Of State Capitals And Rape Capitals – Why Many In India Have Got It Wrong

A girl was brutally raped in Delhi – India’s Capital and affectionately called by some as India’s Rape Capital.  This rape turned out to be the last straw on the raped camel’s back and people all over the country are pouring out in thousands to express their opinion on the state of affairs in India.  Well, high time.

There is much talk about stricter laws and stiff punishments for rapists.  I agree philosophically, but I feel that in demanding stricter laws and stiff punishments for rapists, we may lose a wonderful opportunity to address the real problem.

Let me explain.

The last thing India needs is a new law.  Our country is riddled with laws.  More than 1300 laws were repealed by the Ex- Law Minister Mr Ram Jethmalani sometime between 1999 and 2004 and we don’t even feel the difference of it in our lives.

There is much blame put on the Indian Politician.  I cannot understand this.

Why blame the politician?  Every country on the globe is riddled with politicians who are in politics and government for personal glory.  How many politicians sincerely work for their country?  I am sure there are some but I am pretty sure that if they had a choice, they would rather focus on how to get re-elected than on nation building.  To quote P J O’Rourke – “A little government and a little luck are necessary in life – but only a fool trusts either of them.”

An Indian citizen can effectively measure up any Indian Politician in a matter of minutes.  It is not going to take rocket science to know that the objective of government is not to govern the nation - it is to use the nation’s resources for personal advantage.

A classic way to make money is to sell goods and services to a dumb client who has no idea of how much to pay for such goods and services and as a result pays much more than the market would otherwise.  Another way to make money is to do business with a client who has much money and will never run out of it.  Another way to make money is to do business with a client who is duty bound to make payment.  The Government enterprises, companies and institutions are one such client base which has all the characteristics listed above.  It is even better if your uncle is the minister heading those very enterprises.

There is much blame put on the Indian Police.  I cannot understand this.   The police don’t function.  Any Indian should be able to see that.  This fact was obvious to Indians even before the gang rape in Delhi.  Blaming the police means one does not understand how the police function works.

A few words for the cops.  How would you feel if you had to be on the vigil protecting a politician whom you know to be a crook?  What would you do if you had to spend hours day in and out serving and observing an elected parliamentarian crook plunder the nation?  Remember, a politician can ruin the life of a cop – in minutes.  A cop is a human being too.

Now I come to the final pillar of stability in the country.  The only institution that can change India is neither the parliaments, nor the state law and order institutions.

It is the Honorable Supreme Court of India.

This is where Indians must hope for change. It is the only institution who can take decisions without fear of retribution from the politicians.

However, there are other issues that must be addressed.

The Honorable Supreme Court of India has given many wonderful decisions.  There are many Indian states and institutions who have not implemented the orders of the Supreme Court.   They are in direct contempt of the highest court in the Land for a number of judgments.  And nothing is being done about it...

This is where we Indians fail.  The Courts fail to ensure the implementation of the law.  There is much satisfaction that they derive in passing on the judgment but they are hesitant to find if their orders are being implemented.

In light of the above, what difference will one new law make? Little I presume. There is no point in a law if there is no agency which ensures that it is implemented.

Protesters must not line up at the President’s residence.  The President must act on the advice of council of ministers and as such has no real powers to do anything of consequence.

The real protest would be line up outside the Honorable Supreme Court premises and pray for justice.  The Honorable Supreme Court has suo moto powers to take cognizance of any event and pull up the concerned department.   It is the only hope for this nation.  It is the only institution with a heart and which can guarantee Indians their constitutional rights - the only change agent left in this country.

To hope for the parliament to change the nation is a gang rape in itself.

© Nitesh Kotecha

I Am A Liar But Dont Call Me A Rascal: The Sins of Parents and Teachers

An elderly person and a father was lying to his daughter.  The daughter caught him lying.  The daughter called him a rascal.  The father says “I am a liar but don’t call me a rascal.  I am your father.”

Let us now analyze this a little bit.  This little anecdote highlights the irrational demands made by the elderly, the revered and other such sacred cows.

Calling names such as rascal etc is a one time event. Lying is a perpetual habit!  Which one is worse?  The father clearly is using his position as a parent to minimize the dangers of lying as if it is a borderline virtue !

A closer look at the above text will tell you that the elderly do not only demand respect but also demand pardon – from the young!

Hello?!  Should not this be the other way round?  Are not the elders supposed to be the embodiment of experience, grace, virtue and forgiveness?   This is the only reason why we are traditionally and ritually  “programmed” to respect them.

However, this brings to light many issues... what is the cut off age for an elderly person?  How do we define such a person?  For a child of age 5, the father at age 31 is an elder – however, people of such age are still treated as young people by society.  Why not have respect for all – young and elder people? Why not give respect purely because the person deserves it or has earned it irrespective of age?

Our ancient texts have glorified the devotions that one must pay to parents, teachers and guests.  These are absolute statements much like the directive principles of state policy that is highlighted in our constitution.  Do these postulates account for situational variables?  I believe they are absolutes and disregard the situation or the psychological framework of the person.

I have had bad teachers in my life – teachers who don’t have an iota of knowledge, not an ounce of moral fiber nor any shade of decency.  Why does one have to pay obeisance to such rot?

We don’t have to, I guess.  The only way out is to forgive these people.  They have no idea of their shortcomings.  They too are programmed, by virtue of their conditioning, that since they are of age or they have a position as parents or teachers – this fact alone automatically qualifies them to receive unconditional respect, obeisance and devotion.

Forgive them.  This is the price we pay for being compassionate and mindful of people's faults. But it is the only way out

© Nitesh Kotecha

Brother... Where You Bound?

A simple look at the latest developments in technology will give you an idea about a new paradigm coming up in our work environment – substitute technology and remove the human interface.

Researchers and Developers are creating digital actors – yes animated characters so real that one would not believe that the person you see on the screen is a digital creation.  Let’s face it; the dinosaurs have been looking real ever since Jurassic Park (1993) – it is about time we have digital characters who look every bit human.

Major Motor car companies are now incorporating bio-metric signals in the cars so as to assist the driver.  The car would signal a light representing coffee – meaning the driver’s skin is emitting signs of exhaustion or fatigue.  There are minor sensors in the steering wheel which will detect undesirable jerks in driving.  The cars will then automatically reduce their top speed and switch on side sensors which will assist the driver in ensuring his safety.

Stock brokers developed algorithmic trading and now have software in place for such trading.  The manned operations are discarded and the staff given the pink slip.

What is happening?  The above events are just a sample of how technology will soon substitute routine jobs.  New jobs will be created in place as the demand for such technology increases.  And soon those jobs will be replaced with technology and other new jobs will be created.

The above events summarize the need for people to understand that if they are in to traditional jobs, routine jobs, jobs that represent skills that machines can replicate – they need to re-evaluate the career paths they may have chosen for themselves.   Of course, certain jobs cannot be replaced – technology cannot replace a judge or a lawyer at a court.  Politics will not allow technology to replace a cricket umpire! Or an elected representative for that matter!

The current definitions of a business degree will need to undergo a metamorphosis in the sense that future business leaders will see pressure mounting on them as they meet the challenges of such changes in their business.  Curriculum focused only on the administrative side of businesses will need to be revised to accommodate for developing ability in spotting trends.

© Nitesh Kotecha