EDITORIAL
Not
bland, but…
With the
Governor’s Address, the 10th Legislative
Assembly has gone on stream. It has also set the
roadmap along which the new government embarks to
fulfill its promises, pledges and plans. That way
the Address is an important document, for the
legislators to debate upon and the people to mull
over. And there is definitely much there that
sets new goals and gives new directions to the
governance of this state. Thus, the Address is
conspicuous for its emphasis on instituting
inter-regional balance. Regional imbalance has
created much misgivings if not bad blood over the
past several years. It would not be wrong to say
that amity and ease between the regions has been
flagrantly kicked around over the past several
decades. Today the state has reached a situation
where the people live in almost an uneasy truce
not the brotherly adjustment that once was its
hallmark. The imbalance evokes a heightened sense
of deprivation, which translates into intolerance
for the other regions and sets people on a
virtual warpath.
We may not be
there, but are dangerously near
institutionalizing prejudice and bigotry. The
next stage is chauvinism and divide. The
government would be fulfilling its promise to a
large extent if it can correct the basic
imbalances and give all the peoples of the state
a feeling that they belong equally to this state,
have an equal and inalienable rights and stakes
here and must live as sharing brothers not
sniveling neighbors. The proposed delimitation
commission could set right many wrongs that have
been injudiciously willed into the body of the
state. For that an independent commission must
examine the problem with a clear commitment that
the recommendations would not be diluted or
disturbed on political, party or personal
interests. As it is, most of the problems have
arisen not from the lopsided way the
recommendations of earlier commissions were
implemented. People have come to have more faith
in independent official tribunals and widely
mistrust politicians for their mechanizations.
Here is a chance not only for corrections but
also to instill confidence among the different
peoples who inhabit this state.
The promise of the
accountability commission too would go to foster
that trust. Provided, of course, it is not made
into a vehicle for vindictive actions. Corruption
is easily the most perturbing aspect of our daily
life and weeding it out is a prime concern.
Striking at its roots also means bringing the
wrongdoers to book, whoever they may have been.
There is a strong feeling among the people that
many in the previous government, both at the
political as well as the official level were
guilty of gross misdeeds. It would be in the
interest of the party and people, who are so
insinuated against, to let the truth be known. It
is only the guilty as fear a clear and open
accounting. In any case, preventing corruption is
what is most important. The tradition of
answerability needs be re-instituted. The Address
promises to do it. It also warns that mindsets
must change both in the government and the
bureaucracy. The promised strengthening of
Panchayats should be helpful as far the lower
rungs of the government machinery are concerned.
And, for that other mindsets, at the lower
levels, including those of the MLAs and panches,
must accordingly change.
Thus empowering
the Panchayats should not substitute one hakim,
with manifold hakims leaving the general
mass of the people high and dry again. For it is
the general good, not particular interests that
must be served. The Address as well as the
actions of the government, especially the
announcements made at various Development Board
meetings carry the air that here is a government
that is open and ready to accept demands and
provide succor. Those meetings saw allocations
raised all over; the Address holds out similar
promises. These are fine gestures but there are
serious doubts about how they are to be
fulfilled. The givings, funds and allocations
have largely shrunken since Mufti Syed was last
in government. Then, governance was more about
spending and allocations were almost without
limits. Today, it is not about spending the
monies only; the funds have to be brought in.
That is an accounting the government does not
seem to reckon much. People actually fail to see
how these high promises are to be supported. Nor
does it seem to be very conscious of the funding
part. Apparently, the state is looking to the
center for a large-hearted generosity, which it
may not be in a position to supply.
Similarly, the
Address does not squarely deal with the most
important challenge before the state i.e.
terrorism. There may have been complaints against
the security forces; the police too may have
caused a heartburn here, an infringement there,
but that is not all about terrorism. The same
governor on several occasions has said that it is
a proxy war that the state is fighting. The real
wounds afflicted upon the state are from the
terrorists. That is the reason behind the
expulsion of lakhs of Kashmiri Pandits from their
homes as well as the ejection of migrants from
the hill areas and borders. It is good that the
government is cognizant of their plight, that it
would take steps to ease their living. But it
would not be the ultimate solution; solving it
requires a straight tackling of the menace. Here
are elements and forces who have taken advantage
of the essentially soft stance the democratic
governments take. They would not easily give up
their agendas or provocations. Nor may their
masters let the chances for making easy killing
go. And, that is what ails the people of this
state most; that is where the fear and scare come
from. Many of the wrongs, from large-scale
uprootings to much of corruption that have
befallen this state have arisen from that single
factor. There the Address is not only silent, but
is actually incorrect in its diagnosis. And that
won’t do. For this state is not one single
party, or a simplistic perception. It has
complexities and unless they are tackled,
probably understood too, nothing may avail.
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Indian
Astrology : A Public Utility Science
By P R Sharma
'Vedic'
Indian
culture sprouts from Vedas In-dian
culture accepts all the six aspects of
Vedas. Astrology is prominent among these
six parts, since it has been recognised
as 'Eyes' to look at the life and
creation. The Sun and the Moon are the
direct evidence of this Science.
Astrology is so much, intermixed with the
Indian Society that its effects are being
experienced right from birth till death.
Today a nation wide debate is ongoing
whether Astrology is a Science or not?
The reason is that the University Grants
Commission has included Astrology among
the approved syllabus of the
Universities. Otherwise, study of
Astrology is not new for the
universities, Sanskrit Colleges of
different provinces Astrology is being
taught in the Prathma, Madhyama, Shastri,
Acharya and Karmakand subjects. Astrology
is being taught since preindependence
days at the Varanasi Hindu University. In
the Indian Constitution too, the right to
education has been included into the
Fundamental Rights. Therefore, it is not
correct to oppose the inclusion of
Astrology in the general courses of the
Universities.
Indian
Astrology has three main components :
Sidddhant, Samhita and Jatak. Siddhant
i.e Astrology about which no one has any
objection to refer it as a Science. But
they raise objections in naming Samhita
and Jatak, which are related to future
predictions about the Nations and
Individuals, as Science.
The
significant point is as to under what
conditions a branch of knowledge could be
termed as a Science. Is Science concerned
with the subject matter, contents or
methodology of presentation? The
logicians all around the world accept
that Science is concerned with the method
rather than the subject matter.
Astrology
follows on predicided and an established
method for the support of its principles
and predictions, and hence it is a
Science. For the formulation of
principles of Astrology, too, there is a
predicided procedure. Therefore, to
question it being a Science is not
logical.
Is Science
related to the success or failure of
results of predictions? If we consider
Astrology from this angle then we find
the score of success stands between 60-70
percent. Could Physics, Chemistry,
weather forecast or Medical Science claim
such a success ? Has Science, fixed such
criterias, or undertaken such researches
which could prove that Astrology is not a
Science?
Those who
call Astrology as blind faith forget that
it is not merely Science but a spiritual
Science, too. Astrology believe that the
creation is moving according to the Godly
regulations. The scope of Astrology
consists of Knowing the creation on the
basis of planets and stars. Could this
attempt be called a blind belief? Science
it self depends on the principle of cause
and effect. If any event takes place in
the world, it has a certain cause. There
is a net procedure to find out that cause
which is logical and falls within the
category of Science. Life and death are
at the will of the God. Every religion
believes in it. Even so, Science is
occupied the attempt to know its mystery.
Is it unscientific? Is it blind faith?
A writ
appeal has also been filed before the
Supreme Court for excluding Astrology
from the prescribed course of studies at
the University level by stating that it
is unscientific, anti-public and
unconstitutional.
What wrong
has it done to categorise it as
anti-people? Very many have turned
criminals and terrorists by using
Scientific means. War, explosions, fire
arms or using Atomic Energy for
distruction are the products of Science
rather than Astrology.
There is a
set code of learning and teaching of
Astrology. The education of Astrology is
legal and constitutional also, since it
has helped humanity. Of course some
Scholars have misused and defamed it in
the same way as the misuses of Sciences
have made them course of destruction. But
that certainly does not place a question
mark after it. Indian Calander, which is
the main part of Astronomy is also the
cause of rise of mathematics. It is
direct, Scientific and logical. The other
Calanders of the universe are not direct,
as they could not be observed in the
skies. Whereas the counting of Indian
dates could be done directly by observing
the position of the Sun and the Moon in
the skies. Does it not fall within the
category of Sciences?
A point of
debate could be whether Astrology should
be taught as a subject among others at
the Indian universities. It is totally a
wrong statement that Astrology is not a
Science it is anti-people and
anti-constitution and on this basis
gateways of the universities should be
closed upon it. But personally speaking I
am not in favour of teaching Astrology in
Universities, along with other subjects.
Astrology has its own limits. This is
associated with religions, spiritual and
Scientific Values. Whether those values
could be protected in the Universities?
There are
certain principles of learning and
teaching of Astrology. The Shastras
prescribed that :
''Jitenndriyay
Vidushe Chirkal Nivasine Atmagyan vide
Sutah I Prakashyam Shas- tramuttamami''
i.e. This Science should be taught to one
who is having control of his
sense-organs, is wise, patient, humble
and of spiritual bent of mind. Whether
Universities could provide such an
environment ? This is to be decided by
the Astrologers of India.
That
Astrology is a Science it is an eternal
truth, and truth is to be felt and not
searched. Those who do not realise this
truth, only they raise question regarding
it being Scientific.
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NCERT
- Books and Syllabus
By M.N. Kak
The NCERT
books, no doubt, are a great treasure of
knowledge and it depents upon the
resourcefulness of the teachers to
broaden the horizon of thinking and help
students to live in this age of
information and explosion to the levels
desired and possible corresponding to
different levels of learning. A criticism
has been and is being levelled, some say
even to the extent that the learners are
going to drown into an abyss from which
it is difficult to come out. This they
call the sea of concepts and sub
concepts, which they say, are necessarily
too many. Perhaps they want their numbers
to be little and then, one should
understand that if this is not allowed to
be retained, teaching will be bereft of
the basic essense of learning. This is,
therefore, likely to reduce and even
impoverish their abilities to observe,
judge, in quire, interpret and infer. The
syllabus framers have put in a lot of
honest labour to provide an appropriately
reasonable course of study in all
subjects. Prunings and additions or
deletions are scissored in such a way
that it remains within the reach. May be
there are some exceptions, where the
learners find it really hard but we
should remember that NEP has stressed a
uniformity of the content and it is an
important parameter to bring in a sense
and semblance of togetherness among the
learners of Punjab or Himachal or other
state has to feel that syllabus is the
same and it can set in a pace of
competition and lead to better
performances. Assessment of abilities
under these circumstances is easier to
find out the rate of performance and
progress and to strengthen the
uniformity, that has been visualised as a
very important component of the New
Educational Policy (state-wise).
Let us
first take Grammar. Some critics have
been grambling that Grammar has been
forgotten and that it is the most
essential thing to accompany linguistic
area. The framers have left it to the
adept handling of the book contents which
are graded in a way that helps the pupils
to large extents. Fundamentals of Grammer
can be sorted out effectively and here
what is required is competence, and
enthusiasm to create grammer areas in the
process of teaching. And then Grammer is
not to be taught but taken up on the
graded pattern of structures. The
structural approach is to be strengthened
in a way that learners pick up things in
a comfortable manner. The trend is
changing and we have to make our learners
keep apace. English is to be taught and
for that matter of fact, it is true for
any language. Simpliified versions of
some events, some interesting facts of
history, a knowledge about science,
general topics can be taken up in group
activities, where the teacher is to be
the invisible guide and transact the
business in a methodical way. It is now
communicative skills, ability to talk and
to understand and then to write (simple
& precise) that matters the most. In
the field of Grammer, conversational part
is important. A thorough practice in
conversational exercises is very
important. This will also help in
increasing the vocabulary and which if
improved and taken note of, shall give a
pleasure to the learners. Different
structures already available plus some
new innovative efforts by teachers will
go a long way in improving language
culture. If these tasks are taken up in a
methodical, graded and planner manner,
our learners shall pick up the inputs to
enable them to be good at conversation.
Let us
come now to Hindi and Urdu or any other
language. Care has been taken to provide
a readable and enjoyable material which
brings the learner to know things in a
way that an urge to know more is kindled.
The contents at every level are of a
design which take care of linguistics in
the proper manner and there are chapters,
essays or other compositions to build in
the learner a reverence for life, there
are attempts to create a sense of
equality, there are such other inputs
which bring the students closer though in
degrees to the grace and culture of the
land. The patriotic contents sharpen the
feelings in a way that a necessity to
live together in the world is felt and
thought to be a good step if all are to
live peacefully. Overt and indirect
handling of themes at different levels
are there to enthuse the students to
inculcate in them the urge to know more
about writers, scientists or other
artists. The ethos of the land and its
psyche have been presented quite
pragmatically and from an utilisation
point of view.
In social
sciences, the contents have been
presented in such a sequentially
interesting order that one loves to learn
more and more about India. A very honest
attempt has been made to give a true
picture of the land with regard to our
natural resources. Activities suggested
are of such a nature that the learner
gets a first hand chance without bias or
being or growing partial to know about
India. The glory of the past, the swings
between victory and sorrow, the
unflinching courage of our national
leaders and freedom crusaders have been
presented in a very interesting manner.
The activities suggested, if taken a
serious note of will ingrain more of love
for the land and at the same time an urge
to make the best use of means to help
India grow. Patriotic sense is enlarged
and sharpened at school level and it is
here that the best and the true is to be
taught so that in days to come, the
impressions picked up at the school level
help the learners in understanding their
nation better. Care has been taken to put
the matters straight and if there are
distortions of history, the matters will
have to be set right.
The values
of National Integration are incorporated
in such a way that there is a smooth
running of the contents and no where the
students feel deceived with wrong
information. Struggles of freedom
fighters and national heroes are sure to
ingrain more patriotism and foment
feelings of serving the nation provided
the work is done with a sense of purpose
of honesty. The students while learning
are to be better handled to enter further
areas of exploration, knowledge and
action.
We come to
sciences now. In the NCERT syllabus, the
material has been prepared as mother
subjects by a team of experts and the
matter produced is excellent. The topics
are graded and at the same time
interconnected in a way to help the learn
better. Overlappings have been avoided to
the best extents possible. The contents
are informative, graded and appropriate
for all levels. The concepts and sub
concepts are merged methodically and the
students are helped in going from concept
to concept or even sub-concept to next
and the row of concepts is smooth and
does not seem to break anywhere. It is
very important feature of the syllabus
that everything is presented well. The
danger of drowing into the fathomless sea
of concepts as referred to is not there.
Concepts and sub-concepts are to be
through simulating teaching, which must
flow freely and it does without giving
displeasure in learning. The contents are
elaborated but hand work makes the
learners to absorb things. Patience is
very important. After discussions, the
most important job is to present diluted
rather simplified versions without
distorting the truth. As an example, the
chapters on life processes, or electric
current or atom etc are inter-connected
at different levels so that the whole
emerges when the learner goes on from
class to class.
The stress
is on skills as using techniques, making
observations, estimating, planning and
investigating. Drawing inferences, using
manipulative skills, collection of Data,
comparing and collating these are
important trends. Symbolic and numerical
interpretation arranging the inputs to
help the students in reaching conclusions
is the aim. The learners feel helped to
think of reasoned explanations to find
and evaluate relationships. They feel
helped to any predict and hypothesise and
this all has been put in an organised
form. The contents have been presented
with the aim of improving and sharpening
inquiry.
The trust
is now absolutely different. The main
consideration is that knowledge gained be
such that it is applicable in the
business of life. The knowledge should be
such that the learners be able to use and
now in NCERT the scope has been
broadened.
It is but
expected that the presentation of the
material is found sufficiently helpful.
One thing is very important, the
sentiments and feelings of people should
not be hurt. Truth is not to be
suppressed but the facts be presented as
facts should be.
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A
View Point
No to unconditional
dialogue
By Omkar Dattatary
Propounding
of dialogue is right and timely but
advocacy of un-conditional dialogue is
preposterous so far as the intricate
problem of J&K is concerned. Dialogue
sans conditions does not make any sense
as it can prove counter productive and
can have dangerous repercussions for the
country's Unity. Dialogue for peace is
necessary in our open society and polity
and moreso in democracy. In democracy we
have not only to respect others view
points but also uphold others right to
differ. Difference of opinion, clash of
interests and common good are the
hallmarks of democratic philosophy. In
other words debate, discussion, and
dialogue are the very soul and essence of
a democratic dispensation and way of
life. We have to accommodate others
differing view points and carry all the
diverse sections and regions of our
federation together in order to preserve
national sovereignty and pluralism. So
any problem howsoever, intricate and
ticklish it may be, can be solved through
the process of mutual understanding,
reconciliation and dialogue. And then the
problem in Kashmir is a political one and
it needs to be solved through political
means and initiatives. However, foreign
involvement in the J&K mess can be
addressed through military means as well
but that should be the last option. Here
also dialogue with Pakistani rulers is
the best means of solving the trouble for
the mutual good of the two developing
countries.
Bullet for
bullet policy cannot work in a democracy
but then that policy with foreign and Pak
sponsored terrorism should be the last
option in the arsenal of even a
democracy.
Government
of India is not averse to the process of
holding a dialogue with those matters.
Nor are the doors of Central Government
closed for any dialogue in the national
interest. It was with this spirit that
NDA Government led by BJP had earlier
initiated a process of dialogue with
different groups and militant leaders. K
C Pant, Arun Jaitely and independent
Kashmir Committee initiatives are worth
mentioning in this regard. Such talks
with elected representatives, militant
leaders or other groups should be
continued to arrive at a mutually agreed
solution to the mess. However, for talks
to take place there must be someone ready
to talk from the militants and terrorists
organisations. It takes two to make a row
and for any meaningful dialogue there
should be mutual trust, faith and
understanding between the parties
concerned. But the dialogue should not be
unconditional as some protagonists in
their overenthusiasm plead. Because
national security, sovereignity,
integrity and secularism cannot be
compromised at altar of talks. So the
talks shall always be conditional to
these national parameters and values. No
sane Central Government can vouch for
unconditional dialogue with terrorist
leaders and other disgruntled elements
who are working to the tune of ISI of
Pakistan. J&K State is not a bearer
cheque which can be encashed by any
country at its will. It is an inseparable
part of our nation and is in fact the
core of our nationhood. So dialogue sans
conditions is neither feasible nor
practicable. Thus talks should be held
with all concerned including terrorists
leaders under the broad ambit and perview
of Indian constitution which accommodates
diverse faiths and is a shining example
of unity in diversity. The dialogue with
elected legislators and other terrorist
leaders should not go against the tenets
and spirit of J&K Constitution which
is a unique dispensation of Indian
Federation. Within these broad parameters
there can be no reservation about the
process of initiating dialogue. So Mufti
Mohd Sayeed's earnest desire for talks
and urging the Central Government to hold
the same is a praiseworthy step. At the
same time advocacy of unconditional talks
is very disturbing, because unconditional
dialogue is impractical given the
internal and external demension of the
long standing problem.
Yes the
disgruntled and alienated youth have to
be brought back to national mainstream
and holding of talks is the best means to
mitigate the genuine grievances and
problems of the people. India has all
along been a strong votary of dialogue
even with Pakistan if that country stops
sending and training terrorists to our
country.
So Indian
Government has no hesitation in holding a
dialogue with its own sons and daughters
in Kashmir who have been misled by our
enemy abroad with in the broad ambit of
Indian constitution. Thus the parleys
should be initiated with humanitarian
approach within the country with
indoctorinated youth as well as with all
groups, legislators and displaced people
from Kashmir. While sympathies and
loyalties of alienated Kashmiris have to
be won, the mechanations and mayhem
unleashed by foreign terrorists should be
dealt with an iron hand. No softness be
shown with killers, looters and
extortionists as they deserve no
sympathy. Now that the de-escalation has
taken place to some extent, all
inhibitions and obstacls coming in the
way of a fruitful dialogue with Pak
rulers should be removed. India has made
a good beginning by de-mobilising its
forces from forward positions. Now the
onus of responsibility for creating a
condusive atmosphere for talks lies with
Pakistan. Hence the urgent need is to
start a dialogue process within and
without to solve the long pending
festering wound of Kashmir to save the
situation from growing cancerous. But
till Pak rulers will respond in a
positive manner the golden opportunity
provided by successful election in
J&K for a process of reconciliation
and dialogue should not be missed.
Whether Mufti Mohd Sayeed or Farooq
Abdullah or Gulam Nabi Azad holds the
reigns of power in the State there is no
alternative to the process of dialogue
for solving the vexed Kashmir mess.
Sooner it is done the better. We have
earlier held talks with the extremists
and terrorists in Assam, Nagaland, Punjab
and other states, so there is no reason
not to hold one with the elected
representatives and terrorist leaders in
J&K for a lasting solution to the
problem. As for as Pak abetted terrorism
is concerned, pressure should be mounted
to liquidate foreign merchants of death
while giving a psychological touch to the
wounded psyche of Kashmiris. Talks for
the sake of talks is not needed as they
serve no purpose. Talks should be a means
to noble end, and that end being normalcy
and peace. We do not believe in ends
justifying, means theory of Machiavellie.
Thus our means should be good and ends
good. The means here are talks albeit
with some conditions and end being the
cherished desire for peace and progress.
However, within the country's
constitution even sky can be the limit.
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