From Sexy Clothes to Mystic Mask

 

From Sexy Clothes 

to Mystic Mask

There is more to this ‘mask’ than meets the eye. Read a curtain raiser write up

By Mukesh Sharma

Man comes to earth in his ‘birthday suit’. In early days of human evolution, he would move around buck naked. The natural sensation in erogenous zones on human body at the sight of opposite sex, made man to feel the need of wearing the loin cloth  – it helps to hide the copulative desires, and passes him for a man of ‘good’ character.

There is more to this ‘mask’ than meets the eye

With the course of time and material advancement, other wears were developed. However, the ‘sex’ was the basis of all the clothing – woman clothes were suitable for woman body – helpful in giving nature’s call and perform quickly and comfortably other ‘acts’ – man’s clothes too were made with compatibility to male ‘needs’. Further clothes were developed to give the man a distinctive identity related to region, tradition, culture, profession and position. In other words, each clothes  worn by the man serves specific purpose.

Now the mystic mask has also joined the wardrobe of the man. Unlike other wears designated for man and woman separately, the mask is not sexist. Irrespective of colour or country, region or religion, rich or poor, it treats all equally. What genius like Karl Marx couldn’t do, the petty mask has done. Right from Donald Trump to common tramp pissing around on the roads of Indian cities, everyone wear mask. Mask is a great leveler.

Though the common man doubts the efficacy of mask being used for the prevention of spread of corona, for,  the tinniest virus can pass through any porous fabric, he sees a big ‘’conspiracy and million dollar business behind the mask”, particularly, in India.

Big names like Reebok, Levis, Nike, etc with good ‘understanding’ with the authorities have flooded the market, allegedly with the “non standard branded fancy masks.” Middle class always takes pride in using branded stuff in India. Even private schools have come up with their own mask going with the uniform of their school. It is easy to squeeze parents.

To hospitals and doctors, it is a “roaring business” behind the mask. Surprisingly enough, India stands at No.2 in the world for corona cases but recovery rate is over 88 per cent that too without the availability of medicine/treatment. No developed country has performed such a ‘grand feat’. What is more, there are news reports  that reveal that government hospitals are not fully equipped to tackle corona; a  great number of hospitals lack oxygen, ventilators, beds, etc. Sources reveal besides donation of  thousands of crores to PM fund by Indians,  India also got $2.9mn from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and  World Bank  aproved $1bn corona fund to India. However,  the poor people are charged for COVID test and treatment, for the reasons best known to ‘honest’ netas only. For VIPs/VVIPs treatment is free of charge. Even if vaccine hits the market, people doubt that govt. can make it available for all. By an estimate, 80,000 crores would be needed to vaccinate all. In a country where a sizable number of populace struggling  with deadliest disease ‘hunger’, it is doubtful that government would spend the estimated whopping sum for the containment of corona.

‘Dutiful’ police, the next 'regiment' of corona ‘warriors’ which has been given free hand, always remains on its toe to ‘salute’ the mighty, and ‘sanitize’ the commoner with danda and ‘comfort-fee’. People allege brisk ‘businesses behind the mask.

People contend  that in this this tough and trying time, only government servants who have secured jobs, fat salary and no work, have been enjoying life. Private giant players like Amazon(Jeff Besos, US), Ambani, Hinduja, Shiv Nadar, Adani, Azim Premi,  even in COVID situation have amassed wealth. Rest more or less are doomed.  But all 'hon’bles' as ever are busy in discussion and suggestions. Here in India words speak louder than action. Thanks to media, the mouth piece of elitist and political class.

Duly and democratically elected government with 30-40 per cent vote share armed with managed magic numbers  is busy working overtime in passing bills after bills in the Parliament where the most of the session scores of seats remain empty – 'devoted and diligent' law makers remain busy in other more important 'public' activities than the parliament session. Notwithstanding, laws are made for the common peoples, the mighty rules the law. Indian netas have mastered the ‘rules' of the 'game’ precisely and perfectly from the wily Britisher who ruled for 200 years and bled the Indians for every penny through bills/laws. Always preoccupied with the politics of brinkmanship and one-upmanship , netas are successfully using ‘mask’ to hide all failings – low GDP, unemployment, alleged rampant corruption at implementation level by over smart government officials, widespread poverty and hunger in flood affected areas etc. There is more to this mystic mask than meets the eye.

Netas Abuse the System

Systematic Abuse of the System

Everything is hunky-dory. India belongs to people of India. But the naked reality is netas control the life of the common man by abusing the system systematically

By Mukesh Sharma

What is law? Professionally, law can be described as ‘perfection of reasons’. Any act against the law is a violation and that attracts the penalty/punishment. And the corpus of law creates the system where equality before the law is suggested; nobody is above the law; law takes its own course; there is rule of law in the country. However, it’s all book/table talk. On the ground, the system created by the law is ‘lawfully’ abused by the political dispensation so called government  -  the wily netas who are at the helm of affairs, have enough leeway to tweak and twist the system to serve their own interest and narrow ends. Resigned to fate, the common man who has no say in the system, accepts it out of no option.

All the human acts which fall under any category of crime from Section 1 to 511 as defined and described in Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860 postulated and penned down by the genius Thomas Babington Macaulay, constitute the crime  - cognizable or non cognizable. It is known as Substantive Law. Further, how State can proceed against an act of crime, has been spelled out in Criminal Procedure Code ( Cr Pc). It’s called Adjective Law. What constitutes evidence against an act of crime which is acceptable in the court of law, is given in Evidence Act. Further the judgment passed by the Appellate Courts - High Courts and Supreme Court in any case, sets a precedent and becomes an Established Law creating a binding on Lower Courts too. The genius lies in manufacturing reasons. The inability to think beyond the reasons makes one accept it as his/her destiny. Nothing rules the human psyche like the reasons.

Netas Abuse the System

In the name of the system, hydra-headed government also has scores of ‘hands’ like proverbial Ravana; it can reach to any ‘target’ however far it is. Each hand is vested with purposeful special powers to perform the ‘lawful duties’ -  Local Police, Crime Branch, Economic Offence Wing(EOW), Enforcement Directorate ( ED), National Investigation Agency ( NIA), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Income Tax, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) etc. Netas can ‘amputate’ or ‘attach' the hands. These long "hands’ have the expertise in manufacturing the reasons to nail down their 'target' with all impunity – no punishment if the ‘target’ is wrongfully arrested, implicated or framed. By the time the hon’ble Court reaches to the conclusion that the ‘target’ is not guilty, the life of an innocent is already devastated and doomed beyond ‘repair’. Moreover, only netas  in government have powers to nominate or remove the ‘head’ of each ‘hand’ and these ‘hands’ act as puppets in the hands of netas. The cases to prove the veracity of these facts are numerous.

Obviously, no crime can occur and flourish without the direct or indirect support of the long ‘hand’. It is like a case where a young man and a woman are allowed to have ‘romance’. Even when a child is born, long ‘hand’ looks the other way round. However, if the ‘relationship’ is exposed by the media, of course, with some vested interest, long ‘hand’ turns ‘duteous’ overnight –  child is rated as illegitimate. The poor man is charged with rape; the woman is sent to naarineketan for further chastisement. Here, the system is FIR first investigation later; hang the accused first and hear him later. It’s a fact that the criminal justice system prevalent in India which is, allegedly, coercive and suppressive and propagated by the Britisher with ulterior motive for their subjects (Indians).

The next indispensable part of the system, the overburdened and understaffed judiciary is allegedly in shamble. At lower Courts cases drag on for years. Justice delayed is justice denied. Netas can get the gates of SC/HC opened even in the dead of night where this ‘sanctum sanatorium is, unofficially, beyond the reach of the common man. At district level judges are appointed through competitive exams, but they are promoted to HC/SC through a so-called collegiums comprised of senior judges and netas – people contend that it’s difficult to believe that it is free from all kinds of bias and prejudices.

 Political parties are the necessary evil in so-called democracy; the most of such parties are headed by a loud-mouthed and rough spoken neta so called ‘president; the party is run like a private company where baton is passed on to the legal heir of the president – all family business. Steeped in corruption, these parties amass wealth through unquestioned and unexamined tax free ‘donations’ in the multiple of 20k and through undisclosed multiple sources. When in power, big companies and even nationalized banks give ‘donations’ to the NGOs, run by the political parties’ family members. Each has hundreds of crore in its coffer to organize and play the ‘game’. Plethora of political parties, evidently, have marred the democracy. Since there is no free vote, the legislative members of these political parties in Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha and State Assembly act like ‘gangs’ – follow whips and party line – no debate or discussion – a roadside like row can be witnessed in the temple of democracy. Better to call these parties as the ‘pall bearer of democracy’.

The media which is eulogized as the Fourth Estate is partisan. The most of the newspapers/TV channels side with one or other political party according to their vested interest; they are no longer surrogate of public opinion; they are the mouthpiece of netas only. They bark and bray for their favourite neta/pol party only. Even if they expose something, they do so with a specific purpose/motive - bring discredit to opponents of their ‘god father’.

Education system based on format and rote learning is also controlled by the netas. Scratch any private institution, one would find a neta underneath. Right from school to college and professional courses, it is all a lucrative business. The way the private universities have mushroomed over the years authenticates the fact. It is alleged that degrees are up for grab for a price.

The ever struggling and squirming, the hapless student community always remains at receiving end. According to NCRB data, over 10,000 students committed suicide last year – average 28 lives are lost each day. Students allege a lucky few who have well wishers at high places manage to get into government services, and the rest end up being a ‘fodder’ for private companies  - no appointment letters, just offer letter, 12 -14 hours work and no other benefits – well ‘managed’ authorities sleep comfortably on the complaint if  a harassed one dares to make complaint. That is why the meritorious students, who have resources, wish to settle in US/UK/Canada  – brain drain is rampant.

Just 15-20 giant business houses hold the strings of economy of India – GDP, Share market, fall and rise of economy – majority of people are not in the loop; unofficially over 60 per cent populace is below the poverty line struggling for their daily bread. The false promises by the netas for potable water, roads, toilet, modest house, loan, loan waiver and other petty sops –  all bare necessities make the wily netas win election after election with no change in the plight of the unblessed masses. It is argued that if India has Rs. 100 out of which Rs 80 are with 20 percent people, and Rs 20 are with 80 percent populace – root cause of crime in India.  

The banks too are important part of the system. Its open secret that all big banks advance loan with many ‘concession’ to big names only.  A common man cannot get a loan of few lakhs without good ‘understanding’ with the manager.

Except a few exceptions, medical facilities are worst, particularly, in government run hospital. It is alleged that with job security and no accountability, government servants behave as if they are master of public; they are scared of the netas only. The poor populace is always taken for a ride. Medicines are prescribed on the basis of ‘rational therapy’ – no negligence case. Medicines are sold over the counters. Big pharmaceuticals companies mint money. They can ‘manage’ any ‘authority’ with the ‘cuts’ at different levels. In this corona time several cases of malpractices/medical crimes have been exposed accidentally and reported. But who cares. Game goes on and on , allegedly, with the 'blessings' of netas.

Under the system, it is not easy to start a business unless one has political and social clouts. If one dares to start, one must learn how to ‘manage’ and ‘feed’ the ‘predators’ – Police, local Municipalities, Electricity department, Income tax, etc,. For each Rs 100 earning, one has to cough up Rs 60 and be content with Rs. 40 only. It is systematic ‘official’ loot.

There is no effective grievance redressal mechanism. The most of the vet departments have outsourced it to ‘BPOs’. The complaint of a complainant is usually forwarded to the same official/ department against whom one has complaint. The official concerned / department concerned files its explanations, and the copy of that is forwarded to complainant and chapter is closed for good. One keeps banging against the wall.

Everything is hunky-dory. India belongs to people of India. But the naked reality is netas control the life of the common man by abusing the system.

Nightmarish Air travel

 

Nightmarish Air Travel

Our real ordeal started at London airport. Surprisingly enough, we were asked to show travel documents with permission to travel to India – self declaration form, COVID test report and the permission from High Commission  in US

By Mukesh Sharma

 

Gone are the days when air travel was the most coveted ‘ride’, particularly, for the commoners. It would give the feeling of privileged class. Sexy air hostesses manning the entrance of aircraft would welcome the passengers with a sensuous smile; they would love to walk up to any passenger on board just on a press of a button; they would talk and treat the passenger like a close buddy. But the most dared and deadly corona has changed all those friendly and flirting gestures and postures. In this corona time, air travel is no better than a nightmare.

After staying for long six months in US, this blogger decided to explore the possibilities to fly back to India during this pandemic. Though Indian govt. continued its so called ‘Evacuation flights’ for its stranded citizens in different countries under the name Vande Matrum, there are reports that the passengers were overcharged for the ‘facilities’ – no food in jam-packed flights and harassment at Indian airport in the name of Corona.

 

A nightmarish air travel

In the middle of the last month, Indian govt. also started ‘bubble service’ under an agreement with some countries – US, UK, Germany and UAE. Airlines of the said countries were permitted to land in India. A website ‘Air Suvidha’ was launched with certain guidelines. Passengers travelling to India were asked to upload the travel information 76 hour before scheduled flight with COVID test report done within 96 hours of date of flight with a self-declaration to undergo mandatory 7 days self-financed institutional quarantine and 7 days home quarantine.

 People allege hotels with good ‘understanding’ with the authorities are having good business in India. It is a fact that people are scared even to travel to their homeland. Rumor is doing rounds if one is found COVID positive, one would not survive corona in govt. hospital, and private hospital would make the patient bleed by Rs.10 -15lac. Corona has turned out to be a windfall for hospitals and docs – no treatment, no responsibility, blank exemption from any kind of negligence and lots of money. Hail corruption!

Having uploaded all the travel information on ‘air suvidha’ and armed with COVID negative report, this blogger along with his wife dared to board the American Airline (operated by British Airways) to Delhi. No doubt, such a long air travel was a risk. But the intense desire to get back to India strengthened the will- power.

At Phoenix (US) airport, there were a few passengers. At air line counter, attendant spoke to us from behind a glass shield. Within 10 minutes our baggage was cleared for check-in and boarding passes were issued from Phoenix to Dallas (Texas, US), from Dallas to London (UK), and from London to Delhi. Our joy knew no bound when we got the boarding passes. The picture of Delhi airport flickered through my mind. Nothing attracts like motherland.

It was two and half hour flight from Phoenix to Dallas. The seats between two passengers were left empty. A food packet was left on each seat containing water bottle and a few cookies. No air hostess attended any passenger during flight – it was the most humiliating air travel.

At Dallas, we dashed to given gate to catch the flight to London. It was 10 hours flight over Atlantic Ocean to London. However, without any eatable, drinks were served in the flight.

Our real ordeal started at London airport. Surprisingly enough, we were asked to show travel documents with permission to travel to India – self declaration form, COVID test report and the permission from High Commission posted in US. “Since when Indian national holding Indian pass port are required to seek the permission of Indian High Commission to return to India” I tried to reason with the white staffer of British Air. But the confused and non updated attendant would not listen. Total five passengers all coming from US going to Delhi were stopped and not allowed to board the flight in the want of permission/approval letter from Indian high Commission. Miserably enough, we missed the flight because of the confusion created by the vague guidelines issued by the Indian government. Even the British Airways attendant was confused.  And next flight from London to Delhi was after 4 days.

Daughter of this blogger called up Indian embassy in US and was told that there was no such condition. Perturbed and disturbed, this blogger tweeted with hash tag to MEA and PMO. But who cares for the commoners!

Harassed and harried for hours at the airport by the British Airways staffers, this blogger sought the intervention of a ‘Border officer’. “How can you allow these Indians to stay for 4 days in London without VISA,” questioned the officer angrily. “If they move out of the airport, they will be arrested” she added. Realising their mistake, British Airways assured to put us in the next available flight to Mumbai next day as there was no flight to Delhi for 4 days.

Never in all these living years, this blogger along with his wife has had such a harrowing time, spending 24 hours at London Airport on chairs – no food just on water. At a time we were overpowered by the thought that we would catch corona at Heathrow (London) and die of corona in India. Fear of corona and death aftermath was writ large on the face.  

Next day, all documents were cleared and finally we were allowed to board the flight to Mumbai, just 25 minutes before the scheduled time of the flight. We both rushed to given gate which was at far end of the airport. Through many escalators and lifts and ride on a tube, we, somehow, managed to reach the gate. Message was conveyed to flight that we were on the way. We heaved the sigh of relief when we found the staffers waiting for us and motioning to move fast and board the flight. Though we both were panting heavily with heart pounding, and were thirsty, none offered even a glass of water. We collapsed on seat and fastened the seat belt. Just after 15 minutes, aircraft started rolling on the run way. This blogger rang up his kids in India and told about the boarding.

After long 10 hours, we finally touched Mumbai. This blogger and his wife got emotional when we saw Mumbai. We were cleared through immigration and COVID staffers within two hours. Since we had already booked ticket to Delhi, we faced no problem. At last, we touched Delhi. Thanks to COVID negative report, we were permitted 14 days home quarantine in Delhi.

The first hand experience of this blogger proves that air travel is really a nightmare during this pandemic. The system ridden with confusion and corruption doesn’t care for the commoners. It kneels down before netas only.