Women combat pilots in the IAF: A Boon or a Bane?

I in no way mean to offend anyone. All that I’m trying to do is offer my opinion to this sea of opinions that has already been created against/for the statement made by the IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal P K Barbora regarding women combat pilots. For those who don’t know what he has said, here is his statement.

“Nature's way of life is that you get married, bring up a family. Now the latest position on ladies flying is that if a lady goes into family way, she is off-duty for 10 out of 12 months. Now while we can always utilize... a lady in some other job, but in the pure profession in which we have invested so much if the poor lady herself who has contributed so much... if we cannot utilise... then it is not fruitful for either party. But we are looking at it and in a few more years we can see a change coming with certain pre-conditions."

Before allowing my mind to take a sortie of its own, I would like to say one thing. Why is it that everyone in India gets opinionated on every topic. In one way it’s good to have one, but it’s not necessary. I say this in response to the way our news channels and the press operates. Its good to give news, but giving news painted with a certain hue is not good. By offering this kind of news, you are forcing the listener/reader to think in a particular fashion. News should be given in such an impartial manner that it allows the listener to take his own stand if he must. The onus should lie on the listener as to which side he wants to be on. That is something that’s called impartial journalism.

Now coming back to the statement. I have listened to the IAF Vice Chief atleast twice now. To be honest I don’t feel he has said anything wrong. In fact he himself has tried to clarify that he sees no difference in the capabilities of a man and a woman. But the facts that he is pointing out to are true and cannot be denied. Unfortunately, the IAF is a 24x7x365 institution. There are no excuses for being absent. The times ahead are uncertain. If the war bugles are sounded, everyone has to report for duty. After all, just like football, a single player being absent changes the balance of the team. In war, every single pilot is a prized possession. Not having even a single one at your service is like operating with a handicap. If a woman combat pilot is pregnant, then as per the IAF she gets a maternity leave of 10 months. That means for 10 out of 12 months she is out of service. What during her leave, the nation goes to war? No one can demand or expect her to press herself into service in that critical condition. Unfortunately, she will have to be left behind.

Though I personally don’t like equating money with people, but it shouldn’t also be ignored. To train a combat pilot costs the exchequer a sum of 11 crores. 11 crores is no big deal where the nation and its security is concerned, but that money when it goes down the drain is unfortunate.

Another concern is what if these women pilots are taken as POW’s (Prisoners Of War). Already we have if not seen atleast heard of the ghastly tortures that the POW’s are made to undergo. Human rights violations, sexual, physical and mental abuse, etc. If all these things take place where men are involved wouldn’t it be worse if women were prisoners?

Another discussion is that women are inducted as combat pilots in US, China and even Pakistan, then why not India. Well at the onset, I would like to actually meet the man/woman who came up with such a phrase. Before asking him/her for the reasons behind such a phrase, I would actually want to ask her as to where was she all these years? Doesn't he/she know that India and the rest of the world are not just different but greatly different? In US you have tough laws, unbiased and lawful judiciary imparting justice not only impartially but also promptly, a serious clampdown on corruption, not allowing people who without any sense fight for the enforcement of a particular language to take law in their own hands, cleanliness and obedience. If India and US were so similar, you wouldn’t have any difference as of today. Everyone of us should realize that India is India and the US is the US. If in the US people look at the system to better the nation, in India we look at the system to search for loopholes which we can take advantage of. Just because it happens in some other nation, it doesn’t mean it will work in India too. Here in India, unfortunately things are not understood, they need to be explicitly mentioned. There have to be guidelines speaking of what protocol needs to be followed by all in times of need. Once decided there can be no two-way about it.

I wouldn’t say that I stand for the Vice Chief neither would say I stand against him. All I would like to say is to offer an unbiased opinion on the subject. I believe that a woman and a man are equal in every right. But unfortunately, biology doesn't agree. If it did, then men too would get a paternity leave. So, if you're a woman then please don’t see this issue being a woman. Place yourself in an unbiased position and judge. Only then formulate your opinion.

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Dear Sachin, Thank You for the cricket…

Very few times in life you have something that you come across that truly lifts your heart, something that even would make an old man jump on his feet and whistle. That something, at present would probably be Sachin Tendulkar.

Unfortunately, for the people of my age group watching Sunil Gavaskar or Sir Vivian Richards playing was not possible. Even if we were fortunate enough to see some glimpses of them, I feel we probably were too small at that time to understand the finer nuances and nitty gritties of batting. For those who did, well they are very fortunate.

It’s shocking to know that Sachin Tendulkar has completed 20 years playing for India. For a person like me he has always been playing for India (that’s from when I’ve started watching cricket on television). Whether opening the batting or rising like a phoenix from the ashes by taking the team out of loosing situations he has always been there. Looking at his videos when he had just joined the team really makes me wonder. Atleast now he has grown in built and stature. What it must have been for him at that time to face the fast bowling greats like Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Walsh, Ambrose, etc. At that time with no limits on the number of bouncers, I’m sure that it might have been more of defence rather than attack. But even though, he made sure they never got the better of him.

Probably the most vivid memory I have of Sachin is his Operation Desert Storm. The 134 runs against Australia at Sharjah is something I’m sure that I and also the millions of Sachin fans will never ever forget. The array of shots played was as if a simulation of the coaching manual was going on. May it be Warne, Fleming or whoever, Sachin showed that all hope was not lost. And though with defeat being in the face, he fought harder and harder and made sure that the two teams would be having an appointment again. There's a common saying that “Fortune favours the brave”. I would like to modify that its not only fortune but also God that favours the brave. The sandstorm was like a large group of angels that had come to descend on the field with all the good wishes and blessings of each and every Indian just hoping that we atleast qualify for the finals. After all, the God Almighty didn’t want to leave the God of Cricket alone in this hour of need. The sandstorm finally abated and out walked a man, with just one thing on his mind; not qualification but victory. In came the Aussie bowlers and out flowed the runs from the Master’s bat like blood oozing out of a fresh cut. Neither Fleming’s speed nor Warne’s spin web could stop him. The rest they say is History. India not only qualified, but also went on to win the finals.

Sachin’s career has been, in one word, illustrious with all the records in all formats (almost) of the game to his name. His charisma, style of batting, humility has caught the eye of one and all. So much so that even the all time great, the legendary, Sir Don Bradman took a note of it. Sachin is the only cricketer of the current generation to be included in the greatest of all time. So much so that even all the top-class bowlers of the world pray that they don’t have to bowl to him. The Indian bowlers on the other hand are the happiest as they never need to have that fear.

Even though of his genius and power on field, Sachin has not been a stranger to injuries. Whether it may be his back problem or his tennis elbow, everytime he has proved detractors wrong and has made a comeback harder and much stronger. Innings after innings, runs after runs, he just continues to inspire one and all. No one can and probably will never in a long long time match his abilities. Such a man is born just once in a century. His talent and prowess, uncanny ability to find gaps, running between the wickets and sheer presence at the wicket is so exquisite that it seems that God has taken special care and own sweet time to see that he is perfect. The beauty of Sachin is that even though he may have all the records to his name he always regards himself to be a student of the game. No matter what, there's always room for improvement. That’s the way to keep moving forward. Humility, I must say is Sachin’s motto.

With a staggering 12,773 runs in 159 Tests at a robust average of 54.58 with a mind-boggling 42 centuries and a whopping 17,178 runs in 436 ODIs at a healthy average of 44.50 with 45 centuries in the process, Sachin’s authority over the game is undefiable. His 44 Test wickets and 154 scalps in ODIs underline the fact that Tendulkar has been underbowled.

So, as Sachin makes his way out in the open on Sunday, the same way as he has been doing for 20 years, let us just stop and take a moment to say,” Thank You Sachin. Thank You for the cricket. May you keep going on and on.”

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Raj Thackeray: The uncalled-for Hero.

Raj Thackeray is to the Marathi people what the Spanish were to Christianity, a perfect bad example. In fact, Raj has so well lived up to this task that if you ask any Bombay city lover what is his worst fear, he’ll say Mr.Raj coming up with some of his paintras.

Starting from agitations about North Indians filling up posts to getting all sign boards in Marathi, this guy just seems to go on and on (I wonder what’s the secret behind such tremendous stamina). If that all was not enough, he went up to the extent of pulling up KJ’s movie just for the use of Bombay instead of Mumbai. Whatever Raj or his party workers and loyalists claim, I feel that Raj is nothing but a man of double standards.

If the Maharashtrians think that Raj is their friend then let me tell you or rather warn you. Raj is neither there for you nor for me. He may speak of many things like if necessary taking birth a thousand times to protect the rights of Maharashtrians (this same line seems to be on the lips of every MNS worker who’s caught for creating some ruckus). You only have to protect the rights of people whose rights are trampled upon. Which employer says that he will not give Maharashtrian’s jobs? If jobs were give on the basis of caste and creed you would only see one section of the country developing. Jobs are given to the competent and not for any other reason. When a job applicant applies for a job, the employer only sees to of what benefit he will be for the organization. He doesn't see that because he is a North Indian it’s good. Nothing like that.

If Maharashtrians are nowhere where it comes to having high posts and degrees then no other but they themselves are to blame. Who told the Maharashtrian’s to be so lazy and lethargic? Why is it that they are always associated with everything that’s slow and dumb? Don’t the Maharashtrian’s students have the intellect to crack exams like CAT, IAS, etc. Who stopped them from putting up stalls besides the so called outsiders? Just because Bombay geographically lies in Maharashtra that doesn't mean that the Maharashtrians can exercise they're right over it. All Maharashtrians should look back on their history. There was a time when Maharashtrian’s were considered pioneers and stalwarts. The beauty of the Marathi language and songs has inspired one and all. But that does not mean by just banking upon your past your future is going to be bright. Though Sachin Tendulkar may have 17K runs to his credit, yet he has to give his best everytime he plays. Unfortunately I think my Maharashtrian friends may have forgotten this. By showing through brutal force that you are a Maharashtrian does not help. Infact it attracts only strong criticism and flak. Rise to the top through hardwork and perseverance. All the Maharashtrian stalwarts too did the same. Shivaji didn’t steal his right from others, he commanded it.

If you think that just because Raj is fighting for Maharashtrian’s so he’s good. Let me tell you that he only fights for his agenda and getting all the media attention to get ahead in politics. Something that he has inherited from this uncle. Not surprising, whenever Raj lands up doing something, after a few days you see the other Sena too raising up the issue. Is this a case of one beating the other or some internally decided explicit timing? If Raj Thackeray is so much in love with Mumbai, then why doesn't he change the Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) to MSE; the Bombay High Court to Mumbai High Court and the IIT-Bombay to IIT-Mumbai. Why did he have a problem with Bombay being used in Wake up Sid and not Rock On? Why does Raj only see to the affairs in Bombay? Why doesn't he see to the backward areas of Maharashtra where majority of people live below poverty lines? After all in Raj’s own words, Bombay alone is not Maharashtra. Unfortunately, Raj will never do that. Why? Simply because there's no media attention in it. It’s also unfortunate to know that where Raj should have being dealt with an iron fist, he was dealt with a velvet glove. The congress party keeping they’re vote bank in mind have allowed Raj to grow, rather than nipping him in the bud. History is a witness that in cases where one uses the other for his own gains he lands up being the biggest loser. During the times of the cold war, the US supplied arms, ammunition and monetary assistance to terrorist outfits like the Taliban to fight the Russians so as to curb the ever growing power of the USSR. Today the US is themselves fighting it. Its their so called own creation.

If you think that the other Sena is good then also let me tell you this. This Sena has attacked many communities too in the past. When the Gujrati's played a pivotal role in the affairs, the Sena had a problem. Even so, they removed all the local station names that were in Gujrati. On seeing the south Indians putting up hotels and road side food joints, they attacked them. It seems that these two Sena’s are nothing but two sides of the same coin. Instead of working in a constructive manner for the Maharashtrians(like as if they are its rightful caretakers) like educating them, grooming them, providing job opportunities they teach them to destroy and bring about an atmosphere of fear. Why do I get the feeling that this is the same that the jihadi groups do?

Raj Thackeray talks about a progressive Maharashtra, but how is it supposed to the progress when the damages done by Raj and his band of hooligan’s runs in crores of Rupees. Is Raj and his MNS ready to pay for all the damages caused? Moreover is Raj a real well wisher of Maharashtra? If yes, then what about his alleged irregularity of funds in the Kohinoor Mills’ deal?

With respect to the attack on north Indians and also on Abu Azmi I would just say that instead of seeing outside Raj should first see within. His own son hasn’t taken Marathi in college. His son studied and studies in an English medium institution. Around 95% of all Maharashtrian families send their children to English medium schools. I think from now on, they should send them to Marathi medium schools. I wonder how many will be in favour for it.
If Raj feels that all outsiders have come and taken up jobs leaving none for the locals, then he should be happy and proud of the attacks on Indians in Australia as the same thing is going on there. The Australians are probably feeling too that the Indians are taking up they're seats in universities and jobs. So Raj should now either come out in the open expressing his happiness or should stop parents from sending they're students abroad altogether.

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Enough Is Enough...Just another slogan

The last time I wrote was when some incidents perturbed me to such an extent that I had to get out what I felt. Few days later, my worst fears are taking shape. The Mumbai Massacre as it’s called is the main topic of argument.

Ever since we have had the Mumbai Massacre we keep saying Enough Is Enough. I know I may not be forgiven here, but I feel I need to differ. Enough is enough sounds nothing better than a political party’s slogan like Congress ka haath, aam aadmi ke saath. I wish to ask everyone, each & everyone as to what has infuriated us so much this time that we have actually come on the streets demanding answers. As far as my intellect takes me, it is simply because we have never seen an attack so severe. We never ever thought that an ordeal could last 60 hrs. all this while, we were used to those quick 20 minute bomb blasts & then ordinary people helping one another. Secondly, it was the Taj in question. The Taj or the jewel in the palace as one would say. This is probably the first time that the rich have felt unsafe. Probably this is the reason that Bombay was under the worldwide media glare. The Taj & the Oberoi-Trident did have guests of many different nationalities. If you ever doubt my perception then here’s a small query. How many news channels actually talk about VT railway station, Cama Hospital, Metro cinema casualties? There were more blast sites right? What about them? Weren’t lives lost there too? Or as compared to the elite living in Taj & Oberoi-Trident these are insignificant? Why have all the synagogues across the world decided to observe 26th November as a day of grief in remembrance of just 2 of its citizens? Why are we Indians treated as thrash & the death of one of us as ordinary?

Everywhere you go, you will find people asking questions as to why? What are the people who are entrusted with the job of protecting us doing? What should we do now? I’m quite surprised to know that people have even gone to the extent of saying that we are not going to pay taxes. We should go & demolish all the terrorist camps that have sprung all across PoK & Pakistan. In a state of fury such statements are legible, but come to think of it practically they're ILL-LEGITIMATE. If you ever think that these things are practically possible, then you're probably in LALALAND & need to be awoken from your deep slumber. These high vocals of protest of such anger are not going to yield anything except damage to one’s own health & nothing else.

You may have often heard on TV that we as citizens of this country need to exercise our vote carefully. We should make sure that those elected should be just & upright. I would like to ask the same people, whom are they talking about? Why they don’t understand that voting in India is nothing but choosing the Best out of the Worst. Everytime we see the same people contesting from the same constituency. Everytime the same person wins. Probably he has 9 criminal cases to his name as compared to the other who has 10. Secondly election is India is a big farce. We are made to choose people who are truly non-competent. This non-competent guy then goes ahead & handles an all-important portfolio which he is absolutely inept at. Thus the only condition for being a person holding power is to win an election. To do this, I just need to flaunt my popularity image, my muscle & money power. If I am successful at that then I will have thousands of chamchaas around me the same way bees encircle a flower.

There is also a demand that we should declare a period of national emergency to get things straight. I’m all for it. All I ask “Will it ever happen?” Sadly NO. No political party will agree to it. You see all our politicians have much to lose in this deal. Firstly, they would lose their salary. Now that runs into a pretty huge sum I would say. More importantly, do you realize how much time would be lost which could be spent in amassing huge wealth? Not to forget, if ever their scams are unearthed then it would spell disaster for the man in question. His clean image would be marred forever. After all things are put straight & India is returned her pristine glory, things would again be the same. Just like the time at independence & now.

Another angle to this incident is the Pakistan angle. I would like to ask; when would we learn to think as grown-ups. Every terrorist attack in this country is blamed on Pakistan. After getting credible evidence against Pakistan, we tell them to hand over to us those involved. Has Pakistan all these years paid even the slightest heed to our demands. NO. But yet like small children we run about yelling & pointing the finger at Pakistan. I mean why? What for? Pakistan is not to be blamed. India is. We very well know that our neighbor has probably nothing better to do than coming up with plans to annihilate us. But yet like old fools we continue to be a soft target for all of them. Why don’t we develop our security to such an extent that forget Pakistan, tomorrow even if Australia desires to attack us its plans never materialize. Its clearly a case where we point a finger at the other forgetting that three are pointing back at me.

In my earlier blog, I had spoken about the whole concept about India being a so-called country. Till today, since birth people keep on telling me that I belong to a particular religion, I belong to a particular region. When will the day finally arrive when people will tell me that I am simply an Indian…that too with no strings attached?

If we really want to change things then change should be complete. Not just a mere part of it. There should be changes in each & every department & that too with the celerity that it requires. A Harshad Mehta should be tried, convicted & should complete his sentence in his lifetime. Timely death should not be the ultimate punishment. If possible, corporal punishment should be awarded which will prove to be a deterrent for others. A high profile person giving inflammatory speeches against a particular section of people should be persecuted in the same way as an ordinary citizen is. A non-baillable warrant should be a non-baillable warrant & not just on the face of it. It is truly sad to say that we Indians don’t deserve democracy. We truly require the autocratic & imperialist rule that we are used to. In the ancient times we had just one English governor for the entire presidency. Today we have Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, MoS, etc, etc, etc. But yet, even together they are no match for the ability of that one governor. I am truly sorry for being a pessimist, but I guess it’s easy to convince yourself this way rather than being optimistic & see your hopes & aspirations of a better country go up in flames.

At last, the need of the hour is to channelize our anger, frustration in a proper way. This brings to mind an incident that took place years ago in USA. A son was returning home after years of education in another state. During this period the mother never saw her son. To return home, the son hired a cab. Unfortunately the cab driver was drunk. The son met with an accident & died on the spot. Imagine what the mother might have undergone? The mother’s anger knew no bounds. She was so angry that she formed MADD – Mothers Against Drunken Driving. This premier NGO in the US makes sure that people who drink & drive are brought to book. A common saying in Hindi says that the reply to a brick thrown should be a stone. I do not say that we need to hurl a stone at our enemy. I just say that we shouldn’t forget that somebody had the cheek to throw a brick at us. Together by looking in the interests of the country as a whole & not of a region or religion we will be able to make a difference. Yes We Can!!!

So, till we meet again. Take care, God Bless You & May God Bless India.

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