Members of the now disbanded Team Anna, If you want to join politics to make a Change, Come up with Ideas not Platitudes

The only things that Anna and Baba movements have established are that multitudes of people have been suffering for long, and that they are very very angry. In such a situation there is a spontaneous realization that something must be done. However the more important questions are What are the things that need to be done? It is here that ideas are more important than mere good intentions. It is true that we need people of good character to join politics, however mere good character, like mere good intentions, is not sufficient. We need good ideas. Where are the ideas? What are those ideas? This is where there has been a vacuum.

While Congress and Left have been parroting platitudes like Secularism and Socialism for decades, despite their fairly obvious failures, their adversaries, namely the BJP, propose nothing significantly different in terms of ideas. The BJP prides itself with the epithet of true-Secularism, while it hopes to befuddle the Hindus by using the term "Hindutva", all the while remaining ambivalent about rampant state sponsored welfare-ism. 

Such cerebral lethargy will not do. We not only have to perceive urgently that the system is crumbling, in addition we must also identify the causes. For example, if the nation had not indulged in the hero-worship of Mohandas, Jawahar etc. and had not subscribed to the Jawaharian obsessions of Secularism and Socialism; we would not have faced the financial crisis in 1991 or the scourge of Madrasa indoctrinated home-grown Jihadi groups. Thus a corruption in ideas is a very dangerous thing. Therefore we must clearly understand that however "clean" these new politicians may turn out to be- if at all - if they employ bad or wrong ideas as solution to the Political, Social and Economic problems, the eventual outcomes will be disastrous. Similarly we must also stop, think and evaluate our experience with the law enforcement system we have had for the past 65 years. We must perceive how our justice system is so lethargic and so twisted towards protecting the rights of the offenders that the offended have hardly any hope of getting even a semblance of justice.

The likes of Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan have been vociferously making a case for revolution, however, their revolution, even if it ever happens, would be nothing more than fluff and gas. The real revolution must usually be initiated in the field of ideas. One can not bring about a revolution and then stop to think for ideas! We have seen the utter futility of such revolutions. Kejriwal and Bhushan do have some ideas - even if we disregard Kashmir stupidity of Bhushan - but they are the very same ideas which have failed all over the world. Like the BJP wanting to bring "true Secularism", team Anna will promise to bring "true welfare". Such attempts are doomed at the very outset.

For example, it was realized by the end of last century that Socialism was doomed and could only result in economic disaster. Likewise, since the beginning of the present century, the realization is slowly yet steadily dawning that Secularism and its bastard child multiculturalism and its illegitimate cousin minorityism is doomed and can only result in socio political disaster. And yet, team Anna members do not have even a hint of a dash of willingness to debate these matters.

In this sense, if we want to make any real difference, we must learn to forsake, at least for some while, our unquestioning respect for the existing institutions, be it the Constitution, be it the Supremacy of the Parliament, etc. For without a healthy amount of scepticism, we may never get to the bottom of the understanding, which is the least that we need in order to come up with solutions to the colossal problems that we are presently facing. However, what we observe in the political discourse is almost a fanatic devotion to phrases like "Supremacy of the Parliament", "We must uphold the Constitution" and so on. It is nothing much different from stupid prejudice if supposed intellectuals insist on preconceived notions like these.

Moreover, these empty suits among the Indian intellectuals who keep singing glories of "institutions" must realize that institutions provide sustenance to ideas. Therefore institutions by themselves can not be good or bad. Institutions founded for sustaining good ideas will be good and vice versa. For example a Madrasa is an Educational Institution, however since it is an instrument for indoctrinating young and impressionable minds with virulently poisonous and utterly violent teachings, they are bad institutions.

Unfortunately Team Anna members have betrayed themselves as a bunch of empty suits, perhaps well meaning, but empty suits nevertheless. All through their chest-beating din against Corruption, moron-like platitudes like Secularism, Welfare for the Poor, are yelled repeatedly. We do not claim that Baba Ramdev is much different or that the existing political parties are any better. However the fact of the matter is, you can not get right results out of wrong ideas. Those wanting to make any real difference have to initiate a battle in the domain of ideas and not waste resources in parroting platitudes. Team Anna members parrot the same wrong ideas which have failed us in the past 65 years. They also repeat the same ideas that have failed the world over in the past century.

Why it is not merely Wrong but also Suicidal for Hindus if they define "Hindutva" as "Inherently Secular Cultural Nationalism".

The icon of the Hindutva-brigade (we mean the Sangh Parivar version of Hindutva) V. D. Savarkar published a piece on Hindutva, which seemingly is a foundational document for the said brigade. We saw in an earlier article how Jinnah, Jawahar both were searching within the western framework and thus could think of nothing original and were stuck with Secularism and Socialism.

Secularism in its historical context was needed to clip the wings of the Church. It is said that over time the Church became so powerful that it started interfering in the affairs of the kings; and kings naturally took umbrage. In a manner that is similar to deciding "line of control" to ensure stable peace between two warring nations, the idea of Secularism was mooted.

Similarly, Socialism, has been founded on Marxian terms like class-exploitation, class-consciousness, proletariat revolution and so on. The end result is hoped to be an Egalitarian society.

However, owing to the diversity extant in nature, there is sufficient variety even amongst humans, therefore any sense of Equality necessitates use of an abstraction of the notion of equality. Also, we must recognize that so long as there are scarce resources and contention between different principals for these resources (The Problem of Social Order) a moral or ethical framework is necessary so as to avoid and/or reduce conflict. Thus loosely speaking, any solution to the problem of Social Order requires a set of principles which are (or result in) a moral framework.

The moral framework in Secular and Socialist solutions to the problem of Social Order, is materialistic. Such a framework not only does not work, it is hardly logically sound not to mention that it is utterly incomplete.

Sometimes there are attempts to define the moral framework not in terms of principles but in terms of peoples supposedly practicing them, and in turn the peoples are defined in terms of race, geography or a combination thereof. Thus, often the concept of nation when defined uses terms like "peoples", "race", "geography" and so on.

Hinduism, usually defies such attempts at defining it. Even granting the possibility that defining "Hinduism" might be a tough task (though it can surely be fairly efficiently done, see here), the Savarkarian notion of "Hindutva" is cultural-geography or vice versa; that is, a culture expressed in terms of peoples belonging to a geographical region in history. In our opinion, this is not only a crude definition, if at all, that besides it is fraught with dangers.

As we have mentioned that Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) is not only history assimilating but also history transcending (ditto geography, language, etc.), Savarakarian idea of Hindutva changes the broad nature of Hindutva into a parochial (regional) notion. This is not to state that Savarkarian Hindutva is absolutely wrong, rather it is to show that Savarkarian Hindutva is unnecessarily restrictive and fraught with potential dangers.

Sanatana Dharma, in a somewhat broad sense, is easier defined the way we understand modern Science, and thus is better understood in terms of idea-line rather than in terms of blood-line. While peoples in many civilizations define themselves as parent-children lineage (this pertains to the body) Sanatana Dharma can be better understood as a Teacher-Disciple lineage (in dualistic terms, it pertains more to the spirit than to the body).

It is in this sense that a Koenraad Elst can be a Hindu while a Jawahar can be a staunch anti-Hindu! This is where Harvard-conceit touting Subramanian Swamy gets Hinduism wrong when he tries to use genetic statistics to call peoples of the subcontinent "same peoples". A Jinnah or a Jawahar become no more useful to the Hindu cause by merely acknowledging that they have Hindu ancestry while a Koenraad Elst or a David Frawley are no less Hindu despite insisting that their biological ancestors were not Hindus.

We are not suggesting that India or Sanatana Bharata is a proposition nation; rather we want to clarify that it is far more accurate to term it a Education-nation rather than a genetic-nation! We are not opposed to using approximate terms for purposes of mass-communication involved in political theatre. However, it would be immensely useful to be as clear as possible of the foundational principles, and be as close as possible in its political expressions.

It is evident that Indian Culture (Hindu Culture) therefore is much easier understood in terms of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) rather than in terms of the peoples belonging to the subcontinent. The peoples historically living in the subcontinent have been largely responsible to carry on the Hindu-tradition and we do need to acknowledge this geo-cultural fact. However we should not ignore that it is also the case that peoples belonging to the same geography who have also caused immense damage to the Sanatana Dharmic traditions. And thus conflating the issues makes us vulnerable to multifarious perils.

One such peril, one of the biggest in our opinion, is the Hindutva notion of western Secularism based on a false understanding of the aphorisms "Ekam Sat Viprah Bahudha Vadanti" and "Aa No Bhadrah Kratavo Yantu Vishvatah". While the former is more accurately translated as "the Immutable is One which is referred by Sages using Variegated Names", its Jawaharian translation has been "All Religions Teach the Same Thing". Similarly while the latter means (in more accurate terms) "Let Noble Thoughts Come to Us From all Directions", it is falsely propagandised as "Whatever Comes From any side is Noble!". Such ideological inexactitudes are potentially fatal blunders and it is no wonder that Hindus have been made to suffer for so long.

The potential political advantage in terms of numerical strength, especially in a democratic set-up, is at once reduced to a nought by reliance on false notions. While the dictum of "Satyameva Jayate" [Truth Alone Triumphs] must remind us to persevere on Truth, The dictum of "Pramado Vai Mrityuh" [Wilful ignorance (callous indulgence in actions against one's own wisdom) is verily Death Itself!] must send a serious enough warning. This Pramada is exemplified in the statement by Duryodhana in the Mahabharata "Janami Dharmam Na Cha Me Pravrittih, Janamyadharmama Na Cha me Nivrittih", which can loosely be translated as "I know what is right but I have no motivation to do what is right and I know what is wrong but I have no motivation to refrain from committing wrongs".

Let us, that is, we Hindus, who are the spiritual descendents of the Rishis, strive to learn about ourselves, our heritage and our heritage transcending wisdom.

LSE: Lassi School of Thought taught in Lassi School of Education

Dumb Fuckery has been fairly understood by now. Its cousin is the LSE, or the Lassi School of Education.

While we were much younger we had coaches and health instructors whose canonical advice on all fitness matters used to be: Get up early in the morning, at 5 A.M., drink a large glass of Lassi and go for running and you will do wonders. While it might be true that this might go a long way in building the stamina or this might surely provide some health benefits, it would be fool hardy to say that that would by itself be enough. Not merely that, it is important to realize that in certain cases it might also be counter productive.

Especially in matters of ideas as solutions to problems, Lassi School of Thought represents Dumb Fuckery at its maximum. We will frequently use this term in our discourse on issues related to politics, sociology and economics. The Indian idea-scape especially in matters mentioned before is so mono-maniacal that it at once reminds one of the Lassi School of Thought. Whatever be the problem, Lassi is the solution. Well, it would be very nice if such a solution could be found; and if and when such a "Lassi" is found, it would be an ambrosia for the social, political and economic ills.

Unfortunately, the comedy turns into a horrifying tragedy when the proverbial Lassi turns out to be hemlock. In the Indian context, the hemlock of non-violence of the Mohandasian flavor, and Secularism & Socialism of Jawaharian kind have been such hemlocks. And yet when politicians of all ilks and hues endlessly emphasize that they uphold these very ideals, it becomes apparent at once that their hopes and promises would be forlorn.

Let us try and rid ourselves of the perils of Lassi School of Thought, especially the hemlocks being paraded as the ambrosias.

The BJP on another Blunder-course?

They lost the elections in 2004, they did an encore in 2009, and yet they seem unwilling to learn. The BJP patriarch Advani in his blog wrote: 

"So far as the BJP is concerned, the bungling in Karnataka notwithstanding, all recent public opinion surveys clearly reveal that the principal beneficiary of the Congress Party’s fast eroding reputation continues to be the BJP!"

This indicates the possibility that the BJP will again be complacent in its mass communication efforts in the forthcoming elections. Many so called stalwarts in BJP think that the others are so bad that the people will automatically vote for the BJP. They conveniently forget that the Indian voters, more often than not, defeat the arrogant rather than making the "better" candidate (or party) win. In 2014 Congress will, in most likelihood, lose not because the BJP is much better, but because because the Congress is arrogant. If the BJP manages - and it seems to be striving hard - to portray itself as even more arrogant than Congress is, they will ensure their own defeat.

For example, notwithstanding the supposed good governance by Modi, he won in 2007 more because of Congress's arrogant jibe - a la -"The Merchants of Death". This time Cash-u-Bhai (Keshubhai) might actually help Modi win again. However, Modi can hardly be complacent.

Advani's surmise that the third (rate) front provides only a short term government is fairly accurate. The third-rate front being a group of impatient opportunists - note that the Congress and the BJP are opportunists too, however they seemingly have more patience than the third rate front - quickly begin to squabble and then collapse. In terms of patience, the Congress has the maximum, thus it merely waits for the third rate front and the BJP to discredit themselves and then returns to power! 

Thus, even if the BJP wins, it must also persevere. They can vainly hope to gain advantage "notwithstanding Karnataka" but they will have to grovel in abject humility if the situation turns into a "notwithstanding India"!

Be that as it may, the attitude that we will win because the other is bad is highly negative to say the least. Vote for us because the others are bad is a negative and arrogant way of seeking votes. In our opinion, the voters must be told: "We will be much much better". It serves no purpose to parrot "We are different", it is also important to communicate (repeatedly) what the "difference" is.

Lastly, we believe that "good governance" is not enough. Hindus are face to face with a survival crisis. What will be done for the protection of the Hindus? This should be an important question. True-Secularism can merely be an interim relief at best. At worst it will be suicidal complacence. More over, we as Hindus must focus more on the ideas that will govern our nation rather than who the ruling alliance will be. If a Modi, even when he is a PM, is forced to be a Hajpeyi, then he can only be useful inasmuch as he will be a lesser evil. Thus he will be a marginal relief from Jawaharian Secularism, however we must strive for much much more.

The Hindus must not look to the BJP or a Modi as their saviours. They must ensure that right ideas are put into place. We must be clear that we don't care about the NDA, we care about rejecting the anti-Hindu forces. If the BJP wants to contest 2014 elections under Nitish Secular Kumar or his appointee projected as PM, the NDA along with the BJP must be shown the door. If this Secular Kumar is averse to Modi, he can go and join the Corrupt Congress-led UPA.

The picture is simple and clear. All the third-rate front leaders are licking their lips in anticipation, for they smell a victory for non-Congress in 2014. And they imagine that by emphasizing Secularism they can keep Modi away. Morons like Nitish Secular Kumar are even imagining themselves as the PM! Remember that a small party controlled alliance will be as flimsy as the UPA has been.

Anti-corruption is surely an issue, Anti-anti-Hinduism must be a much bigger issue.

Team Anna, the New Third (Rate) Secular Front?

What can we say about a movement whose intelligence is bettered by a dumb-fuck like Markandey Katju? Well, Tean Anna, after criticizing politics and politicians for over an year has come round a full circle and has decided to provide an alternative. For a flavor of our criticism see here. The Mohandasian Anna confirmed his allegiance to Mohandas in two ways, one stupid (for the Hindus) and one clever (for his own person). 

The clever way was to state that he would keep away from "elections" but "support" the "good candidates". This absolves him of all responsibilities in case the move fails. While Mohandas has been foisted as "Father of the Nation" on a nation that is yet to gain most of what  is meaningful freedom (property protection, rule of law etc.); Anna will be foisted on us as "Father of Corruption-free Nation" on a nation that will for the foreseeable future will remain mired in Corruption.

The stupid way was to emphasize the Secular nature of the nation. The rabid canine DogVijay must be jumping and yapping in joy to discover that as per the Congress-Plan, the Team Anna movement has finally emerged as the Congress-Run movement. The Congress strategy to keep accusing any movement as "backed by RSS" is just a smoke screen to force the movement to the farthest Left and the staunchest anti-Hindu positions. Recall how Baba Ramdev supported reservation for "Backward Muslims".

We also suspect that this new third rate Secular front will be first tried against Modi in Gujarat. Congress will keep daring Team Anna to challenge Modi and Team Anna will oblige. Congress has a win-win strategy in this. If Team Anna succeeds against Modi, Congress has won it big time. Then the pup Rahul G will prostrate before Anna and the new version of old evil duo "Mohandas and Jawahar" will reincarnate in the form of "Anna and Rahul" duo. Anyone who is wondering why Rahul G is delaying his entry into active politics should note this. In case Team Anna fails against Modi, the Congress would have neutralized one of their potential detractors (Team Anna). Then the Congress would try and support Nitish like third rate front against the Hindus. Thus, Congress would use the Gujarat elections to pitch Team Anna and Modi against each other, hoping to neutralize at least one, and preferable both!

Such fiercely anti-Hindu is the nature of the political theater in the country. On the other hand, the other Secular, Baba Ramdev, will have a problem on his hands, since on Modi issue he may find his position cornered. His best way would be to remain neutral. However, given his dumb-fuck tendencies he will goof in some way.

This is why we have been emphasizing time and again that we need to become plainly and unabashedly pro-Hindu in our attitudes. We can not find all these anti-Hindu forces without countering their deep fundamental agenda, viz., anti-Hinduism. We have mentioned that far from having any pro-Hindu right wing, we do not even have a Hindu-neutral Center! The whole political stage is so far Left and so outrageously outright anti-Hindu, that a mere questioning of Socialism and Secularism evokes foaming-at-the-mouth response from our Leftist anti-Hindu political class.

So what is the way? The only way is the way forward by sticking to the basics. We Hindus need to develop a Hindu-consciousness and self-awareness and be comfortable with it. We must become guilt-free and frankly Hindu. Watch any live show, talk show or debate on TV or in any media, and observe how self-humbling and defensive the self-proclaimed truly-Secular Hindutva forces are. The refusal to see the enemy as the enemy is the worst delusion, and our Hindutva-brigade indulges in it. Instead of uniting "truly-Secular" forces in the name of NDA, a Hindu Alliance must be explored.

Without bringing Islam, Secularism and Socialism on the debate for critical examination, without a straight faced pro-Hindu approach, any truly Secular front will merely keep losing territory to the anti-Hindus. There was a hint of a change when Mohan Bhagwat stated that the country needs a PM who propunded Hindutva. This is welcome, but this is only a baby step. He needs to move much further. RSS should also cease to be soft on evil journalists like Kumar Ketkar. Kumar Ketkar has spewed venom against the RSS in the visual media, he must be forced to recant on visual media in addition to the written apology. Truth must be told, for example, see here.