दी घंटा TheGhantaa: freedom fighter

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remembering the Prime Minister who died Poor

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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> People who forget their Heroes are bound to be ruled by Villains. </i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uQ80LjkedtnK584CIDerAvD13gDM2bwo7417fmkOkZDuKllWzEjM2ktYJLHBJup452uY_HxWqXjj8zi2NKgYzmPh4AnoXqqVSySIvXD8r3gL0IjFLBlFce0aRVF6ACzCYJJChhrMz_4/s1600/lal-bahadur-shastri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uQ80LjkedtnK584CIDerAvD13gDM2bwo7417fmkOkZDuKllWzEjM2ktYJLHBJup452uY_HxWqXjj8zi2NKgYzmPh4AnoXqqVSySIvXD8r3gL0IjFLBlFce0aRVF6ACzCYJJChhrMz_4/s1600/lal-bahadur-shastri.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While the Politicians, News channels and common <i>junta</i> sing songs about Gandhi; On his Birth Anniversary, I recall three stories about Lal Bahadur Shastri - the 2nd Prime Minister of India, that made me his ardent admirer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>1.Life and Death, in Poverty:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">During Quit India Movement, Lal Bahadur Shastri, was released from jail on parole, as his Daughter was seriously ill. Shastri ji, who had no savings, <b>couldn't save his Daughter; the drugs prescribed by the doctor were too costly.</b> Even </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">after all the years being in cabinet and serving as Prime Minister of India, <b>when Shastri ji passed away, all he owned was an old car</b>, which he had bought in installments from Govt. and for which he still owed money!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>2.The 1965 War with Pakistan:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In just a year after being appointed as the Prime Minister of India in 1964, Pakistani Army skirmished with Indian forces in August 1965, Laying claim to half the Kutch Peninsula. In his report to Lok Sabha on the matter he said :</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the utilization of our limited resources, we have always given primacy to plans and projects for economic development. It would, therefore, be obvious for anyone who is prepared to look at things objectively that India can have no possible interest in provoking border incidents or in building up an atmosphere of strife... In these circumstances, the duty of Government is quite clear and this duty will be discharged fully and effectively... <b>We would prefer to live in poverty for as long as necessary but we shall not allow our freedom to be subverted</b>.</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Under scheme proposed by British Prime Minister in june 1965, Pakistan obtained 10% of its original claim of 50% of the territory. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Shastri ji on top of a captured Patton Tank.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pakistan, now diverting attention to Kashmir, attacked in September, the same year and war broke out. Shatri ji displayed a knack for taking quick and decisive actions during the war. <b>He swiftly took the advice of his commanders and ordered a strike across the Punjab border. (This was in stark contrast to Nehru who in a similar situation in 1962, had refused to call in the air force to relieve the pressure on the ground troops.) </b>Result - Indian Army inflicted a crushing defeat on Pakistan! after the UN's mandated cease-fire, on 23rd September 1965 in a broadcast to the Nation, Shatri ji Stated :</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<i>While the conflict between the armed forces of the two countries has come to an end, the more important thing for the United Nations and all those who stand for peace is to bring to an end the deeper conflict.... How can this be brought about? In our view, the only answer lies in peaceful coexistence. India has stood for the principle of coexistence and championed it all over the world. Peaceful coexistence is possible among nations no matter how deep the differences between them, how far apart they are in their political and economic systems, no matter how intense the issues that divide them.</i>"</span> </blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3.China</span><span style="font-size: large;"> playing monkey in the conflict of two cats: </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On 17 September 1965, while the Indo-Pak war was on, India received a letter from China alleging that the Indian army had set up army equipment in Chinese territory, and India would face China's wrath, unless the equipment was pulled down. In spite of the threat of aggression from China, Shastri ji declared: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"<i>China's allegation is untrue. If China attacks India, it is our firm resolve to fight for our freedom. <b>The might of China will not deter us from defending our territorial integrity</b>.</i>" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Chinese did not dare to respond back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These were just 3 incidents among the many achievements of t</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he Politician who made no money and died leaving no great wealth behind for his family; one that within his small tenure as the 2nd Prime Minister of India, made huge contributions and who with his short physical stature achieved great feats. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We remember you Lal Bahadur Shastri with Pride that we were fortunate to have you as our Prime Minister once...and yet with sad hearts that ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>tho you were the 2nd Prime Minister of India, </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>India never got a Second Lal Bahadur Shastri.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On your Birth Anniversary, I pay you my humble respects.</span><br />
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remembering the Prime Minister who died Poor

People who forget their Heroes are bound to be ruled by Villains. While the Politicians, News channels and common junta sing songs a...

Was Gandhi's sense of Non-violence skewed?

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Gandhi had a very skewed sense of Ahinsa/Ahimsa i.e. Non-violence. Why do I say that? Read on to find out.<br />
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Gandhi believed that instead of resorting to violence, the enemy should be won over by a change of heart. While this may sound to be fine in civilian life, the same attitude in military affairs would lead to disastrous results. However, since Gandhi claimed to have derived his beliefs from Hinduism, lets explore the source.<br />
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Usually Hindu scriptures are cited to justify Gandhi's views as "अहिंसा परमो धर्मः" - which equates Dharma/virtue with Non-violence. (Dharma is NOT the same as religion.) The funny thing is, this is only half the shlok. The complete shlok, which appears in Mahabharata's Anushasan Parv (महाभारत, अनुशासन पर्व) is - "अहिंसा परमो धर्मः, धर्महिंसा तथैव च" i.e. Non-violence is highest Dharma/moral virtue, violence for right cause is equivalent."<br />
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(<i>It should be noted that Translating Dharma into religion is a grave mistake. Dharma is the eternal law of the cosmos, inherent in the very nature of things. So we are not talking about only a few Do's and don'ts but the rules that govern the very nature of every being. Among different synonyms for Dharma, Moral Virtue is one and fits well in the above shlok.</i>)<br />
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Another argument is that since Hindu Dharma believes that God resides in every living being, it is wrong to kill the enemy. This idea originates from the Mahavakyas :<br />
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1. अहं ब्रह्मास्मि = I am Brahmn/God </div>
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(Brhadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.10 of the Yajur Veda)<br />
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2. तत तत्वं असि = That are you. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span>(Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7 of the Sama Veda)<br />
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These two together translate into - "I am Brahmn/God, so are you."</div>
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So, if there is God in everyone and hence even in a Tyrant, it will be a sin to kill Him/Her. BUT, this argument fails to see that if the Tyrant is about to kill you, there is God in you as well and protecting that Brahmn is not only NOT-a-sin but your duty! </div>
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Again, Gandhi's version of Ahimsa preaches laying down one's own life while offering passive resistance. There is an interesting Sanskrit subhashita :</div>
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Subhashita:</div>
अति दानात् बलिर्वधो ह्यति मानात् सुयोधनः<br />
अति लौल्यात् रावणो हन्तः अति सर्वत्र वर्जयेत्<br />
Transliteration:<br />
ati daanaat balirvadho hyati maanaat suyodhanaH<br />
ati loulyaat raavaNo hantaH ati sarvatra varjayet<br />
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Meaning of the subhAShita:<br />
Bali met his end due to his extreme charity, Suyodhana (Duryodhana) was killed due to his excessive pride, far too much lust brought the end to Ravana. (Hence) give up 'excess' in everything.<br />
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Hence, as per Hindu scriptures, while following non-violence is a good idea, blindingly extreme form of  Non violence should be avoided. </div>
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Was Gandhi's sense of Non-violence skewed?

Gandhi had a very skewed sense of Ahinsa/Ahimsa i.e. Non-violence. Why do I say that? Read on to find out. Gandhi believed that...

बिपिन चन्द्र पाल और गांधीवाद की हिटलरशाही

<p dir="ltr">आज बिपिन चन्द्र पाल जी की जयंती है। नाम तो सुना होगा आपने। नहीं? बचपन में इतिहास में 'लाल-बाल-पाल' के बारे में पढ़ा था? हान्जी, ये वही लाल-बाल-पाल की तिकड़ी में से एक महा तिकड़मी स्वतंत्रता सेनानी हैं। इन्हें भारतीय क्रन्तिकारी विचारों के जनक के रूप में भी जाना जाता है। और तो और स्वदेशी आन्दोलन तथा विदेशी बहिष्कार भी इनकी ही उपज थी। आपको लगा होगा कि गाँधी जी की उपज थी ये, नहीं? इस बारे में देखा जाये तो 'ब्रांडिंग' का सारा खेल था। माल तो उगाया किसान ने परन्तु उसकी पैकेजिंग कर के जिसने अपने ब्रांड का ठप्पा उसपर लगा लिया, वो चीज़ उसकी! नहीं नहीं...गाँधी जी पर आक्षेप नहीं कर रहे हम। गाँधी जी को 'प्रोडक्ट' बना कर उसे बेचने वालों की बात कर रहे हैं।</p>
<p dir="ltr">आज पीछे मुड़ कर लाल-बाल-पाल को इतिहास में खोजने का प्रयत्न किया तो लाला लाजपत राय, बाल गंगाधर तिलक और बिपिनचंद्र पाल के समक्ष स्वयं को लज्जित पाया। आधुनिक भारत के स्वतंत्रता संग्राम का शंखनाद करने वालों के नाम केवल कुछ पंक्तियाँ ही थीं पाठशाला की पुस्तकों में। गाँधी जी पर तो ...खैर छोडिये। अभी कुछ दिनों पहले कुछ लोग रुदाली विलाप कर रहे थे कि इंदिरा गाँधी को लोग भुलाने के प्रयत्न कर रहे हैं। सही बात है, बस एक परिवार विशेष को छोड़ कर बाकी सब को भुला देना चाहिए, नहीं? चाहे वह कांग्रेसी ही क्यों ना रहे हों! आखिर इनके 'अहिंसा' के पथ पर चल कर ही तो भारत को स्वतंत्रता मिली। बाकि सशत्र स्वतंत्रता संग्राम ने तो कुछ किया ही नहीं। सच पूछिए तो स्वतंत्र होने के पश्चात जूनागढ़ और हैदराबाद का भारत में विलय इसी सत्य-अहिंसा के मार्ग पर चल कर ही तो हुआ था। इसी गाँधी परिवार के सदस्य ही तो गए थे रजाकारों के समक्ष धरना देने! मैं तो कहता हूँ अल कायदा और आइ एस आइ एस से भी ऐसे ही भूख हड़ताल और धरनों के दम पर विरोध करना चाहिए...उनका ह्रदय परिवर्तन करना चाहिए। नहीं?</p>
<p dir="ltr">सच तो यह है कि स्वतंत्रता घंटा इन धरनों-उपवासों के दम पर मिली! क्रांतिकारियों ने अंग्रेज सरकार की मेरुदंड(spine) ही तोड़ कर रख दी थी। जब द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के बाद ब्रिटिश राज इतना चरमरा गया कि यदि किसी ने इनकी नाक में उंगली भी कर दी होती तो छींक मारते साथ ही पीछे से 'बौछार' भी निकल पड़ती, तो अंग्रेजों की हालत भागते भूत सी हो गयी थी जिसने जैसे-तैसे अपनी लंगोट सम्हाली! </p>
<p dir="ltr">बिपिन चन्द्र पाल जी का असहयोग आंदोलनों जैसे गाँधी जी के हथकंडों पर घनघोर मतभेद था...कदाचित इसी के फलस्वरूप अपने जीवन के अंतिम ६ वर्ष इस महान स्वतंत्रता सेनानी को अज्ञातवास में काटने पड़े। ध्यान से देखें तो जिस किसी ने भी गाँधीवादी विचारधारा से तनिक भी मतभेद दिखाने का दुस्साहस किया, उसका यही हाल हुआ। जिस अहिंसावादी गांधीवाद को सहिष्णुता का पर्यायवाची समझा जाता है, उसकी कैसी ये असहिष्णु तथा हिंसक चाल? </p>
<p dir="ltr">जिस बिपिन चन्द्र पाल को श्री अरबिंद ने राष्ट्रवाद का महानतम पैगम्बर कहा था, आज उनकी जयंती पर उन्हें याद करने वालों में कुछ ही लोग हैं। आज के दिन की बात तो छोडिये, गांधियों के सिवा हर किसी स्वतंत्रता सेनानी को नेपथ्य (background) में धकेल दिया गया। क्यों ऐसा किया गया और किसने किया ये सब जानते हैं। प्रश्न ये नहीं कि क्यों बाकी के बलिदानियों को भुलाया गया...प्रश्न ये है कि जिस शिक्षा को मनुष्य के विचारों को पंख देने का कार्य करना चाहिए, वही शिक्षा कोमल पंखों को क्यों क़तर रही है? क्यों बचपन से ही हमें गाँधीवादी विचारधारा के समक्ष आत्मसमर्पण करने पर बाध्य किया गया और जा रहा है? </p>
<p dir="ltr">आज मैं गांधीगिरी के इस हिटलरशाही के विरुद्ध विद्रोह करता हूँ... आज मैं श्री बिपिन चन्द्र पाल के समक्ष नतमस्तक होता हूँ।<br>
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बिपिन चन्द्र पाल और गांधीवाद की हिटलरशाही

आज बिपिन चन्द्र पाल जी की जयंती है। नाम तो सुना होगा आपने। नहीं? बचपन में इतिहास में 'लाल-बाल-पाल' के बारे में पढ़ा था? हान्जी, ये वह...

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बिपिन चन्द्र पाल और गांधीवाद की हिटलरशाही

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