Rise of Er Rashid and Beyond

 THE RISE OF ER. RASHID AND BEYOND

The emergence of political leaders is determined by many factors. Social, political, cultural and economic factors are among the most important dynamics which give emergence to of leaders. 

In modern history of Kashmir the emergence of political leaders has been largely determined by the political context and factors. The leaders in Kashmir history have not been able to stand by the expectations of the general masses and deliver what was expected from them.

 Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah emerged a tall political figure in the backdrop of Dogra Rule over Kashmir, liberation of Indian continent from long British rule followed by partition of the country. The invasion of Pakistan in Kashmir.  He was perhaps the only political leader of modern Kashmir who carried many reformative policies and measures in Kashmir history. However, he is largely being accused of selling out Kashmir. His instrument of accession with India and other accords especially Indira Abdullah accord in 1975 with New Delhi are considered historical blunders of Abdullah no matter what were social, economic conditions at that moment of time. 

The emergence of militancy in late 1980’s in Kashmir put Kashmir upside down. The government and administration were paralyzed. The law and order, civil and criminal disputes were taken up by insurgents. There was chaos and anarchy everywhere. This political situation give birth to many leaders but Syed Ali Shah Geelani emerged a new face and political leaders in Kashmir. Although Geelani’s thought and speeches were centric to Islam but common masses were moved by his lexical, deep sentiments and hidden anger against Abdullah’s. 

Although the successor of Sheikh Abdullah became his son but he could not emerge as a political figure among masses. He was generally looked as stooge of Delhi or installed Chief Minister.  Due armed conflict the successor of Sheikh Abdullah Dr Farooq Abdullah could not reach to the hearts of people. Although during this period Geelani emerged as a popular political leader but his affiliation to separatist camp left void vacuum vacant of political leadership in mainstream politics and parties. A space of a leader who people longed to take up their daily issues, (sadak, pani and bijli) speak of their sufferings.  Mufti Mohammad Syed founder of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) exploited this opportunity very well and emerged a new leader in mainstream politics. He filled the void space in mainstream politics and became Chief Minister of erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. His collaboration with Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and continuous sufferings of people due to armed struggle could not took him to stature which otherwise would have been possible. Whatever good he and  his government had done in his tenure was all in vain due to his failure to stand by the expectations of the people. 

His successor Mehbooba Mufti (Mehbooba Mufti) badly failed to get recognized and emerge as a leader of people. His policies and justification of killing of youth not only created a great vacuum for a leader in mainstream politics but almost wiped out PDP. 

It was in this backdrop Sheikh Abdul Rashid popularly known as Er. Rashid came in to lime light. His theatric politics, use on common lexical, simplicity, darnas, and open criticism to policies of government made him popular. His separatist lexical and theatrics could not help him to emerge as a popular leader in Kashmir politics chiefly because of Syed Ali Shah Geelani. There was no one even within the separatists’ camps who could parallel Geelani. He was the only leader in separatist camps who had mass appeal and influence. Geelani left no scope for any person to emerge as a political leader rather a political figure with separatist lexical, methodology and approach.

 It was only possible with political context of Kashmir that Er. Rashid emerged as a political leader. The void vacuum for a political leader was created by the decision of Indian government to scrap special status of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogation of article 370 of Indian Constitution.  

Interactions and observations reveal that incarnation of Er. Rashid in Tihar Jail helped him to great extent to emerge as a leader. It was only possible in the absence of Syed Ali Shah Geelani who died in 2021.   There have been many political factors which helped Er. Rashid to defeat former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omer Abdullah with huge margin of 2,04142 votes in Parliamentary elections. The absence of Geelani, his election boycott politics, tight noose on people with separatist approach created huge lacuna in separatist camps and Er. Rashid was deemed an alternative by people. This was only possible with in incarnation in jail as such kind of treatment is generally meant for people with separatists sentiments.

Emergence and beyond

The victory of Er. Rashid over former Chief Minister in Parliamentary elections arose him a political leader. This victory with huge margin of votes was beyond the expectations of his supporters and sponsors. Immediately after the victory of Er. Rashid many people started to have close ties with the family of Er. Rashid. Most of them looked him as a new rising sun in Kashmir politics. Looking at upcoming assembly elections in Kashmir many people started to eye of ticket of AIP (Party founded by Er. Rashid) to contest in assembly elections. This kind of response and approach gave confidence to Er. Rashid’s family who have earlier contented people that they have nothing with politics and want just their family member out of jail by the vote of people. Looking at changing political environment the brother of Er. Rashid resigned from regular government services which otherwise is rare in Indian context especially in conflict zones. 

The jumping of family members in active politics and distribution of tickets to different candidates by AIP has fired back. Interactions and observations reveal that many people interpret it as a betrayal by Er. Rashid. Although AIP seems to have great impact in electoral process in Kashmir the graph of popularity seems on decline. 

A young student of globally renowned Central University. Jamia Millia Isalmia New Delhi said, “Er. tries to be a new Sheikh Abdullah but he forgot it is a new world with new political order and mindset. His theatrics are no more hidden. What does he think bowing at airport at Srinagar, to show emotions, befool people? Not so.Things are different. Why he (Er.) bowed in full public glare at airport? Had it been out of emotions, love he would have bowed immediately after de-boarding the plane”, he sighed.

A person in thirties said, “I am shameful of myself for casting vote and forcing my family, friend and relatives to caste vote in favour of Er. Rashid. I was fooled rather cheated by Abrar (son of Er. Rashid). He said I have nothing with politics this vote he begs for his father. Why is not he shameful of dancing video clipping with iphone in elections campaign”. 

Many nietizens roasted Abrar for displaying and clicking with iphone 14. They question their source of income and affordability to such sophisticated and elite gadgets. 

A 45 years old person while expressing his opinion, narrated me a story from Masnavi of Jalal U din Rumi to relate present situation. He said:

History of Ksashmir is history of cheat and fraud there have been leaders who deceived naïve people and consider them sheep and goats. 

A famous Sufi poet Rumi, narrates the story of a Jewish King his Vazir and Chritians. Listen it carefully and understand the things. 

Once there was a cruel Jewish King who used to persecute the Christians. He adopted every method to exterminate their faith but all in vain. He was frustrated and tired but desperate to exterminate their faith. One day he called his Vazir and discussed the matter with him. Vazir persuaded the king to try a stratagem, namely, to mutilate the Vazir himself, and expel him from his court for having Christian faith. With this I might take rfuge with the christains, gain their sympathy, and stir up mutual dissensions amongst them. The king adopted the idea proposed by the Vazir and executed the plan. Vazir fled to the Christians, and found no difficulty in persuading them that he had been punished so brutally on account of his attachment to Jesus and Christian faith. The Vazir soon gained complete influence over Christians and accepted as a saintly martyr and a divine noble teacher send by Jesus as a savior.   Only a few discerning people divined his treachery; the majority were all deluded by him.

Er. Rashid is today’s Jewish Vazir who has set the plan and asked his masters to execute it.  He is the one who used to criticize Geelani, write against him and today presenting him as a hero. Saying Kashmir people that we have to resolve Kashmir Issue. An issue which International Organizations and institutions failed to resolve. Which mighty China could not? Over which Pakistan and India fought many wars.  

It has been a big challenge for India to engage people of Kashmir in electoral process. They used many methods and techniques but failed. It is Er. who is on mission like Vazir but he does not know. Even so he is able to gain sympathy of people especially youth and stir up mutual dissensions amongst them. He (Er.) must know his malicious scheme will not success. 

This is lesson for you if you can understand, the person told the writer. 

Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat is a prominent scholar in the field of sociology, with notable contributions to areas such as social theory, cultural studies, and the sociology of knowledge. His research often delves into the nuances of social structures, inequality, and the role of culture in shaping societal norms. Dr. Bhat is also known for his focus on contemporary social issues, particularly in the context of South Asia.

His work in sociology is likely interdisciplinary, bridging areas such as politics, economics, and philosophy to offer a comprehensive understanding of societal transformations and challenges.

The changing political discourse in Kashmir

If I have not misinterpreted the texts (gestures, interactions, observations, interviews, conversation...) . It is first time since 1989 elections in Kashmir that people  of Kashmir especially in North division of valley are highly involved and interested in parliament elections.

Generally elections and election process in Kashmir has been in vague. The scrapping of article 370 and 35 of Indian constitution has changed the political discourse and trajectory in valley. It is worth to mention that article 370 and 35 of Indian constitution had provided special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It has  covert dimensions of social and cultural preservation besides political relation of the state with the of India. 

On 5th of August 2019, the Bhartiya Janta Party led by Shri Narendra Modi not only revoked special status of the state but statehood also. The revocation was followed by curfew, information black out and mass arrest of people. Which includes common masses, mainstream politicians and separatist. The Modi government justified the move to avoid civilian casualties.

Among the arrestees Er. Abdul Rashid Sheikh who had contested election and was elected by the people to represent them in the state legislature from Handwara Langate. Although his actions within legislature and on roads was often caughting the attention of masses all over Kashmir but his influence was not much beyond the Handwara.

His arrest apparently had not made any public implications for the most of the analyst but few sociologists had been able to identify the impact. Dr Adfer Rashid Shah a Delhi based Sociologists and political commentator on Kashmir in an informal interaction noted, " Er has great impact on people this can be inferred from the local gathering. People in personal gatherings curse people of Kashmir for not doing anything for his (Ers release)".  In the changed political and administrative set up people had their own logic and calculation behind the silence. In post revocation of the special status and statehood people had acted like liquids, just spilled here and there. There has been no mass gathering, resistance, hartals (strikes) protests or other forms of resistance which otherwise had been "normal" routine in Kashmir.

As the parliament elections for three seats in Kashmir knocked the door the political. The impact of frozen political vassel was noticed. It has been first time since 1989 when there has been no election boycott or forced voting threat, call or force.  With every passing day there was not appearant heat to the frozen political pot in Kashmir.  The filling and acceptance of application  by Er Abdul Rashid Sheikh for Barahmulla Parliamentary seat started to generate some heat. The campaign by two sons of the jailed contestant not melted the frozen political pot in North Kashmir but it started to garner heat in whole Kashmir.  The rallies carried out by his two sons received great public support. Although gathering of people in rallies is not something new and conclusive in Kashmir. It has been found in past, there are the  people who participated in one political in the morning and in the other (of the opponent) in the evening. However, the gathering of people in the rallies of jailed contestant has altogether a different meaning and interpretation.  The huge participation of people in support of Er. Rashid in Naidkhai Sonawari which is native Village of sitting National Conference Parliamentarian has many sociological dimensions. The gathering in political rally of a jailed person who appearantly has no power and influence in native Village of a sitting parliamentarian who overtly has power, influence, friendship and kinship on his side also. This behaviour of the people can be termed as Weberian Affectual Action. In context of traditional societies, in the light of Almond and Verbs theories Affectual action can play pivotal role in the politics.

The observations and interaction impresses that there will be huge voter turnout for Barahmulla Parliamentary seat.  The boycott belts may also participate in the electroral process. This author met a number of people who are in their fourties and going to cast their vote first time. Their number has been higher from the areas who used to abstain or boycott electoral process. The results of the seat seems obviously set a particular trend. 

Whatever may be the outcome of the elections but Er. Rashid has been able to defreeze the frozen political pot. It has provided space to the liquid to spill in a direction. The Bhat's (2018) theory of liquid theory of social relations has it relation also to understand liquid politics.

Dr . Fayaz Ahmad Bhat is a former Academicians. He is contributing writer of Eurasia Review and Foreign Policy.

Redefining Sociology

Read and Remember “Social Physics “was the first name of sociology. Comte invented the term sociology, first publicly used in the fourth volume of his Positive Philosophy (1838).  (Penguin Dictionary) p75

 Sociology* emerged as a science of society in a particular context and backdrop. The socio-economic and political changes in Medieval Europe gave impetus for sociology to emerge as an independent science- the science of society. The sweeping changes brought by French revolution (political revolution) in 1799 and Industrial revolution (Economic Revolution) provided enough text ( text does not mean only a written word, sentence but events, change, gestures, symbols etc are texts and sometimes a context become text) for scholars to engage themselves with intellectual  pursuit. This led the synthesis (emergence) of new science – the science of society which was later named as ‘sociology’.

 The credit for introducing new science, a science promising to studying human society on scientific lines (as group) goes to a French man- August Comte commonly known as father of sociology.    

Know About Isidore Auguste Marie Fraancois Xavier Comte, was born in Montpellier of Southern France on January 1, 1978, in   religious and aristocratic home. A family both Royalist in politics (politically well reached and influential) and staunch Roman Catholic in piety (religious).  The father of Comte who was a government official desired his son to be in politics. However, Comte was meant for something else to give a new philosophy and new science. The philosophy and doctrine of positivism and science of society Sociology’ (Abraham and Morgan, 1985)

 

*Read and Remember With the emergence of sociology there emerged disagreement among scholars on the nature and subject matter of sociology. One group argued that sociology like natural sciences is pure science and subject matter of sociology is very wide. However, another group of sociologist contended the argument. There emerged Synthetic and Formalistic School of  thought, former contending that    Schoo one led by German Sociologist George Simmel

The new science unlike psychology promised to study human society as a whole rather to focus on individual behavior. However, with the passage of time besides new debates, (Functionalism, Marxism, Interactionalism, Phenomenology …) and controversies (dispute on the nature and subject matter of sociology*) new  branches of sociology ( Rural Sociology, Urban Sociology, Sociology of Education, Crime, Religion, Disaster management and so on emerged within the discipline)

There is no consensus among sociologists on the definition of sociology. According to Auguste Comte sociology is “subject to natural and invariable laws, the discovery of which is object of investigation”. Other than Comtes’s definition C. N Shaker Rao, mentioned thirteen definitions of sociology given by different sociologist. The definitions identified are as follows:

1.  Alex Inkeles, defined sociology “the study of systems of social actions and of their inter-relations”

2. Emile Durkhiem said Sociology as the “science of social institutions”

3. Franklin Henry Giddings defined sociology as “the science of social phenomenon”.

4. Harry M Johnson said “sociology is a science that deals with social groups”

 5. Henry Fairchild, defined sociology as “the study of man and his human environment in their relations to each other”.

6. To Kingsley Davis, “sociology is a general science of society”

7. Kimball Young and Raymond called sociology “the scientific study of the social aspects of human life”

8. Marshal Jones, defined sociology “the study of man-in relationship to men”

9. Max Weber defined sociology “the science which attempts the interpretative understanding of social action in order thereby to arrive at a casual explanation of its course and effects”.

10. Morris Ginsberg said, “In the broadest sense sociology is the study of human interactions and inter-relations, their conditions and consequences”.

11. Ogburn and Nimkoff, defined sociology “ the scientific study of social life”.

12. Park said sociology “the science of collective behavior”

13.   Small defined sociology “the science of social relationships”.

The different definitions and interpretations of sociology create confusions among the students of sociology especially to beginners.

Moreover, few definitions mentioned above create room for controversies and reflect the male dominance of sociology.

S. L Doshi (1999), remarks that “ in a single sentence , reviewing the definitions of sociology given by all these master thinkers, one could safely say that sociology studies man as member of society or a group , may it caste or clan”. He adds, “It all means that sociology is about interaction – human behavior which takes place among individuals. Secondly its prime objective is to improve that status of individual or society in wider context (P.20).

Marshel Jones and Henry Fairchild, Doshi and like minded limit the scope of sociology- limit sociology to study only men in society and ignore women who constitute half of society and without whom even the imagination of human society is impossible.

Iqbal philosopher poet beautifully talks about women in the following lines:

Wujood-e- Zan Se Hai Tasveer-e- Kainat Mein Rang
Issi Ke Saaz Se Hai Zindagi Ka Souz-e Darun

(Iqbal)

The presence of women fills colors in the picture of world
Her contributions keep it in course of action

Whatever confusion and chaos various definition of sociology may create in the mind of beginners it is interesting for them to know that every alphabet of word sociology stands for the explanation and subject matter of sociology. The nine alphabets in the word sociology very nicely define sociology and clear all the chaos and confusion.

In the next page it is elaborated in detail and there is scope for addition and modification. 

S = Social System, social processes

O = Of

C = Companions, Community, cooperation

        Conciliation, competition, conflict 

 I = Interaction, Institutions

O = Ological (scientific study)

L = Liquid

O = Organisations

G = Groups

Y = Youngest

By giving order and explanation to the above mentioned words, sociology is youngest ological (scientific study) of liquid, social systems, social processes, companions, interaction, organisations and groups.

According to Cambridge advanced learners dictionary (2008), ological is related to particular type of scientific study. Zygmunt

Bauman (2000, 2005), remarks that the present phase of history of modernity is like a fluid, that flow, spill, run out, splash, leak, in simple liquid keep changing form, shape and nature. Bauman drew attention towards social relations in post modernity which he preferred to call liquid modernity.

Bauman rightly argues that forms of modernity changed. However, these changes were also experienced by earlier societies. Historical accounts reveal how human relations were changing in past also. How people were changing their stand with changing circumstances. How once staunch enemies turned intimate friends and intimate friends as foes. Like liquid with external pressure, stimulus and environment people used to act and behave like liquid.

In our context we observe that not common masses, individual like liquid change their colour, shape and size with changing circumstances but groups behave accordingly. Those participating in protests, freedom struggle, speak anti India with changing circumstances change their affiliations

The folk lore and literature sheds more light on the subject how people behave, behaved like liquids.   In Kashmiri, there is a saying “haeth boeth chandus” ( hunderned masks in pocket) this reflects how people use to change colour,shape and nature even fast than liquid. The same thing is narrated in a bollywood song in these words “ Jab be Jee Chahay Naye Duniya Basatai hai loog, ek chahray pe kahee chahray laga lay tay hai loog” ( Whenever people desire they change their faces, turn their faces into many).  No doubt the degree pace, and extent of this liquid behavior varied but it is not something new.   

 Sociology being a youngest science is a particular type of science as it deals with a very complex thing that is human society and behavior. Social relations and social reality which is the subject matter of sociology is like a liquid which keep changing its form and nature.

There is a lot which is not apparent and many times what is apparent is not reality. In our context there is a saying “ joh asta hai woh nahin baseta hai, joh basta hai who nahin aasta hai”(things are not what they appear they are what they not appear).  American Sociologist Peter Berger put the same thing in different lines “the first wisdom of sociology is this - things are not what they seem”. S. L. Doshi (1999), while elaborating the view point of a noted contemporary sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, writes, sociology to Bourdieu “is a social science which uncovers the hidden truth of society”.

From the above discussion it is clear that the mandate of sociology is to study human societies and reveal what other sciences are not able to. Sociology is on a mission to understand social system, institutions, human interactions, organisations, groups irrespective of societies whether, developed or underdeveloped, traditional or modern rural or urban.

It is interesting to know when sociology claims to be science of society why we need a separate science of rural society. Is rural society not a society? After reading Louis Dumont, David Pocock, I. P. Deasi the question becomes more relevant, interesting and twisting. S.L. Doshi while quoting these scholars writes:

It is argued by David Pocock and Louis Dumont that there is nothing special about Indian rural life. Both rural and urban communities are part of the larger civilization of the subcontinent. They argue that urban community is nothing but extension of rural community. Basically, rural and urban communities are the two sides of the same coin. Whether it is Rampura or Kanpura, the marriage is basically a Hindu marriage. It does not change with the change of community. Similarly, there is nothing like rural family or urban family. Family is a basic Indian institution and in the paraphrase of I.P. Desai, family in India means joint family (P.12).

The above paragraph clears reflects that there is no difference at all in rural and urban set up of life. If it is so why we need a separate branch to study rural society? The present age of smart phones, facebook, twitter has further bridged gap between rural and urban societies. Both a youth from far flung area of a village and a youth from the center of city have access to internet and are influenced in their life style interaction. This raises further question mark on the need, relevance and importance of rural sociology.

 Whatever may appear similar and same in rural and urban areas there is a lot of difference in social relations. There is difference in interaction, occupation, organization, politics and an institution, no matter it is apparent or not. Above all there is sociology in it. The lack of basic facilities like water, electricity, access to quality education and health facilities keep people attached with each other and maintain solidarity among people. Moreover, kinship ties and neighborhood acts as connecting bond between people. And even if there is hardly any difference between the two still there is scope of sociology especially of rural sociology.

Rural sociology like general sociology emerged in a particular context and there were factors responsible for the emergence of rural sociology.  The next chapter deals with the emergence of rural sociology.

The Material is copy right and must not be cited without the permission of the author.

Bhat, Fayaz and Bhat Ajaz (2017). Disappearance of Daughters. Counter Currents

Bauman, Z. (2000) Liquid Modernity. Polity Press,

Cambridge

Bauman, Z. (2003) Liquid Love: On the Frailty of

Human Bonds. Polity Press, Cambridge.

Of Jammu and Kashmir Professional Board for Entrance Examination Issuing Admit card to a Cow

Jammu Kashmir State Board for Professional Entrance Examinations has issued an admit card to a cow with the signature of the Chairman on it. This reflects the sorry state of affairs of education, government and Administration in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The following write up attempts to make humor out of it. All are requested to take easy. 

The Gaws (cows) and Dands (ox) have been victim of human exploitation and brutalities since times immemorial. But with the change of government at Delhi (center) and in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, amid Modi wave in the country there have been positive changes and developments in the Insaan (human) Gupan (animal) relations. The government initiated many policies and programmes across the country for the welfare of Gupan community. Of these policies andprogrammes beef ban in the many states of the country was much discussed and praised. With BJP- PDP coalition government in the state headed by Mufti Mohammad Syed there was great pressure on the Syed from its coalition partner, BJP to take bold steps for the welfare and promotion of Gupan community.

It was fallout of beef ban in the country and great pressure on Syed from BJP that state government finally came with the policy for the welfare and development of the  Gupan community. The state government formulated the policy which made Gupans eligible for competitive exams. The policy has been praised for its potential of liberating Gupans from age old chains and bondages of humans. It was outcome of the beef ban in the country and welfare policy the state that Gupans have finally decided to contend humans in all the walks of the life. It is Kachir Gaw (red cow) who has decided to take a lead and set an example by applying for Professional Entrance Examination (elitist exam of the state) in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.  Appreciating and applauding her daughter Gura Dand,( Brown Ox) the father of Kachir Gaw appealed all cows to come forward and show humans beings their way and compete them in all the walks of life. It is 21st century the age of modernization, liberation and democracy in which none can deny freedom, liberty and equality to others, Gur Dand, said. While talking to media persons in the late evening Kachir Gaw, gave full credit to PDP-BJP coalition government of the state for curbing humans and creating conducive environment in the state in which a Gaw (cow) can challenge humans and debunk the traditional myth of human superiority. “Days are gone when humans were milking a cow, now it is their turn”, said Kachir Gaw. 

The Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Examination, while giving full credit to BJP- BDP coalition government of the state said that it is only with the policies and programmes of the government that all the communities of the state are feeling safe and free and have gained self confidence. The recent development is an example and it is first time in the history that a Gaw (cow) has applied for such competitive exam, the chairman added.  He grilled all those who have raised question marks on the eligibility of Kachir Gaw. These are the people who are living in fool’s paradise, who make hue and cry on the eligibility of Kachir Gaw in 21st century in the age of democracy, equality, liberty and freedom. 

The Minister of education while briefing the media persons defended the decision of the government said that a high level committee was set up to examine the eligibility of Kachir Gaw. The committee looked at the issue from various angles and perspectives and finally reached to the conclusion that it would be inhuman, illogical and illegal to bar the Kachar Gaw from appearing in the examination. The committee in their 200 long pages report has thrown weight behind their decision by producing examples of many Dands and Gaws enrolled in various educational institutions of the state and working in the various departments of the state. The report reads that “it is very inhuman, illogical, and illegal to bar the Kachar Gaw from appearing in the examination when a Dand has already ruled the state for many years”. 

The National Commission for Gaws, has appreciated the decision of the government and said it would be written with golden words in the history. Many prominent Gaminists (as feminist related to women Gamists to cows) and Enimists (humanist to humans and Enimist to animals) called the development beginning of breaking natural bias.

The challenge of our time is challenge of education

The present society in which we live in is experiencing many changes, alterations. The social relations and interaction are swing like a pendulum kabi (sometimes) here and kabi there. With continuous changes and fluctuation in the society and social relation, hapless creatures (human beings) are subjected to many challenges and confrontations. Sociologically, speaking a change in a society or social relations is one of the most important factors, exposing hapless creatures to new challenges and confrontations. Arnold Toynbee, maintained that every society faces challenges posed by environment, internal and external elements. The nature of response to these challenges determines the fate of society. The changes and challenges in a society are not something new or modern. Societies from the antiquity have been experiencing these changes and challenges but the changes in the present society have brought in new challenges and confrontation. Poverty, gender inequality, terrorism, environment pollution, human trafficking, gender discrimination, are the main confrontations the modern society is facing. But the most dangerous of all challenges of present society especially of third world is "education" rather, would I prefer to call it schooling or literacy.

Bowles and Gintis, (1976) acknowledged the contribution of school education in reducing mass illiteracy and providing learning chances to people but argued that school education could not deliver what enlightened reformers hoped from it. The scholars like Ivan Illich, Paul Freire, Apple, Bowels, Reids, Bourdieu and many others highlighted the role and function of schooling in reproducing and reinforcing social inequalities. Although most of these studies were west and Europe centric but represented the scenario of other parts of the globe as well. The challenges and confrontations posed by schooling in west and Europe are not same in the societies having a different social, political and economical setup, but have introduced new challenges and confrontation there. The promotion of mass schools and schooling in these countries by national and International actors is producing a large chunk of mal-educated people. This endangers the future of these countries and poses threat to the whole world. 

In my recent interaction, I met a few mal-educated chunks in Indian administered Kashmir during an interactive cum lecture arranged by Ignited Minds Circle, a circle claimed 'to provide a way for students to develop a scientific temper'. During the interaction theory and hypothesis of mal-education got again affirmed. It was observed the group consisted many mal-educated children some of them having deficiency of educational nutrients like gender sensitivity, value neutrality, cultural relativity etc. The most affected of mal-educated lot, I found a few children are over nutritional. Over nutritional, in a sense that the quantity and the amount of educational nutrients they have been provided are over nutrition. This has radicalized them and developed self syndrome among them. The only version of truth before them is their version. The best of creatures under the sun are only and alone they. Had they been exposed to the world they would have never developed this disease? They would have got a chance to burn some calories. There software would have not been corrupted and destructed by a virus called radicalization, intolerance and ethnocentrism had there been installation of antivirus. The texts (books, audio, video etc) they are installed are full of viruses and without installation of any antivirus they are highly insecure and prone to mal-function. It is about this "education" system and group about which Bertrand Russell, way back read, "Men are born ignorant, not stupid. They are made stupid by education". 

Counter Currents

and

http://www.kashmirtimes.com/newsdet.aspx?q=39445

http://www.htnews.in/htsportal/articles/source/Newspapers?source=Newspapers&page=10155

Misinterpretation of high voter turnout and elections in Jammu and Kashmir

The history of all hitherto underway Assembly elections in the State of Jammu and Kashmir is history of push pooling, fraud, manipulation, rigging, controversy, coercion and misinterpretation. There have been widespread charges against New Delhi (Indian Government) for election rigging, installation of governments from 1951 to present. It was Congress Government at Delhi which is accused of controlling governments in the State from 1951 to 1965.

Prem Nath Bazaz (1978) maintains that “After independence, rulers of Jammu and Kashmir State were not the freely chosen representatives of the people as they should have been but were the nominees and the proteges of the Central Congress Government.” Similar views have been expressed by B. K. Nehru who was Governor of the state from 1981 to 1984. After nasty blow to autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir with 63rd amendment Act of Indian constitution Article 365 was applied to State of Jammu and Kashmir and posts of Sadar-e- Riysat and Prime Minister were abolished, election process in the State has been mere fun and fuss. The First Assembly Elections in Kashmir held in 1965 dumped Sheikh Abdullah and installed Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq as First Chief Minister of the State. The Sixth Assembly elections in 1984 were held to install the government of Ghulam Mohammad Shah commonly known as Gul Shah or Gul Curfew. The Seventh Assembly elections held in 1987 were programmed and planed, and elections rigged. According to Sudha Ramachandran “The 1987 election undermined the Kashmiris’ faith in the ballot box. It convinced the youth that with the ballot having failed them, they would have to turn to the bullet to deliver.”

B. K. Nehru (1997) asserts that Heads of Governments in the State of Jammu and Kashmir from 1953 to 1975 had been nominees of Delhi. “Their appointment to that post was legitimized by the holding of farcical and totally rigged elections in which the congress party led by Delhi’s nominee was elected by huge majorities.” The elections in the State from 1996 to 2008 were held with barrel of gun. It has been reported that “the people were literally dragged out physically from their homes at gunpoint, dumped into army trucks and brought to polling booths.” It was only since 2008 that the people cost their vote on their own but the elections in Kashmir since 1996 have been in vogue. The election boycott call by “separatists” on occasions has been quite effective especially in urban areas and in few rural pockets. There have been many occasions when people especially belonging to rural areas defied boycott call and have come out in large numbers to vote. This time in the first phase of the assembly elections the State witnessed a turnout of more than 71 percent, despite boycott call by “separatist”. This is the highest over the past 18 years. In the first phase of assembly elections (held on 25 of November 2014) the State witnessed more than 71 percent voter turnout. This is the highest voter turnout witnessed by the State over the past Eighteen years (assembly elections in the
state are held every six years).

Like past every party, “separatists”, main stream politicians of the State and New Delhi interpret high voter turnout in their own ways and put forth their own meanings and interpretations of voting in Kashmir. Both ‘separatists’ and mainstream politicians ascribe high voter turn out to collective issues and problems like “Sadak, Pani, aur Bijli!” (electricity, roads and drinking water!”). Indian Government uses high voter turnout (more than 71%) as propaganda to show to the world that the majority of Kashmiris respect and favour Indian Constitution and are with India forgetting the fact that voter turnout in 1987 was 78.65 percent and exploded into full fledged armed struggle against Indian rule in the State.

As noted earlier whether these are “separatist” or main stream politicians of the state both are attempting to conceal their failure and faults by misinterpreting or wrong labeling high voter turnout in Kashmir. The high voter turnout in Kashmir particularly in rural areas and in some urban outstrikes is ascribed to collective issues “Sadak, Pani, aur Bijli!” This is nothing but absurd and silly. The higher voter turnout in Kashmir is not for Sadak, Pani and Bijli which are collective issues but people have diverse meanings, interpretation and reasons for voting and elections. Those who cost their vote or boycott have their subjective, meaning, understanding and interpretation of elections in Kashmir. There are also sociological dimensions attached to higher voter turn outs in rural India. Rural areas in India especially in Kashmir or still dominated by tradition values, norms and belief systems with tradition having a profound impact on the interaction and daily lives of rural people. A contestant belonging to rural area is having wide network of kinship and relations which increases his number of voters and supporters significantly. This proportionately increases polling percentage in Kashmir especially in rural areas.

Observations and interaction reveal voting and boycott are not similar, simple and unique. The more people one interacts with, the more reasons he/she come across. Every one each individual vote or boycott with his/her own meaning and interpretation of elections and having their own interests and responses, emotions and feelings. Some individuals vote to get a Sarkari Naukari, (government job) most of those who are in Sarkari Naukri and vote, vote to stop posting at far flung areas or away from vicinity. A large chunk of populace not only vote but also support to get undue benefits and bucks (mostly contractors) and a good number of people vote to avenge personal feuds. So the notion that people vote for “Sadak, Pani, aur Bijli!” fell apart from syllogism. Moreover data and statistics reveal that the crises of Bijli in the state especially in the valley of Kashmir have worsened. Forty percent of rural populace is still without drinking water facility and despite various centrally sponsored schemes 20-25 percent habitations is yet to be connected with the roads. So where lays the truth?

Marx way back in 1844 said that the “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.” After Marx it was Ivan Illich in 1970 who widened the scope and boundary of Marx thought and philosophy by employing his ideas and doctrine to other social institution to understand the reality. While analyzing realness of educational institutions and education process Ivan Illich maintained schools have become world religion for poor and makes false promises of salvation. This can equally be relevant and applicable to understand the political institutions and political process. The political institutions, elections and boycott in context of Kashmir can be termed as sigh of the oppressed creatures, the heart of heartless people and the soul of soulless acting as opium for the masses.

Kashmir Times and
http://foreignpolicynews.org/2014/11/28/misinterpretation-high-voter-turnout-elections-jammu-kashmir/
http://www.risingkashmir.com/misinterpretation-of-high-voter-turnout/

Drug Policy 2012: Chemist's joy

Chemists enjoy

New Drug Policy is more dangerous it will worsen the situation

DRUG POLICY BY FAYAZ AHMAD BHAT

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This is in response to news ‘Cabinet approves Drug Policy; Doctors To Prescribe Generic Name Of Medicines’ according to news the state cabinets approval to new drug policy which will pave   way for reorganization the medicine procurement and checking the influx of spurious drugs in the State.. The state of Jammu and Kashmir no doubt needed a clear, strict and honest drug policy that will streamline the medicine procurement and checking the influx of spurious drugs in the State. It is very pleasing that state government at last has keyed out the main roots of growing and spreading nuisance of spurious and unauthentic medicines in the state in general and valley in particular as more than 60%of total sold drugs in the state are sold in the valley. The decision at full volume exposes the nexus between some pharma companies and self interested, moral less doctors. However there is much need and scope for more steps in stopping this menace. Government has to think something different and go much beyond to this policy.
Though the present step of government is praiseworthy but to expect any good from the policy is not wise. The policy cannot improve the condition any more even it may worsen the situation. This may be shocking and disagreeing argument for most of the readers but it is a bitter and heart piercing reality. This policy will worsen the condition in the state and create enough space and vacuum for sale of spurious drugs in the state. The policy will give free hands to chemists and druggists to sell spurious and third rated drugs. Now there will be no bar on them how and where to cut the throats of common masses. Restricting doctors to prescribe medicines of particular companies no doubt means to restrict them from favoring any specific companies but what about chemists? What about doctors who do run private clinics? They may prescribe there by salt name but they will sell what favour them and what they want.
There are medicines in the market which do cost much more to patients than branded drugs. These drugs actually cost very less to chemists and druggists but MRP on these drugs is much high say for example the Nicip (Nimsulide) of Cipla pharmaceuticals a multinational company which has launched generic operation way back in the state costs Rs 27 per strip to patients as per MRP but a strip costs maximum Rs 8 to druggists and chemists. The same salt of the registered and ethically operating companies only cost Rs 11 to 13 per strip to patients (Refer to Nimca of Ipca and Nimsulide of Mankind Pharma). Druggists and chemists earn 20 to 25% in such drug but greed marred every one and no one has overcome it. Here I have just cited a pain killer or antipyretic and anti inflammatory drugs. When we do talk about antibiotics and tonics it is worse. I request government to rethink about its new drug policy and come with a new one which will not create space and vacuum for any one. I also do urge doctors to come forward and create awareness among policy makers and formulators at the end it is there image which is at stake. Chemists may sell Aata it is the patient who will suffer and tarnish the image of a doctor.
Negating current drug policy no way means that doctors should be given free hands but I only mean to say don’t give any one vacuum and space to spread business of spurious and third class drugs. When pesticide companies are required to fulfill certain formalities and procedures before operating in the state. Why state government cannot come with such a policy even stricter than this. After all it is an issue associated to human lives. 

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2012/Jan/16/chemists-enjoy-3.asp

Transparency in the Recruitment Process.

We need transparency

SELECTION PROCESS

SO THAT NO INJUSTICE IS DONE AND DISCREPANCIES ARE REMOVED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, WRITES FAYAZ AHMAD BHAT

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This refers to the government decision to bring transparency in the recruitment process. The move is not only a welcome initiative but a praise worthy act. This is a much awaited much required decision which will bring not only transparency in the selection process but also efficiency in the administration in general and education sector in particular. But the issues which are pending since long and are much more urgent await attention. They are the initiatives in the direction of bringing transparency in the selection process of candidates for various services. For instance what is the rationale behind keeping 250 marks for interview in Kashmir Administrative Services (KAS), what is reason behind keeping 50% marks in interview for lectureship? Why any weight age is not given to written “examination” (screening test) for selecting lecturer in the department of school education. Is there not need of reformation? Had there been not 250 marks to interview in KAS one would have seen many more number of students from valley in KAS final selection list. The marks in interview varies from 30 t0 more than 235, the most number of candidates who had one optional subject Urdu and have no ‘reach’ could only secure 60 -70 marks.
Now let us move towards the recruitments made by our Services Selection Recruitment Board. There you can expect no rules and regulations. When they will change rule and with what rules with they will come one hardly knows. They are not able to make distinction between B.Ed. and Graduation while former is a one year course and latter a course for three years. One cannot pursue B.E.d unless one is a graduate. Assess the situation in the context of teacher selection B. E. d and M.E.d programmes which are particularly meant for teaching are given 15 and 10 points on pro rata bases respectively while as 10 +2 is given 25 points. What is funnier that those who have done first M.Phil and then PhD are given 5 points and those who have done direct PhD too are given the same. And in interview we all know that marks vary from 6 to more than 19 out of 20.
Unless structural change is brought in the requirement system as a whole expecting transparency and efficiency would be silly. When there will be structural change there will be ‘Dood Ka Doodh Pani Ka Pani’.
Briefly, coming to the statement of Minister for Higher Education and Employment Abdul Gani Malik on the increasing number of universities and variations found in the academic standards of these varsities, his advocacy for uniform evaluation system for admissions and recruitment to bring transparency is a praise worthy statement. It is the need of the hour to sift the grain from the chaff. 

http://greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Apr/22/we-need-transparency-31.asp

Delhi High Court blast: HuJI and Beyond

Of all the crimes, the most vicious, nasty, brute and barbaric is the consuming of life of an innocent soul. Consumption of an innocent life is not an act touching a particular individual but it is an offense against the whole of humankind. Murder of an individual does not only take her or his life, but has many social implications. The victim is someone’s father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter. And the hopes of all them are snuffed out, they suffer for their whole lives.

Fayaz Ahmad Bhat

The Delhi High Court blast is a good example of this brutality, savagery and barbarism against the whole of humankind. Not only those who carried out the mission need to be brought to justice but all those who aided in carrying out the act deserve capital punishment. It is necessary that the investigating agencies necessitate carry out a quick and thorough probe, looking at it from all angles.

After the blast, the initial news and reports hinted at the involvement of Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) a global “terrorist” organization behind the act. It was they who had claimed responsibility for the blast and had demanded the repeal of Afzal Guru’s hanging, the man who was “convicted” for the attack on the parliament in 2001.

There are possibilities that some militant organizations may bid for repealing Afzal’s hanging, but it is also a fact that Afzal’s hanging can fuel militant organizations, particularly in the Indian administered and the Pakistan administered Kashmir. In case Afzal is hanged “militant organizations” and other non-state agents can exploit the situation and try to win the sympathy of the people. This may also give “separatists” reason to mobilize the masses, and this time perhaps the prime minister’s request to “give peace a chance” may not work. There is a chance that some of the militant organizations, implicitly or explicitly, maybe favoring the hanging of Afzal Guru and thus might have carried out the mission. The hanging of Afzal Guru certainly will bring great catastrophes with it, particularly in Kashmir. This may give militants enough ground to win the sympathy of the masses.

HuJI, which operates globally and is a recognized “terrorist” organization definitely would have a strong intelligentsia and might be sensing an aftermath of operations. How can one believe that HuJI will send an email to give the police a hold of its operatives?

I do not out rightly negate the involvement of HuJI in the blast. But I am trying to go beyond the HuJI angle in the blast and I am trying to analyze all other possible angles by considering other groups.

Every act has its own context and is closely related with it. So before proceeding for any conclusion one must understand the context. Context and text have a close relationship; for convenience of readers let me in brief define the term text. Text is not limited to any biblical or written word. It can be anything like a symbol, action and so on, which can be given meaning or can be interpreted.

Just a few days back Pritibah Patil, the President of India rejected the mercy petition of the three convicted in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. The date of 9 September, 2011 was fixed for execution. Fixation of day of execution activated many people. There was also strong pressure on the government from human rights activists to postpone the hanging and even to abolish capital punishment.

In protest, even a 23-year-old young girl set herself ablaze at the Commissioner of Revenue’s office to have the decision of their execution revoked.

All this created pressure on the Tamil Nadu government. Political market in TN become hot, political parties started to score politically with the issue. It was on 22 August that the TN legislative assembly passed a resolution to reconsider the mercy plea of Rajiv Gandhi’s killers facing the death sentence. The passage of the resolution by the TN assembly perked up the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, who tweeted to score politically and repair his tarnished image in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah tweeted: “If Jammu and Kashmir assembly had passed a similar resolution for Afzal Guru, would the action have been as muted? I think not.”

This tweet of the Chief Minister was having an aversion in various circles in India particularly to those who advocate immediate hanging of Afzal Guru. It was under these circumstances that Engineer Rashid, an independent legislative member of the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly sought the Jammu and Kashmir assembly speaker’s permission for tabling a resolution seeking pardon for Afzal Guru.

These events execrated many circles across India. These developments around led the BJP and other pseudo-secular political parties come together to pressurize the government on Afzal Guru’s case. They did not to plead for clemency but for coldness with Afzal.

Groups like RSS, Bajrandal and Shivsena, who have a Hindutva agenda threatened the government of dire consequences if there was any delay in the lynching of Afzal Guru. These are the same groups and organizations who are involved in many terrorist activities like Malegaon blasts, Samjhota Express blasts and so on. Negating the possibility of their hand in the blasts may be misleading and shoddy.

One must bear in mind, after the Malegaon blast in 2006, the Mecca Masjid bombing in Hyderabad, the Samjhota Express bombing and the Ajmer Dargah blast, initially the primary suspect of the bombing were considered to be Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), or other Pakistan based terror groups. However, later it was found that Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), RSS and some other radical Hindu groups were behind these blasts.

I do not rebuff a possible connection of HuJI and other “Islamic” organizations in the Delhi High Court bomb blast. I only mean to say that an early conclusion may mislead the investigation.

It is also imperative for the government of India to imagine how Afzal Guru’s hanging can bring many repercussions. It is also matter of contemplation how the hanging of Afzal Guru will boost and advance the anti-state agents.

Those who carried out the mission are barbaric, savage and the enemies of humankind, and have no berth in Islam. Islam is categorical and clear on these issues:

On that account We ordained for the Children of Isra`il that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole humanity: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole humanity. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear (guidance), yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land. — Holy Quran (5:32)

BRICS Summit 2012: Developments and Challenges Ahead

 On 29 March 2012 Wednesday, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa attended the fourth BRICS in New Delhi, India. The Summit was held with the theme “Partnership for Global Stability, Security and Prosperity”.

Fayaz Ahmad Bhat

The summit is altogether contrary to the perception that BRICS leaders meet once in a year and click some snaps together. They moved from plain rhetoric to definite areas, and have send message to many countries which tend to act unilaterally outside the UN framework. It has send shock waves to many centers of the world particularly in the circle of those countries that justify present unequal economic order of world and act unilaterally outside the UN frame work. The agenda for creation of a new development bank is the move which is the most notable outcome of the summit. The establishment of the bank will supplement the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. The benefit of a BRICS bank will go beyond BRICS to other countries also.

“The initiative reflects a goal of BRICS economies to reduce dependence on the dollar and the euro, but significant progress is about 10 years away,” said Onitolo, adding that “it is clear that emerging markets are gradually overtaking developed ones as engines of global growth.”

On the future of the bank, Brazil’s Trade Minister Fernando Pimentel said, “It would be a very powerful financial tool to improve trade opportunities.” The bank is expected to carry all its transactions in local currencies. In recent past, there have been two efforts to get out of the dollar. They both finished in tears. Saddam Husain wanted to carry out the Iraqi oil trade in Euros and was removed from power. And Gaddafi’s Libya forced countries to buy its oil in Libyan Dinars, he was reduced to cowering in a sewer before being killed, and his regime brought down. Obviously US and its allies will play every card in the deck to halt the move and they have already started the move. The question is what kind of challenges Brics members will meet and how successful would be its members to cope diplomatic and other tactics of US and its allies.

The establishment of the South -South Bank on the part of Brics members not only promises structural change in the economic order of member states but at a global level also. It may be hard for US and its allies to end the proposal in tears as they are all together different from Sadam’s Iraq and Gadaffi’s Libiya. However there are many weakest links in the Brics chain which needs to be strengthened.

The move to establish south-south development bank is pleasing for BRICS countries however may be irritating for developed countries particularly for US as the initiative will reduce dependence on the dollar and the euro. Those who in the recent past attempted so were thrown out of power. It is obvious the developed countries particularly US will attempt to halt the process. But the question is will BRICS countries survive the pressure and challenges ahead? Are they weak like Saddam’s Iraq and Gadaffi’s Libiya that their sovereignty will be challenged by US and its allies?

South – South Development Bank and Power of BRICS

Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in his address to the BRICS summit, said, “We have agreed to examine in greater detail a proposal to set up a BRICS-led South-South Development Bank …” creation of the bank, on the lines of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank aims include funding development and infrastructure projects      in           developing and    least developed countries; lending, in the long term, during global financial crises, which could be bought by the central banks of all the member countries and hence act as a vessel for risk-sharing…”

It is clear that the Bank wants a new global economic order free from control and influence of Washington. Member countries proposed to trade among themselves in their local currencies, extending credit facility in local currencies. Extending Credit facility and carrying transactions in local currencies will  replace the United States dollar as the main unit of trade between them. The dollar was the lubricant that fuelled US power since Bretton Woods, 1944. With the dollar as the world’s currency, the US is the only country in the world that can expand its buying power simply by printing its currency. This is a source of enormous political power, as much as its economic and military power. At present US is in effect relying on “borrowing” $1billion each day to cover its deficit in trade. Setting up of south- south Bank by Brics is not a healthy sign for US as BRICS countries account 18 per cent of global trade, 25 per cent of global GDP, 53 per cent of global financial capital. Trade among Brics rose from $27 billion in 2002 to $212 billion in 2010. This year it is expected to reach $ 250 billion. This group of five countries will be responsible for 56 per cent of world growth in 2012[1].

This kind of development and move will never be acceptable to the US, those who in recent past attempted to replace dollar with local or any other alternate currency were overthrown from power, Sadam Hussain of Iraq and Gadaffi of Libya are the examples. The US has already started a move however this move is altogether different because who by heart in heart acknowledge the power of the Five. Before summit was kicked off on 29 March 2012 in Delhi an American Diplomat had said “What do they talk at these summits? It’s just talk shop and a photo op.” The same day, an op-ed write up in the New York Times argued that the focus of the south – south bank was misplaced, “It is the fundamental incompatibility of the Brics nations, not their lack of organizations , which prevents this collection of emerging economies from acting as a meaningful force on the world stage,” the op-ed said.

In response to the statement of New York Times op-ed, Jackson Schendier said, “BRICS is not an idea. It’s already a reality.”  He further added “If BRICS has no force, why is the NYT wasting so much ink and time on us?” One should not ignore the developments and events which took place before or after the proposal of the Bank by Brics countries. Robert Zoellick, the World Bank Director, while taking his attention to the proposed Brics bank said, “It’s a complicated venture which will have a hard time getting off the ground and match the expertise of the World Bank.” It was just one day before the Brics summit when he raised the doubts about the new development bank. On Friday, March 30, Zoellick met with ministers and businessmen in Delhi and told them how the World Bank can help India meet the challenges ahead. This statement of Rober Zoellick seems had hidden motive to convince India not to go for a South-South bank. Exactly after four days of  meeting ministers and Indian businessmen in Delhi, on Friday Zoellick, while answering questions at the Boao Forum for Asia in China’s Hainan province on 3 April said, he will support Brics bank. This statement of Zoellick seems totally contradictory to his earlier statements. First he is raising doubts about the new development bank, and then he tries to convince India that World Bank “can help India meet the challenges ahead” and now he says he will support the new Development Bank. The question is when World Bank is able to help BRICS member states to meet the challenges ahead, why shall they go for a new one. Is he trying extra hard to sell an idea whose time may be up?

Robert Zoellick’s argument that World Bank “can help India meet the challenges ahead” may have some buyers, but they should not forget the fact that UN General Assembly at its Sixth Special Session way back in April- May, 1974 called for establishment of New International Economic Order (NIEO) and approved a Programme of Action to achieve it.  Just few days are short of 38 years when the UN General Assembly approved programme of action to achieve NIEO but we have yet to achieve it. It is not hidden to any one that they are not serious to achieve it.

How can one ignore the diplomatic tactics of US to please some of BRIC members? US congress accused Pakistan for carrying attacks in India following this they announced $ 10 million bounty on Hafiz Seed accused in 26/11 attacks. The announcement of bounty of Hafiz Saeed were overwhelmingly welcomed in India and caught front pages of the most national dailies in India, despite knowing the fact that hafiz Saeed is not hiding in any caves but he often conduct anti NATO rallies in Pakistan. US will play its all the tools to abstain member states in establishing the south-south bank, but the question is how far US will be successful. One thing is crystal clear that US will abstain from using or threatening of military powers to Brics members because unlike Saddam and Gaddafi BRICS countries are much stronger. The only thing which US can do is to create rift among member states.

BRICS as a ray of hope

There seems no end to unjust international economic order. NIEO has remained limited to papers and conferences, the only thing which seems to give some resistance present unjust world economic order is BRICS. BRICS is not only important because three out of five members of it are nuclear powers and two are permanent members of United Nations Security Council. Virtue of being nuclear powers and permanent members of UN Security council no way decimals the importance of Brazil and South Africa both are very important members of the BRICS and it is only their membership that makes BRICS, BRICS. Brazil is a political and economic leader in Latin America. ‘Brazil is the largest national economy in Latin America, the world’s seventh largest economy at market exchange rates and the eighth largest in purchasing power parity (PPP), according to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Brazil has a mixed economy with abundant natural resources. The Brazilian economy has been predicted to become one of the five largest in the world in the decades to come, the GDP per capita following and growing.  Its current GDP (PPP) per capita is $10,200, putting Brazil in the 64th position according to World Bank data. It has large and developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors, as well as a large labor pool’[2].

SA is a “gateway to Africa” for investors. Its role is, therefore, as a means to ends pursued by other agents – notably China and India. SA is the biggest “foreign investor” on the rest of the continent. South African Transnational Corporations (TNCs) and parastatals dominate investment in SADC countries by 80 per cent and at 40 per cent for the continent, as a whole, it simply dwarfs the US and the EU, not to mention China, India and Brazil.[3] After South Africa joined the group in April 2011, the economic size of BRICS grew to $11.7 trillion.

It is not all Brics accounts 43 per cent of world’s population and fifth of its GDP. Brics account 53 per cent of global finance and trade among them rose from just $27 billion in year 2002 to more than $210 billion in year 2010 and they are targeting $500 billion by 2015. They are expected to be responsible for 56 per cent of world growth in 2012.

Loop holes and challenges ahead  

There are number of differences on certain issue between Brics countries. Kanti Bjpal highlighted three important weakest links. First, China is evidently ahead of the pack in terms of its comprehensive national power and economic power, but both India and Russia are eager not to surrender leadership too evidently to China.    India and Russia are wary of China in light of a number of bilateral problems.

Third and the most important each of the five members of Brics has more going on with the US than with each other.

There are doubts about the coherence of the Brics grouping. South Africa, for example, does not meet the essential criteria – rapidly growing, large economy with a large population – laid out by Jim O’Neill. South Africa’s GDP of less than a quarter the size of Russia’s and the country is struggling to keep annual growth above 3 percent. The Brics members also have significant political, economic and cultural differences, and do not always adopt a unanimous line in international issues. On the selection of a successor to Robert Zoellick as president of the World Bank for example, they were unable to reach a consensus about who should challenge the US’s candidate, Jim Yong Kim.

Despite speaking to the BRICS consensus of trading in ‘non-third party’ currencies or even setting up a BRICS bank, SA has responded in opposite ways to its allies.

With the flow of cheap dollars, which saw investors speculate in Brazil and SA, driving up currencies like the Real, the Rand and the Rouble in 2011, Brazil re-imposed capital controls to tax these flows, whereas SA cut controls even more. Whereas Brazil, Russia and China hate a strong Real, Rouble or Renminbi, SA simply loves a strong Rand.

It is even notable that SA differs on concrete instances of foreign policy. Whereas China, Russia, India and Brazil abstained from Resolution 1973 on Libya – used as a justification for NATO’s overthrow of Gaddafi - SA supported the resolution. And whereas SA supported calls for sanctions against Assad’s Syria, Russia and China have vetoed this, seeing it as a prelude to another Western military adventure. And as the US bullies countries into cutting Iranian oil imports, SA has backed down whilst both Russia and China have simply told the US where to get off.

Setting up of south- south bank is the notable outcome of the Delhi summit of BRICS, however it was generally accepted that setting up of such an institution would not be easy. Appopkin was cautious of the move, saying that such a bank would be effective only if “they are given independence in project financing decisions from the governments, or at least room to operate in long-term development framework.”

Conclusion

The fourth BRICS summit, which concluded in New Delhi, sent positive signals to the outside world that international stability, security and prosperity can be achieved if everyone pulls together.

In the joint declaration issued by leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the five countries vowed to enhance cooperation among themselves and contribute to world development and prosperity.

Notwithstanding their differences, Brics share a number of concerns. They were all worried about US leadership and western policies on geopolitical issues, in particular in the Arab world and in Iran. They are all opposed to interventionism even though none of them has much of an alternative to offer except such anodyne suggestions as “diplomacy is the answer”. The West’s stand on climate change and, particularly for Russia, India and China, the future of Af-Pak, are very troubling. Most importantly, they are all concerned that the West’s economic troubles are chronic and will be consequential for them. They look increasingly, therefore, to sustain their growth prospects on the backs of each other’s economies.

They also voiced their united support for a Syrian peace process promoted by international envoy Kofi Annan and warned of the “disastrous consequences” of allowing the Iran nuclear issue to escalate into conflict.

However the most notable thing of the summit was   that the leaders have considered the possibility of setting up a new development bank.

The bank will supplement the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development, the declaration said.

“The benefit of a BRICS bank will go beyond BRICS to other developing countries,” Chi said.

“The initiative reflects a goal of BRICS economies to reduce dependence on the dollar and the euro, but significant progress is about 10 years away,” said Onitolo, adding that “it is clear that emerging markets are gradually overtaking developed ones as engines of global growth”.

Given that the BRICS countries have become an increasingly important force on the world stage and the drivers of the global economy, their pledge to make due contributions to the world development and prosperity should be interpreted as good news for all.

It is good to see the group showing solidarity on issues of global significance. By speaking with one voice, they can better defend their own interests and those of the developing world at large and promote fairer global governance.

There are many hopes and expectations from Delhi Summit. However challenges ahead in the achievement of goals are really going to weigh the potential and credibility of Brics countries.

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Footnotes: 

[1]  Dilma Rousseff , We’re All In It Together: BRICS members Brazil and India are strategic partners for a new world vision.  Times of India, March,29,2012.

[2] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/br.html

[3] http://allafrica.com/stories/201203300492.htm