Daily Excelsior... Editorial

EDITORIAL

The near-murderous close-range attack on Mr Altaf Hussain Shahalias Fantosh, son-in-law and one of the closest associates of hardline secessionist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Srinagar recently has once again brought into sharp focus the million-rupee question: is there a pattern behind the assassinations of leaders of the rival factions of the erstwhile united Hurriyat Conference? If one has a quick look back on a sequence of related developments in the past few months one would discover as if there is a hidden link somewhere. First, ......more

Diwali Special
The day of light, sound & festivities

By Inder Jeet S 'Prince'

New constitution for European Union

By Ms Priyanka Kumar

Today is Bahaullah's Birthday
Baha'i faith underscores human unity

By Lt Col R K Langar

Baha'i religion is the most recent of world's established religions. It was founded by Iranian Prophet Bahaullah in 1863. It is a simple and profound religion which carries a universal appeal. It emphasises on human unity with the belief that God wants people to form a united society based on mutual acceptance of one another. Bahaullah states that well being of human-kind . .....more

EDITORIAL

Different shades

It is just a coincidence that one sees the members of the fair sex facing three different situations at the same time. One is an unparalleled act of defiance inviting severe punishment; the other is an instance of enormous suffering and the third one is a rather pleasant exercise of giving oneself a prettier look. Never before has in the history of the Bharatiya Janata Party (including in its previous avatar as the Jan Sangh) any leader has ventured to openly question the party leadership although there have been behind-the-scene machinations in which the wire-pullers invariably had the last laugh. Once-formidable Balraj Madhok is the best example in this behalf so far. But then a woman is made of a sterner matter. If she happens to be Ms Uma Bharati then there is all the more reason to expect fireworks particularly with Diwali around the corner. In a move which is likely to be interpreted differently but is certainly daring she has written a new chapter in the organisation's history. She has pointedly raised a finger at the BJP president (in this example her one-time mentor L.K. Advani) for adopting dual standards in the matter of discipline. Not only that. She has stormed out of a meeting of senior office-bearers after telling her boss in the full media glare to take action against her. She has used the language that amounted to telling him 'act if you could'. For once the old warhorse that Mr Advani is has been shaken to the core. Enjoying camera lights till then even as he criticised his three younger colleagues --- they included Ms Bharati --- for showing lack of restraint in their utterances he lost no time in agreeing to the proposition to drive the media persons out of what became a theatre of the absurd with him presiding over it. He must have been stunned by the reality that Ms Bharati's loyalty to the saffron ideology was second to none; in fact in her case her robes of the same colour simply buttressed it. However, he recovered soon enough merely on the strength of his experience to assert his position and did something he would have hated the most: he ordered the suspension of Ms Bharati for six years depriving her in the process of her much-coveted status of general secretary. She was after all the party's heroine when she had appeared before a court of law in Karnataka only the other day. Was it possible that she had taken a leaf out of Indira Gandhi's book that the only way to break a syndicate was to stand up against it?

Whatever that may be, one would have to keep one's fingers crossed about the climax of this duel given Ms Bharati and Mr Advani's affection for each other. The other event involves two women and is very painful even though its accuracy is currently a matter of investigation. There is a serious accusation that some Army men have raped a woman and her daughter in Handwara in the Kupwara district. Quite understandably there are protests and demonstrations. One hopes that politics is not allowed to dictate what is a matter involving human dignity. The Army has done well to sideline the top man in charge of the supposedly guilty squad in order to facilitate an impartial inquiry. A speedier, exemplary and transparent action is called for. There is no other way that society will feel reassured that the culprits in such heinous cases have no escape.

If viewed in the backdrop of the Handwara incident, the third facet of women may seem a little incongruous. With Id approaching the women in Srinagar, according to a newspaper report, are thronging beauty parlours that are again doing a brisk business. It is perfectly human for all to look good. Somehow these parlours had invited the wrath of the militants who had ordered their closure in the early nineties. No purpose is served by banning such a natural activity. One has seen the adverse consequences of banishing women from the public life in Afghanistan. The entire society collapsed with a significant component of it being suddenly deprived of a positive and liberal role it had played all along. It needs to be realised that the women are as honourable a part of the social order as the men are. They should be allowed to live their life and spared the trauma they often undergo at the hands of beasts in human form.

Mend your style

For the people in the State it is an almost a common sight to watch
quite a few top leaders like former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah
driving their vehicles by keeping the window open. Looked from their angle it is perhaps understandable that they want to move around in a relaxed manner in an environment in which they have grown up. However, what they should realise that by doing so they are exposing them to grave security risk. According to a disclosure in this newspaper Dr Abdullah is not alone in this category. Many others including his son and political successor Omar Abdullah, State Assembly Speaker Tara Chand, Council head Abdul Rasheed Dar, ministers Javed Mustafa Mir, Raman Matoo and Usman Majid and National Conference leaders Ali Mohammad Sagar, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Aga Ruhullah, Mohammad Ramzan and Sakeena Itoo are among about 30 protected VIPs often spotted violating security guidelines. They have been found to have at times discarded their bullet-proof cars and settled for non-BP vehicles. Therefore, it should not surprise anyone that one leader once had to bear with a gentle tap on his cheek by a security official when he failed to stop his private vehicle for a routine security check-up. The leader was not easily noticeable as he had left his security vehicle and staff behind and was driving on his own with his wife as the only co-passenger. He had clearly not learnt the right lessons despite having lost two brothers at the hands of the militants. There was another tendency among the 'protected' leaders. Invariably they would compromise with their route and the timing of travel as a consequence of which some of them have faced ambushes. A specific instruction that they should not travel after 5 p.m. is nearly forgotten. It appears that in some cases there are complaints that BP cars are not in order. There should be no problem in resolving them. In any case they can't be the basis for anyone to take liberty with his or her life and go around without following basic security precautions.

One can appreciate that political figures want to lead a normal life. At the same time they can't be unaware of the threats that they face. By virtue of the fact that majority of them are or have been in power in the past they are privy to all the relevant information in this matter. Security, among other things, is also related to the state of mind: one has to be alert and literally on one's toes all through. It is expected, therefore, that our political leaders mend their lifestyles and opt for certain restrictions on their own.

Diwali Special
The day of light, sound & festivities

By Inder Jeet S 'Prince'

Diwali is here again, and with it comes crackers and dazzling light displays from fire works. Rockets go up in the sky, producing trails of coloured light, some make a thunderous noise, while some blow a whistle. People illuminate their houses and indulge in feasts. Illuminations on this day have been allegorically compared to the light of spiritual knowledge which radiates joy in our soul. Light stands for truth, Truth is virtue in its resplendent form. Virture is righteousness born of understanding and inner knowledge. Darkness obscures virtue and leads to Ignorance. Diwali, thus, reminds us every year that the truth alone triumphs.

It is believed that the festival of Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, from the ocean of milk.

According to ''Devi Bhagavata'', when the Devas churned the ocean after having lost their material possessions, Lakshmi arose from it as its daughter and blessed the divine beings. She then gave a rosary of wild flowers to Lord Vishnu and restored prosperity to others she followed Vishnu in all his incarnations. When the Lord incarnated as the sun she emerged from the lotus; when he appeared as Parshurama she came as the earth; when he descended as Rama she became Sita; when he was born as Krishna, she became Radha and so on.

Most people, however, trace the origin of the festival to the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after the exile of 14 years. The people were so happy that they illuminated each & every house of Ayodhya. They indulged in feasts and festivities for days together. The tradition survives till this day.

The Sikhs regard 'Diwali' as holy for a number of reasons. Bhai Mani Singh, the high priest of Sri Harmandir Sahib, became a martyr following an act of cruelty by Zakariya Khan, the then Governor of Lahore. Maharaja Ranjit Singh bestowed a costly silver gift on Sri Harmandir Sahib. Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Nanak, was released by Jahangir from his detention at the Gwalior fort.

Swami Dayanand Ji attained 'Nirvana' on this day Diwali, thus, is of great importance for Arya Samajists.

Those who follow the Vikrami era begin their year with Kartika month and regard Diwali as the New Year's day. It is believed that Emperor Vikramaditiya chose this auspicious day for his coronation.

The Jains celebrate Diwali to commemorate the death of Lord Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara of the community.

Diwali is also known as a harvest festival for it occurs at a time when most of the cereal crops are ready for reaping and harvesting.

The gorgeous celebrations of Diwali by Vijaynagar emperors, Rashtrakutas, Peshwas, the kings of Kota and the Vaishnavas is well known. Many more accounts of Diwali can be found in the works of historical merit such as Somadeva Suri's ''Yashstilakachampu'' Hamadri's ''Chat- uravar ga chunta mani'' and Kamlakar Bhatt's ''Nirnaya Sandhu''.

In the ''Tahkik-i-Hind'', Alberuni wrote that the festival was celebrated on the first Kartikka, new moon's day, when the sun moves into libra, the 7th sign of the zodiac.

From Abul Fazal's ''Ain-I-Akbari'', we learn that Akbar participated in the celebrations of Diwali as he did on the occasion of ''Shab-i-Barat''. Many more Muslims emperors and noble men are said to have enjoyed and participated in Diwali festivities.

On Diwali night, illuminations are followed by fireworks and then at night, Goddess 'Lakshmi' is worshipped. Businessmen put sacred marks on their account books to invoke the blessings of the Goddess. The last two days of Diwali are known as ''Goverdhan Pooja'' and ''Bhaiyya Dooj''.

In the end, it can be said that people who illuminate their houses on Diwali should also lighten their hearts with noble thoughts of love, truth & fellow feeling. Only then the festival of lights will serve its real purpose.

New constitution for European Union

By Ms Priyanka Kumar

Twenty-five countries of European Union on October 29 signed the treaty establishing its written Constitution. The Constitution also enshrines the EU flag---12 gold stars on a field of pale blue-- and selects Beethoven's ''Ode to Joy'' as the continental anthem. These leaders met in Rome's Capitoline Hill where they ushered a new chapter in European history. They gathered in the same meeting hall where representatives of six countries had come together forty-seven years ago to create the forerunner to the European Union. Over last decade it has worked hard to construct its own identity distinct from United States of America and to overcome its image as a regional project with bleak chance to survive. The difference of opinion between the European countries on world affairs such as Yugoslavia dampened its sole foreign policy discourage and thus it was never taken seriously. The Constitution of Europe if ratified, could add muscle to the hopes of its architects that a newly united Europe will emerge as a powerful counterpart to the United States.

Although there are parallels between Friday's signing ceremonies and those held in Philadelphia more than 200 years ago, the European Constitution does not seek to crate a new nation, or a United States of Europe. Rather, presently the treaty establishing the Constitution of European Union lays down the principles and rules that member states are expected to abide in conducting its business in the world affairs. Observers do feel that European Union relations with India will receive a strong boost.

European Union has much in common with the Clinton administration than the Bush on issues relating to regional conflicts, non-proliferation, human rights and its responses to security threats. Since the end of cold war, European Union has witnessed disintegration of Yugoslavia and ethnic strife and problems arising from failure or reversal of democracies in Africa and Middle East. It is also the victim of narcotic trade and Islamic terrorism. Throughout the cold war history, it loomed under the fear of nuclear weapons installed by the superpowers, which could rip apart, the European continent and it still continues to reel under these threats arising from proliferation of nuclear material to terrorist organizations from Russia and central Asia. In order to meet these threats it has used the soft power of trade policies with inbuilt essential clauses on human rights and terrorism. Apart from this, it advocates concepts like humanitarian intervention and multilateral action to protect human rights in developing countries. It also believes that rise in the consumerist middle class with pro west inclination could promote its strategic economic interests. The unilateral military intervention by the Republicans for ''self-defence'' in Iraq was thus condemned by the European Union. It also staged the Iraq crises as the rallying point to demonstrate its growing influence on the world affairs different from United States.

The Director General, External Relations of the European Commission Eneko Landaburu on the eve of signing the written constitution told the press that the European Union is keen on establishing a strategic partnership with India and for this it would launch an action plan and political declaration for promoting multilateralism, fighting terrorism and furthering economic growth and development. Indo-EU summit in Hague on November 8 this year delineated the precise substance of cooperation and the objectives of the strategic partnership between India and European Union.

The strategic partnership model is the highest form of relationship bestowed by European Union on its partners with equal status. Only five countries comprising of United States, Canada, Japan, Russia and China are given this status by the European Union. This partnership is founded on the commitment to liberal secular democracy and rule based strong non-discriminatory trade system. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the interview to The Wall Street Journal on September 22, 2004 reiterated the importance of multilateral system as the best guarantee for the poor countries to keep off the rules of might which dominates international relations. European Union also commends the existence of vibrant democracy in a multi-racial and muli religious country like India.

Both Germany and Britain have also endorsed permanent seat for India in UNSC being convinced that it has much to offer if perceived as a power beyond South Asia and more particularly independent of its relations with Pakistan. United States, on the other hand, has failed to appreciate geo-political significance of India in context of Asia. Kerry, the candidate of Democratic Party in its manifesto has mentioned about its relations with India in just two lines while Republicans on the other hand recognized India as a power with significant role in Asia but failed to support the candidature of India in UNSC. Also, the Republicans accorded the status of new major non-NATO ally to Pakistan, which can never be appreciated by India.

The vital interest of European Union in India is economic with strategic dimensions. The EU continues to take up well above a quarter of total India's exports, ahead of the US with 20% and Japan with just above 10%. India's rank is 19th amongst the EU's trading partners just ahead of Israel. India's exports of IT sector to the European Union have also increased since 1991. The EU is the largest source of foreign direct investment with just under one billion euro annually, accounting for less than half a percent of the EU's total foreign investment. The well disciplined trained labour force and a country with second highest population is certainly a potential market for European Union. India situated at heart of South-Asia forging linkages with East Asia is certainly an important Asian country in which European Union has vital interest in order to upgrade its relations with Asian continent. There are, however, certain bottlenecks in evolving meaningful relationship between India and European Union.

Firstly, it relates to the widespread poverty in India. According to estimates of World Bank Report, 1999 around two to three million people in India live in absolute poverty. Conditions of poverty in India are as much linked to deprivation of material goods and social services, such as adequate nutrition, education, health, transport employment, as it is also linked to social and gender discrimination and uneven community-empowerment. Economic growth alone, relying on the ''trickle down'' effect, is therefore unlikely to achieve the results without a major improvement in governance that empowers the poor to participate in the allocation and management of resources.

Secondly, there is virtual absence of societal level interaction between India and European Union. Of late, it is attempting to increase people-to-people contact but these measures will take time to mature. On the contrary, US liberal immigration rules resulted in the presence of nearly two million strong Indian American community among them many are in prominent places who are a potent voice for promoting stronger bilateral ties. This is not the case with European Union.

Thirdly, European Union is also rigid on issues such as Kashmir and Non-Proliferation Regime. It not only regards Kashmir a bilateral problem but also a nuclear flash pint and is concerned about human rights of Kashmiris. The fact finding mission from Europe early this year headed by John Cushnahan comprising of six-member delegation said : ''India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir should resolve the Kashmir issue. We are concerned because it (Kashmir) has been a nuclear flashpoint''. Mr Cushnahan, who represents Ireland in the EU, said, ''the people of Kashmir are the most important party to the issue because it is they who are suffering''. What European Union failed to understand was that India has always tried to engage with all disaffected groups but there is extremist pressre of guns on those who want to emerge with Indian the by majority of among the Kashmiri people.

Also in the recent visit of Germany's Chancellor Gerhard Schroder India made its point clear that NPT imposes stricter rules on nascent nuclear power than established power. ''We are willing to work with 'like-minded' countries to prevent secret exports of sensitive nuclear materials and has no first use doctrine in place''. Singh said to the Asian Tribune on October 8.

Finally, there is still doubt among many relating to the success of European Project. The Convention on European Union needs to be ratified by all twenty-five countries. Almost ten European countries will be conducting referendum in their respective countries and a veto by a single country can dampen this project. Also, before it is ratified European Union needs to answer some tough questions related to powers and privileges of national parliaments in relation to European Parliament and the impact of this project on the sovereignty of European countries. Since the beginning of the European integration people of Europe are little aware of it's functioning. It is the challenge for European Union to reduce this gulf between the ordinary people and decision makers before the elite enjoy the launch of one flag, sings European anthem and talk of common defense policy.- CNF

Today is Bahaullah's Birthday
Baha'i faith underscores human unity

By Lt Col R K Langar

Revelations of Bahaullah project a new world order based on three cardinal principles of oneness of mankind, oneness of God and oneness of religions. These spiritual principles are also referred to as three pillars of Baha'i faith. They are meant to transform individual as well as collective way of life of the people of the world. The principle of oneness of mankind is the pivot around which all teachings of Bahaullah revolve. It refers to the relationship that must bind all nations and states as members of one human family. It asks for a change in the structure of present day world to promote unity among men of all races and creeds. Baha'i faith recognises unity of God and His Prophets. Its belief is that God sends series of Prophets to teach the eternal moral truths to humanity. It says that founder of all religions of the world, though different in non-essential aspects of their teachings are seated upon the same throne and teach similar essentials of their religions. This revelation puts all Prophets at par and removes any misplaced superiority of one over the other. It also says that all religions honour the same God. All people of the world derive their inspiration from one heavenly source and are subject of one God. In lnity of religions Baha'i faith proclaims that religion of God is one religion and all Prophets give the teachings which are necessary for establishing human unity. It calls for eternal unity of religions to promote concord and harmony.

The teachings of Baha'i religion are broad based and focus on all aspects of human behaviour for developing a society free from superstitions and prejudices. They are anchored on well being of humanity and provide solution for mitigation of man's sufferings. It asks people to provide joy to sorrowful, a balm to suffering and home for stranger. It declares that highest form of worship is service to other human beings. Bahaullah believes in the principle of equal opportunities, rights and privileges for both sexes. He strongly opposes any kind of discrimination based on age, race or sex. He stresses on compulsory education giving greater importance to education of women. He calls religion as chief foundation of love and unity and the cause of oneness of all beings. Religion is important for establishing communal harmony but if religion becomes cause of hatred and disharmony then it is better if religion does not exist. Bahaullah says do not wish for others which one does not want for himself. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all your acts. He asks man to be a gem of wisdom and be a lamp to those who walk in darkness. One should be worthy of trust of one's neighbour and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be unjust to no man and show meekness to all. Bahaullah prescribes monogamy and discourages divorces.

Bahai's community which exists in the world today is drawn from all races, religions, creeds, classes and strata of society. Its members having complete faith in Bahaullah are changing their life style and public behaviour in conformity with the moral and spiritual principles of Baha'i faith. They experience and display genuine love of mankind and work for its unity in a spirit of regeneration and reconciliation.

The Baha'i faith is devoid of priesthood or clergy. They have an International Governing body which is called The Universal House of Justice. The Baha'i faith have about 17000 local councils called local spiritual assemblies. The faith also conducts a large number of primary schools and literacy programmes mainly in third world countries. They also sponsor development projects such as tree planting, agricultural improvement, vocational training and rural health care. Baha'i international community is particularly active at the United Nations. Many Baha'i national and local communities have been active in promoting inter religious understanding and cooperation. Baha'i faith has its Headquarters Building in Israel. They also have a Headquarters Building near Chicago in USA and the famous Lotus Temple in Delhi. The followers of Baha'i faith are known as Bahai. Baha'i community celebrate a number of festivals linked with their founder Bahaullah like his Accension, his declaration and martyrdom. November 12 is celebrated as birth of Bahaullah.

Oneness of mankind as preached by Bahaullah contributes substantially to the ideal of Sanatana Dharma regarding universal and divine family of man-Vasudhaiva Kutambakam. Other major religions also state that all beings are created by one God and the world is one large family. Baha'i religion is not so much of a new religion but it is a religion renewed as per the requirement of the time. With the passage of time divine teachings get lost and they have to be restated as was done by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita. Oneness of God as proclaimed by Bahaullah coincides with the vedic concept that Truth is one sages call it by various names. Oneness of religions is a tool for achieving harmony of faiths. Various religions are only different ways of reaching the same ultimate Reality, the one without a second. Swami Vivekananda had said that mankind ought to be taught that religions are but the varied expressions of THE RELIGION, which is oneness, so that each may choose the path that suits him best.

Baha'i religion is perfectly suited for establishing human unity. The teachings of Bahaullah are ideally relevant in the contemporary life to unite people of the world to accept global reality that a single species inhabit a single planet. Unification of mankind as taught by Bahaullah is most essential for achieving spiritual Humanism, specially in the present era of globalization for attaining world peace.