history. However, terrorist activity has long since scrapped this norm of the United States. So then statements like the United States are imposing its own war on to India, reducing it to a mere puppet’ only go to imply political immaturity. The India of today is by no means young and so incompetent and helpless like it was in 1962,India’s military and economic strength does not at all depend on American favour,thanks to its position in the international political and the economic scene, the United States just cannot tie down India like they tied down Pakistan.

The capacities of the politicians of Pakistan and that of its officials stand no comparison at all with the democratic politics in India and the prudence of government officials belonging here. Therefore, any step that India takes counting on the backing by the United States, cannot amount to fetters for India.If India did launch the ‘surgical attack’ as stated in yesterday’s article, it would become essential for every Indian citizen to extend support to the Indian government and to the Indian army. India has indeed done it during the wars that happened in the past. However, the wars of the past and the war in the times to come, differ greatly in their technique and principles.

To destroy the bacterial attack on the body is inescapable if we wish to survive. Antibiotics have harmful side effects. But then antibiotics have to be taken in order to cure the disease and that too despite its ill-effects, which is indeed appropriate. 90% of the times, there are no harmful side effects and many a times they are negligible. Only if the head is safe, i.e. only if life or the vital aspect is salvaged, can we think of secondary issues. No matter if five hundred turbans tear or five hundred hair are pulled out, it is the head that is of vital importance and so must be cared for.

What can the ordinary Indian citizen do?

1) In the first place, pray that the war be averted and in the event that it is not, pray that India win.

2) Do the A.A.D.M. course, i.e. acquaint himself with ‘what to do in the event of disaster’ as it is not only owing to war but to terrorist activity that this course has now become a necessity.

3) Refrain from being part of every such statement or propoganda that poses threat to the cordial relations and unity within the country.

4) Keep needs to the minimum during the war period.

5) Not waste foodgrains.

6) Co-operate with the government by way of blackouts, the citizens’ awareness cell, etc.

7) Co-operate with the police force and the fire brigade teams in every area and most importantly not crowd at the site of disaster as this hinders the tasks of these rescue teams. However, do extend as much help and co-operation as they ask or expect of you.

8) Be it a government service, service in the private sector or a private business organization, it is very important to keep at one’s job conscientiously. It is a needof the war times. This automatically eliminates many probable lapses.

9) During the war period, what emerges as a factor of prime importance, is the citizens’ discipline in everyday life. Right from queues for buses to queues at the ration shop and queues at the railway station to queues at the temple, observing discipline is every civilian’s ‘war-time duty’.

10) Neither fall prey to rumours nor spread any.

11) Contribute to the best of your ability to the Indian armed forces fund.

12) Keep in mind that just like the war has a beginning, it has an end as well and so live the time spanning over this period with ‘faithful and firm endurance’ i.e. without wavering in any way.

13) Not lose sight of the time-tested truth ‘Fear always dogs the fearful’ and keep himself and others free of fear. This rules out the generation of any ‘mass hysteria’ whatsoever.There are a few other issues apart from these. Talking about them would be in order, only if and when the need arises. My dear sons of India-our motherland, alert is the word!

"Pratyaksha" Editorial December 24, 2008

The editorial written by Parampoojya Aniruddha Bapu (Dr. Aniruddha D. Joshi) for the ‘Dainik Pratyaksha’ issue dated December 24, 2008.

SUCH ARE THE TIMES....

That Pakistan is the chief supporting structure of the terrorist network in the world, has fully convinced every single nation in the world, right from the United States to any small nation.Owing to the terrorist activity in the region near its border, China too would rather stay away from 'this nuisance'. However, owing to the gigantic ambition in every field on the part of both China and North Korea, they feel compelled to be one up on the United States, India, Russia and the European Union and in every field again. In order to achieve this China also finds it essential that the United States, India, Japan and the European nations be subjected to constant uncertainty and this is precisely what binds the devious triad China-North Korea-Pakistan together.

China wants to become the topmost military and economic power in the world; North Korea wants to gulp down South Korea and then top up if possible, this satisfying meal with morsels of the neighbouring nations as well. As for Pakistan, it nurses a wish to banish the superiority and the authority of Saudi Arabia and grab sway at a different and more comprehensive level.

The ambitions of all of these three nations thus converge in the same direction; besides one does not stand in the way of the other, which is the one main reason that keeps them together. It is in fact their need.

Moreover, that India ought to attack and put Pakistan in its place, is not only India's need but also that of the United States, of Saudi Arabia and the European Union. Owing to the fact that both Russia and Japan have a very clear idea of China's plans, not to mention the fruits of terrorism that Russia has had to taste, they are very keen on thwarting China's ally.

In order to conserve its position on the political scene, Saudi Arabia has to mutely toe the line that India and the United States adopt.

....and it is precisely these circumstances or rather the fact that the pieces have fallen in these respective places at this particular moment, that all of these nations not only give consent to the 'surgical strike' by India but are even willing to co-operate in the matter

.....and this is precisely why Pakistan's nuclear equipment need not at all intimidate India. Also, one single nuclear weapon launched by the rash military officers of Pakistan against India will activate all nations possessing nuclear weapons, except China, in India's favour

.....and this is precisely what the Pakistan government fears as much as the senior military officers and the I.S.I. Therefore this kind of an act is what only the terrorists, who do not foresee this fact, could do.

However, the irony of the present times is that it has become a must for the Pakistan military to see to it that such an act does not happen.

Although experts comply with this opinion, we cannot be ignoring the fact that a number of terrorist have spread their limbs in various regions of Pakistan which causes the United States and Saudi Arabia to exert enormous pressure on Pakistan in India's favour and until the end of war.

Although destroying terrorist camps, bases in Pakistan and in Pakistan occupied Kashmir remains the prime objective of this 'surgical strike', it is very much the desire of the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the European Union that India should go ahead and liberate Baluchistan and not restrict itself to it.

Actually speaking the liberation of Baluchistan could work in favour of the rest of pakistan and in other words in favour of the democratic government as well because Baluchistan has proved to be nothing but a nuisance for Pakistan over the past so many years. But then, should Baluchistan be liberated, the boundaries of Pakistan would change in such a way that the equations relating to the intimacy of the terrorists with Pakistan would be upset and as a result it would not be as easy for Pakistan to give shelter and support to terrorists as it is now.

Moreover, both Pakistan and the Pakistan media are very much aware that no nation in the world will so much as take note of the uproar that they have stirred up. But then they have to keep making crude remarks against India just to boost the morale of the people of Pakistan or in other words, to win their support.The Indian Airforce is going to play a major role in this war and so Pakistan too is looking to ready its airforce. Pakistan cannot hope to procure extra fighter planes and allied weapons from any nation except for China and if at all China has the guts to do so, it will be inviting infinite trouble on the economic front. Should India, the United States and the European nations decide to ban entry of Chinese goods even for three months, there could be tremendous upheaval in China. And China obviously does not want to invite this hassle, at least not now. But China will for sure, extend as much help as it can through the back door merely in order to maintain friendship with Pakistan; but again only until it gains strong ground in the economic field. The moment China gains total economic independence with the help of the South American countries and Africa, China can turn extremely mean and that is what it is going to be. If it so happens that China encounters no obstacle in its path, it can attain this position in a mere five year period and in that case, curbing China's ambitions will prove an extremely difficult task.

Therefore as India immobilizes China's bosom pal, it becomes imperative for the United States and the allies to take Russia into confidence and wipe out the authority of China as also the terrorist impact in the South American countries and in Africa. But then here again India needs to act the mediator as neither the Latin American nations nor the African nations would want to put complete trust in the United States and that is precisely where India and Russia could prove useful.

The meet of Indian ambassadors to 122 nations that the Indian minister for foreign affairs called, was not merely to hand over proof pointing to Pakistan's terrorism; it was definitely for exploring various ways of co-operating with the nations, who pledge to support India. This meet is a fruit of the prudence exhibited by the Indian government, the ruling and the opposition parties and the senior government officials of India. Further, it is also proof that India has now mastered the skill of making use of an available opportunity. Now what India needs to urgently master, is to create an opportunity where it does not exist i.e. promote goodwill and co-operation in its favour in the Latin American and the African countries.

As all of these events unfold, 'Parvez Musharraf' is the name we cannot lose sight of because this person's political ambitions are boundless and they can take flight at any moment. But for the present moment at least, the democratic government of Pakistan, the Pakistan military and the I.S.I. are in no mood to shake hands with Mr. Parvez Musharraf and the United States can make good use of this.

There now remains just the one person, who can save Pakistan from destruction and that is Mr. Nawaz Sherif. Had Mrs. Benazir Bhutto been alive, this would have been easier. the politicians and the military officers of Pakistan, wanting to save their country, will have to call in Mr. Nawaz Sherif or if need be, even Mrs. Bhutto's son (Bilawal Bhutto) and then plan the future line of action. The only fear that looms large is, that if this does not happen, the power in Pakistan will pass over once again to the reckless and hot-headed militant leaders. But then all said and done, it is for Pakistan to decide.

There is absolutely no doubt that the war will happen. Therefore friends, in the following article, let us study the effects of war. Every true Indian citizen must indeed be aware of his responsibility, what good is it to merely shout slogans that 'we want war' and rejoice when war begins?

"Pratyaksha" Editorial December23,2008

THAT PRECISE MOMENT (MUHURTA)

'Har Har Mahadev' we proclaimed and set about our 'satyagraha committed to co-operation'.

Heartiest congratulations to all the men-women-children who did the purushartha by observing all or even some of its points upto the 14th of December. We talked about the answer to the question 'What next?' then; and that is what we are going to do this moment again.

Pakistan has a democratically elected government. The co-operation shared by Mr. Zardari's party operating in the name of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto's name and Mr. Nawaz Sherif's party, is what the existence of this government solely depends upon. Moreover, Mr. Zardari has neither the required political maturity nor a profound study of the circumstances and more importantly nor even the tact to win over a solid popular backing. Mr. Nawaz Sherif on the other hand, has extensive experience apart from the advantage of commendable relations with leaders of other nations. The way Mr. Nawaz Sherif puts these aspects to use, will decide the course of many events to come. Also I.S.I. the secret organization of Pakistan and some military officers of Pakistan will go to any extent to grab power and take full control; and for the purpose, what they need is a situation that will necessarily result in war.

If, yielding to international pressure, the democratic government of Pakistan decides to co-operate with India, not only will the war be averted but all potential causes of war too will be rendered ineffective, which fact the I.S.I. is fully aware of. Besides, what the I.S.I. knows better than any other body is that India is not in the least an aggressive, war-hungry or an imperialist nation.

....Should such a situation arise, the democratic government will gain steady ground in Pakistan - another fact that the I.S.I. and the opportunist military officers see clearly; which is precisely why they are going all out to impede co-operation between India and the government of Pakistan. The results of these efforts on their part are now beginning to bear fruit.

Now, bogged down under pressure both from the I.S.I. and the popular trend of thought, the government of Pakistan is now forced to retract even the so-called anti-terrorist measures taken. Actually speaking, the popular trend of thought is in no way spontaneous, it has been rigged by the I.S.I. The mass media of Pakistan too, for different reasons, are engaged in making allegations against India. Despite the existent democratic system, they too have sold off their positive approach along with the freedom of press.

So then, the war is now more or less inevitable.

The Indian politicians and the Indian government have, exhibiting abundant tolerance, restraint and political maturity, carefully taken every measure to avert war. It is however, more than obvious that India is not going to get any co-operative response whatsoever from Pakistan. Therefore all that remains now, is to arrive at a specific moment for an attack, based on the talks and recommendations with international friends. With the attack on Mumbai, Pakistan's undeclared war against India cooking for years now, culminates into an outright and open war.

It is indeed imperitive for India to take stringent steps because if India adopts a linient or indulgent policy, the I.S.I. could bring about terrorist attacks in many Indian cities and that it will surely end up doing. The destruction in that case would be even more horrific and so not withstanding the consequences of war, it would indeed be advisable for India to go to war.

Once the war begins, the strategies and plans could keep changing every moment and along with them, the situation inside of the country and outside of it.

My dear sons of India-our motherland, in the articles that follow, we will talk about the international trend of thought, study the situation within the country in the event of war and also discuss the measures to be taken in the event.

*(Friends, why is the Indian government dillydallying the launch of war? or why is it resorting to a policy of unwarranted restraint in the matter? would be questions that come up for many.

But that is really not the case! Not at all! As a matter of fact, India and all other thoughtful international bodies are well aware that if such a war happens, it is going to be the first ever war on earth between two nations possessing nuclear weapons.

This fact calls for appropriate and bilateral caution and care regarding 'nuclear arms' at every step. And the point is, the Indian government is putting the available time to this prudent use.)

THAT PRECISE MOMENT (MUHURTA)'Har Har Mahadev' we proclaimed and set about our 'satyagraha committed to co-operation'. Heartiest congratulations to all the men-women-children who did the purushartha by observing all or even some of its points upto the 14th of December. We talked about the answer to the question 'What next?' then; and that is what we are going to do this moment again.Pakistan has a democratically elected government. The co-operation shared by Mr. Zardari's party operating in the name of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto's name and Mr. Nawaz Sherif's party, is what the existence of this government solely depends upon. Moreover, Mr. Zardari has neither the required political maturity nor a profound study of the circumstances and more importantly nor even the tact to win over a solid popular backing. Mr. Nawaz Sherif on the other hand, has extensive experience apart from the advantage of commendable relations with leaders of other nations. The way Mr. Nawaz Sherif puts these aspects to use, will decide the course of many events to come. Also I.S.I. the secret organization of Pakistan and some military officers of Pakistan will go to any extent to grab power and take full control; and for the purpose, what they need is a situation that will necessarily result in war.If, yielding to international pressure, the democratic government of Pakistan decides to co-operate with India, not only will the war be averted but all potential causes of war too will be rendered ineffective, which fact the I.S.I. is fully aware of. Besides, what the I.S.I. knows better than any other body is that India is not in the least an aggressive, war-hungry or an imperialist nation. ....Should such a situation arise, the democratic government will gain steady ground in Pakistan - another fact that the I.S.I. and the opportunist military officers see clearly; which is precisely why they are going all out to impede co-operation between India and the government of Pakistan. The results of these efforts on their part are now beginning to bear fruit. Now, bogged down under pressure both from the I.S.I. and the popular trend of thought, the government of Pakistan is now forced to retract even the so-called anti-terrorist measures taken. Actually speaking, the popular trend of thought is in no way spontaneous, it has been rigged by the I.S.I. The mass media of Pakistan too, for different reasons, are engaged in making allegations against India. Despite the existent democratic system, they too have sold off their positive approach along with the freedom of press.So then, the war is now more or less inevitable.The Indian politicians and the Indian government have, exhibiting abundant tolerance, restraint and political maturity, carefully taken every measure to avert war. It is however, more than obvious that India is not going to get any co-operative response whatsoever from Pakistan. Therefore all that remains now, is to arrive at a specific moment for an attack, based on the talks and recommendations with international friends. With the attack on Mumbai, Pakistan's undeclared war against India cooking for years now, culminates into an outright and open war. It is indeed imperitive for India to take stringent steps because if India adopts a linient or indulgent policy, the I.S.I. could bring about terrorist attacks in many Indian cities and that it will surely end up doing. The destruction in that case would be even more horrific and so not withstanding the consequences of war, it would indeed be advisable for India to go to war.Once the war begins, the strategies and plans could keep changing every moment and along with them, the situation inside of the country and outside of it. My dear sons of India-our motherland, in the articles that follow, we will talk about the international trend of thought, study the situation within the country in the event of war and also discuss the measures to be taken in the event.*(Friends, why is the Indian government dillydallying the launch of war? or why is it resorting to a policy of unwarranted restraint in the matter? would be questions that come up for many.But that is really not the case! Not at all! As a matter of fact, India and all other thoughtful international bodies are well aware that if such a war happens, it is going to be the first ever war on earth between two nations possessing nuclear weapons. This fact calls for appropriate and bilateral caution and care regarding 'nuclear arms' at every step. And the point is, the Indian government is putting the available time to this prudent use.)