collective farming

                                           

 

                                                     Collective farming

As the Parliamentarians are busy with their coal business, the news of vidharba farmers committing suicide has gone unnoticed. Th e architect of liberalization may be guilty of many acts ,but the biggest curse of liberalization is the mass suicide of farmers.

There are many deprived communities in India, atrocities are committed against dalits, women, children and many others, there are solutions being sought, agitations being held with many NGOs in forefront but to me the problem of farmers suicide baffles for want of solution. Since the beginning of liberalization more than one lakh farmers have committed suicide. Is it not a national shame!

When we sit down to eat our meals we forget that it is that innocent farmer in some unknown part of our country who has provided us this? Th e retailers the industrialist make their booty by nicely packaging the food created with sweat and toil of that faceless farmer! He remains among the most insecure person , he does not have the city support which our industrial workers get. There are no unions for him , he has to fend for himself alone.

Things have not changed since the time of Premchand who depicted so deeply the pathos of farmers in 'GODAN' and many other short stories. But what is shocking is the rate of suicide! During the pre liberalization days the state of farmers was the same but they never committed suicide , now the lure of making fast money gets them in debt trap, specially when crops fail.

What then is the solution ? To me collective farming is one way out, I know that there is this tremendous attachment of farmers with their land and that must continue to be so , but the district administration must provide free seeds, fertilizer etc, the profit could be shared and in case of failure of crops the farmers do not have to pay to anyone, the profits may be less but the security will be there. Collective farming though was forced in USSR and the old soviet bloc but was successful in Israel Cuba, we can try it in limited way!

MORNING SHOW

                                                          MORNING SHOW

 

 

 

The 'morning show' of cinema at Allahabad fills me with many memories, good youthful memories when we boys from St Joseph's would flock to see the regular English cinema at reduced rates, at Palace cinema hall or Plaza Theater at civil lines, sometimes at Niranjan too , but mostly it was Palace or Plaza. It was a sort of get together of school friends. The one movie which I remember vividly was 'Beckett' starring Richard Burton and Peter O'toole, the performance of the two actors was discussed during the school. We went with much expectation to see 'Ice station Zebra', starring Rock Hudson but were disappointed by lack of action. Later Payal and Zhankar theaters too screened English movies, yes! 'Hawwai' starring Julia Andrews and Richard Harris and the famous Swedish actor who starred in most Bergman films, the film made an impact with its epic coverage and great acting by Julia Andrews and then there was this film of Richard Burton called 'Villain' I saw at Payal. There were westerns too 'El dorado' starring John Wayne and Robert Mitchum.

The first taste was with our Dad when he took us to Palace to see 'Count of mount of cristo' a film based on Alexander Dumas novel, then there was no looking back. We saw many hindi films too but the charm of English movie was unique; how can we forget the war movies-'Tobruk' starring Rock Hudson , 'Battle of Bulge' starring Robert Shaw.

These days too at Mumbai I go for morning shows sometimes, but that excitement is missing, it is just a routine feeling. The cost and gloss which has covered cinema going specially at multiplexes has robbed of its soul. It is so full of commerce and money making that that the wonderment of that youthful charm is lost

Or probably I am not in touch with changing times! What is there to expect from a generation which is overfed on cinema-DVD, TV, internet downloading, cinema for them is just a click away! But I remember the old times when we were young and so serious about cinema. It was never a costly affair, despite our economic constraint we managed a ticket of lower stalls. I seriously feel that cinema should be subsidized being a large medium of mass entertainment; but then how will the films earn 100 crore and more ! A disease afflicted cinema world these days. For me cinema is still a passion, have maintained to retain the childlike response to it. I still see cinema on Fridays and miss it when movies are not released, despite many theaters and shows , I still book tickets for hyped movies.

That tension, that expectation still grapples me which was there when I struggled to find a view to watch Dilip Kumar's 'Daag' during the Annual function of the Valmiki college near my house. Or still when as children we lined up to watch films on 16mm projector of my friend's father; films borrowed from 'chalchitra vibhag' Allahabad. The association continued in University as we looked forward to screening of film society where we were introduced to the masters and witnessed the innocence of 'The bicycle thieves', which prompted me to watch Ray and others. The journey continues for me as I still long for that elusive ' morning show'.

CINEMA OF DEMOCRACY

  

 CINEMA OF DEMOCRACY

    Culture and the various Art forms exist to provide us sustenance for survival ; essentially. It is a different matter that a large number of people engaged in Art and culture are primarily there for commercial interest. Cinema; is a unique art form which requires sufficient commerce for its conveyance to masses- cinema halls ,publicity, transportation to far and wide places and payment to cast and crew. However these days the digital and satellite form has reduced expenditure; but the complexity of making process has remained unchanged.

       Any art form is also a reservoir of our culture. Whatever is refined, subtle and pure is reflected in the art form we produce. Cinema is a popular cultural form and it has the widest acknowledgment and acceptance. It possesses not only a wide canvas of colour and images but wide spectrum encompassing varied Indian communities as well. It represents the largest collective culture of not only a country but the world itself. In comparison to the age of other Art form it is still the youngest, as it has hardly completed 100 years but in terms of its impact and power it is the strongest.

        However in the name of popular culture much pulp is being churned out in respect of quality. But there are a set of film makers in recent times who are doing quality work despite dealing with popular themes. These films are rooted to a certain culture and the stories they relate are that of a certain region. This new approach of planting the plot and story in a certain real geographical location not only adds realism but gives representation to that community which is otherwise neglected in terms of economics and opportunities. By relating their stories they get a chance of being registered in the multiple cinematic frames for centuries. Don’t we relate ‘Fiddler on the roof’ as a story of Russian Jews?

         In any democracy it is essential that all classes and cultures are offered fair opportunities , but that is far from realization in political and economic terms,therefore these filmmakers are giving them a voice otherwise left unattended by those responsible. Till very recently only certain cultures were representing the many; for instance the rural India spoke the awadhi-bhojpuri dialect of eastern UP on screen, however the film 'Paan Singh Tomar' depicts the typical dialect of Bhind-Muraina districts of Madhya Pradesh, after watching the movie many who belonged to that area derived extra joy when the characters in the movie spoke peculiar words such as 'mora' and 'mori'( boy and girl)for those not familiar with the words the subtitles help but the authenticity and realism which the unique sound gives is appreciated by all . Vishal Bharadwaj also broke new ground in 'Omkara' by giving voice to the typical western UP accent of Meerut and adjoining districts, 'Peepli live' was also set in rural MP and more recently 'Gangs of Wassepur' exhibited the nuances of Dhanbad area.

          

      When confident film makers venture to exploit new shades of culture the stories also appear refreshing and more importantly the dominance of one culture and class is reduced; also stereotypes are vanquished.

         

      This is what can be heralded as the 'Cinema of Democracy'.

READING HARIVANSH BACHHAN

                                          READING HARIVANSH BACHHAN

Just completed Harivanshrai Bachhan’s second part of Autobiography ‘Neede ka nirman phir’, ( Building Home, yet again ) and before the impressions and observations fade I broach to share them.

The reading process clarifies many myths which one gathers over numerous casual conversations with other fellow Allahabadis- their original roots, Teji’s role in his life, how A N Jha helped him and his own conflicts and sorrows.

The Bachhan family have been staying in Allahabad prior to the first war of Independence, the ancestors moved from a place near Pratapgarh called Babu patti and settled in the city prior to its urbanization. They can therefore boast of being the earliest inhabitants of Allahabad. The landmark Zero road of chowk demolished their original ancestral home during the development phase and then they had to build a new home in Mutthi ganj.The language which Amitabh Bachhan speaks in various roles depicting U P culture is a dialect of Awadhi typical to Allahabad; no wonder!

But what strikes one is both, the style and substance.. It is not only a story of one’s life but serious Hindi Literature ( though he was a lecturer in English Literature). The style is not simple , racy thriller but compels your attention to a distinctness typically Bachhan, it requires effort expected of a serious reader, but soon the sincerity and honesty of the person coaxes you to complete the journey; which is indeed cathartic. He created poetry from sweat and tears.

We all face crisis in life, so did Harivanshrai, but what is of note is the manner in which he copes with these critical situations. The common thread which runs in all major occurrences in his life is his deep dedication, hard physical and mental labour ( tapasya) .As a child student he learnt Urdu at home from a strict Moulvi, but later under the influence of his teacher Vishram Tewari shifted to Hindi. A casual advise from his teacher to read the books available in Hindi Sahitya Sammelan library made him embark on a mission and he read numerous books on varying subjects , even if he did not comprehend many.How he took tuitions to make ends meet and fought TB successfully by self treatment in an unconventional manner, it is an irony that he could not save his first wife Shyma ( he called her JOY and she fondly called him SORROW). His best work ‘ Madhushala’ was written when he was married to Shyma and her illness was in its initial phase, in fact his major poetic work is written prior to his meeting and marrying Teji.We must not judge him only from his Madhu series ( Madhushala, Madhubala, Madhukalash), but some of his work soon after the death of his wife- ‘ Nisha Nimantran’ , ‘Aikant Sangeet’ is also of equal importance .

Bachhan could be called the one and only ‘Star Hindi’ poet ( I am not taking into consideration the hasya kavis). The old timers will confirm that his rendition of ‘Madhushala’ swayed the audience, people invited him from far and wide and he held single shows successfully. He had an immense fan following, though he never brags of his in his book.

An interesting phase of his career has been the help which he received from a number of Brahmins ( who says that in Allahabad there is an on going one-upmanship between the Kayastha and Brahmins!!). The first being ‘Karkal’ who was his childhood friend and lived in his premises . Bachhan has shown rare truthfulness in writing of his physical intimacy with Karkal’s wife Champa after the sudden demise of his friend and her tragic end when she conceived . Vishram Tewari, the disciplinarian who left a deep mark on his early upbringing. Tewari would cane all and sundry but always had a soft corner for the quiet Bachhan. Then there was the famous A N Jha, the Head of the English Department, he gave him job as temporary lecturer kept tab on his progress, gifted a ‘blue sapphire’( which many including partially Bachhan believe that it changed his destiny) finally ensured that he was made permanent , invited him to stay with his newly wed wife at his cottage at Mussoorie. It is therefore a bit odd that Bachhan is not so forthcoming in his gratitude to Jha and more so is critical of his guiding abilities and inadequacies as host ( though he stayed for good 45 days at his cottage). He hints about a ‘third point’ in husband –wife relationship without naming anyone and says that he could write a book on the subject. Was it A N Jha he was referring to?

His life takes a turn on meeting and marrying Teji- a beautiful pragmatic sikh lady. Their meeting at common friend’s home at Bareli during NEW YEAR EVE in 1941 is dramatic and romantic . Contrary to our belief Teji had not heard of him and was not his fan as we were made to believe. They meet and while he is reading aloud his poetry tears commence flowing from Teji’s eyes, followed by Bachhan’s and soon both are uncontrollable ; the friends leave the room, the two while weeping embrace each other. Teji shifts from Lahore where she was teaching Psychology to Allahabad and they marry within a fortnight. In oct the same year a son is born to them, the famous poet Sumitra nandan Pant ( another Brahmin) is residing with them at that time and names the child Amitabh ( he names the second child too- Ajitabh).

The final building of Home with Teji at Allahabad commences with their first residence at Allenganj at Rs 75/- rent, followed by Bank road , Strachey road, Adelphi and settling for 7 years at 17 Clive road with five big rooms , garden. Here he finds stability and progress, names the home –Dussdwar ( ten doors). The story continues in his third book ‘Dussdwar se Soupan tak’.

Critics rate the first two books as great. I feel that excellent cinema can be made starring the two Bachhans based on Harivanshrai Bachhan’s Autobiography. Interestingly both Teji and Harivanshrai were offered work by the Shalimar studio Pune( Teji as heroine and Bachhan as song writer), but Harivansh withdrew, though Teji was keen and also disappointed. She later fulfilled her dreams abundantly through her Son!

WATCHING DOORDARSHAN

I  do not know whether others too have felt , but in the recent past I am unable to tolerate the sight of Arnob Goswami, Rajdeep Sardesai and Barkha Dutt( even though she has tried hard to reinvent herself after the ‘Radia tape’ episode) and other such similar NEWS  anchors. Their belligerent approach annoys me. The  hallmark of the recent journalists  as one analyst aptly put it is –‘arrogance and ignorance’. At the cost of being called  a cynic I wholeheartedly agree to it. In this age of consumerism quantity has overshadowed ‘ quality’. Refinement has fallen victim to ‘bulk transfer’. So  over enthusiastic these aggressive anchors appear on TV that it seems that the new world order is just round the corner. Protected by their corporate leaders and a battery of lawyers they seem immune to any  sense of caution or responsibility.

  Therefore invariably I flip through to other News  channels and over a period have observed that the D oordarshan offers much balanced News and views. Firstly the primary aim of Doordarshan is not to multiply its money, in its earlier days it would only telecast what the ‘ high command’ desired, the image it suffered during the emergency days haunts it still , but it seems that it has turned the corner. The advertisements are few and therefore less  interruptions. The news is indeed critical of Government, just the other day the discussion on ‘Air India’ in ‘Lok Sabha’ tv  brought out many shortcomings of Govt. The ‘ Rajya Sabha’ tv also covers entertainment programme and discussions with imminent Artists  which is conducted leisurely and the conductor is not racing against time.  In fact there was a detailed discussion on the recently concluded congress of the CPM at Kozhikode, this was unthinkable earlier. There is a certain style and sophistication  which makes it competitive and at par with other commercial channels, the panelists are learned and  respectable  unlike the standard set of people of commercial news channels.

    I also realized that we were wooed away from Doordarshan/prasar bharti as the many news channels gave much better news, it was not filtered, it was faster too. However over the years the true character of the commercial channels has surfaced, they too are building an opinion either  in favour or against the Govt, at times there is an invisible face which is controlling it for a vested motive whether it is corruption  or failure of security these commercial channels have gone over the top. Therefore since all the channels are for a commercial cause and not social it is indeed better to watch ‘doordarshan’ a known old face which has matured over the years and perhaps has learnt from the BBC.

    The recent remarks of Justice Markandaye Katju the Chairman of Press commission of India regarding the poor standards of journalists lacking in social commitment, the menace of paid news also supplement my thoughts.

  It is time that for longevity of  our democracy we restore faith in the established systems over the years . We have to believe in ‘public distribution system’ rather than in mall culture and FDI in retails. We have to believe in the CBSE and State educational Boards rather than in IB and other foreign standards which cater to only miniscule of our population. We have to believe in our own patent policy rather than that of WTO. We have to believe in our own agriculture seeds rather than that of multinational. Similarly we have to believe in our own NEWS and views for they can deliver.

 I strongly recommend my friends to watch DD, Lok Sabha/ Rajya Sabha channels.

doon diary

 DOON    DIARY

Am at Dehradoon on vacation, thae place of my birth . Much has changed ; the town is emerging into an unmanageable city! Though I visit Doon at least once a year this time I could see the changes at far off distances too. The town of Doon in which I was born had a character- schooling, Military training, survey of India, the culture of walking and cycling, the bubbling Punjabi migrants the emerging Garwali commmunity, a distinct British  stamp on administration of schools and offices a certain cosmopolitism distinguished the town.

   The formation of Uttarakhand State and  Doon being declared its  Capital has not only changd its character but in a way ‘assasinated’ its character !! Whatever was  its personality developed over the years seems eroded. The massive construction has not only defaced its original charm but has allowed uncontrolled population to reap the economic benefits of a developing state. The areas of  importance,those with prospect of investment have been occupied by the money bags . The road side location encompassing the entire state which have potential for tourism in future belong to the remote  unknown faces , with influence and reach to twist the law to their advantage. Despite the late effort of the Government to safeguard the interest of the locals in acquisition of land the  irrepairable  damage has been done. The city seems to be in a state of  disarry .

  Vivid memories of childhood visit me; we all piled in ‘Shahid’s’ tonga trotted and gallopped to Rajpur road via the slim and cunning lanes of ‘Khurbura’, cannaught place, Prabhat cinema hall, Digvijay- Ghanta ghar and reached St Joseph’s Academy. Prior to start of class we played ‘langri-tang’ on the pebbled ground. Bund-samosa was relished during break and whenever our meagre savings allowed.Returning to school again on foot in the afternoon to play football. Was in 4ft 4inch school team, the Irish Brothers were keen sportsmen, this could be made out from the number of playing grounds we had, these are still the hall mark of our school.Now the pedestrians are looked down upon  in fact there are hardly any footpaths to see.

  We were tenents in Laxman chowk of Vaidyaji who wore wooden sandals( kharanwu) and grew under the warmth of his  large family, his daughters and sons were addressed as mausi and mama. This time I visited the house part of which has been preserved by his grandson Dabbu a gem of a person who is a gifted musicians, they invited us to dinner and was lke returning to childhood. We talked of the era gone by when the srvents too were treated like family members, the warmth of relationship.Actually we lived in the same house as only a tin sheet seperated us. There large garden with lichi, mango , amrak and anwala trees.

  Returning to the destruction of hills my fears have been echoed in the article written by Mrinal Pande , the chairperson of prasar bharti in ‘Hindu’ of 27apr 2012. It seems the state has been formed to cater to the interest of the ‘builder lobby’, the large majority have been denied development. I often wonder as to what has happened to the committed journalists of hills ?

NATION AND THE MATURING OF DEMOCRACY

       N ATION  AND      THE    MATURING    OF     DEMOCRACY

The Nation is on the move. During the past one year or so some remarkable events have occured  which have speeded the process of social change—Anna’s movement to curtail corruption in public life, arrests of high and mighty in corruption charges, maturing of election commissioner , the recent assembly elections and the defeat of the media created political leaders and the rise of state level leadership.We should not ponder over the quality of change , but celebrate the change itself, like our forefathers celebrated the attainment of Independence. The  detractors of these movemenents are critical of Anna as he is perceived to be be challenging the parliament! The sweeping of polls by Akhilesh Yadav is being seen as the rise of goonda raj! But all this is the one facet of the change, the heartening fact is the social churning which is taking place.

    And indeed it is true that those in the existing position of power deslike this change as it challenges their existing power position/equation! We must remember that when ever democracy flourishes it changes the power equations as the power is shifted from high to low and those in high position resist this change and device ideology to support their position. Whatever is therefore occuring is therefore manifestation of social change and we should accept it. Many factors have contributed to this change – modern education,mass media boom, social consciousness etc.

  Democracy is not limited to politics only but other fields too--- economic, social. In fact it affects the economic field first and then others. It affects our homes as it has changed the husband-wife, father-son, brother-sister relationship.  Women are deservingly getting whatever they were denied so far- education,share in property and representaion in panchayat and parliament!

All this is indeed good for humanity. “ blessed are the meek for they shall inheret the Kingdom of God”.