International Events – Pakistan Independence Day

August 15, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Happy Independence Day on August 14, 2010 to Pakistan!

Pakistan celebrated its 63rd anniversary since partition from India and the nation has been confronted with humongous challenges until now.

The recent flooding has taken a toll on the population and the victims’ frustration is directed at the authorities engaged in rescue operation.

The United States assistance and the generous contributions from people around the world are significant in saving lives.

Pakistan is also politically and economically undermined by the various terror networks wreaking havoc within and outside the country.

More than six decades into independence and Pakistan is deprived of a vibrant democracy predominantly due to the liaison maintained by the key officials in the Pakistan military along with ISI, the intelligence agency with the militants and radical groups like Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani networks, the underworld don viz. Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar and the likes.

Why is Pakistan so tolerant and providing refuge to these criminal elements despite their notoriety are the legitimate concerns in the international community?

One would presume that the substantial U.S. military and financial aid to Pakistan to clamp down on terrorism should have eliminated terror from the nuclear nation.

Instead, the terror organizations prominently the Al-Qaida, Taliban, the Haqqani and Lashkar-e-Taiba have transformed Pakistan into a terror haven killing more Pakistanis, their fellow Muslims in the endless explosions across the country.

Besides, them instigating violence in neighboring Kashmir and consistently plotting against the United States as well as other democracies around the world.

How can they possibly justify these actions in the name of Almighty God, the Allah and the Holy Quran that forbids any harm to the living in any shape or form?

Can these individuals be regarded Muslims considering their indiscriminate violence towards fellow human beings particularly their own Muslim brothers and sisters, whether in the United States, India, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, or for that matter the incessant bombings that are occurring in Pakistan?

It’s no secret that the certain Pakistani military and ISI members ‘aiding and abetting has emboldened the terror networks and enabled them to freely operate in the nuclear armed nation.

What is the solution to this radicalization and how can it be addressed effectively?

Arms embargo in addition to freezing bank accounts facilitating terror activities within Pakistan is paramount in ensuring global security.

The Pakistani educated youth and the middle class have a responsibility to take control of their nation.

For, it’s their future that is being squandered by the unscrupulous sources in the national defense and intelligence agency.

Pakistan has enough military power to have contained if not eradicated terror, considering the successful military coups against democratic governments since its birth.

Then, why the combined forces of Pakistan and U.S. military are having difficulty demolishing the medieval terror infrastructure in the twenty first century is mind boggling.

As a result, the Pakistani citizens and the U.S. taxpayers are forced to bear the brunt in human casualties and the economic aspect.

How long should these war games continue and at what cost?

These are the questions to be raised by the people of Pakistan and the United States.

Human lives are expended on both sides with no end in sight to the war on terror.

Throughout history, the people have demonstrated the will and courage to stand up to the forces stalling human progress.

Evidently, they have triumphed from time and time again.

Therefore, Pakistan’s public complacency to the decadent status quo from the myriad sources dominance is the problem and could be easily resolved through solidarity by identifying the ‘bad apples,’ and replacing them with those dedicated in renewing Pakistan’s image as a friendly neighbor, viable economic partner and a true ally in the global war on terror.

There is an opportunity for a new chapter in the twenty first century provided the people initiate the peaceful beginning.

‘Change,’ cannot be brought upon by mere hope, it has to be delivered through action.

Best Wishes to the people of Pakistan in achieving peace, progress and prosperity.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Religious Event – Holy Ramaḍān or Ramzan رمضان‎

August 14, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The holy month celebrating Ramaḍān just started for the followers of Islam and it’s observed with fasting and praying that includes a reflective moment on personal deeds towards self and others.

It’s an important religious occasion for the believers in Islamic faith.

The traditions pertaining to this religious festival are followed by many Muslims around the world.

Most people regard this period as an opportunity to renew vows in their moral and ethical conduct according to the Holy Qur’an’s القرآن guidance.

Since Ramadan is related to the revelations on ‘Holy Qur’an’ to Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be upon him), the Holy Scripture has special significance during the month, despite being the profound religious doctrine in daily life.

Wishing peace and happiness on “Holy Ramaḍān or Ramzan رمضان”‎ to all followers of Islam!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Democrat Candidate U.S.Senator Barbara Boxer – State of California

August 13, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The California Senator is due for re-election in November 2010 after having diligently performed the constitutional duties in the best interests of the State of California, the United States and the international community at large.

Since 1992, Senator Barbara Boxer has served the Golden State and the great nation of the United States.

The Senator’s stellar record speaks volume about her dedication, ingenuity and above all conscientious decisions in matter related to the national and international interest.

Please refer to Senator Barbara Boxer’s extensive Public Service Record on;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Boxer

Senator Barbara Boxer is the incumbent –

Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works,

In addition to serving as;

The Chairwoman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics.

Both Committees are highly significant and Senator Barbara Boxer has impressively demonstrated her commitment to the environment as well as the ethics committee.

Senator Barbara Boxer is a distinguished Congress member and has consistently delivered for the average Americans who are often neglected in the special interests dominant legislative matter.

The Senator’s pragmatism has not only benefited her constituents in the State of California but also the entire nation.

Senator Barbara Boxer is a true representative of the democratic electorate having been the human rights stalwart aptly reflected in the various legislations.

Senator Barbara Boxer has risen to the occasion throughout her Congressional career to defend and promote the socio-economic status of all Americans especially the disenfranchised segments in the society.

While, the Senator has extended bipartisan support and worked across the aisle on important legislations,

She has not hesitated to challenge the fierce opposition against democrats’ policies aimed at improving American lives or national image.

Senator Barbara Boxer is a valuable asset to the Democratic Party, the esteemed Congress, the State of California and the United States.

People in the democratic base, the independents and others across the political spectrum are best served by the energetic, thoughtful and the doer democrat from California –

The Hon. Senator Barbara Boxer.

Senator Barbara Boxer’s opponent, the Republican candidate and a former Corporate Chief Executive Carly Fiorina is disproportionately funded by the special interests over and above the contestants’ personal campaign investment.

Considering the Republican members’ failure to prioritize American people over politics in all legislation,

The democrats have been forced to make huge concessions to win the odd Republican votes on major issues concerning the American electorate and the economy.

Prominently, the finance reform bill was recently passed with a $19 billion tax exemption to Wall Street for the Republican Senator Scott Brown’s vote in the Senate.

Campaign finance reform is compromised rendering the bill a mere formality and still without any
hope of being passed.

Evidently, it’s a battle to secure Republican members’ votes in the House and the Senate due to their solemn pledge to the special interests.

Your participation in the electoral process beginning now is extremely crucial for economic revival and to move the nation forward.

Please send any affordable or generous donations to re-elect the democrats like Senator Barbara Boxer, Governor Jerry Brown, and Congressional democratic contenders across the nation.

An overwhelming majority in the House and the Senate would enable the Democrat Congress members
succeed in effective representation.

Besides, better future for the American electorate.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

P.S.: Please send your contributions to the following address or visit their websites.

www.barbaraboxer.com
Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
P.O.Box 93969
Los Angeles, CA 90093

DCCC – Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee www.dccc.org

Attn: Speaker Nancy Pelosi
430 South Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C., 20003

DSCC – Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee www.dscc.org
Attn: State Senator (?)
120 Maryland Ave., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002.

DGA – Democratic Governors Association – www.democraticgovernors.org
1401 K Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005

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The Gospel Truth on Religious Harmony and Oneness

August 12, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Religion is the epitome of universal love and peace.

The introduction of religion throughout the evolutionary process since creation was primarily to develop the latent inherent human qualities in elevating self and others.

Apart from diversity, religions essentially resemble the confluence of rivers merging into the ocean, the Almighty God or the Supreme entity in myriad forms such as the light, force and energy,

Thus, providing the link between the Spiritual Science creationism and Natural Science evolutionism based on physics, chemistry and biology in mathematical precision.

From the archaic age, religion is surmised to be anything but a simple philosophy about the life existence and its purpose.

“All are created equal” – Is the religions’ premise and the vital characteristics of all species albeit disproportionately yet significant in real terms contribute to the ecological sustenance, once again legitimizing the correlation of Spiritual facts with Scientific evidence.

The religions emphasize on peace. The message is confined to the peaceful attributes prominently non-violence, empathy, compassion and mutual respect for one another.

Unfortunately, they are not widely practiced by the majority and the religious testimony is misinterpreted to suit personal ideology contrasting the respective religious icons’ sacrifices for the greater good of humanity.

For instance, discriminatory practices against fellow human beings, animals and environmental abuse are the fundamental violation of any religion representing the life creator.

Religions focus on moral and ethical conduct as the guidelines for righteousness.

Violence is prevalent on the main street and an array of mediums influencing impressionable and frustrated segments.

Although, women’s rights is a major struggle in most parts of the world,

Racial and gender discrimination is receiving attention.

Lately, while tolerance is promoted in racial equality, it’s conspicuously demoted with specific references to physical height, weight and orientation confirming the advocates’ disingenuous and hypocritical positions.

Not to mention the shallowness and insensitivity towards the rest of the population in that category.

Inner beauty is hardly a subject of interest in the superficial reality.

Further it proves the obsession with the perishable body over immortal soul.

Human race continues to falter in the pursuit of peace.

Instead warfare, violence, oppression, and repression are adopted by the powerful in the dominance against the powerless with no end in sight for amicable conflict resolutions.

Falsely, religion is the alibi for the groups engaged in mass destruction.

Politically religion is targeted to deflect truth and provoke anti-religion sentiments benefiting the irresponsible sources.

Whether it is related to the 9/11 mosque site or the convoluted op-eds in the nationally and internationally renowned print press suggesting,

“The fact about the growing Muslim population in France and other parts of Western Europe,” as xenophobia and instantaneously assigning the ‘Former Islamic follower,’ status,

In a fragile attempt to masquerade their own xenophobic tendencies towards the secular, passionate and valiant defender of Islam through various articles imploring global attention to address the Muslim people’s plight is an irony.

These political opportunists’ agents never shy away from mischaracterization and distortion typically mirroring the views of those whom they represent on the sensitive issues.

Granting permission for the Lower Manhattan, New York mosque site is an appropriate decision and the German authorities in Hamburg could perhaps follow suit by re-opening the recently shut down mosque to forbid the terror networks from holding the Islamic religion and its followers their hostage.

Simultaneously, the hate crime involving the fatal attack against the two Christian brothers and the death threats on their family in Pakistan,

Then, the aid workers killings in Afghanistan by Taliban and militants are deeply regrettable.

Religion is marketed as a commodity by appreciating one and denigrating the other.

Hatred spread through violence and propaganda for political, religious and other motives affects all including the source.

Religion is also split into many factions emanating from one view disenfranchised by another, regardless of the convergence i.e. the Almighty God.

Another dynamic to the simple factor turned into a complex issue is the divisions in the society with respect to religious, agnostics and atheist.

The solution is basic understanding in freely honoring individual choice and freedom.

Society is confronted with unnecessary social challenges brought upon by political, religious and economic powers through media.

Mankind has made tremendous progress in numerous areas, however lacking in better human relations.

Just like the five natural elements – earth, fire, air, water and sky depicting the galaxy enable life,

The positive and negative human traits – love, empathy, humility, patience and intelligence lead to rationalization juxtaposed to desire becoming greed and lust, reactions – envy, anger, hatred along with ego and pride distract the human mind causing pain all around.

Therefore, it’s beneficial to enhance the positives and maintaining a balance in the interim would vastly deter tensions in relations.

There is clear distinction in happiness and peace. For happiness derived from materialistic pleasures is mistakenly considered as the ultimate goal in life.

It’s not the same as joy found in altruism or varied art of sharing and giving.

The satisfaction in humanitarian service makes life purposeful and peaceful to a large extent.

Peace could be permanent or long-lasting yielding happiness.

On the other hand, mere happiness is a temporary contentment soon transformed into sorrow by the restless mind.

Life in general is the opportunity to explore the path to inner peace. The initial step is the preparedness to obtain knowledge with an open mind through internal and external sources.

Human beings possess higher comprehension skills combined with discerning abilities that is not often used to the maximum potential.

Poignantly, if it’s utilized, it’s more for polarizing than unifying the various schools of thoughts.

Despite the common notion that one must refrain from doing any harm if cannot be of any help.

Journey through life is a learning experience and human relationships will thrive in accepting rather than rejecting the uniqueness among them.

Religious harmony is an acknowledgment of the oneness, the assimilation of many in the symbolic representation known as the Almighty God, who is unity, peace and love on the humanitarian perspective.

Life is the manifestation of energy from where it begins and ends.

Hence no religion is less sacred than the other.

Peace to all.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Spiritualism | 3 Comments 

Campaign Finance Reform Bill

August 8, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Further to the United States Senate Actions Chronicle, there were more relevant bills proposed by the Senate Democrats in the past month – July 2010.

Campaign Finance Reform: The bill aimed at the election campaign’s fundamental problem – the special interests influence undermining democracy.

Evidently, it did not survive the Republican members opposition.

Although, the House passed the legislation, it failed in the Senate by three votes short of 60 votes required to eliminate Republican filibuster against the Disclose Act and various important components protecting the democratic sanctity.

The Democrats introduced the bill primarily to offset the negative effects from the Supreme Court’s decision granting unlimited access to the corporations, unions and other interests through campaign contributions, political ads and advocacy for or against any political candidate ahead of the election.

However, there was an exception to the Supreme Court’s rule that permitted Congress to legislate the interest groups’ political rhetoric via disclaimer and disclosure requirements.

Democrats precisely drafted the legislation to prohibit overseas corporations, federal contractors and tax payer bailed out businesses from the sponsorship.

At the same time, the bill enforced the disclaimer and disclosure requirement on the rest with the respective organizations’ chief executive or union leader’s personal appearance and endorsement message in the political ad.

Similar criteria apply to the nexus group representing the corporations, trade unions…to identify the top donors in the political ad.

Additionally, the corporations and advocacy groups are expected to provide campaign contribution details exceeding $1,000 in their political expenditure accounts.

The purpose behind this legislation is to enable transparency for free and fair elections by limiting the powerful organizations from depriving the electorates’ voice being heard in a democracy.

Not surprisingly, the business groups had expressed their grievances claiming the legislative act violated the free speech right and reportedly highlighted on the unions not being subject to the same conditions.

This issue could be addressed with a clear emphasis on the bill to affect all participants in the political campaign including the non-profit organizations with a political agenda regardless of stature.

Up until now, the legislation passage is entirely dependent on the democrats and isolated Republican member votes viz. Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, in all major issues.

The Republican opposition has been driven by the special interests controlling the electoral and legislative process.

Now, the Republican members voting against the campaign finance reform prove their priority to the business groups over their constituents and the American electorate in the nation.

In return, the business groups have pledged extraordinary support and financial backing to the Republican candidates thwarting the democrats’ effort to represent the American people and the nation at large.

Therefore, the public demand across the political spectrum is imperative to revive the bill and restore democracy upon the Congress members’ return from August recess.

Any resistance to the bill will indicate the political party and the member’s self-interest against national interest.

Rest assured, the Democrats bill on the campaign finance reform is a phenomenal step towards fixing the broken political system in Washington.

People have the power to bring about the long overdue change in the political sphere.

It’s possible by electing the legislators demonstrating their commitment to work for the people and the democrats are diligently performing their constitutional duties in improving American lives.

Please send your affordable / generous contributions to DCCC, DSCC, DNC and DGA in getting the doers i.e. the democrats elected overwhelmingly to the House, the Senate and State Governors in November 2010.

It might be a great challenge to compete with the corporations, but the will of the people cannot be deterred by the forces against them as established in 2008 elections.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

P.S.: Please send your contributions to the following address or visit their websites.

DNC – Democratic National Committee – www.dnc.org
Attn: Governor Tim Kaine
430 South Capitol Street SE,
Washington, D.C., 20003

DCCC – Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee www.dccc.org

Attn: Speaker Nancy Pelosi
430 South Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C., 20003

DSCC – Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee www.dscc.org
Attn: State Senator (?)
120 Maryland Ave., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002.

DGA – Democratic Governors Association – www.democraticgovernors.org
1401 K Street, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under United States | Leave a Comment 

United States Senate Actions Chronicle

August 8, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The United States Senate in the past week (August 2nd – August 6th 2010) made inroads through following actions.

1. Senate Confirmation of the Supreme Court Nominee.

Senate confirmed the Supreme Court Justice nominee, Elena Kagan and further enhanced the intellectual as well as the judicial acumen in the United States Supreme Court.

Congratulations! To the Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan for the highest honor and a lifetime opportunity to serve the people of the United States with objectivity, diligence in the interpretation of the constitutional law and decisions evaluated on the pervasive impact.

As stated earlier, Justice Elena Kagan would be a valuable asset to the present distinguished Supreme Court representation in all aspects.

Best Wishes to Justice Elena Kagan in the new judicial responsibility.

President Barack Obama and Congress members deserve credit in efficiently addressing the nomination process.

————————————————————————————————————————-

2. Senate Confirmation of the National Intelligence Director

Senate also confirmed the National Intelligence Director – James R. Clapper to lead the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies.

Recently, there were concerns regarding the fragmented intelligence apparatus and the revolving complexity compromising the efficiency required to serve national security.

The newly appointed Director is claimed to possess the credentials and experience in the intelligence field with glowing references from the defense and intelligence departments.

Director Clapper is expected to integrate the national intelligence efforts and provide the management crucial for national security.

It appears that Director Clapper successfully demonstrated his ability in this respect and convinced the Senate Committee for a unanimous vote during the confirmation hearing.

Congratulations and Best Wishes! To the National Intelligence Director – James R. Clapper in the important designation to safeguard national interests.

——————————————————————————————————————–

3. Senate Approval of $26 Billion for States and Schools

Earlier in the week, the Senate passed the bill to fund the States and School districts in an effort to protect the teachers and the several government workers’ jobs.

Teachers, law enforcement and emergency department employees were facing layoffs due to the states’ severe deficit crisis.

The federal aid is a saving grace for it would provide the school districts with timely financial supplement in maintaining the proper academic environment.

With respect to the states, the furloughs hurt the employees and deep spending cuts were targeted against the essential programs.

But, now the funding could help in those areas and prevent job losses that otherwise would have exacerbated the state and national unemployment.

The $26 billion is a stopgap measure to allow the states in continuing the necessary educational and social services including the border security provision by deploying 1000 patrol agents as a strike force in the sensitive areas.

The benefits are also extended to the department of Justice in handling the excess case overload.

It’s noteworthy that the bill is entirely funded by the revenue from closing the business tax loophole and making spending cuts.

Therefore, it does not add to the national deficit.

The $600 million appropriated towards border security is also paid for. The 10 percent increase in spending is adjusted against the visa application fee hikes on the few companies sponsoring foreign workers.

Senate action is praiseworthy and reflects the authors such as the New York Senator Charles E. Schumer as well as others’ true commitment in defending the nation from economic woes and security foes.

House of Representatives are returning to vote on this bill next week. It’s indicative of their dedication to rescue the vulnerable members in the society. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House members’ action are attention worthy.

The public gratitude in this regard would be inevitably conveyed through ballots in November 2010.

Republican Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe share the appreciation for their bipartisan support in the recent legislations.

Perhaps, other Republican members would join their two esteemed colleagues in the near future.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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California Proposition 8 Victory

August 6, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Heartfelt Congratulations! To the LGBT community and Gay rights advocates on the recent victory.

On August 5, 2010 the California federal court Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled against Proposition 8 that banned same-sex marriage.

The issue had been long contested by the opponents through various avenues – legal, ballot and legislative measures.

Yesterday’s ruling confirms the unconstitutionality surrounding the voter supported Proposition 8 that deprived society’s specific members the equal rights in all matter.

With this verdict, a significant progress has been made thus far.

The debate has evolved into a much better understanding of the prevalent social injustice prompting legislative actions by the Democratic Congress to protect these citizens from discriminatory practices including,

President Barack Obama’s actions extending equivalent benefits to federal employees and gay rights expansion in every possible dimension, not to mention the initiative to repeal ‘Don’t ask don’t tell,’ policy in the military.

There is still a great deal of efforts required in invoking natural empathy, the inherent human quality latent in the contemporary society,

For the civil union continues to be the political choice over legitimacy to formalizing the marital status.

Nevertheless, the gay rights movement has gained impressive momentum through myriad sources and it will soon be triumphant nationally in this regard.

Incremental winnings provide optimism in the targeted goals and the gay members deserve to prevail at every opportunity.

Any society that believes in – “All are created equal in every respect,”

They would unequivocally favor the simple desire for “same-sex,” marriage among their fellow human beings without subjecting them to individual perceptions.

Best Wishes and Good Luck! To the gay activists for more positive outcome not only in this issue but also the ‘don’t ask don’t tell,’ matter.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Humanitarian | Leave a Comment 

Peace in Kashmir Valley – Truce between India and Pakistan

August 3, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

The Indian State of Kashmir is under curfew due to the escalating clashes between the militants’ proxies and the Indian Security forces.

Reportedly somewhere between nine and thirty three people had died, several security personnel got injured in the past three days alerting a cabinet committee review among the Central and State government leaders. The cabinet meeting presided by the Indian Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh appear to have discussed the pertinent issues on Kashmir.

Views on the Kashmir valley vary depending on the beholder.

Kashmir is the long disputed territory for the nuclear neighbors Pakistan and India since their independence. The misguided approach to the Kashmir dispute has stalled the strong bilateral relationship from fruition. Both countries that were once united in the Indian sub-continent share more similarities on a broad spectrum.

The multifold opportunities at political, economic and social front could benefit both countries enormously by divesting the disproportionate defense spending to improve the lives of the vast majority living in abject poverty and concurrently promoting the society’s educated middle class that has been instrumental in driving the respective work force.

Instead, the nations have engaged in conventional warfare and were at the brink of nuclear confrontation not long ago contributing to the lingering security concerns on both sides.

Kashmir is divided along the borders and the northern area alongside Pakistan referred to as ‘Azad Kashmir,’ falls under Pakistan’s jurisdiction.

Whereas the Indian side of Kashmir is bifurcated as Jammu and Kashmir state with a democratically elected Chief Minister Omar Abdullah under the governor N.N.Vohra.

Jammu and Kashmir with two state capitals Srinagar during summer and Jammu in winter has its origins tracing back to the first millennium when the entire valley was enriched primarily in Hinduism and governed by the people, a thriving republic.

Then the introduction of Buddhism came along, followed by the interim Islamic influence through Moghul emperors and again eventually ruled by the Dogras represented by the Hindu majority.

Maharaja Hari Singh, the most contemporary ruler (1895-1961) of the Kashmir valley sprawling from Jammu, Kashmir, Northern areas, Ladakh, Trans-Karakoram Tract and Aksai Chin had signed the instrument of accession to the Republic of India on October 26, 1947.

Upon Kashmir being attacked by Pakistani Armed Forces in 1947, soon after Pakistan and India’s freedom from British rule, Maharaja Hari Singh acceded the princely state of Kashmir in its entirety to the democratic India.

Maharaja Hari Singh is survived by his only heir His Highness DR. Karan Singh.

DR. Karan Singh held high profile cabinet positions during the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s term in office between 1970 and 1984. Besides being elected the President of the Province, then Governor of the State in 1964,

At present DR. Karan Singh is the titular Maharaja of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Today, Jammu and Kashmir demography reflects a Muslim majority, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists from Ladakh region and other ethnic groups from Northern India.

Regardless of the history, the bone of contention has been the state with the highly concentrated Muslim population should either become part of the Muslim nation i.e. Pakistan or allowed to seek autonomy from India and Pakistan.

Both scenarios do not bode well for the Kashmiris as they would be economically disadvantaged and politically vulnerable without the distinctive statehood and a stable Central government.

Moreover, Kashmir has other indigenous population such as Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs…with formidable cultural and religious heritage going back to several centuries. The dispute settlement beckons the positive outcome for all rather than the selective course of action heeding to the national and international political rhetoric.

The militant groups’ activism originating from the Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Taiba misleading the separatist movement APHC, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Indian State cannot be ignored.

Undeniably, the kamikaze policy is detrimental to the source and the parties affiliated to them.

If the notion is to create tension in the Indian state to destabilize the democratically elected government headed by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, such missions inevitably backfire leaving the majority population at the lawlessness mercy, thus exacerbating the political, economic and social environment.

The APHC and other separatist organizations seeking independence need not look farther for,

Pakistan in twenty first century is overwhelmed with internal turmoil triggered by ceaseless terrorism and the credible evidence against the Pakistan military as well as the intelligence agency’s affiliations to Taliban and terror networks keeps unfolding time and time again.

The democratic governments in Pakistan have been toppled and challenged since birth. The continued attempts only derail the economic progress for the country with incredible potential to compete in the global economy.

Pakistan is undermined by the defense sector focused on prolific arms trade. It is proved to be a major impediment in improving its relations with not only India but also Afghanistan and others in the region.

The intermittent diplomacy emerging between Pakistan and India including Afghanistan require perseverance in dialogue aimed at each other as allies not adversaries.

Although, the incumbent Pakistan government along with the United States has pursued the terror networks, the operation cannot be successful without Pakistan’s ISI and military officials’ true commitment.

Indian troop level maintained at half a million to safeguard the 10 million Kashmiri population has been the highlight of Pakistan’s complaint.

Pakistani government on its part is yet to address India’s legitimate request to eliminate radical terror groups – ominously Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani network and the likes, having been successful in the terrorist act against Indian civilians.

Even Pakistan’s cooperation has been dismal in extraditing the terror masterminds in the face of harsh realities.

It’s in the best interest of Pakistan to eradicate the contaminants polluting their soil and renew Pakistan’s image as a reliable partner in global war on terror.

Failing that people in Pakistan are held back from moving forward in the new millennium and stigmatized because of the various terrorist groups’ nefarious activities.

When comparing the economic and political conditions of ‘Azad Kashmir,’ under Pakistan governance with the Indian state Jammu and Kashmir, the citizens on the Indian side have better economic prospects and political stability barring the militant’s infiltration across the border and the Indian Security forces reaction to curb the instigation.

Poignantly, the advocacy on secessionism in relation to Kashmir from different corners ought to be analogized.

Those who favor Kashmir secession from the Union of Democratic India premise their decisions purely on the census data and disregard the dire consequences from it.

For instance, California is exceedingly populated by the once ‘minorities,’ projected to be the majority in the near future.

Similarly, France and other parts of Western Europe are dominant with immigrants especially a much higher Muslim population expected to grow exponentially by 2050.

The population ratio as the criterion for the secessionist demands on Kashmir sets a nonviable precedence with serious repercussions to India and the rest of the world.

Notwithstanding that India is the second largest Muslim nation surpassing Pakistan and other Islamic countries on the globe.

Therefore, Kashmir or any other state for that matter within India could not be isolated from the democratic union now or in the future.

Jammu & Kashmir for all the valid reasons have been represented by Muslim Chief Ministers duly elected by the people through a democratic process and are provided with the necessary support from the Central government under the remarkable leadership of Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh.

Any grievances towards the excessive security forces presence or the latest incidents involving them are to be resolved peacefully and effectively in a democratic setting.

In fact, the valuable suggestions from the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah is pragmatic and extremely hopeful.

The Chief Minister has made the following proposal during the Cabinet Committee on Security session:

“The CCS, while taking stock of the situation, also discussed the proposal of state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for beginning an internal dialogue with all shades of opinion.

The state government had also sent a request for a policy to rehabilitate former militants who had served their jail sentence and were unemployed besides a comprehensive policy for those youths who were willing to return from Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

It may be mentioned that intelligence agencies had been reporting that the majority of stone pelters have been those who have been former militants at present unemployed.”

It’s clear from the deteriorating situation in Kashmir that the former militants and the youths behind the unrest could be deterred through economic solutions i.e. employment, government and private sector programs assisting youth participation in community projects; facilitate entrepreneurship – small businesses and self-sustenance modeled on urban development

Indian Central government has a responsibility to investigate the allegations against the security forces in the ongoing protest producing loss of lives.

Indian security force would be admirable as peace keepers and avoid measures leading to civilian deaths or physical harm.

The Kashmiris’ plight from all walks of life deserve the state and the Central government result-oriented actions targeting the political, economic and social problems with an assurance that Kashmir is and will always remain the integral part of secular India.

Kashmir harmony is paramount for the Indian sub-continent peace. The elements trying to sabotage the democratic system are destined for their own downfall in accordance with the end justifying the means.

Kashmir could achieve the long lasting peace and prosperity in the current democratic atmosphere ideal for new developments.

Good Luck! To Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the cabinet ministers, APHC and the people of Kashmir in the amicable resolution of the conflict.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | Leave a Comment 

Tragic Events in Pakistan

August 1, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Pakistan has been hit with successive tragedies lately resulting in enormous loss of precious lives.

Earlier, there were significant fatalities from the air crash near Islamabad. While the people were grieving over the aviation mishap, the country is swept with massive flooding and more than 1500 people reportedly lost their lives.

The flooding is expected to worsen with thousands displaced and millions facing life disruptions due to power outages and transportation problems.

Pakistani government appears to have deployed its military for rescue operation. It’s challenging to deal with mass mobilization for any emergency crew. The Pakistani forces are apparently doing their best in saving lives.

In addition, the United States logistic support in this regard expedites the relief effort. The major concerns during natural disasters are the spread of diseases and the populace exodus to the safety zones.

Aid workers involved in minimizing casualties have a daunting task in reaching the victims because of the limited access and air lifting survivors often delays the progress.

It’s a horrendous humanitarian endeavor and the people of Pakistan are courageously enduring the aftermath despite the natural constraints in delivering the urgently required services.

United Nations are presumably engaged in providing the appropriate assistance that would not only alleviate the burden on the local governments but also maximize the restoration capabilities.

The people of Pakistan deserve global attention in the economic and social development sharing the status with numerous developing nations around the world.

As such Pakistan has been held hostage by the terror networks prompting ongoing military intervention and continuous violence through frequent suicide bombings render survival impossible for the peaceful majority within the country.

Any other incidents along with natural calamities exacerbate the situation especially for the millions at the demographic bottom experiencing critical economic condition.

The Pakistani government is faced with eliminating terrorism and rebuilding the country amid unpredictable catastrophes on its shores.

Pakistan is long overdue for a new beginning with peaceful existence now and in the future.

It’s imminent and the governing authorities could enable the onset sooner by prioritizing the citizens’ plight through divestments from excess military expenditure to economy, education and social structure.

In terms of the current crisis, consolidating the resources including the United States and UN contributions towards different humanitarian needs in the grim moment could perhaps yield the desirable outcome.

International Red Cross and other U.N. humanitarian programs might greatly impact the deteriorating environment in containing the rising death toll from the severe floods that has seemingly affected many provinces.

Please rush your affordable and generous donations to the International Red Cross and other recognized U.N. humanitarian agencies to help the people of Pakistan.

We offer our sincere condolences to the victims’ families mourning on the unfortunate events in the past week.

More importantly, there is hope for the struggling population braving the harsh realities as they are not forgotten in the commitment to end human suffering.

On that positive note, wishing strength and optimism to the people of Pakistan in overcoming the multitude difficulties at present.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Humanitarian | Leave a Comment 

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