Naxalites-Gandhians with Guns?

Gandhians with Guns! The expression is as wrong as a mother calling her criminal son, 'a naughty child'.

In one of my earlier blogs written on 22.11.09 titled, 'A peaceful Village called Tale', I had talked of how the people had progressed there. The village situated in the interiors of Maharashtra in Kolaba now Raigarh District had faced the wrath of anti-social elements when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. As both my parents belonged to the same village, I remember the tales vividly.

It was a peaceful and happy village with people having a very positive attitude. There was just one school. Early morning, I used to see the women folk flocking to the wells to wash clothes and fill water. But never did I see them angry. The elder boys and girls were a curious lot and would often ask me questions about my city.

There was no college. These boys and girls were determined. Many of them went to Mumbai later to do their graduation. They stayed in Chawls and places wherever possible. Many of them are at very high positions today. Some have even gone abroad and settled. I salute these great people. For I know I could not have done it.

In case of Maoists or naxalites, we need to speak to the right people. The media and the Government should stop giving importance to Kishenji and the likes who are exploiting the tribals. The best would be to establish communication with true forest dwellers and win their trust.

In India, we also need to develop skills of knowing a criminal or violent mind This science needs to be developed. We must understand that human beings have come very far from what they were millions of years ago. And so, for every few brains that have contributed to the betterment of the society there have been some who have taken to newer forms of violence.

We Indians. A confused lot!

We think, worry, care... so much about ourselves! Our beauty regime, health, salary, promotion. and when it comes to our family, we try to have the best there too! A classy dwelling in a posh colony, an excellent school for our children and what not. And too all very quickly.But we are so distant when it comes to our country. I really don't understand.

There have been floods in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and several places but no one is bothered. Several policemen were killed last week by naxalites. A day prior to this Inspector Induvar was beheaded and killed by the same naxalites. But I didn't see anyone even talking about it in the university or the agency where I work. Now we also hear that the same Inspector was on a punishment posting and had not been paid for six months. But, on TV we had the Human Activists refusing to call this an act of terrorism. As per their definition, terrorism is when poor people are deprived of food, etc. Yes, Human Activists! People going without food is bad and we have to work collectively and fast to solve this problem. But, we also cannot have our brave policemen killed this way.I shudder to think how their families must be feeling, while watching others ready for Diwali-the festival of lights.

Much as I respect Mr. Jairam Ramesh, I am surprised at his rhetoric that linking of rivers will be harmful. This one liner makes no sense, especially when scientist and former President Dr. Abdul Kalam, too, has shown considerable interest in this project. I think we Indians are just very, very cool when it comes to solving a problem at the national level. It's not correct...just not correct.