Comments by "" (@kallachi729) on "ThePrint" channel.

  1. Smell the coffee. Back in the late 1980s, I was posted in a government institution. In those days serial Ramayana was screened for an hour every Sunday morning. During times of heavy workload, because of the added work schedules, the institution worked on Sundays of some weeks. On those Sundays, I recall, the staff wanted an hour’s break between 09.30 – 11.00 AM to watch the serial Ramayana. I believe the whole nation came to a standstill during the screening. BJP etc. was not even on the horizon during that period. All said and done, the “Ram Mandir” in Ayodhya will be a boost to the hospitality, travel and tourism industries while boosting the State and local economies. Tailpiece: The stock value of L&T who constructed the Ram Temple, has almost doubled in the last one year.
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  2. INC’s reaction to all crisis situations reminds me of the story of the ostrich which when encountered with danger buries it’s head in the sand and hopes the danger will pass by. Race to bottom? Gravity takes over! Tailpiece: Yes the Nation needs a strong “opposition” … not in words but in deeds. I hope the INC during its course of agitations against the price rise etc., also tell us what has led to the price rise and recommend actions to curb the same.
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  3. An eye opening exposition, DK. Here is one minister who probably runs his ministry as a corporate… looking at expenses, People, efficiency, profitable use of working capital, production at maximum capacity, innovation and the bottom line (in this case deliver to the public). Tailpiece: Many lessons there, I suppose. Ah and yes, he also finds corporate style delivers better than political inefficiency:)
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  4. Does Kamla Harris have to “remind” us that India matters? An intriguing headline! Appalled! Or is it a matter of English that says “..for the USA India matters”. Or is it my (mis)understanding that is intriguing. Any which way, it is intriguing!!!!!
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  5. Why did the media also fail to communicate? Is the media only to criticize and follow opportunistic/convenient journalism? Tailpiece: The easiest part of journalism is to criticize governments and institutions. Media must also some time do the difficult part of educating the people - in this case the farmers, possibly. It is a failure of self styled “experts” too.
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  6. IAS is a relic from the past. When we have specialists for each part of our body , in place of the good old family doctor, whither this general purpose service. What can they deliver in this century of specializations and going ahead? Tailpiece: Learning on the job is no more an option.
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  7. Hinduism is not a religion in the sense of Abrahamic religion. If you insist, it is the only democratic religion if you want to call it that). one can be a Hindu “believing’ in any deity (even of any Abrahamic religion) or no deity at all; having faith in any God or in no God at all; one can pray any which way one wants to at any time of day or/and night or not pray at all; Culture is a set of values which in the Indian sense is to be respectful, accommodating, open-minded, deeply but not ostensibly spiritual and concerned with the common human welfare offering respect and acceptance to all philosophies / religions. THIS, sir is Hindutva.
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  8. Another relevant and thought provoking presentation from SG. Yes, the electorate needs viable choices… But….I have a few points very briefly, (reams can be written on each) as follows:- 1. Why defeat Modi in the first place.? Defeating Modi (or any HOG/Government can not be an aim of the opposition). There is a Nation to be governed. 2. I do not suppose that economy is an issue as it is being handled fairly well in the obtaining circumstances. 3. The reports are that Indian foreign policy has placed it in a very comfortable position among the comity of Nations. 4. One can’t fault the administration too much (some failures/mistakes are always part of any governance….one has to only look at 75 years of Independent India to realize that) in general matters of governance and policies. 5. Handling of security has NOT weakened, given the long history of long unresolved and nebulous Northern borders. 6. If it is politics…here is a take. The Hindutva or rather “anti-Hindutva” and” secular” are no more relevant in Indian politics. The refrain is if political parties can be parochial (TMC, SS, DMK, TRS etc..), religion based (Muslim leagues, Akali etc..), Clan based (Yadavs, Gujjars etc.) and Dalit based (BSP etc.) or Dynastic (INC,SS, Yadavs, DMK, TC etc..) why can’t there be a party which is “Hindu” based? (I have my own take on this “Hindu” myth). What is the difference in any of these approaches? In electoral democracies every political party will attempt to create a strong faithful voter base. Probably BJP is doing just that. (BTW “Hindus” in droves are not blindly flocking to BJP ). THAT is a natural process in democracy. The perception of exclusion is just because the majority are not minority!!! That is also natural. In such an environment it is difficult to separate the wrong from the right in Indian politics – like it or not. And is that not part of diversity too? Can you have diversity with the exclusion of the majority? Tail piece. Before anything, the opposition has to convince “we the people” that they will do a better job for the Nation. So just a defeat will surely not “deliver “ the Nation from “evil”.
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  9. A good recall. I wonder why give a seemingly clean chit to Ms Gay. I sat through the congress deposition live On TV. It is abundantly clear from the deposition that all three Presidents, did not admit that call for genocide is abhor able even though it was evident they were aware. She also said that the words become abhor able only when it turns to action. On this when Gay was asked if she will take notice only on occurrence of genocide or words to that effect, she floundered and still did not condemn the call for genocide. She was abundantly aware of what she was saying I watched it, all,of it. Tailpiece: Now Ms Gay is just trying to redeem something out of it all, by the left - right and other such arguments. Let us not fall for it. Unfortunately we carry and profess wrong aspects of liberalism which is not good for liberalism. Just saying.
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  10. I am ashamed of our elected representatives. A kinder garten class of toddlers are better behaved. As a citizen who helped elect them I condemn such behaviour - if it means anything at all. Tailpiece: Also there is less commotion than in here at the proverbial “fish markets”. Is this democracy? Just asking.
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  11. I have a question Shekar. Why should fading (faded) politicians, rejected by the electorate, be revived. Why should we make a case for the resurgence of failed parties. Should we not be moving ahead? Just asking. Tailpiece: Do we want stories or development?
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  12. SG. Okay. But attacking congress may bring congress votes to BJP which may make a difference in states like TN, Kerala, AP and Telengana etc… How did you miss that point? Tailpiece: Naming the parochial regional parties in Parliament by PM May give them prominence which the BJP does not want..
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  13. Good assessment. My take This IS serious… Consider this hypocrisy. The US Congress asked for the resignations of these presidents because they said.. action will be taken only if genocide or physical violence takes place, which was unacceptable to the US Congress. Different standards of free speech for propped up “dissidents” and homegrown universities? A blatant and glaring failure to take action in the case of Nijjar and Pannun who spew threats against India and Indian assets. . Tailpiece: Who will call out the USA?
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  14. Very true. Basic problem with Islam is “khafir, ummah and jihad to kill”. Very very true. The problem is neither beef nor idol beneath mosques. I fervently wish and hope all concerned see this for what it is. Tailpiece: All mankind is one family.
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  15. I feel that the media should not talk about what other people think. Thoughts should not be news. Tail piece: What retired officials say in regard to their erstwhile vocations should always be taken with a pinch of salt for obvious reasons. The Q why they say it is more important than what they say.
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  16. Now, comparing UP with Kerala is like comparing India with Japan. In this era of “data” there are places where data does not reveal everything. Developments in Kerala, for instance is a contribution of factors inherent in the State since many centuries. For instance, Kerala was trading with many other countries since millennia. Another fact is today, in more than 70% households in Kerala there is someone who is earning outside the state. It is a process. Central India has to install a process for development and NOT expect results overnight. Tailpiece: It is such matters that make India diverse and not religion and caste etc…. Change the narrative.
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  17. I also disagree with Swasti that India does not know the destination… in a multi lateral arrangement the engagements are issue based and at no time all the cards are laid on the table. The game is being deftly played by India. Media is never part of any diplomacy.
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  18. That was the voice of a strong lady delivered with conviction. Bravo.
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  19. Old wine in old bottle. Elementary Dr. Watson, unless there is 7% (17%?) growth, there can’t be more employment. We are the second largest populated (soon to be the largest) Nation in the world. We are just 70 years old as a polity, after our colonisers left (with sizable loot?) and we got Independence. The growth in relative terms have been phenomenal. Politics by nature is diverse. In an evolving large and diverse as diverse can be Nation like India it can at times get beduffled. I wonder, why economists pass judgements in silos. Historical past, demography, natural resources, population etc. etc. play a major role in economic development. In relative terms, considering all variables, India has been progressing at a much faster pace than rest of the world since the past three decades. Tail piece: Universities churn out academic details and are less practical in analysis. Just saying.
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  20. “We must look bad news in the face”. Absolutely right. But this over simplification of reality also does not make it go away. The bottom line is as a Nation we have failed to build industries (including for military hardware, which every major economies [ excluding Germany and Japan for reasons well known,]have done) , even though India traditionally has two belligerent neighbours, is a travesty and the singular reason for China galloping ahead. Let us now not cry over spilt milk. Instead let us concentrate, at least now, in helping the Nation build its own industries. A start is being attempted. Let us (the media) highlight this requirement. Tailpiece: Less discussions of street politics and more of of policies etc… in the media will help. Let us not live from election to election.
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  21. Good point. But I have a point for media in general (not to The Print). I only hope the case of “crying wolf” does not overtake such incidents. The media has been going Gaga whenever a crime is committed and a Muslim is involved on either side, to play it up as a. “Crime against Muslims” ( similarly for Dalits) even if the incident has nothing to do with religion or caste. Honest reporting by all sections of the media too may help. Tailpiece: The media out there should stop playing politics.
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  22. A good programme as usual. The Q remains. Are we Indians satisfied with mediocre politicking? Is it because we have never been exposed to quality politicking? There is something wrong here. Not sure what. Tailpiece: what can the people and the media do to improve matters?
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  23. Disclaimer : I am for a strong Media and a fan of The Print and recently of SG too. The irony is the belief of a large section of the media that the idea of India is only about politics. My experience in living (not visiting) in many parts of India over decades is that over 85% percent of Indians are, thankfully, NOT interested in the brand of "politics" played out in the media. Very few are followers. For instance, the 1 million subscribers subscribers (including me) to The Print form only .7693 % of the Indian population. Extend this liberally to all such media (print, tv, digital) you will get the whole picture. Also, for once, in this situation, the statistical data whether it is in regard to COVID or the economy are no indication of reality and should not be relied upon for possible corrective actions in economy. The answers are not also available in text books (the usually employed methods have failed all over the world) but in novel thinking and ingenuity. Divisive? What is it? Is it new or traditionally part of the society and politics since ages? Is it utopia? Just asking.
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  24. Such informative programmes are good and SG, Snehesh and The Print are doing a commendable job to tell something on Indian Defence matters. Well done. Keep it going. Some points from a Veteran: 1. Military history (including Balakote) is as fascinating as fiction. But the effect of any small operation like Balakote is for the immediate and is pointless as a historical study. Yes, all views should be considered but note that the perspectives of the commentators will be different - some of them may really not know the real “why” of such minuscule strikes. 2. The Chinese conundrum will play out for as long as the LAC remains undefined. Resolving the issue is not with the Military. 3. Defending India is a serious matter and not about sops, soaps and shampoos
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  25. Whether it be Ashokan, Nehruvian, Gandhian( not the Mahatma), Modian(? In the future) the Indian state has to do what it must to correct a mistake as soon as it is identified. By that time Ashokas, Guptas, Mauryas, Mughals, Marathas, British, Nehrus, Gandhi’s etc. would have already enjoyed their place in the Sun and may be irrelevant as administrators in the scenarios obtaining in the present. While we respect history we have to move on.
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  26. “India thinks UP politics is the ultimate news” – I like that. A major blame for this should go to the mainstream media of India. Even with some perceived warts, ThePrint, I must say is changing the way Indian media handles news. I am impressed. Tailpiece: The media plays a major role in shaping a Nation.
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  27. Though a bit late, the world has also come to terms that China is powerful. The world, including the USA, too can’t suppress or coerce China militarily or with sanctions and tariffs. The raw fact is that China unilaterally dominates the world supply chain. To be counted, India needs to step up and become relevant in this supply chain
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  28. A great historical perspective. “In those days any Government in the centre could dismiss a state government, under article 356, it did not like”. So we can conclude that there is some improvement in the political arena these days. Tailpiece: we should also have cut the clutter like SG did on Narasimha Rao, concentrating on his contributions to Nation building.
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  29. At the outset my felicitation and thanks to Vikarm for telling the story, although much delayed, of the "misunderstood and maligned patriot"(in Vikram’s words) and a social reformist. What beats logic is that in our school days, Autocratic rulers like Aurangzeb, Hyder Ali etc (whose conduct was contrary to the nominal Human Rights standards - recorded and proven) were given prominence, if at all there were only passing references to VDS and Netaji. Just the social reform of breaking the “seven shackles” is reason enough to promote and study VDS Would you say that the British Raj, deliberately downplayed the contribution of leaders like VD Sarkar and Netaji in the Freedom movement (Indian) and propped up leaders of the INC, including influencing the school syllabus in an education system modelled in the British style? It then became a fait accompli for the new leaders of Independent India.
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  30. Useful information. Well presented. Tailpiece. The importance of self reliance and Indian democracy can’t be emphasized more. Let us not squabble. There is a world beyond religions and castes. A more practical and pragmatic world.
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  31. I disagree. Decisive actions need to be taken on perpetually simmering issues like J&K. There never was, is or will be utopia. In a large and diverse country as India, with power hungry politicians and a plethora of “experts” ( talk without responsibility) there can’t be please all policies and decisions. Tailpiece: Let us cut the small talk and try and take the country forward. Let us not repeat talks like broken records.
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  32. Do you mean you have a resurrected SAARC to just die again? I thought the original SAARC was dead and buried a decade back!!!!!
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  33. Way to go, ThePrint and Rajesh. Present the real India….let the people decide, what to do. Real democracy.
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  34. DK, we have never had a discussion on why Sidhu in the first place? Does he hold the strong suit or a trump card? if I may. Confounding.
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  35. Politics is no more “Dal-roti” of am aadmi. We have graduated to other sources for entertainment.
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  36. Shouting (not chanting)"Jai Sriram", or for that matter "Allah be praised" or "Praise the Lord", may have been out of place on such an occasion - but definitely not insulting. Is it a case of low self-esteem? Mamata and TMC, I suppose, are capable of doing better.
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  37. Is ignoring nine ED summons for an ongoing case implicating the AAP, the Dy CM is in jail denied bail by various courts, good morality and correct constitutional practice by a CM? Do you think this would have happened now, just before elections after a court denied AK protection in the case, if he had attended the first summons months ago?:Or is AAP deliberating doing this ( not attending summons calls) to play the victim card just before the elections elections.? Just asking
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  38. When A. Kejriwal said free education and healthcare are not freebies he is right. But he and other politicians now don’t talk about the other freebies. Let me explain…. About education, which up to high school has been free since independence, So has been healthcare for decades in Government run hospitals. Nothing new here. In the late 1950s and 1960s, I also did not pay for my school education initially when I attended Government schools. What about free bus rides, water and electricity, cash payments, rations etc. etc. distributed “ Free” by AAP and other political parties but paid for from the taxes I pay - or not paid at all and accumulated as losses leading to state debt etc.? Media need to highlight these aspects also….to be really politically correct. Free electricity is killing many sates now. Tailpiece: Half truths are the hallmark in politics. (And sections of media?) Disclaimer. I am only a tax paying citizen and not a member of any political party. The real debate that media does not talk about is between the tax payer and political parties.
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  39. Sana is very clear about China… she knows China well…. Should be consulted by powers that be more often
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  40. The title gives an impression that You are shocked that China is looking down on India. Do you expect otherwise with the history of Indo-China relations and its intention to lord over Asia? Is the impression a problem with the language mine/ yours? Or is it just to simply attract attention. Either way I find these headings for your videos are totally not in sync with what is discussed in them… Improvement required here
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  41. Unique programme. Also proves that politics is in everything but it is NOT everything!!!! Great off the cuff.
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  42. The larger debate should be “Should democracies allow anti National activities against other established democracies, from its soil? Also. What and why did the USA do to to eliminate”terrorist” Osama Bin Laden? Etc..etc…. Tailpiece: Let us not miss the wood for the trees….
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  43. Is the General suggesting that Operational orders and debriefing of operations be in the public domain? As it is there is enough in the public domain for even the uninitiated to surmise the situation. Should not the Nation leave some room for other actions like diplomacy and negotiations? Or is the General on to some agenda other than a winning case for India? E.g. will telling China in public ”look here, I have given you a bloody nose, now get back” work? Or does he, who was calling the shots in these areas as an Army Commander not long ago, suppose holding a public inquiry on all border skirmishes, within days, will help the military (I mean own military, not the enemy’s). I know many Indians, who have their own ideas of free speech and democracy etc, will applaud this General. But Defence, battles and wars are handled differently than Bollywood scandals. I am sure the General knows it too. But alas!
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  44. DK. Yes. The aim- “To bring Modi down”. Is that really an aim the Nation wants? The aim defines intend. What are we the electorate supposed to read in these political developments in relation to Nation’s development. Tailpiece: Oh! By the way, there is also a Nation to be governed - Economy, foreign policy, Defence, etc.
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  45. It was always known that China will; the Q was only when? The “when” has multiple answers. The current time is just one of them. It is also that India has not been preparing. India is aware and has been constantly beefing up its defenses as best as it can. On a nebulous border, undefined across most of the 3500 km length, an undependable and aggressive China can be expected to play games as and when it suits them. In the absence of a judicial process to decide the dispute, there are only two options 1. Winner of a duel decides. 2. Negotiate; in which case there will be some give and take India (and China) has to decide. Did I get you right, SG?
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  46. DK, if you term Sons and daughters of politicians joining politics as dynasts should you not also classify the Indian Defence forces as a dynastic force? Also the Indian judiciary as dynastic? I wonder, if The print is also joining the TRP brigade.
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  47. There has to be no right or wrong in any controversy. All this is “Much ado about nothing”. Regimented religions have to accept the free spirit of some other “religions”. How do we get the message across to such religions to come down from a stand that “my way is high way” even if scriptures have to be rewritten. Also, religious freedom is directly proportional to freedom within religion. Ah and yes, tolerance is not a one way street. Yes,Religion is not essential for existence. It is only a medium for exploitation and blackmail.
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  48. Good prentation SG. My take. We want all things to be perfect the first time. That has never ever happened anywhere anytime with anybody. It is about making a beginning and progressing. Why so long…. We know why…. It all started much later. Much much later….. so so long…. But then again there never can be a perfect thing…. We continue to aim for perfection… Tailpiece: Yes SG, future and look ahead….. debates are perennial … good for improvements… bestest to us Indians. Jai Hind.
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  49. I agree for whatever its worth. Freedom... of expression etc.. Uphold it. Tolerence is not a one way street.
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  50. Do we agitate for MSP for all products including in manufacturing and services sector. Just asking.
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