Nationalism Quotient

Today is a very special day. One, this reminds us that we are a republic and second we honor our defense services. If one can understand this is not symbolism. This signifies the spirit of India. This tells that the People of India have taken up a collective responsibility to make a NATION FOR EVERYONE. A place which is safe and happy home for all citizens. And for this we all will contribute be it soldiers, policemen, businessmen, teachers, politicians, doctors, lawyers, farmers and homemakers. Nation can not be safe and happy for everyone if we all are not sincere in our approach towards nation building. Merely talking big will not do. Those who are not sincere are no less than traitors. This is what Nationalism Quotient means.

So do some introspection and judge your own Nationalism Quotient not in terms of what you talk but in terms of your core which is reflected in what you actually do to make this nation a safe and happy place for everyone. And when you talk about everyone, it means everyone especially those who are least privileged.

World today is seeing unrest due to disparity between Have's and Havenot's. Majority of people suffer due to this. Power and resources are in few hands and rest suffers deprivation and injustice. People are getting restless. This is seen in North and South America, Europe, Middle East, Asia everywhere. People are on streets demanding a better life - more safety, more dignity, justice and better opportunities. And exactly this is what led us to be a republic. A system must be in place which can be fair to all, provide a decent life to all with safety, dignity, justice and opportunities. This system called constitution must be in place and must work efficiently to do what it is supposed to do. And this is where unrest raises serious questions.

- Is the system in place sufficient?
- Is it being implemented efficiently?
- Is it being manipulated to serve few?
- Are we doing enough to raise its standards?
- Is it fair to everyone?
- Is it bringing about the required change?
- Can we protect the system from being manipulated and abused?
- Is it providing safety, dignity, justice and opportunities?
- Is it making everyone safe and happy?

India is going through a debate of anarchy versus order. Questions are being asked about promises made. This is unfortunate that basic amenities of life, safety and dignity has become so impossible that such promises are seen as false promises.  Why it is so impossible? Are we so less capable that we can not provide basic amenities, basic dignity, basic justice to people. This is dangerous pessimism. Very dangerous.

It would be big mistake to ignore the unhappiness and unrest of people. This can not be and should not be suppressed. This is negative energy and whenever negative energy is suppressed it becomes destructive. Whenever this happens there is social disintegration and rise in crimes.

Why this should happen in India. We have committed ourself to a system which is fair to everyone and help people in living a decent life. Then why do we see such disparity, why people are so deprived, why there is injustice, why do people feel unsafe, why such basic amenities are seen as false promises. Are we really so incapable or our system is being so badly manipulated and abused?

We must do some introspection today. Whatever we are. Artist, professional, teacher, politician, businessman, farmer every citizen must ask self. Are we sincere towards our nation? Merely talking big about self or country will not do. That will not change reality. We need to see reality. Where do we stand today in world? What is the condition of people of India? Those visiting other countries often say why our country can't be similarly developed.We are not incapable. People of India have always proved their capability. So are we lacking in our sincerity towards our nation? We all need to see our own Nationalism Quotient. If you adopt manipulation and corrupt practices or for some selfish interest you are pulling down others then you are one of the traitors responsible for the state country is in today.

Nationalism is not symbolism. One must feel accountable. Every word spoken and act of commission or omission is important. We all must speak less and work more to improve the system and its fair implementation. Needs and aspirations of entire spectrum of citizens of India must be addressed. We need to preserve what is good and amend what is in bad shape. And this is possible only when institutions are respected and strengthened.

On this Republic Day assess your Nationalism Quotient. Remember everything is important - your intentions, your speech and your deeds. Never hesitate in timely acknowledging and rectifying mistakes. One always becomes stronger after honest self correction.

Nation has done a lot for you and now Nation is calling you. It is time to rise above the petty things. Goal is to see India as No 1 so come and Let Us Glorify India.

Remember Bose on this Republic Day

January 23rd is the birthday of  great Subhash Chandra Bose whom the nation remembers as one of the greatest son of India. He is in the heart and soul of every true and patriotic Indian. Another significant date just two day away is 26th January on which India became a Republic and adopted the all important Constitution. The spirit of Netaji and the spirit of Constitution of India are so closely identical and reflect the spirit of India. It would be a homage to Netaji to recall his contribution and human qualities which can guide people of India today in their journey of becoming true nationalist and good citizens. Such were the qualities of Netaji that every proud Indian must have.

- He was a true nationalist to the core. He committed his life to the nation.
- He had a vision of true socialism and democracy.
- He believed in genuine secularism along with having spiritual mindset to develop a strong faith and belief system.
- His life was based on honesty, simplicity and sacrifice.
- He believed in freedom and equality of all.
- He strongly believed in industrial and scientific development.
- He strongly advocated women equality with dignity, education and their role in society.
- He believed in strong India both financially and in defense.
- He identified social evils, illiteracy and poverty as biggest enemies of India.
- He emphasized the significance of personality development towards becoming a true human being. 

Every citizen of India must get rid of selfishness and narrow minded approach and celebrate this Republic day by committing self to these qualities.

A great man JFK once quoted Juvenal - 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country'. But you can go beyond this. You can ask what your country has done for you. And the answer you will get that whatever you are today has been done by your country. Your country has given you everything. But if you do not shed your narrow minded selfishness then you know what you are. A traitor. So look inside and kill the parasite inside. This is the only way India and the people of India will become free from slavery in real sense. That would be the real Republic Day.

There is no freedom without sacrifice. This is what Netaji said - 'Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azaadi doonga'.

Future belongs to system

The development of various countries in future is going to be decided not by leaders but by how efficient the system has been developed by that country. System is the future. And India should be ready for future.

India needs speedy development and for this we all need to gather and harmonize our efforts and energies. India can not afford discord of policies and opinions. Time does not wait for anyone. Coming generations will not forgive those who today are acting in their narrow minded interest. Development will never come if we keep discussing you and me, it will come when we think feel and act as 'we'.

The basis of development is policies and policies create a working system. A sound system is required to keep the nation in good health. It is well known that human body works on the basis of system which has to its core a unique code and feedback mechanism. The interplay of this unique code and feedback mechanism along with the working system keeps the mind body machine in good health. Similar unique code in the form of dynamic constitution and working system in the form of sound and balanced policies are required. In addition we need very strong feedback mechanism to upgrade both unique code and working system. This is a dynamic ongoing process but can not do with conflict of focus.

The focus must remain on the ultimate goal - the holistic and homogenous development. If this goal is not set crystal clear, nothing will work.

To do this we must quickly act on things like:

- Development of and putting in place 'the protocols'
- Setting up transparency and accountability
- Sound feedback mechanism based on protocols

Once this is done, the system will work itself and will auto-generate upgradation of the system. A right goal and a sound system can never fail.

Policy making is no rocket science

Why there is so much confusion when it comes to what policies India should follow?

Strangely when small countries are rushing ahead with development, we are still arguing about what policies to follow. Is it really so difficult a task? Is it not a matter of common sense? The problem is not in policy making but it is in intention. Whenever narrow mindset and selfish interest will come in way, making and following policies will become impossible task.

It is time to set basics right.

Policy making is a matter of setting priorities. Because of poor setting of priorities today we have such extremes of states of lack of development on one hand and promising state of development on other hand. This results in conflict of interests.  Result is uneven and dis-harmonized society. This further makes it difficult to lay down policies.

Governance and policy making is all about addressing the needs of citizens and of the nation. Needs know no caste, color, religion, region. Just like hunger has no caste color or creed. Needs are needs. It is crucial to put maximum focus on education and healthcare to bring society to least possible gap in development. Untill this happens, nothing will ever succeed.

And what are the needs?

These are:

1.  Need of security. Security from external or internal threats, crimes, accidents, natural disasters or man made disasters. Both individuals and nation must feel secure.
2.  Need of basic living. People need basic things like food, water, clothing, shelter, basic education, basic healthcare and basic infrastructure.
3.  Need of growth. People wish to grow so they need higher education, skill training, jobs, business opportunities, self employment etc. Research is must if growth is the need.
4.  Need of justice. People need justice. Policies must be aimed to bring equality and do justice. Acts of injustice must be addressed in least possible time.
5.  Need of respect. People need respect as individuals and as nationals.
3.  Need for good life. Beyond basic life people need good life in terms of social life, recreation, better infrastructure, cultural development, sports, modernization etc.

The policy making is done on setting priorities right. And the priorities in correct order are:

1. Compatibility with principles of progressive humanity.
2. National interest
3. Welfare of least developed.
4. Higher development

The order must be followed. Even national interest should not override principles of humanity. Welfare of least developed must be more important than higher development.

If such order is followed without any compromise, any fear or any narrow minded selfish interest, the policy will always succeed in long run and will give nation an unshakable foundation to rise high along with real development of all citizens.

Second thing to be followed is how these policies are implemented for good governance. Following is the rule:

1. Talk less work more
2. Goal setting for short term, mid term and long term goals
3. Good planning based on sound assessment
4. Creating the system
5. Consistency in implementation
6. Feedback mechanism for making the system work and also for evaluation

Now put this to test.

Foreign Policy

It is in national interest to have good relations with all countries especially neighboring countries but not at the cost of self respect or self interest. So no one should be allowed to take even a centimeter of our land or do things against us.It is good to have talks which must bear results in time bound manner. Relations must be reciprocal. Those countries which are fair and friendly towards India must be given due importance. Protocols must be clearly defined and followed to avoid any kind of controversies.

National Security

Can there be ever any confusion on national security? Can there be any difference of opinion or argument on national security? People of India are ready to make any effort, any sacrifice for motherland. True that keeping humanity in mind, India has not and will not be aggressor but if anyone try to play mischief then there is just one answer - destroy the evil. We are friendly but not cowards. There is no scope of tolerance here.

Nuclear Policy

World is moving away from nuclear energy. We must learn why. There is huge potential of non nuclear and renewable energy sources. They must be explored as priority over nuclear energy. Still in limited extent it can be used with caution and never ever without complete safety and accountability regulations in place.

Economic Policy

The basis and purpose of economic policy must be self reliance. Cut down on corruption, luxury and wastage. Promote research, production and export. Invite FDI but only good investment in infrastructure and industrialization. Priority should be health and education. Taxation must be simplified to-
-  Abolish direct taxes and all other taxes except following. With this more money will come to bank and will become part of white money circulation.
-  Product tax as part of product cost to be deducted at source. Automatically those buying more will pay more. Products of essential nature and every day use to have less tax and tax can be increased slab wise on less essential and luxury goods. Natural products must remain tax free.
-  Service tax for service industry that includes all non product business or transactions like airways, stock, advertising, stamp duty, etc.. Smaller business and professionals can have annual fixed amount and larger business in slabs.
-  Wealth tax. This should apply to all movable and immovable assets. Family occupied house should be exempted.
- Custom tax
- Single annual Corporate tax for large scale business ( average of 2% of turnover and 10% of profit can be one such formula)
- Government must issue credit and debit card in association with some public sector bank. These credit and debit card should charge fixed one percent that should go to government as service tax. These being cheaper will replace all other credit and debit cards and will raise revenue for government.

Read Making India Prosperous


Social Policy

All citizens are equal and must get complete support to live a life that is fearless, self determined and with dignity. Education and life skill training is the main weapon that can destroy all obstacles in achieving this. It can take care of crimes including sexual crimes or honor killings, communalism, casteism etc. Reservation must be made optional and slowly inconsequential. Those eligible but still not opting for reservation must be supported to develop a respectful and successful life. They can set example of honorable life without reservation. Reward panchayats and villages that promote equality and education. Create a national communal harmony board that should have senior religious leaders to spread the message of communal harmony. Any individual or organization doing anything through words or deeds against communal harmony must be boycotted socially and should not get any appearance in media.

Similarly other policies can be defined. When India and welfare of people of India is in mind, there can not be two versions of policies.

Wisdom Quotient

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.  ~George Bernard Shaw 

Shrill voice shouting, senseless arguments, blames and counter blames, lust for power and money, purposeless life with absurd thoughts speech and actions. All this can not make a great nation.

Caution - Getting rich is no symbol of development. Just like if a person becomes rich but does not have development of wisdom, it means nothing. 

If India recalls its great past it was not merely because of wealth of gold and diamonds but because India was great in

- Wealth of Spirituality
- Wealth of Humanity
- Wealth of Wisdom 
- Wealth of Knowledge
- Wealth of Skills
- Wealth of Culture

A nation can not be developed untill all aspects are given due importance. It would be a big mistake to focus merely on money related growth that too not on solid foundation. Result is evident in the quality of mindset, thoughts, decision making, approach towards fellow beings and happenings around and in short overall quality of human beings.

Wisdom ! Wisdom ! Wisdom ! 

Where is wisdom? Where is common sense? Where is the great nation going or intend to go? Do we have the ability to think and apply our self sensibly with discretion? Do we have the ability to judge right and wrong, good or bad? Are we able to set our priorities right? Are we working sensibly towards establishing order, justice and an atmosphere of correctness in society? Or we just act and react with no application of harmonizing nation towards healthy development.

Do not blame others, ask yourself.

Rise for the dignity of women

What a shame!!!

A country of such a glorious culture is not able to save the dignity of women both within country and abroad. Women are being robbed of their dignity. They are assaulted, sexually harassed, raped, burnt and killed. But alas! the people are busy in playing politics and debates.

State of children, women and senior citizens reflects the state of nation.

Is the society we are going to be proud of? How long we will watch women to suffer? What has happened to our self respect?

It is high time that the people of India question their own humanity quotient. No development, no economic growth, no status of power means anything unless the nation learns to respect and protect dignity of women. It is the responsibility of entire nation to come together and say enough is enough.

Enough is Enough.