Democracy on the Brink !!

Democracy was only the way that guaranteed the basic rights to downtrodden, cornered, marginalized and vulnerable communities in this country for a long time. But now, when the people who always stood against the democratic values of the Nation are in power using 'Democracy' as their tool.

The spectacular win of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies in the general elections this time would obviously a cause of worry and horror for many such communities.Though the vote share of BJP is only 31 percent but the seats they won are enough to show off their 'muscle power' in politics.

Calling it a heavy mandate all the BJP leaders are seem to be on cloud nine but a larger group of the country comprising of vulnerable communities is worried a lot. Especially after having seen what happened in Gujrat in 2002 and Odisha (Kandhamal Massacre) in 2008 these communities are in fear of vengeance across the country.

When we look at the history of these forces they were always against the democratic process in India and democratic credentials of Indian Constitution. Oftenly they express their wish to abolish the Constitution and to form a uniform civil code in a country where nothing is uniform for even 25 Kilo Metres.

What happens next is the big question that every one is asking and trying to analyse what actually meant by 'Acche Din' (Good Days). At the same time every one is looking at the 'bright future' that was promised by the Modi and his party before elections. People still dont understand that 'Acche Din' for whome. With the past of rioting, anti establishment activities, under cover terrorism and dividing the people on the basis of religion, eating habbits, attires and other such things; fears loom over the future of our Democracy.

Will there be repeat of Gujrat that was orchestrated to corner and suppress one particular community, completely destroying the morale of even a graceful life. Will there be repeat of Odisha (Kandhamal) burning several lives, just because they utilize the freedom of 'Propagation'.

In wake of a current 'Riots' and Clashes in Bijapur town of Karnataka where it immediately when Modi was taking oath as the Prime Minister of this country. The rally took out in the name of 'celebrations' turned into clashes resulting in curfew.

No doubt Congress paved the way for the route of secular parties, though they were just for namesake, there was some hope for the Democracy to survive and sustain. It was maintaining the life of Democracy over the years. Its just the beginning of a 'new era' in the democracy and let us see what happens in coming days. 

What My Eyes Observed

City Dogs

Moazzam Jahi Market

Metro Rail to overshadow historic MJ market

Mohammed Younus/Hyderabad : Perhaps this could be the last view of the landmark Moazzam Jahi Market as the view of the market’s front side would soon be blocked by the Metro Rail pillars to people coming from Begumbazar.Popularly known as a fruit market, Moazzam Jahi Market is not just a market but a landmark of the City. As the work on the first phase of the Metro Rail is going on at various points, it is also fading out the landmark views of different monumental buildings in the city.The market was constructed during the reign of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1935, and was named after his second son Moazzam Jah Bahadur. Originally meant to be a fruit market, it soon turned out to be a place where one could find just about anything - fruits, vegetables, flowers, groceries, earthen pots, arms and ammunitions, paan, ice-cream, dry fruits, hookahs and ittar - and buy them at wholesale prices.

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) convener Anuradha Reddy expressed her sorrow at these developments despite efforts to stop defacement of archaeological monuments. She said, “In fact we have opposed every step of the government disfiguring such landmarks in the city, but our representations went in vain.”The consecutive governments right from the 70s have ruined many historic and landmark buildings and only tried to cash in on the real estate values of the city, she added. She said that another route could have been arranged for Metro Rail by avoiding the heritage corridor area of Hyderabad.Historian Abdul Qayyum said, “We are opposing the Metro pillars in front of any landmark building of the city. Not only Moazzam Jahi Market but the majestic view of the Assembly would also be lost forever due to these pillars.”He said that the government is unfortunately trying to erase the history of Hyderabad, which is popular across the world because of its rich heritage coupled with architectural splendour.

On the other hand, Metro Rail officials said that they were not disturbing any historic and archaeological structures. A representative of Hyderabad Metro Rail K Murli Mohan said that pillars were erected 60 to 100 ft away from any such structures coming in the way of Metro line. Moazzam Jahi market was considered the centre of city during the period of the Nizams and continues to be a nodal point for many processions like Bonalu and Ganesh festival. It is not only the fruit market, but a market that has been catering to many needs of a cross-section of the society.A fruit merchant on the market premises Abdul Kareem said, “The spot was chosen because it was in the heart of the city. It was built with the idea that people from every corner of the city could visit this market easily. More importantly, fruits of all kinds would be taken from this market for the royal families.”

My Story

Creativity is their livelihood

Mohammed Younus/ Hyderabad: It is not profession but passion that has been crafting their livelihood. They create different art samples and earn their bread. Students of Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) feel that creativity and passion towards art brought them to this domain. A considerable number of students have passed out from this college to settle as art directors, designers and other such professionals.

"Many students want to choose designing as their profession and are using their neurons to gain knowledge of designing"

“A particular design is required for any product to be introduced in a market and that can only be created by an artist,” says an enthusiastic Anish, student of Bachelor of Fine Arts. Many students want to choose designing as their profession and are using their neurons to gain knowledge of designing. Explaining about their profession, a student said that art was applied to every small concept of a design and thus products were made.

Another student from the college R Shravanti said that she had abandoned her thought to learn chartered accountancy and joined fine arts to nurture her instinct towards art. Aspiring to become a designer, she is hopeful of a good livelihood. “We can start our own business and opt for any corporate company. There are plenty of opportunities in designing,” she said. JNAFAU principal B Srinivas Reddy said that students join such courses with their interests as it was a creativity-driven profession. Elaborating about the courses in his college he said that there were five courses at graduation level - BFA Applied Art, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Animation.

About new technology in art and design he said, “Fine arts are the result of thinking process of a person. Softwares are just tools to understand and ease the process.” However, he opined that there was a lack of awareness about art in India. A student Pawan Kumar said that he had joined Fine Arts to learn the basics and principles of different forms of art, despite having several years of experience in designing. He said that visual designing was a key factor in e-learning and only a good illustrator could create good moving graphics.

Applied Art department head Sundar Kumar said that BFA was a four-year integrated undergraduate programme during which a student learns basics of various fine arts. He said there were plenty of opportunities in painting, photography and other designing streams. About applied art he said, “Applying art for a purpose is learnt in this stream. Generally it is used in advertisements.” The University has been catering to the needs of art and design for several decades. Besides bachelor’s degree, post graduation in painting, photography and applied art is also made available. Around 600 undergraduates pass out every year from the college and PG courses record 70 pass outs per year.

Kejriwal and Kampany..

Kejriwal and company is now extensively discussed, published and telecasted it seems.In the name of India Against Corruption Kejriwal and team are in the media and limelight.Recently Kejriwal team have trained their guns towards Congress leaders Salman Khursheed, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia's Son in Law Rober Vadra.At the same time BJP leaders including President Nitin Gadkari was also the one who felt the jolts created by Kejriwal and team.

The Campaign that was Started by Anna Hazare is still in the media with the shocking statements and revelations of Kejriwal.In Indian context we can say that Kejriwal is doing good job.He is a modern whistleblower.Kejriwal and company are against corruption in our country and they proclaim to be the protagonists of Corruption free society in the country.

Not only politicians were targeted but the 'Unholy' nexus of corporates and politicos was also made public.Kejriwal outrightly targeted Reliance group of companies and its owner Mukesh Ambani.Kejriwal said that India is Run by corporates like Mukesh but not by Prime Minister or by Government.He is right in his view.And at the same time it cannot be considered a revelation to the Media or to the Public.

It is a fact known by a larger section of People of India.By targeting Corporates Kejriwal is bringing many untold menaces we can say.Recently BJP president Nitin Gadkari threatened Kejriwal and Company to file a case against them.At the same time the other Corporates who feel they may be targeted will not keep mum.They will act and pressurise the Political establishment.

But targeting the corrupt political leaders or Corporates may not yield any result in my view.Because for many years our System is supporting the Corrupt Practices and favourable atmosphere for corruption is avaialable.Kejriwal and Company better to target the System, which is favouring Corruption in India.The people whome Kejriwal is targeting are just the Faces of Corruption not the Roots of Corruption.So Roots of corruption must be targeted and then only we can hope for good results.

Verdict and Aftermath

Gujrat's Fast track court recently given its verdict which has many different implications and has a long term impact.If we say that this verdict has resulted in arrests of many muslim youth from different parts of the three different states.Though some of them were proved to be over sensitive in some issues and it is learned that they allegedly threatened some 'leaders' in past.

But if we look at the time frame chosen for the arrests we can understand the bottom line. At this juncture we cannot comment on the arrests of Muslim youth because this matter is now in the jurisdiction of different courts on Karnataka and others.

These sudden and unprecedented arrests once again threatened the whole community across the nation and civil liberties are protesting against such arrests.This time it can be noted that Well educated Muslim youth were arrested and they were tagged with 'terror' ribbon.It is up to courts whether the arrested youth are really involved in any such activity or not.But with the immediate effect all arrested youth are now aparthied in their respective societies and environs.

During the future trials the fate of the arrested youth will be declared. We should also keep in mind that many muslim youth who were arrested in past are now released and not a single allegation is proved.We hope at least this time police has not done a mistake by arresting them.We also hope that the Human rights in our largest democracy will be protected by our judicial system.Let us hope good.