Gold Is Old

Old thinking and action processes are ruining people of any level. There is an urgent need of balanced thinking for simple growth. This appears to be a simple task for me but I get puzzled when I read news papers, see media reporting, listen to politicians talking or even at times professionals giving opinion. In a rising country like India and fast changing world, these people who control and monitor various existing media of mass-communication appear ridiculous as far as their thinking and action are concerned. I know that many people may not agree with my views at first stance but this is true and I call it a brutal truth of 21st century. Any body may be found ridiculous because of lack of knowledge and appreciation of the changes taking place around us unless he or she gives due consideration to his/her views and vision.

You may say why I am raising these issues in my blog at this time. I have reasons to write this. We need to understand the compulsion of journalists, reporters, politicians and even professionals. If we are aware about the ground realities, it helps us to understand this world better.

I respect Pronnoy for his excellent entrepreneur skill but as far as his thinking and action are concerned especially in 21st century, they still give the stale taste of 1947. Recently, he organized one talk on famous channel, 24X7 NDTV. He writes, “The lessons from the past, the leaders of the present, the dreams for the future.” He chose a title as Dr Pronnoy Roy in ‘Tryst with Destiny” as he analyses the Role of Media in India’s History with Vinod Mehta, Madhu Trehan, N Ram and Anita Malik. Be awake - Pronnoy, do not be kiddies. How can these people talk about dreams for the future? They are not the leaders of the present. Their lessons from the past may be as useless as your selection of title, “Tryst with Destiny”. India has come a long way from tryst with destiny. India today believes on its own wisdom. Destiny can be created through wisdom. Do not remind Indians about its pre-conceived destiny?

Destiny is in the hand of people. Democracy, free media and technology has given the future in the hands of every individual. You may be controlling NDTV, but think of other media which are available to the world. There are 55 million blogs operating in the world communicating information. There are thousands growing every week to quench the thirst of the freedom of individual power. Dr Pronnoy should not be able to influence people with misinformation.
This world understands the reason behind. People are also aware about Pronnoy compulsions to enjoy the fruit of closeness of few celebrities so that he keeps visiting with them to France or Italy. Pronnoy should have liberty to send any one to Frankfurt for International Book Fair along with Shobha De. But I request Pronnoy if he cares to propagate wisdom, he must think innovative and think better to think for the future. Do not fool Indians like Arjun Singh is doing to this country. Be rational to your listeners, your countrymen and your own integrity. You also understand what is correct for India today? Please no history, no regionalism, no religion, no casteism…. We have had enough of them.

There was news in the recently concluded Durga Puja that veteran politician used the event to propagate his politics. He used the channels which were under his power. Isn’t similar thing happening to propagate sickening regional feelings by the bosses of other channels? When you just observe the channel like NDTV, you can not deny the fact that they are mainly operated by Bengalis. They cover the news about Bengal and Kolkata. They always feel great in talking about our dada Saurabh Ganguly. They feel pride in depicting Madhu Trehan and N Ram as the leader of the present. They feel privileged to show Shushmita Sen or Bipasa Basu. They feel good in interviewing Shobha De. How can these hard core biased professionals be the leader of the present? How do they ever be able to visualize the future when they are unable to understand the present?

Life is complex and understanding your own thinking and action may not be very easy. Your regional thinking may be too biased for your growth. And that is what happens with the entrepreneur like Pronnoy. He may have grown with his old ideas for some time but for more overall growth, Pronnoy needs to change his way of thinking and action. Is it surprising that his old partner like Rajdeep Sardesai deserted him to leave him alone with Brakha Dutt? Like Pronnoy, all future entrepreneurs need to be cautious not about others thinking and action but own to decide about future. More balance thinking and action based on correct information may be the future, not anything else. Innovation does not emerge from repeating old ideas. Future is not the incarnation of past.

Fortunately, there are many other sources of information and news available to the people of this era. It is not very difficult to distinguish the differences when you intelligently observe two channels. One side when you see NDTV with Durga Puja, Sushmita and Ganguly, other side BBC talks about North Korea, Japan New Prime Minister and brutal Taliban’s influence on Afghanistan etc. There is a difference of appreciation of present and path to future.
To avoid this creation of ridicule of thinking and action, there is an urgent need to focus on few basic changes. I have listed few of them in the following table.

Thinking and Action

Unlearn Needs

Traditional and conservative ways of thinking,

Think only what you know,

Take action only on whatever you have learned,

You can not think better,

You can not achieve excellence,

You are born to suffer,

Old is Gold,

Brainstorming with mediocre people will work.

Learn Needs

Change your Learning Domain,

Use modern resources,

Change your views, contacts, and understanding,

Educate continuously,

Never rely on old knowledge,

Take a creative pause if not able to think big,

Gold is old,

Always act based on your advanced thinking.

I hope the concepts are made clear for the benefit of the futuristic people on the Internet. There is a need to make these medium more focused and authentic to reduce the reliability on the conventional medium. The people using Internet, Blogging or e-mail must get the richness of information and wisdom to face the future. And that is the present; certainly that is the future too. 

Is Excellence Achievable?

I generally get puzzled when I read editorial of daily. Heavy handed government interventions may have thwarted the growth of individual excellence, but the various systems prevailing in Indian society is just not conducive for the comfortable survival of excelling individuals. There are many disconnect in the caliber of the intelligentsia of this country. They pose knowledge in part and try to communicate frustrations, deprivation and outdated ideas.

Is growing individual a superpower to be able to handle this misinformation? I say, no individual is superpower himself. Individual needs support, information and system to grow and become powerful. However, in the prevailing society structure, growing youth is at risk. These situations result in slow death of excellence. It has happened in last few decades quietly and comfortably in Indian society. Will it continue in this century too?

In the recent editorial note of The Times of India, editor writes, ‘Individual Indians excel not the country’. This statement is completely wrong. If editor of most favorite Indian daily writes wrong, what impression will the countrymen make for future? How can you visualize present? Is this the reason that life in this country becomes failure? Excellence remains illusive.

The fact is entirely different from what our editors feels, India is a shining example in the world today. Stock exchange index (Sensex) at peak reveals the faith of foreigners on India. India as a brand is on peak in the eye of the world today except few people (editors, journalists, publishers, reporters etc included) who have misinformation like editor of Times of India. India as a brand is famous, successful and proven. However, the challenge in this country is to have access of right information because all khandani thinkers have poor perception of present and almost negligible appreciation of future. They generally talk with herd instincts, which might have worked few decades ago. Today, you need knowledge. You need information. Editors must spend some time in acquiring correct information before they write editorial on famous new paper.

I do not know if editor of Times of India is aware about the front page article of the same news paper in the section of Delhi Times, which reads, ‘Does writing run in the blood?’ Dear editor, if excellence runs in blood then for your kind information developing countries can never become developed. Poor people can never become rich. RP Singh could have never become the fastest bowler of India. Harbhajan Singh could have never spun the ball to the tune of Indian skipper. Abdul Kalam could have never become President. Dhirubhai could have had the gene of Tata or Birla. On one side when editor writes about excellence, how can he say that excellence runs in blood? Editors are communicating disconnected wisdom. News paper must not communicate misinformation.

India is a country where most of the people still believe in copying. People follow herd instincts to even excel. I live near tennis academy at Delhi and I find surprising when I see small children of the age of 4-5 years old come from distance of more than 26-30 Kms to take a training of tennis. If Sania in third generation could achieve something remarkable, it does not mean that other will also achieve excellence. If you visit sometime to British Council, there are many small children with their mothers or servants, being forced to read books so that they can become writer. Does herd instinct take to excellence? Herd instincts will never take anybody anywhere. We can never achieve excellence.

India still has 70% population relying on farming. It means that if India has to keep up with the growing economy at more than 8-10%, around 400 million people have to be shifted to different professional activities in urban or semi-urban areas. This means that the large number of future caliber has to evolve from those 400 millions. They will be able to shine only when sufficient opportunities are given to them to excel.

Editors when they compile the paper for tomorrow, they must ensure that they are not pursuing age old conservative ideas to frustrate the today’s youth. If people have to excel how and why society keep concentrating on Khandani individuals. What is the fun in keeping on writing about Shahrukh or Amitabh Bachchan? Why should we show bearded Rahul Gandhi? Why do we waste time and energy in reading and remembering frustrating history? Can they ever inspire our youth? They frustrate them.

What is the fun in showing and writing details about Lata Mangeskar? If we have to produce next Lata for 2020, our media people should search and concentrate on new caliber and fresh faces. Why can’t media concentrate little more on Shibani Kashyap or Jyotsana Chinappa and others? Excellence comes from individual with total backing of social systems. However, Indian media abhors talking or showing excellence in their reporting except at editorial level. If such situation continues, excellence will remain illusive to the people of this country.

Recently, in an award ceremony in Mumbai, Prime Minister said, “Just few weeks back, at a similar business award ceremony in Delhi, I found that more than two-third of the nominees were not even in business in 1991! They were all children of reform, not necessarily children of businessmen.” (The Economics Times, Monday October 9, 2006). Alas, the editor could have read this speech from his own paper and understood the meaning of blood? Excellence will emerge from information and vision.

Indians have a long way to go. Almost in every field, we are at rock bottom in the world statistics. Infosys might have become a 2 billion company in last 24 years, but just think of any global company. Google is $1,465 Billion p.a., Yahoo is $1,896 billion p.a. and so on. That too, Infosys does 90% business with Western world. We should be thankful to USA and other European countries, which helped Narayana to build a dream for Indians.

Indians are still very-very conservative to use new ideas. Indians are very-very emotional to forget old traditional concepts. Because few people talk about new ideas and innovation, it has become a trend to talk about them without believing on them or without having courage to accept them. First of all, our editors or educated class will have to be strong to accept new ideas. Herd instinct will keep Indians away from achievement. Only new innovative ideas may lead to excellence.

Indian editors, journalists, thinkers, reporters and other professionals all are too busy in enjoying their present glory. It is not very difficult to find them in every party in Delhi five star hotels. You can always check them in any discussions, lectures or meetings irrespective of their interest of subjects. You always find them giving interviews and talks on television. Where do they have time to gain information? Therefore, is it surprising when all these people talk history only? Similarly our film actors and actresses hardly have time to do some creative work? They remain busy in selling pen, shirt, banyan and so on. Why can not they leave less creative jobs to beginners so that they can concentrate to excel in their own creation? Why should senior achievers remain busy in doing advertisements, receiving awards or doing menial interviews? Where is the time to excel?

A normal person needs just few grams of food, clean environment, good society and encouraging company. There is very less need for excellence. But certainly we need excellent environment to excel. We need world level competitions to excel. We need support and system to grow. The society must provide these basic amenities. The developments after 1991 have shown many Indians this brutal fact in reality. They are very simple and plain. Excellence will emerge from this simple situation. 

My Prediction Came True

Just yesterday, I wrote a blog titled ‘Terror Confronts Mighty’ and clearly explained why the situation of terrorism developing around the world is in favour of India. Today almost all the daily news papers gave Nicholas Burns statement on the front page. I wrote my blog yesterday night and today morning all the dailies spoke my words. My prediction came so fast.

The Times of India reads, ‘Stop export of terror to India, US tells Pak. Islamabad must rein in Kashmir Jehadis on its soil’

Indian Express reads, ‘US to Pak: End terror attacks aimed at India’.

The Economics Times writes, ‘Ask terror groups to stop attacks on India: Us to Pak’.

US Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns said on Oct 12, 2006, ‘We wish to see no more terrorism emanating from Kashmiri terrorist groups and we have told the Pakistani Government that we would hope that Pakistan would use its influence with these groups to curb and stop altogether any attack on India’

USA now does not want to see any attack on India. It is so clear. That is what I predicted in my previous blog. I am happy that it is happening this way. It has happened first time in the history of India-Pakistan conflict when USA has told what India will like to tell to Pakistan.

General Musharraf understands the vulnerability of Muslims. He warns openly that Pak will be no more if extremists win. Terrorism has to vanish from this world. It will be in the interest of freedom and life of all Muslims too. Mighty powers have taken the responsibility and I hope that it will bring peace to this world.

I am happy that my observation is accurate and precise. My understanding of the world scenario is in right direction. I hope that with the blessing of my yahoo 360 friends, I will continue doing it. 

Terror Confronts Mighty

India fought terrorism all alone for the last sixty years. Since the time I was born, I have heard about Hindu Muslim riots. Muslims used to kill Hindus in bulk whenever they get opportunities. Hindus remain secular in nature. Since independence, governments have been able to suppress majority to avoid clashes in the country. Thanks to the democracy and freedom, proper amicable situations prevailed for the right kind of growth in the society. India has been fortunate to handle these religious differences alone through these tough years.

After 9/11, the world order changed. Muslims have declared USA as an open enemy. They have focused their attention towards USA. USA too has retaliated and confronted Muslims head on. They have used their own wisdom. They made Pakistan as a fighting partner, even though terrorists were groomed and prepared there. Terrorists are being still trained on regular basis. However, being the most powerful state, USA has a privilege to police these countries. They have done it simply and without any hassles. They have shown this in Afghanistan, Iraq or even in Lebanon. The policy makers in Western states realise these superiority, however there is a problem in clear understanding of the ground situations of disgruntled forces across the world.

Today when NATO general confronts Musharraf and gives him the address of Mullah Omar, it appears to me something like Indian Government gave the name and address of twenty terrorists just few years ago. Pakistan may not have given suitable replies that time other than they also gave the twenty name to India. But this time when NATO general makes a point, it is a different ballgame. Pakistan may not have chance to escape. Why only Pakistan, Muslims are trapped in their own shell.

Earlier, when India used to tell the world about Pakistan terrorist activities, USA or UK hardly ever gave heed to it. But, now the world has seen 9/11, 7/11 and London bombings and are now convinced about the ill plan of Muslims. Is it wrong if Straw tells Muslims to remove Burqua? Unless, Muslims give freedom to their women folk, they will never progress. They will remain poor. Children will keep becoming terrorists. Muslim mothers will keep crying in veil for giving birth to a terrorist. Salman Rushdie declared that ‘veils suck’. He gave his full backing to leader of the commons Jack Straw for raising the issues. Surprisingly, even in 21st century, the silent cries of Muslim women are not being heard by Allah.

In the name of Allah, Muslims are committing crime on their women. This is resulting in large number of death among Muslims. Poverty and deprivation remain a part of Muslim communities. Ignorance and illiteracy has become the birthrights of Muslims. I am unable to understand why these terrorist call themselves Muslim when they are killing Muslims? Muslims are the biggest enemy of Muslims in this world today.

A British officer says, ‘I feel real vitriol seeing our boys dying because of Pakistan’. NATO general is aware about these problems. They are conscious and taking appropriate steps. But what Musharraf is doing to stop Muslim youth becoming terrorists in their homeland? Absolutely nothing has been done. After many years of Kargil war, he writes a memoir about those Pakistan army personnel’s killed in that war. Once the youth becomes terrorist, it works just like unorganized military. Any body can disown them any time. Their lives become a cheap object. Muslim youths are wasting their life like these.

The dictator of North Korea or President of Iran may be out to talk about destruction without giving heed to progress and development, it is a shame. The Muslim country like Malaysia is thriving to become developed nation in next twenty years; there is no reason why other Muslim nations are not talking about development? China wants progress by organizing Olympics. China is showing the bright example of change management for the development of people. China has never felt shy in accepting Bill Gates Windows or USA Nuclear doctrine. In all these, USA has big challenge to maintain their growth. People are waiting to experience development across the world. USA has to exploit the situations for its own sustainability and growth. USA has a challenge to maintain world peace.

The rising country like China has to understand these threats of future. Today, they may not feel the heat to become the part of reducing terror from this world. But by the year 2015, when China economy will become comparable to USA, China is going to face terror threat from Muslim group. China needs to take today’s opportunities to curb the future threat. China must come forward to help USA in this endeavour.

India remains beneficial with all these developments. Indian Muslims remain conscious of their aspirations and growth except few who come in contact with Pakistani generals and ISI. In the time to come, India will be in a position to consolidate the situations and will be able to handle them for her benefits. India has vast experiences. USA has chance to exploit the experience of India to segregate bigger enemies. USA needs to move fast and firm. It generates tremendous hope for the peace of the world. NATO forces in the neighboring state must remain conscious about this ground realities.