Justice is our birthright and we‘ll achieve it!

We’ve less than 15,000 trial judges to adjudicate cases at the first stage; ideally we should have at least 50,000. Hence the undue delay in dispensation of justice. So, to bring in a rule of law, we need to appoint 10,000 trials judges each year for 5 consecutive years.

Very recently there was a news article that GOI is going to appoint 100 K soldiers to man the china border. A defense analyst may interpret this as an apparently populist measure. For, no longer wars are fought by foot soldiers and it is technology that settles the results of the wars. However, from this we can safely infer that, now we have the resources/money to appoint the required number of judges. What we need is political statesmanship to stand up to the demand of the time and deliver a plan that would usher in a climate of justice.

How we wish; in the next parliamentary elections all parties would declare when they can ensure that a murderer would be sentenced in 1 year and a rapist will be sentenced in 6 months. Mind you, that would require a paradigm shift from rupee 2/-kilo rice to judicial accountability.

So lets dream that in the next parliamentary elections (2014) the election manifesto of all the political parties would reassuringly claim something similar to this:

“If elected to power we would clear all pending cases (more than 2.5 corers) in 5 years and after that – from 2019 the following time duration for SENTENCING in the first trial court:

Crimes:…………………….Time required:

Murder: ………………………6 months

Rape…………………………..6 months

Theft………………………….3 months

Arson…………………………4 months

Hooliganism…………………3 months

Petty crimes………………….9-12 months

Bribery……………………….. 9 months

NB: if the above charges are brought against Group-I officers, MLAs and MPs; then those will be resolved in less than half the time indicated above- as these would be tried in fast track courts/ Lok Pal. 

…so please vote us :)

A respected chartered accountant wrote: 
The question is how do you select right kind of people for judiciary.In our time mostly who could not get anything better thought let us read law and they are now in high echeleon of justice.The state of lower judiciary is even more pathetic.Now you expect the number of trial judges should be 50000 from the present level of 15000.Please think is it necessary to have a law degree to be a judge in which case the system will perhaps always be wanting quality,therefore let us encourage youngsters who are reading integrated law etc now to join the service instead of only eyeing on law firms.

My humble answer to above rejoinder:

You’ve a point here Sir!

However, lets examine whether we can fast track the process. We’ve more than 800 K registered advocates in our country. The total number of qualified law graduates might be twice that. (Please check with peer reviewed sources and let me know if I have erred)  Even if we assume the quality of an average law graduate to be suspect, yet there is room for optimism. Now, we have more than 1.7 lac CAs and some of these CAs are also qualified in Law (LLB). There are many others - either in jobs, practice or business - who are also qualified to be judges.

So with criteria like 10 years of post qualification experience with a law degree- either in the bar or else where- these people can be recruited after further screening through 2 rounds of written tests and a round of interview. Then they would be drilled through relevant digital justice delivery procedure for a further period of 6 months before they are deputed to “Justice factories”!

These judges could be recruited on a contractual basis- say for 10 years. My hunch is that a good number of CAs/ CWAs/ CSs and class-I serving bureaucrats would qualify and bar councils might fume and fight such appointments.

These Judges- appointed on contractual basis- would be used to clear the backlog, at the first trial stage (lower judiciary). From the beginning they would walk in as First class judicial magistrates and would retire as such- No promotion, no pay rise.

To strengthen our judicial process, we should also start an IJS- Indian Judicial Services- in line with IAS/ IPS. Through IJS an entrant could go maximum up to High Court, to maintain the hallowed independence of our judiciary. Yet, once such a process is set in motion, the people who would retire from that service would be eligible to go into the collegium, which selects judges for High Court and Supreme Court from the bench. Their entry into these collegiums would address the “Uncle Judge” concern. Setting up of IJS may require constitutional amendments and the full result of this cadre can be harness after 3 decades of setting the process in motion. This issue –IJS- requires and independent article, so lets get back to our present concern- appointing contractual judges to quicken the justice delivery process.

To attract quality professionals the minimum contract period has to be 10 years and the minimum salary should be 1 Lac per month- fixed for the entire period or a start up consolidated salary of 50K per month and an annual increment above inflation levels. In order to manage the cash flows and also to offer pension and post retirement free accommodation, the government may declare that only 30/ 40 % of this salary- which may be a consolidated package- would be take home salary and the rest- post adjustment of tax- would be credited to relevant funds.

Besides managing cash flow, this – delayed payment- would also help maintaining independence of these judges. For, now the Judge would not have a motivation to amass illegal wealth and they would be assured about their post retirement life. In each state capital ‘retirement complexes with all recreational facilities’ would be built for these Judges. As per their choice they would be allotted a flat in one particular retirement home and they could stay in any other home, for a brief period- subject to availability of accommodation. The additional facility would be in line with the ‘time-share’ concept and that would make this offer quite attractive. Besides, they would also enjoy subsidized travel on national careers- preferably on the rails and other incentives, as it is available for retiring first class magistrates.

These retirement homes would belong to ministry of justice and hence after the demise of these retirees other judges (say those joining in the newly set-up IJS etc.) could be allotted vacated flats/ accommodations.

Here is another pertinent article to consider:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/australian-firm-says-indian-judiciary-under-govt-thumb-in-corporate-row/872383/

Now the fig leaf that is protruded to cover the shame is administrative delay! And that’s what we are concerned about.

How can you delay projects involving thousands of crores and thousands of jobs for years without and then claim it was due to administrative delay! Then do we need such a hopeless administration?

The message on the wall is loud and clear: When it’s a matter of the livelihood or honor of millions of common men, we cannot afford to have such delays. Just compare this with the situation when terrorists hijacked a plane to Kandhar and demand the release of dreaded terrorists lodged in high security prisons. Within 7 days they are released to save the skin of the kith and kins of these well-connected people. Ditto for Rubayiya Sayeed- in 1989, for her father was the then Home minister! And when it’s about development and inclusive growth ‘administrative delay’ is the ‘fall guy’. Sorry, we do not buy this argument!

We need justice in time and that’s our birthright! And, we’ll achieve it!!

Let’s popularize scientific temper:

Do you know a vast majority of atrocities in the world, against hapless men, women and children emanate from lack of scientific temper. The common people suffer the most. General ignorance and wide spread lack of scientific temper are the culprits.

A few representative examples:

1.      In the name of acquiring supernatural power, placating gods for a good fortune or to drive away evil spirits people are killed (sacrificed).

2.      Women are branded as witches and then suffer untold miseries.

3.      Gullible people are made to believe that physical ailments can be cured by sorcerers and practitioners of black magic and they are fleeced and made to live a miserable life.

There are many other such aberrations.  

It's very unfortunate that a large number of people, which also includes many who have very high degrees in disciplines of Science, lack scientific temper. 

What’s the way forward?

Well, by crying about darkness we can not bring about a change in the state. We will have to light a lamp and then expect that gradually darkness will be dispelled and hence this humble effort. Lets discuss about the atrocities emanating from lack of scientific tempers and also try to synthesize the possible solutions. Then we can forward the same to the law enforcement authorities or to the concerned government departments or to Voluntary organizations, which are working to spread such temper/ attitude amongst the general populace. 

My Alma mater

A brief introduction of D.N.High School, Kendujhar, Odisha

Dhanurjaya Narayana High School is the oldest High school of Kendujhar, a tribal dominated district in the mineral rich hilly terrains of Odisha. The school traces its origin to late 19th Century, when it operated as a Middle English School. In CE1934 the school was enhanced to the level of a High School and named as Gibson High School, in the name of the then British Political Agent Mr. Gibson.  After Independence, Gibson gave way to Dhanurjaya Narayan and hence the name D. N. High School.

Where as, only 15 students passed out the matriculation examination in 1938, close to 200 students have the same honor in the recent years. In the last 78 years D. N. High School has crossed many milestones and has established its name as an educational institution of repute.

Some notable transitions have taken place in its medium of instruction and student composition.

Co-education:

Initially woman education was not prevalent in the society and hence there were no girl students. Things changed and parents enrolled their daughters in the 1940s. After establishment of a Girls High School in the close vicinity -in 1957- the administration decided to make this a ‘boys only’ school in 1963 and it continued as such till 1993. Sri Balaram Prusty, the then Head Master, worked hard to bring back the glory of the High School and besides undertaking some much needed renovations he re-opened the doors to the girl students in 1994 and since that time the school continuous to be a co-educational institution.

Medium of instruction:

In the same vain, the medium of instruction at the inception - in 1934 - was more inclined towards English. End of the British raj and rise of nationalistic feelings subdued this and Odiya became the only medium of instruction and regrettably the standard of the students fell in English. Even as a subject also it no longer enjoys its previous status. Concerned alumni have raised their voice regarding this ‘Odiya only’ policy and as it involves legislative changes, the talks of forming a peer group of such esteemed schools to wrest the past glories back, is in the air. For a brief while a plan to take D.N.High School to the next frontier of International schools was on the anvil.

Pertinent to note, D. N. High School enjoyed the status of a Zilla school- Premier District School- and was one of only thirteen such esteemed schools in Odisha. Changes in Government policies and practices have diluted such distinctions and privileges; yet the school continues to be among the finest Odia medium schools of Odisha.

A glimmer of hope, which promptly faded!

For some time – between 2005 to 2009, on the eve of the platinum Jubilee celebrations- the alumni of D.N. High School celebrated the annual function with the enthusiastic support of the school administration and hence the family of old students, staff and well wishers of D.N. High School was becoming more and more integrated. Alas the completion of the celebrations ended this bonhomie and again an eerie silence rules when we think of Alumni as a group. A few individual batches do celebrate their re-unions almost religiously but that in nowhere near being called an alumni group for their alma mater. They are more into their own fun and frolicking and at most they may be shedding some tears at the sad plight of the school.

How big are we?

In last 8 decades, the alumni of D.N. High Schools have reached most part of the globe and their imprints can be seen in all walks of life. The number of people who have passed out from this esteemed institution has reached the 7,000 mark and is proudly marching towards the five figures. The extended family, which includes all the associated staff, parents of students and ex-students, well wishers and spouses and children of ex-students; has became very big and substantial.

In this age of transience many changes have impacted D. N. High School and have brought about a situation, which calls for some out of box thinking and re-calibration of many things, which are central to existence and continuity of this school. The platinum Jubilee celebrations set such a process in motion.

One pertinent question:

We talk about corruption and make such heavy weather about it. But please think, if you forget your parents and let them die by degrees will that also not be considered as a form of corruption? Now, aren’t our alma maters stand in the same pedestal as our parents? So why are we so apathetic about our alma maters?

Hope remains:

Though the gross apathy of the alumni is not very difficult to understand- we do not have such a culture- yet very painful. Well, reminiscing about the cliché : “when everything looks bleak remember the future remains” I hope someday we’d bring about a change in this attitude and not only this school but most other state government run schools of Odisha would stand up and be counted alongside their counterparts- private schools. Please mull over it, will you?

Buddhism is a better philosophy!

For westerners polytheism is synonymous with Paganism and hence a sign of immaturity. No longer Christianity- of any denomination- holds the real sway over Australia, England, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and many other western countries. A good percentage of Australians and other nationals of these countries prefer passing themselves as people without a religion! Alas, an aborigine in Australia would sadly recount that before such enlightenment dawned on white Aussies they had virtually wiped out his creed!

USA stands on a slightly different platform. However, the signs of turning of the tide are evident with the recent declarations of President Obama. America is returning to the ideals of George Washington, where he placed a lot of emphasis on tolerance. Thomas Paine would also be turning in the grave and it appears it’s only a matter of time and then USA would follow on the footsteps of Europe and Australia!

The four Scandinavian countries and japan are highly atheistic and in terms of human values they are in the forefront. In contrast most religious countries- you name any- rank poorly in terms of HDI and human values (in practice). India is a test case: highly religious and if we document the atrocities against human beings casteism would of course top the chart and other inhuman practices of yore - like "sati", sending widows to Benaras, where young widows invariably fell into the sex trade- would send shivers through our spine. Do you know recently the former CM of Rajasthan- Vasundhra Raje - justified 'Sati' in the name of Culture! Many educated Indian decline to accept but virulent casteism is still in practice in almost all villages of north India. And still more than 60% of India lives in Villages!

In learned circles- of Sri Lanka-Buddhism is refereed to as a philosophy than a religion. As Buddha emphatically talked about reason and even went on the extent of saying: “Do not accept something, because I am saying, realize it yourself and then accept!” A profound statement! Especially when the raison d'etre of religion is to stop making people think. Remember the famous Odia cliché: Biswashe milai hari abishwasu bahu durey!

In none of the other mainstream religions you find such leverage to reason. So, when Vedic culture was already polluted with 4 major vices: Jagya (ritualistic burning of clarified butter etc), Bali (human and animal sacrifice), Casteism with virulent untouchability and Pratima Puja (idolatry)- Buddha came in as a redeemer. No wonder in about 300 years the entire subcontinent - of course excluding Tribal people- became Buddhist. Then Vedic Brahmanism & Polytheism made a come back, especially due to Shankara. Look from any angle Shankara was a great strategist. The four Dhams have been chosen with almost military precision!

Fortunately due to the untiring efforts of Ashoka Buddhism had already spread far and wide or else we do not know where it would have been today; for, by rational extrapolation: Buddhism was ruthlessly exterminated in India! Nothing else explains a virtual cleansing! Now the people who put this hypothesis are branded as Marxist But the Truth stares in our face and asks the inconvenient question: "When relics of Buddhist Vihars are abound across India, when Buddhism is synonymous with the advent of modern day hospital and a lot other good practices, when it is so well preserved elsewhere why it became DEAD in India? Remember "The Light of Asia- The Great Renunciation" written by Edwin Arnold (in 1879)? He is credited to have rediscovered Buddha! Yes Buddha was completely forgotten in this part of the world. Now Buddhism is growing in India. Credit should go to Dr Ambedkar, who got converted in to it just a couple of months before his death. Hence again it has become a redeemer for Dalits!

That beckons towards the fact that, a thriving Buddhist culture in Odisha was decimated through guile and stratagems. Depicting the 9th avatar of Vishnu as Buddha was one of those crafty measures. So quite naturally the Jagannath temple at Puri (Odisha) also had depictions of Buddha as an avatar. Subsequently, that was no longer felt necessary, hence were erased!

The attitude of lives and let live was prevalent in Islam of yore. Hence, if we exclude Buddhism as a philosophy, in the past, Islam was the most tolerant religion, not Christianity or Vedic Hinduism.  I was surprised when I read such a hypothesis from an American Caucasian historian! But facts are facts! A lot of propaganda has been spread against Muslim rule but the fact of the matter is that they brought in good governance and that is why they ruled here for such a long time. The life was so miserable for ordinary Hindus under the caste system that Muslim rule was perhaps welcomed as a great relief! If you apply simple reason you'd find most of the allegations against Muslim misrule is actually propaganda.

We cannot make gross generalization. However, the Christian born professor found: over all Islam is more tolerant than Christianity. Hinduism is not much discussed in the west. However, religious charlatans fool gullible poor Indians by extolling that the world is looking at India for redemption! For them, since the Chicago address of Great Swami Vivekananda, water has stopped flowing in Thames!

I have worked in 4 different countries in 2 continents and that's is my objective view, which is also supported if we go by different polls (Gallop etc.).

What is more, today Hindu nationalist blame casteism on Islam! What a joke!

Ditto was the case with pre-British Maratha exploitation in Odisha. Their rule was so atrocious that people had great relief when the British kicked them out. If you doubt my submissions then please read Fakir Mohan Senapati's biography and you would get that first hand.

What a travesty of facts, now a bunch of Marathas - RSS- are out to teach Odias that Muslim rule was oppressive! What is more, hardly anyone is questioning! Gyana Marg – the path of reason-is actually better :)

(Word count = 1,010)

A possible game changer for Bhubaneswar!

Dear Friends,

On 25 May 2012 a meeting was held at XIMB in the chamber of Prof D V Ramana, which could pave the way for creating quality faculty/ knowledge transfer agaents for our city/ country. Besides Prof Ramana two other members of the learning community- Prof Manaswee Samal and CA Swati Kejeriwal- also participated in the deliberations:  

They hammered out a working model for the proposed “ACCOUNTING CLASSES FOR STUDENTS FROM POOR ECONOMIC BACKGROUND”.


The following decisions were taken:

1)    This venture would be purely charitable: No hidden cost to the participants, no financial gains for the faculties, who would contribute their time.

2)    This is a pioneering venture, where teaching ‘commerce students with poor economic background’ has been thought of with a career map and hence is without a parallel in the city.

3)    This venture would be popularly known as: G-20 (Name coined by Prof Samal)

4)    The batch: Will be of 20 students.

5)    The long-term aim: To produce quality teachers in commerce with conceptual clarity and commitment towards the society.

6)    Target participants: B.Com students, who are economically poor.

7)    Criteria for judging suitability of participation: In the words of Prof Ramana: "We shall TRUST our students". So a self-declaration will suffice.

8)    So, each intending participant will give a one-page write up as to why s/he is eligible to be enrolled in this course.

9)    It is desirable that the interested candidates should have ambitions to teach and should evince interest to pursue one of the following professional courses: 
a) Chartered Accountancy
b) Cost Accountancy
c) Management in Business Administration



10) What would be taught: -
a) Financial Accounting
b) Cost Accounting
c) Management Accounting
d) Business and Corporate Laws
e) Direct Taxes and f) Indirect Taxes.

11) The Classes will be held in XIMB premises at Bhubaneswar.

12) Initially there will be 2 classes per week. 



13) 10 June 2012 is the last date for submission of applications.

14) Probable date of starting the classes: 1 July 2012

15) The applications will be mailed to ramana@ximb.ac.in


Here is a request to you:

Please inform all the institutions and students, who might be interested, to send a one-page write up, for each participant, to enroll for this course. The declaration should be as detailed in serial no 8 above and should also include a brief detail about their background.  

Please do the needful. Will you?

10 June 2012
Here is a very touching application that we've received:


The name of the applicant has been hidden, as we are yet to secure his permission to reveal his Identity.
________________________________________________________
Sir,
This is to inform you that I xxxxxxxxxxxxx, am interested in the “ACCOUNTING CLASSES FOR STUDENTS FROM POOR ECONOMIC BACKGROUND”.


My background:
 I am a  student in my final year B.com in Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur and an MBA aspirant. My mother is a single parent, working with the state government under the rehabilitation program.


Her position, does support us morally,but fails to do so financially. She's a pension holder. We used to run the show well until my school days but since I am preparing for various management entrance examinations now, I had to come down to Bhubaneswar. I am here at Bhubaneswar now, staying at a relative's place and studying for my MBA exams which I intend to write in 2012. Bhubaneswar being an expensive city, and with the mounting expenses it was very difficult for my mother to bear my costs.Hence, I am doing an internship to support my preparation fees and other costs. My final year studies also have to be managed and hence I visit my home town once in fifteen days or so to collect notes and consult teachers.




This program has many benefits apart from the fact that I will be taught by some of the best brains in the country:


1. I will get to learn so much for free. I could not have afforded it otherwise. This is the reason why I haven't joined any coaching class for my graduation. They charge a hefty amount and the value derived is comparatively lower.
2. If I get these classes my visits hometown would be less frequented and my MBA preparation will be dedicated more time.
3. The basics of Accounting need to be strong. This is the most important factor which interests me in this program. I have always wanted to learn from the core. I am a firm believer of the fact that, without basics one can do nothing. When such highly reputable teachers teach me, I will be extremely strong in the basics and hence whenever I teach anybody I can teach him/her the actual subject rather than imparting him/her with mere bookish knowledge.
4. With an MBA in mind, these subjects are extremely essential for strengthening my foundation and widening my knowledge horizon.


5.Last but not the least, I get to visit XIMB, which is one of my dream colleges,and not to mention one of the best colleges in India.


My educational background:
10th- 79.2 % in ICSE
12th- 84.3% in CHSE, Commerce.I was among the top 25 ranks in the state.




My short-term goals:
Get an MBA degree from one of the top management institutes and to teach in one of India's premier b-schools.


My long term goals:
To create an institution which will provide a platform for meritorious but financially poor students.




I would be really grateful to you if I am selected as one among the G-20. 
Thanking you,


Yours truly,


xxxxxxxxxxxxx
_______________________________________________________


My reply ( for the above mail):


Dear    xxxxxxxxxxxxx  ,

I feel you are the kind of talent we are looking forward to. 

As you've already impressed Dr Ramana I feel you'd be through.

Please remain in touch.

In case of need, please use my cell : 9437053856

Regards & Good wishes,
CA Siddharth Ranjan

_______________________________________________________________________
15 June 2012
These are the further developments (as summarized by Prof Ramana of a meeting of the Faculties at XIMB)

• Offer only three papers: Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting, Taxation (for the time being drop Law)
• Focus and objective: Developing rigour through conceptual clarity
• Tentative date for first session: 10th July
• Primary resource team for subject wise:
• Cost Accounting: Ranjan sir, Rabindra Mohanty ( Subha may be contacted )
• Taxation: Siddhartha Ranjan and Manaswee Samal
• Financial Accounting: Ramana, PKMohanty, Swati
• Each team to prepare the course content and delivery mode
• Course level will be pitched at Inter CA level
• Study material of the professional courses and other relevant text books may be collected

_____________________________________________________________

Black economy and higher denomination Notes

Will removal of higher denomination currency notes like 1000 and 500 rupee from circulation reduce corruption in India? Will it impact the black economy?

This is a very simplistic solution, which lacks intellectual rigor and i can not see any substantial reason how removal of higher denominations are going to be helpful in containing black money.
Baba Ramdev enthusiastically supported this idea and like his herbal remedy it became popular but like the efficacy of his medicines its utility is suspect!

If bulk of the black money is abroad, removing higher denominations will not have any impact on that cache. If bulk of the black money inside the country is buried in real-estates and gold then those people also will not be affected.

Even if there is a plan to remove these denominations, there would be a time limit within which people- Aam admi- can exchange. Any politician or businessman worth his name will have enough accomplices to get his booty converted, if at all they need to exchange.

Good Point

Will the answer be different if we think more from the point of view of actual corruption in the field (bribes, election expenses) which would be difficult to transact in smaller denomination notes?

No.
There is an entire industry which thrives on trafficking illegal money across the globe, which is known as Hawala. If higher denominations are removed the corruption in bribe etc will not be reduced; only thing that would happen is now these professional money launderers' services will be more in demand.


How does this racket operate:
Now, when a seth in TN has to bribe a Babu in Delhi they use this channel. Where, they have much matured practices. The contact in TN would receive the Money (Say 10 crore + Hawala commission) in TN and then would tear a currency note in halve. Now both the parts will have the number of that currency. One part will be handed over to the client. Now the client will send this halve to his manager or partner in Delhi who will receive 10 crore there when this half is matched with the other halve, which would have been sent by the racketeer to Delhi. Then that would be delivered to the Babu's agent in Delhi.


If the party wishes they can also deliver the cash at agreed locations, of course for a price.


But removal of higher denomination will trouble all kind of businessmen and for a contractor who makes weekly payments, they will also have to spend higher sums on security as it would become more conspicuous when they carry even 10 lacs. same thing for depositing money for a trader, they will have to carry the currencies in bags and will have to arrange extra security, which otherwise would not have been required.


So, whatever little benefit can accrue through the removal will be negated by the difficulties to genuine business men.


Now also think, this Rs 100 currencies are there for more than 6 decades. But a hundred rupee note in 1950 would be worth more than Rs 1,000/- today, on a PPP basis; so, is it not illogical that we advocate something which would be retrograde!

(Word count = 530)

PAKHALA: Water Rice (Quintessential Odia staple diet)

Confession of a born-again Odia: Without any prejudice towards anybody I state: 

 Till I became 33 years old I had an aversion toward Pakhala. During childhood it was almost pathological. I thought it- Pakhala- was a sign of Barbarism! I could not stand the very smell of it, much less to talk of tasting it.

The rest of the family members were either neutral or fond of this typical Odia staple diet. Those days the leftover rice used to go to the Pakhala Handi and usually it smelled. In fact, the people who loved it, loved this fermented brew for this smell, which was a sign of the existence of alcohol perhaps! And for the exact same reason I hated it.

Then it all changed and I became a fan of Pakhala!

But, the moot question is: These days do we eat the same type of Pakhala that I detested? Certainly not. Gone are those smelly brews and now the Pakhala is made of freshly cooked rice. Badi ( a typical Odia preparation from black gram), Dahi (Curd) and Lemon are a must and then the flavor is so nice. Now, whenever we eat Pakhala, I demand an extra serving of the torani ( watery part of Pakhala) and I guess I do not have to explain why! My mother is puzzled but happy with the development!

So, dear Odia friends, if you are yet to realize the beauty of Pakhala, I’d say, wait your turn is also coming :)

 

Inspiration for the above confession came from a forum discussion in facebook, where, Ms Laxmipriya and a good number of Odiya participants proved that if there would be a contest for Odia National food, Pakhala would win hands down!

For me it was a revelation and hope in the form of a blog post this would keep our enthusiasm alive and someday we'd raise Pakhala to its rightful place to sit besides Sattu Paratha of Bihar, Rajma chawal of Delhi, Tandoori roti of Punjab, Idli Sambhar of Tamil Nadu, Bajri no Rotlo of Gujrat and Ilsi Macher Jhol of our neighboring state West Bengal; won’t we?

Hope we'd continue to debate and then the synthesis would be to everybody's advantage, including the government! For, if they could rechristen our state, they can also pass a bill to anoint Pakhala as the National food of Odisha; can't they? 

One of the many modern-day variants:

Take fresh cooked rice, add ice cool water and then squeeze half a lemon into it and add a pinch of salt. You get a fantastic Pakhala. It appeals to both, your nose and also to your palate. Badi chura with Garlic and onion, with or without green chili, will make fantastic accompaniment. Especially if you are a diabetic, you cannot ask for a better wholesome lunch; for rice is gluten free and Pakhala consumption entails a lot of drinking of water and hence consumption of rice should be moderate.


A good diet during summer:
Pakhala is ideal during summer. In the past, summer months used to be a punishing time. Fomented Pakhala, which contained alcohol due to the process of fomentation, helped idle agriculturists doze off during summers when they had little else to do, after consuming pakhala, and thereby made Odia summers, where temperatures often hovered around 40 degree Celsius, somewhat bearable. As monsoon sets in, the farmers become active and Pakhala loses its charm. So, go and have your bowlful of Pakhala before the monsoon starts its dancing! Wait, now when does the summer go? Even in the peak of monsoon we are reeling under severe heat waves. So, I guess, the reign of Pakhala has prolonged.

Last words:
Well, well, well :) You always take Pakhala with a pinch of salt; so, wherever you wish, take these submissions with a pinch of salt and then you'll see it actually makes sense :) Does it? Now the ball is in your court.

(Word count = 650 (appx.))

Public nudity Vs private nudity:

Nudity in a person's home or private grounds is not public nudity. Nor can nudity at privately owned facilities such as: swimming pools, saunas, gymnasia, nudist or at naturist clubs or resorts be termed as public nudity. In all advanced countries privacy of an individual and that of a private association is respected. Hence the public laws do not interfere in the affairs of such premises and clubs. In contrast public nudity refers to nudity in the public places. Here also there are countries which permit nudity in certain public places like a few designated beaches etc.

Attitude to nudity is culture specific.
In one extreme end we’ve the Taliban, which mandates that no part of women be seen in public and they must come out with a Burka. In the other, we’ve Naga Sadhus and the digambar Jain monks who assert their religiosity by remaining naked. The Adamites- an early Christian sect- practiced "holy nudism", lived in absolute lawlessness and stripped themselves naked while engaged in common worship.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_nudity

In most advanced countries there are legally permitted areas where nudity is not an offence.

A list of 10 most popular clothing optional beaches in the world is as follows:
1. Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii
2. Wreck Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia
3. San Onofre State Beach, Orange County, California
4. Cap d’Agde, Vermeille Coast, France
5. Haulover Beach, Miami, Florida
6. Apollo Beach, Volusia County, Florida
7. Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto, Canada
8. Gunnison Beach, Sandy Hook, N.J.
9. Samurai Beach, Port Stephens, Australia
10. Anse de Grand Saline/Anse du Gouverneur, St. Barthelemy

Source: matadornetwork.com

Legal position of nudity across the globe:
Legal position of a country is heavily influenced by their religio-cultural stand. In all secular countries it is accepted that a naked human body in itself is not indecent. It is the circumstances which may make it offensive or undesirable. This stand permits artistic expressions, where artists paint nude portraits or carve out nude sculptures.

In a more tolerant place like Barcelona, public nudity is regarded as a recognized right, although, even there, there have been successful prosecutions for public nudity.

Nudity is an absolute no no in religious countries and though they claim that they are the preserves of morality, findings of independent and credible bodies like transparency international etc. show that it is exactly the opposite. Afghanistan and Pakistan, where people have to adhere to a strict religious moral code – as per Islamic sariah- have been found to be extremely corrupt and the condition of women is horrible. And the culprit is: their religious obscurantism. It is a fact that hazaras – people of a minority Islamic community- are routinely sodomised by the Taliban- the people who make such heavy weather about Islamic purity!

In contrast, in Scandinavian countries and Japan- which are highly atheistic- public morality is the best and so is the condition of women. All Scandinavian countries value human dignity and freedom of the individual and hence are countries which allow a higher degree of permissiveness. Japan stands at a slightly different plain where group ethos and nationalistic culture gets predominance. Yet, owing to their academic and industrial advancements they have worked out a fine balance.

Indian stand:
We in India are not that obsessed with attire- especially women’s’ attire – as the Taliban is in the Islamic world. Neither have we matured to that extent that we can tolerate nudity legally. However it’s pertinent to mention here that in India- owing to the gross failure of the legal apparatus in delivering timely justice- two worlds exist together.

The law may ban nude beaches and nudity in clubs, yet it’s not uncommon to find such clubs and private places, in cities like Mumbai and Goa. It is similar to prohibition in Gujarat. Though, alcohol consumption is banned in Gujarat- the only state having such a ban- yet for people who can spend, every brand- worth its name- is available in the market! This is symptomatic and most corrupt and failed states share the same ignominy. Fortunately we are not a failed state!

Nudity and modern jurisprudence:
Modern jurisprudence looks into the ‘intent’ behind nudity and if accusation of indecent ‘exhibitionism’ or ‘public indecency’ sticks then only a person is persecuted for nudity- not otherwise. So when PETA – People for ethical treatment of animal- go naked to protest against the use of fur etc their nudity should be looked as an expression of genuine protest and such activists are not hounded.

The touchy Indian public and the ever compliant politicians:
We do not know how our elites and the countrymen would take to the news of Julia Roberts – a well known PETA supporter and a Hollywood celebrity- walking naked on the Janpath – in New Delhi- to uphold animal rights in India. Yet, indications of the past show that, if at all it happens, she would be permitted to show her protests and then she would be arrested, soon after, to placate the nationalists. This would be a token arrest, so she would be promptly released and would be granted a VVIP status- befitting her stature and there by it would not horrify the right activists. In our own tradition, we would continue to debate about the vulgarity and the utility of her protest for a very long time till something more shocking diverts our attention.

Time we ( in emerging economies like India)had some statesmen:
We can no longer look the other way when real issues like nudity and obscenity come up and it's time we amended our legislations to bring them in line with the humanistic modern world. We can not afford to leave a void in such important issues. Wait a minute, actually there is no void, all available space is being ruthlessly invaded by the obscurantist- whether religious or nationalistic- and this does not bode well for our future!


We must decide:

1.      What is public nudity?

2.      What are the rights of an individual with respect to her own body?  

3.      In this regard, whether we would continue to be led by ignorant sensationalists or we’d embrace mature best practices?

What reasonable rights one should have with respect to covering or baring ones own body?

Having gathered matured answers to all above we’d codify our stand for judicial references and guidance.

Conclusion:
Having decided upon a humane code, with respect to public nudity, we’d bring about humanistic changes in our other existing legislation(s). And, that would be another bold step in the direction of making our society more humanistic. So shall we?

(Word count = 1110)

Posing Nude: An expression of women's liberation?

(A Case study)

Setting the tone:

There are numerous adult magazines, in the free world, who routinely publish nude photos and Playboy is just one of the representative names. The artists who agree to pose nude- whether male or female- are paid well. Over the period of time it has come to be recognized as an industry, which has evolved and here to stay. This industry’s reach is spreading into other virgin areas- both virtual and real. The industry’s dominance is best demonstrated through internet traffic, where it is claimed that more than half of the internet traffic is for this purpose!

…An offering in the religion of sport?

Traditional religions- across the globe- were built around the rituals of human and animal sacrifices. In fact Jesus’ crucification is also has same allusion.  Perhaps taking aleaf from their precursors, the modern day religions, popular sports, have also demanded some sacrifice!in stead of the blood here the sacrifice seems to be clothes! What else proves the following fad, where did hard fan declare that they’d bare their body if their favorite team wins? Here are a few such representative examples:

Larissa, Maradona and Poonam:

As Paraguay advanced to the quarterfinals of 2010 soccer world cup, Larissa Riquelme- a 24-year Paraguayan lingerie model- declared that she would run naked through the streets "her body painted with the colors of Paraguay", if Paraguay Won the soccer World Cup.

Just before that the legendary maverick soccer icon and coach of Argentina - Diego Maradona - had also made a similar declaration. Unlike Paraguay, Argentina was among the favorites. Both- Diego Maradona’s and Riquelme's- pledges to bare their bodies ended in heartbreaks, as none of their countries lifted the coveted trophy. If any one of their countries had won, there was a real possibility that the victorious team’s fan would have honored their pledge. It goes without saying that such acts are routine in the west, which is labeled as a more permissive culture.

On the eve of 2011 Cricket World Cup Poonam Pandey- a lesser known Indian model- wrote to BCCI- Board of cricket controllers of India- and sought their permission to pose in nude before the Indian team- if they won the trophy. When India actually became victirous she repeated her offer and wanted to go nude before the players so as to keep her promise and also to boost their morale! It’s a different story that she was neither permitted nor should ever be in the present scenario. She continues to draw attention to here through such stunts- till date.

Now, let us see some more extreme cases, especially concerning women, and try to understand what goes behind such desire to bare the body.

Case-1: LaToya Jackson (sister of deceased Mega star Michael Jackson)

After Posing nude In March 1989 issue of Playboy LaToya Jackson said: “(I posed nude) to show my parents they couldn't dictate to me any more—that I control my life.”

Then subsequently it turned out that the steamy phase of her life was due to Jack Gordon - another man who came in as a manager for her and then forced her to marry him. Then under his influence she posed nude for Palyboy and spew venom against her own family including against his darling brother Michael . When LaToya came to know about Jack Gordon’s plan of filming a pornographic film on her, she managed to run back to the security of the family and became a changed person. Then she admitted that her parents did the best that they could to raise them and their conservatism started having meaning to her.

Case-2: Sila Sahin- a 25year old moderately successful actress and a Turkish German Muslim model (in 2011)

In April 2011, - Sila Sahin- shocked her family and fans by posing nude for the German Playboy magazine. Her response was:  'I wanted to be free' (As reported in Mail online on 19 April 2011).

Source:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1378455/Sila-Sahin-poses-Playboy-Muslim-model-upsets-family-nude-cover.html#ixzz1uvSR3Q7d

It not only angered her family it enraged the entire Muslim community. Even death threats were issued to her.

Whether Sila Sahin really became free or not and whether the decision to pose nude was taken in a calm and calculated manner or in anguish would not be known to us for quite some time. However, it is quite possible that her actions and outbursts may have been due to the same reason, as is attributable to in case of La Toya. And what is more worrisome is: such instances are on the rise.

Looking into the rising number of such incidents, we can conclude that this form of dissent, where a woman challenges the male supremacy through such bizarre acts, constitutes a new phase in the progress of humanity.

A few trends that we can discern from the above two case studies are:

1.      The modern woman is quite different from her earlier versions, she wants to assert herself.

2.      The modern woman feels for the perceived wrongs suffered by the women- through the generations and dissents such wrong doings.

3.      With economic independence the modern woman also craves for other forms of independence- be it artistic or voyeuristic.

4.      At times she becomes vindictive and then there comes a desire to shock the perceived wrong doers- the male patriarchs- and the manifestation is: such extreme acts of defiance!

5    Here it is also points at another dangerous portent! What it means is: with rising living standard the number of visits to the shrinks will also increase!

Last words:

There is little to worry if a woman wants to show her dissent by baring her body. For generations women wore very little owing to practical difficulties and we'd not get too excited if the primordial desire to be one with the nature comes hunting once while. Besides that, I humbly belive that everyone has the inherent right over their body and at times if they exercise that right which appears as an extreme step then the others also should tread cautiously. The best way to deal with that would be to just ignore and give enough time to the disturbed souls to settle down on her own- as it happened with La Toya. Alas, instead the culture vultures get peeved and start another cycle of violence and wrong doings.  When will we grow up?

"How poor are they that have not patience!
What wound did ever heal but by degrees?
Thou know'st we work by wit, and not by witchcraft;
And wit depends on dilatory time." : - Shakespeare (in Othello)