There is a difference between a statesman and a Prime Minister. There is a difference between a leader and the Chief Executive. Jawahar Lal Nehru, for all his faults was a leader. Bose and Dr. Ambedaker were not only leaders they were the freedom fighters that won the independence of Bharat. Today there are elected officers, but no leaders in Bharat. There is no visionary that can make the country break. The Lilliputians that are in charge think that a few billion Dollars spent here or there will give them a status of leadership.
Most of the time, his writings are just nationalistic mumbo-jumbo, xenophobic claptrap, Brahamanic nonsense, and Akhand Bharat advertisements. Once in a blue moon Kuldip Nayyar, the Septuagenarian Bharti journalist writes something that is worth reading. We have always believed that the story of Delhi’s Independence from Britain is a story of paradise lost, of opportunities squandered, and possibilities killed by hubris and arrogance.
In 1947 Bharat had the opportunity to build a South Asia for the Asians, which would have kept the intruders out. It opted for empire, illegally taking over Hyderabad, annexing Kashmir by passing off a fake article of accession (which it claims it has now lost–as if it ever existed), taking over Sikkim, waging war on Pakistan, attempting to colonize Nepal, trying to absorb Bhutan, trying to rule Bangladesh using the Indian Rakhi Bahni (with an Indian General in charge) and trying to bifurcate and rule Sri Lanka. It also tried to snatch Tibet from China and is now supporting the secessionists in Xinjiang. All these policies make enemies for Bharat.
In order to be a power, Bharat needs friends.
Let us take an alternate course of history. If Bharat had not illegally taken over Junagarh, Manvadar, Hydrabad and Kashmir, if she had not forced a partition of Bengal from Assam, if she had not broken up the Punjab, there would be no violence and death in 1947. 5 million Muslims would not have thrown out of Bharat and 5 million Hindus would not have opted for Bharat. Delhi and Lucknow would still be Muslim majority cities. Lahore would have millions of Hindus, and this would have been a calming effect on the national policies of both countries. If Bharat had reconciled to Pakistan, the horror of war would not have visited the Subcontinent.
Territory will not make Bharat great–friends in South Asia will.
If Kashmir had joined Pakistan, there would have been no war in 1948, and no war in 1965. Hence there would have been no 1971. Pakistan would not have joined SEATO and CENTO, hence the Sri Lankan Civil war would have been avoided. Also because there was not SEATO and CENTO, Russia would not have invaded Afghanistan, and the current terror that has visited South Asia would never have happened. SAARC would have been very powerful. None of the countries would have spent so much money on arms. They people would have been prosperous, and happier.
India has to prove its bona fides as a developed country in the region. But it is distant from all its neighbours. Understandably, its differences with Pakistan are political. But India is not seen as a friend in Nepal or Bangladesh either. Our size may be forbidding but maybe it is something in our attitude and behaviour that deters our neighbours.
Pakistan’s army chief Gen Kayani still fears an attack by India. How can Pakistan or for that matter other neighbours feel comfortable when our defence budget has gone up by around 38 per cent? It may be only 2.6 per cent of GDP but that is a lot in the context of our neighbours’ economies.
In any case, no power in the developed world will take us seriously if we do not win the confidence of our neighbours. Self-righteousness is not a good trait. When some of our neighbours contend that New Delhi has hegemonic tendencies, their claims may not be unfounded. We should examine why we gave up Gandhi’s approach after his assassination.
Take the case of the Baglihar power project in Kashmir: we did not agree to the points raised by Pakistan until a World Bank expert told us to revise it. Similarly, Bangladesh has objected to the construction of the Tipaimukh dam in Manipur. I hope New Delhi will pay heed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s words: ‘We have signed the historic Ganges Waters Treaty, ensuring fair share of its water. We will be able to resolve the Tipaimukh issue also.’
However, it is also incumbent on our neighbours to cooperate with India and not create situations to which New Delhi may react adversely. New Delhi is unhappy that Islamabad has not done enough on the 26/11 attack on Mumbai and has taken up the release of Hafiz Saeed as a test case.
Pakistan should not let him go unpunished. Still if New Delhi were to adopt measures to accommodate neighbours and revive Saarc Manmohan Singh’s voice at G8 would be more powerful. He would not have to lobby for membership in the Security Council. Imagine India’s strength if all countries in South Asia were to back it. The writer is a leading journalist based in Delhi.An unequal position By Kuldip Nayar. Friday, 17 Jul, 2009 | 01:02 AM PST
Even today, Bharat has the choice. Last week it did make the right decision, but that decision was forced upon her by the Americans and the Europeans. Bharat basic instinct was to keep up the tensions in South Asia, and try to muddle through this Mumbai crisis (actually a tempest in a teapot) through bombastic bluster and brute force. Of course Bharat has learned that she cannot over run any other country now. in the post Pokron-Chagahi world, she can surely sow dissent and send mercenaries across the border to Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, China, Afghanistan and Thailand, but her regular forces cannot cross the Pakistnai border.
Bharat has to learn the lesson of history. She can never hope to be a Superpower, or even a regional power, without the support of her neighbors. Kuldip Nayyar said it politely, we say it bluntly. the USSR, the USA and China had peaceful borders, because they helped the countries of the neighborhood. As long as Bharat is the big bully, she will remain embroiled in petty squabbles of the neighborhood. Hundreds of her Mig 21s either crashed or rusted to rubble. So will the next generation of Su-30s and F-22s, her Aircraft Carriers. Toys don’t make a power great, it is the people. Unless Bharat brings about fundamental changes in her constitution to liberate the 450 million Dalits, she can never hope to rise to any height. The weight of the 150 million marginalized Muslims, the disenfranchised Sikhs, the enslaved untouchables, the angry Maoists, the poverty stricken Assamese, and the secessionist Naxalites will keep Bharat down.
Unless Bharat learns to resolve border disputes, she will continue to have hot and cold wars on her borders with China, Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sikkim, Bhutan, Myanamarr, and Thailand. It is not the shining skyscaper in Mumbai that will make Bharat a power, it is the shanty in Ghribabad that will prevent it. It is not the Aircraft Carrier Vikrimidatya that will make her the empress of the sea, it is the exchange of public barbs with Pakistan, that keeps her from reaching her full potential. It is not the space rocket that will allow Bharat to rule the world, it is the Tamil fights that prevents her from reaching an anointed spot.
The world is awaiting a speech from Dr. Manmohan Singh that resolves, Kashmir, Assam, Tibet, Tamil Nadu, Aksai Chin, Farakkha Barrage, Maoist demands, Kashmir, McMohan Line, Aksai Chin, Baghalier Dam and so on and so forth.
As the world looks on towards Delhi for maturity, can hit deliver? There is going to be another meeting between Pakistan and Bharat. Can it bring results? Can the Brahamic coterie in Delhi ever be able to comprehend reality? During their meetins can the Bharti leaders ever talk sense–or will they continue to appease the Hinduvata Mahasah that wants to rule Kabul to Raj Kalhani (mythical land east of Bali in Indonesia).
Will it be the usual hubris filled lecture to the “children of a lesser God” or will be enage the Pakistanis in genuine dialogue? The world does not need more declamations on “Cross-Border” and “Afghanistan“. Is it going to be the usual rhetoric from the “Akhand Bharat” “India Doctrine”theme, or will it be a new chapter in the India Pakistan relations? Can Dr. Singh and the Indian intelligentsia overcome their handicaps and build bridges of harmony with Paksitan. Can Dr. Singh overcome his Brahamnic training and can he see the Pakistanis as real people? Can he comprehend the nuances of a complex society? Will his accompanying party come with their canned speeches on the caste ridden “plutocratic oligarchy” simply to insult the hosts? Will the usual suspects from the across the border try to sell “democracy” to put the Pakistanis down? Will the irredentist, revanchist and triumphalist Indian media accompanying him continue to base their visions of peace on the rejected Simla Agreement or will the media play a constructive role in moving beyond Agra, Lahore and Delhi?
Do we expect more declamatory bombastic grandiloquence or will the world hear substantive content driven statesmanship?
Are we going to get more ciceronian, oratorical, elocutionary, stilted, speeches or will we get profound results driven expositions?
In case Dr. Singh can burn the “Akhand Bharat” play book, he can go a long way. If he sticks to the old Nehru script he will be ignored and continue to be irrelevant on the world stage. The world looks to Mr. Singh to take some bold steps. Is he up to it, or can we expect more of the “same old” “same old”?
Can Dr. Singh ignore his Hinduvata, BJP, Shiv Sena constituency? In case Prime Minister Singh can rid himself from the Italian earphone, the American script and the Russian papers, Rupee News gives some suggestions to Dr. Singh.
South Asia awaits Indian Prime Ministers bold Speech to bring peace.The speech that Indian PM Singh should have given:-The world is waiting.
My dearest Pakistani, Bhutanese, Mayanmar, Chinese, Maldivian, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan brothers and sisters:
Our tryst with destiny on the 15th of August 1947 turned into a nightmare for the penury stricken citizens of our country. All our countries are held hostage to the extremists on all sides. When “we bicker” and kill each other, “they” profit. South Asia remains the only island of poverty in Asia, and many parts of South Asia are worse off than Sub-Saharan Africa.
Pakistani map in Peace sign When a bomb blows up in Pakistan, it affects India. When the Tamils blow themselves up in Sri Lanka it affects our business. When Bangladeshis are killed Banglore feels the jolts. We need to move away from that.
To eliminate conflict from the Subcontinent, we want to bring prosperity to all the countries. Because the republic of India is the largest and most powerful country in South Asia, we want to be magnanimous. The new century awaits a vision from us. Our future generation will not forgive us, if we do not correct course and move forward in peace.
As the Prime Minster of India, I have already consulted all major parties in the country, and we have consensus. We will try this out. If it works, we will have a prosperous region. If it does not work, India will continue its march towards progress alone and wait for other countries to join us, when and if they are able to.
As a representative of the Lok Sabha we proclaim the following:
1) The Republic on India opens its universities to all citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Special quotas will be created to the IITs and research programs.
2) India will plan to build 100 new women’s hospitals and 100 new women’s IT universities in Pakistan, Sri Lanka,Bhutan, Maldives and Bangladesh where medication and services will be provided free of cost.
3) India also forms the Earthquake Relief, Tsunami Relief task force for SouthAsiaand will move 50,000 of its soldiers to specially build a Disaster response academy with representation from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Pakistan. Our SAARC response team will provide help to our countries but also be available to disasters throughout the world
4) India unilaterally opens her markets to Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. We will expect the same courtesy for Indian products in 10 years.
5) Immediate curtailment of Indian defense budget by 25%. We expect all countries to match that budget cut, and we expect that the amount be re-directed towards poverty alleviation plans.
6) Immediate and forthwith cessation of arming mercenaries and sending them to neighboring countries now and in the future.
7) India will hold referendums in Behar and Assam to resolve all issues.
8) India is ready to accept China’s claim in Aksai Chin if China accepts the Indian claim on Aranchul Pradesh. We also accept the current boundary between China and India as the permanent boundary, eliminating any need for belligerence. India will stamp out all Tibetan rebels in India and expect China to stop aiding the Naxalites in Nepal and India.
9) India announces the immediate withdrawal of Indian forces from Jammu and Kashmir, Sicahen and Sir Creek.
10) Our conflict in Kashmir got us started on the wrong footing. We need to address that and solve it now. We announce a referendum in Jammu and Kashmir to confirm the re-drawing the boundaries based on the Chenabsolution, with the river Chenab being the boundary between India and Pakistan. All of Kashmir would be totally demilitarized under UN supervision and joint patrolling by India and Pakistan and a joint SAARC defence force
11) Using the Indian and Pakistani currency in all of Jammu and Kashmir, and possibly in the entire Subcontinent.
12) Creation of joint task force to develop the water resources of Jammu and Kashmir to create a Switzerland in the area. India pledges $5 Billion to the endeavor. Our plan would be to get $20 billion per year from tourism from the area.
13) We will ask for a permanent South Asian member of the UN Security Council seat to be rotated by all members of South Asia.
14) I have talked to the Pakistani , Bangladeshi, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lankan prime ministers and they are amenable to revamping the SAARC. We need years of peace to begin moving towards the goal of a South Asian Union patterned on the EU.
15) India will spend $5 Billion to build roads from Delhi via Pakistan to Europe and Central Asia. Indian trucks would run on the elevated highways and high speed trains would run non-stop directly to Kabul, Teheran, Beijing and Europe via Pakistan.
With these endevors, we expect the world to look at us with a different perspective. We need to stand as equals with the rest of the Europeans and the Americans. Let us strive to make South Asia as an island of peace and prosperity.
I don’t know what really is the basis of writer’s overwhelming optimistism for expecting such noble actions from the Indian leaders. Though the points suggested in the imaginary speech are creative and rousing, the speech may merely be a reflection of wishful thinking – given the strong Brahmin hold on New Delhi’s policy making process. The characterizing phrase “chamri jai to jai, damri na jai” indicates a historic truth about Hindus. I laughed almost uncontrolled while reading the gestures expected from the Indian premier in this speech. How can a country where thousands of farmers kill themselves every year due to hunger can spend billions of dollars for schools, universities, health centers and the like in the neighboring countries. That expectation, I think, is really a far distant possibility. The world, however, is driven by the hope. So, let’s keep hoping for the best. But, at the same time, don’t be unmindful to the fact that had the Hindus have a reasonable thinking and respect for the Muslims of subcontinent, the need for a separate country, Pakistan, would not have arisen in the first place. Had the Indian leaders later exhibited a supportive and civilized behavior towards nascent Pakistan after the partition, the situation in this region would have, by now, been embedded with prosperous harmony and development. The past history of this region has shown the world only one thing. And that is Hindus are excellent people when ruled and at their worst when ruling. Your dream, I believe, will come true only when either the Muslims or another outside power will snatch the control of Bharat from the mean and tyranny Hindus.
We are glad you caught the irony in the article.
I enjoyed this article-I am not sure why. I am glad to know that you view Bharat with awe.Bharat has the potential otherwise you would not have written this article.
^^^^^^If Kashmir had joined Pakistan, there would have been no war in 1948, and no war in 1965^^^^^^^^^^
Are you admitting for once that Pakistan started both the wars??
If India did start the war in east Pakistan in 1971 their was justification because Pakistan set the historical precedence before the war. (I know you would call it indian interference in your internal affairs) From what I read Indian primeminister Indira Gandhi seek the United States and Russians help and got assurances from the world leaders that they would not interfere. She mobilised the world community to support this war.(You may call it back door diplomacy)
Debard: You have drawn your own conclusions from the article which do not represent the writing of the author.
There is nothing to be in awe of in Bharat–nothing. It is a caste divided, penury stricken, poverty infested country with a highly stratfied society which discriminates against the 450 million Dalits/Untouchables on an institutional basis, marginalizes the 150 milion Muslims, enslaves 50 milliion Hindu Widows in temples, murders 10 million girl babies before or after birth and has sent bands of murderers into China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mayanmar, Sikkim, Bhutan and Pakistan to destabilize them.
Bharat sent her forces into Kashmir and then showed a fake article of accession. Kashmir is disputed territory and tis weeks riots and shutter down strikes once again prove that Kashmiris are not happy with the central government in Delhi—just like the Naxalites, Maoists, Assamese, Tamils..the list is long. The occupation of Kashmir led to acrimony between Bharat and Pakistan, and Bharat and China leading to wars in 1948, 1962, 1965 and then in 1971–not to forget the wars that Bharat could not instigte in 2002 and 2008 becuase of Nuclear deterrance.
Bharat sent mercenaries across the border in 1971 who rpaed women, killed civilians, sabotaged bridges, schools and hospitals–disguised as the Pakistan Army. They tried to do the same in Swat and have been defeated this time.
Chiniese growth is what needs to be emulated and the world is inawe of Beijing.
Debard: You have drawn your own conclusions from the article which do not represent the writing of the author.
>> I was talking tongue-in-cheek. You took my bait.
There is nothing to be in awe of in Bharat–nothing. It is a caste divided, penury stricken, poverty infested country with a highly stratfied society which discriminates against the 450 million Dalits/Untouchables on an institutional basis, marginalizes the 150 milion Muslims, enslaves 50 milliion Hindu Widows in temples, murders 10 million girl babies before or after birth and has sent bands of murderers into China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mayanmar, Sikkim, Bhutan and Pakistan to destabilize them.
>>I do not expect you to deviate from your mission to discredit India however remote the subject is related to India. If their is an iota of truth in your daily ramblings on your forum it is hard to discern because your articles spew of hatred towards India. Passionate hatred gives meaning and purpose to an idle mind but the first victim is the truth.
Bharat sent her forces into Kashmir and then showed a fake article of accession. Kashmir is disputed territory and tis weeks riots and shutter down strikes once again prove that Kashmiris are not happy with the central government in Delhi—just like the Naxalites, Maoists, Assamese, Tamils..the list is long. The occupation of Kashmir led to acrimony between Bharat and Pakistan, and Bharat and China leading to wars in 1948, 1962, 1965 and then in 1971–not to forget the wars that Bharat could not instigte in 2002 and 2008 becuase of Nuclear deterrance.
>>nuclear deterrance never stopped your army from conducting a Kargil misadventure.
Bharat sent mercenaries across the border in 1971 who rpaed women, killed civilians, sabotaged bridges, schools and hospitals–disguised as the Pakistan Army. They tried to do the same in Swat and have been defeated this time.
>>are you being paid by ISI to discredit India. I seriously have my doubts.
Chiniese growth is what needs to be emulated and the world is in awe of Beijing.
>>Chinese have done a great job in uplifting millions out of poverty. No doubt about that -but at the cost of suppression of all dessenting opinion.
Actually you took the bait. You read the article and then commented on it. Who threw the original bait?!!!!!
There is nothing about the site that targets Bharat. We criticize all countries and people, USA, Russia, China, France, Britain, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Why should Bharat be an exception. We present an unbiased, fair and balanced point of view.
Do you have some problem with India, You are presenting a situation which is wrong, regarding weapon systems its the training and discipline which matters, you got Patton tanks during 1971, have you won that war, No, Have you analyzed why, I think you didn’t, because hi-tech machine requires highly trained soldiers with good education background, and i think most of your soldiers don’nt have that educational background to apply that hitech machines. get education first then try to compare yourself with Indians.
Your basic paradigm is falwed. Your temple indoctrination tells you that somehow Muslims are not educated. Your basic premise is wrong. You think that you have won wars–the reality is different. Bharat has failed to incorporate Bangaldesh into Bharat–and cannot cross the border in Pakistan
Pakistan has laready liberated 50% of Kashmir, and gave away Aksai Chin. In 1965, Bharat was unable to cross Pakistani borders. In 1971 the PAF vs IAF kill was one to three in the favor of Pakistan. 1971 was a civil war while Pakistan was sanctioned by the world. The US had imposed a sanction since 1965. Bangladeshis today are closer to Pakistan than to Bharat.
Pakistan is ahead of Bharat in every field–plan manufacturing, missiles, and every endevor of humn civilization. For a few statistics that Bharat is ahead–it is only marginally ahead by a few points–given to statistical erros and false calims by Bharati data collectors. Pakistan has a better infrastructure, better roads, betters rails, better cities, and a better standard of living as a whole. Half the population of Delhi, Mumbia, Agra, Benaras sleeps on the sidewalks and the city charges rent. Pakistani citizens do not face such degradation.
In 1947, Pakistan had one dilapidated university, one decrpit Textile Mill, and one Jute Mill that did not work. The literacy rate was 16%, and the nation was overwhlemed by migrants. Nehur said that the country would not work beyond 90 days. Today the literacy is above 65%, Pakistan produces everything, has over 150 universities, and is one of the largest automobile parts manufacturers in the world. Astronomical progress. Pakistan could have and should have done better but Bharat the millstone on South Asia prevents progress because of Bharati export of terror to Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, China, Sikkim, Bhutan and Paksitan. Delhi is terror central keeping South Asia as the only island of poverty in Asia.
Muslims ruled Bharat fro a thousand years. You are typing this looking down. Stop. Go outside and look up. The miniarets and the domes in your city’s skyline will tell you about the superiority of Muslim technology which overwhlemed all of you and then ruled you for one thousand years. That was the time when Hindustan was great. That glory will return when the Crescent and Star will fly on the Red Fort in Delhi once again.
moin
i agree with you completely.india should pledge all which you have mentioned given all our neighboring countries who share cultures ,traditions with us should merge with india to form india union
I agree with the gist of this article but not most of the points you suggested.
India should make peace with the rest of south asia and China, resolve it’s border disputes and make peace with the various factions within in India. But you put a lot most of the burden on India and very little on the other countries.
1) I’m firmly opposed. The students in India already find it hard to pursue higher education and quotas for students from other nations will only further exacerbate the problems and breed further resentment just like the the current quotas for castes and tribes do. Which is not to say a few students from south asia can’t come and study in India on govt scholarships as this would promote solidarity.
2) I can’t see how India can afford this. If they could, they should actually improve healthcare access for the Indian population first.
3) This I can wholehandedly support without reservations.
4) This is an interesting idea. I am open to as poor countries trading among themselves on an equal footing will be far more benficial than the current unequal trading between rich countries and poor countries. The 10 year gap I don’t agree with.
5) A dream but a good one nonetheless. Would India cutting its budget unilaterally, make China cut its budget? Doubt it. Only a few weeks ago, in response to India moving troops and equipment to Arunachel Pradesh, Chinese papers were making threats about giving India bloody nose and how AP would always be Chinese.
6) Support this. Even if other countries continue to do the same India should step back from such activities as they always backfire.
7) This is an internal matter and should be resolved so without interference or pressure from anyone outside. Just like Pakistan needs to resolve its Baluchistan problem, Sri Lanka its Tamil problem and China its Xinjiang and Tibet issues.
8) See point 5. I doubt China is ready to give up it’s claim on Arunachel Pradesh.
9) Agree on this but corollary is that Pakistan and China do the same. It will not happen unilaterally and can only happen through negotiation.
10) Prefer to see Kashmir as a fully autonomous. With little or no military presence on.
11) In Kashmir yes. But not the rest of the sub-continent. The Euro only came about after a long time.
12) Should be taken to an international court, like the dispute over oil field in Sudan.
13) Prefer a seat for a south asian union like the one proposed by the EU.
14) Very Good point.
15) Before that the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline should be finalised. See far greater scope for cooperation and prosperity through that than roads. And again what is Pakistan’s role in this?
In conclusion I agree that India can play a major role in ensuring the prosperity of South Asia but other countires especially Pakistan and China should step up.
kashmir is a word from arabic so you r right.stan of u r pak also from arabic
Moin ansari saheb
India will hold referendums in Behar
I think you failed to mention referendums in East Punjab, West Bengal, Delhi, Hyderabad, Junagadh, Manavadar as well. I hope you were not asleep on the wheel, sir!
Btw in the proposed referendum in Bihar what are the Biharis supposed to vote for?
Dev Kant
Very good Moin bhai… your obsession with India is legendary; and does give hope and succour to your brethren in Pakistan. All the best with tackling your own demons my friend. There’s a good reason why Pakistanis do not leave India in peace; for India would totally ignore their existence otherwise. While your propaganda is not even worth responding to, I am sure it helps you make a decent living…
What you call “India” does not make me a living–exposing the truth is the right of every human being. We publish ciritcal analysis of all countries of the world, the UK, the US, China, the EU, Saudi Arabia, Bengladesh and Pakistan. Why should Bharat be an exception?
All our stories are authenticated, and referenced to Bharati, international or other news sources.
Since you could not refute the facts–you resorted to personal attacks.
The writer is surely a very sad and unhappy person.