Emotional intelligence a need of the hour


Telangana issue has reached the ultimate phase of decision making. In the state bifurcation episode,Thursday and the remaining few days of Parliament session turns to be the most crucial period. At this imperative peak, youths need to adopt emotional intelligence as the only weapon they should be ever in possession of.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, assess, and control the emotions of oneself, of others, and of groups. Emotional intelligence is one of the five personality traits in the psychological perspective.

There is a possibility of only two outcomes of the entire virtual battle of Telangana that has taken place over a period of time – formation of Telangana or continuation of united Andhra Pradesh. It is for sure that one group of people may welcome the decision or the so called outcome, while the other group oppose. At this crucial juncture, everyone needs to be emotionally intelligent. Nothing ever happens with the sacrifice of lives.

The battle is won only by taking an active part both individually and collectively. Telangana issue has infused some sort of despair among the masses of either region. There should be a definite closing stage to the ongoing process in some or other way. The normal people have been vexed and they want an outcome of it that should resolve the problem once for all.

However, few weak hearts may not be in a position to digest the outcome, if it is beyond their expectations. The need of the hour is to promote measures to avoid the suicides bowing to the outcome of the Parliament’s decision. Media channels should consider promoting the issue of emotional intelligence equally, apart from presenting only news and views.

The media channels, through expert psychologists should promote the very issue – for ever since the Telangana bill has been sent to the Parliament, the suicides have again seen rising. At this juncture, the only option left with us is to prevent suicides. Media conglomerates should think of this very matter and focus the issue at an appropriate level.

With the sacrifice of the lives, the individual who commits suicide gives a lifelong pain to their family members. Nothing can ever substitute their being with the family members. So…. Just think….be emotionally intelligent….and achieve your target.

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Uneven Pillars of Democracy


It is said that democracy stands on the four pillars – – Executive (Government); Legislature (Parliament & State Assemblies, etc), Judiciary (Supreme Court, High Court & Other Judicial centres) and  Media (Newspaper, Internet, Blogs & all the platforms that airs people’s aspirations). Democracy is like an implicit building that stands firmly on these four pillars. However, democracy in contemporary India is now standing on four uneven pillars, indubitably.

If we clearly look into the ongoing problems in the country, palpably it becomes evident that there is no coordination among the four functional wings of India, the huge democratic country in the world. Let’s have a look at the lacuna in the system:

Executive – As far as bureaucracy in India is concerned, mostly it is virtually functional through the legislature, an uneven pillar that can not be erected properly in the purview of increased corruption in the country. Going by the heavy influence drawn from the pillar of legislature, the pillar of executive virtually turns to be another slant pillar.

Legislature – Increased corruption in India alone is sufficient to state that the functionality of one of the crucial wings of democracy in the country turns to be limping. It not only makes one pillar of democracy stand skew, but also has a strong brunt on other pillars.

Judiciary – Of course, it is the only pillar that maintains its stature even this day in democratic India. Nevertheless, it becomes very difficult to take the entire load of democracy on a single pillar with the remaining three getting tilted in different directions. In this manner, judiciary turns to be over loaded.

Media – last, but not the least media. Media has been referred as the fourth estate and was given due importance in democracy for the simple reason that it ensures healthy and neutral discussions and debates of the focused issues for the betterment of the functioning of a democratic country. However, due to the ownership of the media conglomerates in the hands of most of the politicians, it has become a fundamental factor that media started supporting one or other side of the issue and gaining the consent of one party or the other. Reverse engineering is another new aspect being adopted by the media. The media present what the audience wants instead of presenting the facts. It is unethical as far as journalistic ethos is concerned, thereby making the fourth pillar, media leaning to a side.

We can clearly imagine the situation of democratic India wherein three pillars are leaned to different sides and only one pillar is standing erect. There is a need to change the situation. The only option we Indians have is to franchise our vote, effectively. There is no doubt that erecting the pillar of legislature would subsequently that the remaining two pillars stand tall (considering that judicial pillar is fine).

Whither patriotic zeal?


Today, India is celebrating its 65th Republic Day that commemorates the day when the Indian Constitution was adopted in 1950. It is that day of the year when just about every Indian, from the politician to the common man, turns true-blue patriotic. Making it distinctly visible one buys a plastic tricolor that gets hooked to the shirt or even adorns the car.  On a closer look, this indicates that he is doing it after last having done it on the previous Independence Day.

Why do my fellow countrymen become patriotic only on select days is a question that constantly bothers me. Honestly speaking, I have no clue. In fact, the celebration itself is so abysmally low that by evening one hardly thinks of the country, of the martyrdom of our forefathers, who liberated us from the clutches of the British with their selfless valour.  At this juncture, the only question that arises in my mind is whether patriotism has any periphery limits? Or patriotism is a trait that has only a limited role?

Why is that we don’t maintain such an exuberance all through the year, year after year? Why do we pay tributes to soldiers, the unsung heroes, only on Independence Day, Republic Day and Martyrs Day? Having been an air warrior, who served the nation for 19 glorious years, I, like millions of soldiers over the years, fully well understand what patriotism implies and the sweat and toil that went behind achieving independence.

Every year the day is celebrated spectacularly in New Delhi where the main attractions are the impressive parade and showcasing of the military might. The fact of the matter is that every Indian should feel the sense of oneness and be driven by the urge to contribute to the nation-building exercise in his on meaningful manner, howsoever, minuscule that might be.

As we look back, negatives outshadow the achievements. Yes, there have been increases, but have a look at where they originate – crimes, daylight crimes against women, fundamentalism and fanaticism leading to communal riots, unemployment, corruption and white-collar crimes, treachery and deceit, criminalisation of politics, cheating in the name of sports et al!

The true spirit of democracy lies in patriotism alone. Each and everyone is responsible for realizing the dream of Mahatma Gandhiji – “After attaining Swaraj (independence), now it’s time to attain Suraj (good governance)” a reality. If such a day is realized in India, such an occasion would just take a new dawn with the bright appeal of unity, brotherhood, and love. On that day, there is no Hindu, no Muslim, and no Sikh; there is only one caste, one religion, and that is Indian. 

It is never too late to make an honest beginning. This Republic Day let us solemnly pledge and swear by Mahatma’s ever relevant gospel – ‘Be the change you wish to see.’

Patriotism a jiffy affair in India?


Your vehicle comes to a screeching halt as the light turns red at the traffic signal. Even as you fret over the eternal wait, a plastic tri-colour flag is flashed in front of your face. You soon hear chant of Vande Mataram, Jai Hind from a little boy’s mouth trying to sell you the flag. He has other accessories too – an Independence Day metal badge, plastic lotus, soldier figures etc. Then it dawns upon you that there’s a National holiday ahead. Feeling guilty, you even buy a souvenir to display your patriotism only to throw it into a trash bin after a while. Sounds familiar?

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 In India, Republic day is celebrated on January 26 every year with zeal. The objective of such celebrations is to connote the transition of India from the slavery yolks of British Dominion to be a democratic and republic nation where all the supreme political powers, sovereignty, and authority vests with the people. This day also signifies the adoption of Indian Constitution.

Today, India is celebrating 65th Republic Day. On this occasion, repeatedly the only question that has been wavering in my mind is – why do people become patriotic only on selected instances? Having been an air warrior, who served the nation for 19 years, I realize what patriotism means. To me, it is an inexplicable feeling, which should also be an inherent trait for any national.

Patriotism has a rich meaning. In general it means edifying attachment to one’s native soil that ultimately leads for devotion to one’s nation. Such a feeling should not be restricted to just extrinsic values rather it should be an intrinsic value that should be obsessed by each and every citizen.

Patriotism is the true spirit an individual should have for his nation. Do we Indians really have such a feeling within us? India proudly claims to be the nation with plurality as her nature. Unity in diversity has been the slogan which we often find making circles in all nooks and corners of the world. Do we really maintain such a spirit at all times? Or is it limited to a few occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and Martyrs Day?

Surely, every Indian turns to be patriotic on two occasions – every year on January 26 and August 15. Patriotic songs like “Mere Desh ki Dharti” reverberates almost every street in town. Why is it so?

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At this juncture, the only question that arises in my mind is whether patriotism has any periphery limits? Or patriotism is a trait that has only a limited role?

Every year the Republic Day is celebrated most spectacularly in New Delhi, the capital of India. The main attraction of the Republic Day is an impressive and magnificent parade that puts forward the military powers and cultural affluence of the country apart from the patriotic vehemence of the Indians. An amazing fly-past by Indian Air Force and Naval aircraft rounds off this majestic celebration. A similar thing happens every year on August 15 too.

Soldiers, the unsung heroes are praised only in times of dire straits, in times of need, and in times of natural calamities like the most recent Uttarakhand Calamity. We all enjoy watching the spectacular parades of Indian Armed Forces; tableaus of various states and departments; cultural programs on these eves. But, we never realize the pain behind those spectacular shows. The message conveyed through all these programmes is rather short lived. Just peep into these shows, they all convey just one message, “Patriotism”.

The true spirit Republic day brings out is nothing but the patriotism. It’s not a single person’s obligation to keep the nation free from any sort of worries. Each and every citizen should feel responsible to make the nation implausible in the purview of the entire world.

Personally, I feel that patriotism should come from within and not without. Patriotism ensures the stability of all kinds in a given nation. If we genuinely look into the issues faced by contemporary India, surely we can comprehend the levels of our patriotism. The following are the most prominent achievements of contemporary India (if we can call it that!):

  • Increased number of crimes
  • Increased number of militant attacks
  • Increased number of communal riots
  • Increased number of crimes against women
  • Increased rate of unemployment
  • Increased number of cases pending at various courts
  • Increased level of corruption
  • Increased treachery
  • Increased number of unnatural deaths. So on and so forth…!!

I second the thought of John F. Kennedy on patriotism. According to him, one should ask only “what you can do for your country” — as if “country” were the master, and “you” and I and all of us merely servants. Most of the influential personalities of developed countries realize the importance of patriotism. For example, the US President Barack Obama once said loving one’s country means accepting one’s responsibility to do his part to change it. Patriotism is nothing but the grand inherent apostle that prompts a person to serve his nation, at any given time.

The essence of patriotism is fully recognizing and consciously participating in that network of affinity, paying very close attention and constantly responding to a range of issues like what everyone else is doing and saying and wanting and hoping.

Out of the multiple associations emerge ideals and institutions. But those ideals and institutions are valuable only insofar as they support the fulfillment of each and all. The individual is the master; the nation’s ideals and institutions exist merely to serve persons. So ideologically in any given nation, true patriots do not serve some imagined unchallengeable unit called nation or country; rather, they serve the needs and aspirations of every person.

There is a need to self examine whether we can be called factual patriots? Had we been really patriotic year after year, India could have accomplished laurels; but not plummets in grading in almost every sector.

Who is responsible for such trounce is not the question of the hour rather how should we overcome trounce is that question. The ultimate answer is the true spirit of patriotism, which in turn ensures the following:

  • Fraternity among fellow citizens
  • Enhanced civilization; and thereby achieving a fall in crime rate
  • Increased employment opportunities
  • Corruption-free societies

The true spirit of democracy lies in patriotism alone. Each and everyone are responsible for making the dream of Mahatma Gandhiji – “After attaining Swaraj (independence), now it’s time to attain Suraj (good governance)” a reality.

If such a day is realized in India, such an occasion would just take a new dawn with the bright appeal of unity, brotherhood, and love. On that scrupulous day, there is no Hindu, no Muslim, and no Sikh; there is only one caste, one religion, and that is Indian. The sacrifices of all the martyrs will add significance to India’s history.

Let’s hope this year’s republic day will not just be a routine affair, but add true fervor of patriotism in each and every citizen’s life, both in letter and spirit.

Let’s not forget what the great Mahatma once said: “Be the change you wish to see.’

Jai Hind!!

Article 3 and evolution of States


India is a single entity with many independent units. It can be better understood as a perpetual union with divisible states. Article 3 of Indian Constitution provides inter alia for formation of new states by altering the boundaries of existing states, suitably. The Constitution that came into force w.e.f. January 26, 1950, made India a sovereign democratic republic. The new republic was also declared to be the Union of States.

Why no bigger role for States than Centre in creation of new States?

It is said that during the Constituent Assembly discussions, to an observation by Prof KT Shah that the legislation constituting a new State from any region of a State should originate from the legislature of the State concerned, K Santhanam stated as under: “I wonder whether Professor Shah fully realises the implications of his amendment. If his amendment is adopted, it would mean that no minority in any State can ask for separation of territory… unless it can get a majority in that State legislature.

On many occasions, the constitutional provision under Article 3 has been used to satisfy the provincial aspirations of people. Some political parties have reciprocated by starting secessionist activities leading to formation of Haryana, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.

Post-independence, there were movements for creation of new, linguistic-based states. The agitation to create a Telugu-speaking state out of the northern portion of Madras State gathered pace, just after a few years of independence, resulting in the formation of Andhra state in 1953 by extracting the erstwhile 16 northern Telugu-speaking districts of Madras State.

In actuality, the demand of states on linguistic basis was developed even before independence. During that period, Indian administrative regions were identified as different provinces. Odisha (formerly Orissa) was the first Indian state formed on linguistic basis and became Orissa Province in the year 1936. In Odisha, linguistic movement started as early as in the year 1895 itself and strengthened years later with the only demand of a separate province from Bihar & Orissa Province.

After India’s independence, based on the provisions made under Article 3 of Indian constitution, many small changes were made to the state boundaries during the period 1950-1956. For example: the small state of Bilaspur was merged with Himachal Pradesh on July 1, 1954; and Chandernagore, a former enclave of French India, was incorporated into West Bengal in 1955. All this was made under the provisions of Article 3.

In case of the formation of Nagaland state also, Article 3 was efficiently used. After the independence of India, in 1947, the area remained a part of the province of Assam. Post independence, nationalist activities arose amongst a section of the Nagas. Naga National Council led by Phizo demanded a political union of their ancestral and native groups. That was rather a violent movement that India had ever seen for separate statehood. In 1955, the union government sent the Indian Army to reinstate law and order in that region.

In 1957, with the intervention of the newly established central government, Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA) was established as a Union Territory directly administered by the Central government with a great degree of self-rule. Even this was not acceptable to the tribes of the region. In July 1960, following the increasing agitations and violence across the state, and discussions between the Prime Minister and the leaders of the Naga People Convention (NPC),an amicable solution was arrived at whereby the Government of India recognized the formation of Nagaland as a full-fledged state within the Union of India.

In a nutshell, all the 16 new states that have come into force since 1953 i.e., beginning with the formation of Andhra Pradesh on November 1, 1956, to the most recently formed state of Jharkhand on November 15, 2000, all were formed in the spirit of Article 3.

However, federalism, which is the nature of Indian republic, has been repeatedly questioned on many instances. Article 3 of the Constitution imposes a question on the entire concept of federalism. It empowers president of India – in actuality through the Central government – to approve a bill for the formation of a new state, irrespective of the views of the Assembly concerned.

Telangana statehood in the spirit of Article 3


The Constitution of Republic of India that came into force w.e.f. January 26, 1950 is the ultimate document that delineates defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens. It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. Indian Constitution comprises 448 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules, 5 appendices and 98 amendments.

Of the 448 articles in the Constitution of Republic of India, Article 3 deals with the formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States. According to Article 3:

Parliament may by law

  • Form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State;
  • Increase the area of any State;
  • Diminish the area of any State;
  • Alter the boundaries of any State;
  • Alter the name of any State;

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, broadly regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution had speculated years before that whenever there’s a demand for separate statehood by the oppressed community, there will be equal opposition from the subjugated community.

In the context of Telangana issue, Article 3 was the key tag that made rounds in the news channels. While few channels have read between the lines of Article3, few other channels have misinterpreted the content.

One of the recent media studies revealed the fact that the audience look for the content they intend to have, which is close to their own opinions. Based on this fact, the media channels have been reverse engineering to infotain audiences. The news channels turned to be infotainment channels.

If we clearly examine the recent political scenario of Andhra Pradesh, the legislatures have already been bifurcated on the basis of regionalism, even before the actual bifurcation of the state. The vested political interests have been ruling the state. Scrutiny of the present-day political scenario reveals the fact that Article 3 has been misinterpreted to befool the people of either region.

At this crucial juncture of formation of a new state, there is a need to understand the spirit of the constitution in general, and article 3 in particular. One set of people have been proclaiming that Telangana Bill tabled in the state assembly has been rejected, whereas in actuality the state assembly has no right to reject any bill that has been sent by the President of India with reference to Article 3. It was not the bill that was rejected by the state assembly rather it was the resolution put forward by the Chief Minister that was considered and passed by the state assembly using the Positive Voice Vote.

Just after the concluding episode of the Telangana bill, the Finance and Planning Minister for the state of Andhra Pradesh, Anam Ramnarayana Reddy has repeatedly told the media that the resolution passed by the Chief Minister was ‘unanimously’ accepted, which is truly contradicting. If there had been a unanimous support, what was the need to have a positive voice vote from the speaker of the state assembly to pass the resolution?

Just for the sake of personal benefits, the politicians play mind games. They may be able to bluff the people for sometime and not continuously. Abraham Lincoln’s famous dictum “You can fool some of the people all the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time” better suits this context.

An Unfavoured Fortune


The results of my SSC final examinations were declared. Like everyone, I too was tensed. Great achievent of my life till then…….. I stood fourteenth in the state of Andhra Pradesh. My joy was limitless. Those were the days – in every family the male child was expected to be an engineer and a female child was expected to be a doctor, by profession. Likewise like every other parents, my parents too were expecting me to be an engineer. To the best of my abilities, I tried to grab a seat in IIT. But I missed the chance by whisker due to lack of coaching and proper guidance. I even missed a seat in other state engineering colleges too ( I was offered Civil Engineering, but I always wanted to be a Chemical Engineer). I was feeling guilty for unknown reasons. Also, my family was dragged onto ditch, financially. I had no other option than seeking employment at the very early stages of mylife. I started working since the time I turned just eighteen. But my zest for education never cooled and I kept on studying and excelled in every part of my academic education. I am at the verge of completing my regular obligatory enagement. I am now looking forward for a better second career stint, hopefully.