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South Asia Citizens Wire | 10 October, 2004 via: www.sacw.net [1] Pakistan: A sponsored show? - The Jamaat congregation held in NWFP (Raza R Khan Qazi) [2] Bangladesh: Women's Soccer and Lords of Darkness (Afroza Begum) [3] The commonality of 'fundamentalisms' (Beena Sarwar) [4] India: "Reject Politics of Exclusion" a leaflet by secular activists in pre poll Maharashtra [5] India: All India Catholic Union puts BJP-ruled states on 'watch list' for endangering Minority communities, dismantling safeguards [6] India - Goa: Parrikar-Togadia Doctrine [7] India: Censuses, Communalism, Gender and Identity (Charu Gupta) [8] Upcoming events in the US: - A Conversation with Dr. Mallika Sarabhai (Stanford University, October 10) - Documentary Voices: Anand Patwardhan (Berkeley, October 21, 2004) - Celebrating Women's Lives - Celebrating 15 years of Survival, Strength,& Sisterhood with Nandita Das & Eve Ensler (New York City, October 15, 16) -------------- [1] The News on Sunday - October 10, 2004 A SPONSORED SHOW? The Jamaat congregation held in NWFP last week comprised of the usual Jihadi sloganeering and calls for reviving Pan-Islamism By Raza R Khan Qazi Allah O Akbar, Al Jihad Al Jihad and many such slogans, typical of the Jamaate Islami (JI), reverberated in the skies of Azakhel, an abandoned public park in Nowshera district on the outskirts of Peshawar, on October 1st-3rd. Speakers had come from every part of Pakistan and many Muslim countries, vowing to fight every injustice and suppression being meted out to the Muslims of the world. The venue was JI's annual congregation named 'World Conference', which had a decidedly political ambience. So far, no formal statements have been aired by JI leaders about the success of the congregation. Nevertheless, it was a mammoth gathering in which according to reserved estimates some 0.2-0.3m people participated. The arrangements at the site, if one keeps in view common standards and myriads of people and ruthless use of the resources of the NWFP government, were satisfactory. The most important outcome, if any, of the JI congregation was the revisiting of the idea of Pan-Islamism or unity of Muslims of the world. All the speakers, in some way or the other, advocated the concept, which was first floated by the great religious scholar of the 18th Century, Syed Jamaluddin Afghani. Many dignitaries from the Muslim countries also urged upon the Muslims to get united as the situation in the world has so unfolded that it is the only way to face the emerged military and economic challenges. Many Arab notables also spoke in favour of Pan-Islamism, which is a clear departure from what was termed as Arab nationalism, or Arab-Islamic stance that always urged upon Arab unity. The scholars at the gathering provided much food for thought to the Islamic world in all spheres from family life to international economics. Demands were also made from Muslim governments to establish a single Muslim currency and an Islamic Army. The Jamaat leaders, in particular Senator Khurshid Ahmed, criticised Western economic institutions and said 87% of the resources of Muslims are in the grip of a handful of Western multinational corporations (MNC). He also called upon the Muslim countries to establish a common economic market. Surprisingly enough, he exhorted the Muslims to wage Jihad for their economic liberation. Another aspect of the assembly was extensive polemics over national politics culminating in the announcement of an agitation roadmap against President Musharraf's uniform. JI head and MMA president, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, announced even to stop recognising him as head of the country if the president remains adamant on not doffing his uniform. Many observers believe JI held the congregation not only to display its strength but as a face-saving exercise, as it has got its reputation severely stigmatised by helping Musharraf pass the 17th Constitutional Amendment and by abstaining from voting, thus indirectly supporting Musharraf to become a constitutionally elected president. Insiders in the MMA, however, divulge that there was no such deal between Musharraf and the MMA that he would doff his uniform; the latter got the credit unduly. "The negotiations between the MMA and Musharraf camp regarding the 17th Amendment did not mention anything about president's uniform," an MMA MPA belonging to JI, confided. Meanwhile, the Jamiat Ulemae Islam (JUI) and its Chief Minister Akram Durrani, not only fully participated in the JI congregation but also put all the resources of the Frontier government at the organisers' disposal to make it a success. Otherwise, the internal bickering could create further cracks in the alliance as already JUI-Sami has almost dissociated itself from the MMA with the Deputy Speaker NWFP Assembly, who belongs to it, forming a sort of a forward block by the name of Ehtesab Group within the MMA. In this regard, the JUI even having conspicuous differences with the JI on issues especially Kashmir and Jihad, fully backed the latter's showpiece event. Traditionally, the NWFP has been a stronghold of JUI due to its Deobandi-Hanafi philosophy, seldom letting JI intrude into its political fort. It may be mentioned that JI apart from Dir and certain other pockets never have had any strong support in the Frontier. The differences between JUI and JI's stances could be determined from statements of JUI's head and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, during his visit to India last year, in which he assumed a 'pro-India' stance and advocated solution of the Kashmir dispute through Simla Agreement. Whereas, Qazi or any other notable JI leader at least has not visited India in recent years and even staged a forceful demonstration, when ex-Indian premier Vajpayee came to attend the Lahore Declaration; while the links of JI with Kashmiri Mujahideen is an open secret, rather self-admitted. Interestingly, in his speech at Azakhel, Fazl said that he expects Musharraf to doff his uniform and not prove himself "a hypocrite like General Zia", whereas JI was part of the Zia regime! Many avowed Jihadi leaders also used the gathering to promote their agenda. For instance, ex-DG ISI, Hameed Gul, called upon the Muslims to wage Jihad against Western powers, as it is the only way to redeem their lost status. The participation of religious minded scholars from a spectrum of Islamic schools of thought present in the country also shows that they have started feeling the pinch of anti-Jihadi policies of the Musharraf government. JI has already been charged by ex-Interior Minister, Faisal Saleh Hayat, for providing cover to al Qaeda leaders. Knowing fully that it is the Western, largely US pressure, for Musharraf policies and the latter's bid to present a liberal facade, Qazi clamoured there is no liberal Islam and Musharraf's idea of 'Enlightened Moderation' is meaningless. Moreover, he also told the women to guard against influence of Western values that is shattering apart the Muslim family. The congregation also passed a resolution on the situation in Wana and demanded an immediate halt to the military operation in the region. It also demanded scrapping of the Frontier Crimes Regulation in Fata. But development of the Frontier as well as the situation in Balochistan, where the MMA is a coalition partner, was not a point of much discussion. The venue of the gathering was also mindfully selected as Azakhel falls in the constituency of Qazi Hussain Ahmed. A large number of locals must have got some economic benefits of the assembly of such a large number of people, and this would have been on the mind of the JI leader, as steps like these are critical for his electoral politics. As far as the ruthless use of public money on the holding of the JI congregation is concerned, it should be mentioned that hundreds of government vehicles were used to transport people to the venue from all over the province and even outside. Camps were set up at railway stations to ensure the participants a free ride, and special trains were run for the purpose with JI flags fluttering on both sides of their facade. The waste of tax money was so merciless that according to a high official the tourism department was forced to provide funds of Rs1.5m for three huge hoardings, each costing Rs0.5m, especially made for the congregation. Milestones were placed at every kilometre indicating distance to the venue. Reportedly, the organisers said they had made arrangements for 1.1m people, including 1m women. So if the arrangements cost per head is put at Rs1,000, the total expenses come to the figure of Rs1.1bn. Even if the per person cost was merely Rs500 then the total expenditure is Rs5,500m or 5.5 crore rupees. These colossal costs cannot be met through donations from JI members, who number a few thousand according to the party's statistics. ______ [2] WOMEN'S SOCCER AND LORDS OF DARKNESS by Afroza Begum [Dhaka, 8th October 2004] A group of religious fundamentalist zealots was least interested about all those enthusiasts gathering around women's soccer tournament being held for the first time in Bangladesh, inaugurated from 4th October, 2004, at Birshrestho Stadium. On 5th October, 2004 they staged a demonstration at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque in protest of the women's soccer tournament naming it "un-Islamic" activity and threatened to launch a massive demonstration if the organisers did not take their objection seriously. "Stop the nude exhibition on the field in the name of football" marked a banner in front of the Baitul Mukarram Mosque as the fanatics condemned the first ever football tournament in threatening words. Blaming the Khaleda-Nizami Government and the organizers for encouraging un- Islamic activities, they declared a series of protest demonstrations which include aggressive rallies carrying "Lathi" on 7th & 8th October at north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque and a "Gherao" programme of the office of the "National Sports Council" at 10 AM on 9th October 2004. With gradual development within forthcoming years towards formation of a Women's National Football Team, from 4th October 2004 an invitational football tournament among eight selected teams from around the country commenced under the auspices of Bangladesh Football Federation. This was for the first time in the history of Bangladesh Football that the women's football tournament is taking place. The Deputy Minister for Sports Fazlur Rahman MP inaugurated the tournament at the Birshrestho Sahid Sipahi Mohammed Mustafa Stadium at Kamalapur. This was in inauguration of the stadium too, which was named after one the greatest martyr of our liberation war. [...] Bangladesh Football federation have expressed serious discontent on the activities of the religious bigots and expressed their firm commitment to continue the tournament, unless the Government would direct to stop the tournament failing to resist the activities of the zealots who are trying to take the situation to the brink of lawlessness. It may be mentioned that, early this year a programme of friendly women's soccer match between Bangladesh and a neighbouring country including a women's wrestling match were cancelled due to similar demonstrations staged by the zealots. [...] Sports is not only means of healthy entertainment from which the youth of today are more getting diverted to Computer Games or TV entertainment channels but with the rise of indiscriminate distorted interpretation of religion with bigotry by orthodox group of self- proclaimed religious leaders are creating lot of nonsense values in our society even regarding the outdoor or indoor sports including women's sports and athletics which are becoming their targets of criticism. Sports and athletics help achieving mental and physical fitness. When women are getting enrolled in police and army there is no reason why more and more women will not participate in tougher outdoor sports like soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table-tennis or in other events of athletics including sprints, marathon, hurdles race, swimming etc. to improve their physical fitness and healthy means of entertainment other than getting involved spending time in front of TV watching soap serials or obscene films or dance programmes. Many of those zealots would not know that in the present World many would take the national success in sports collectively achieved in all disciplines as an indirect yardstick for measurement of Human Development of a given society involving health, education and technology. Although, difference in physical performance have segregated genders in sports and athletics, but many would not know that comparing the performance records of the course of events of sports and athletics it is revealing progressively that the performance of women are improving at much faster rate than men. Researchers working in the field of sports and athletics are predicting that if this upward trend of improvement of performance sustains then during the third quarter of this millennium the organizers of the Olympics Games may have to consider mixed competitions even in case of 100 Meter Sprint which requires hardest physical fit, presuming tough competition between the genders for securing supremacy. In this year the difference of time to finish the sprint between the genders was only one second. This lagging difference of one second is creation of thousand years of patriarchy. I do not know whether those particular groups of the religious zealots who are declaring these agitation programmes in Bangladesh are aware of what is happening around the World in the field of women's sports and athletics vis-�-vis in the field of physical empowerment of women, in particular as to being aware of this small piece of information emanating from the results of research made on gender related performances in sports, athletics and health developments. Darkness is the worst enemy of humanity; hence for this reason the knowledge of igniting made humankind different from the animals. Those animals who liked to live in the darkness are getting extinct day-by-day and the species who are getting themselves enlightened progressively are securing their prominence. Bangladesh is struggling in their effort to emerge as an enlightened population in this World and that is what those bigots should try learn and understand. I hope the Government would sincerely advance to take stern measures to stop those regressive religious bigots out there trying to create lawlessness in the society misinterpreting religion, and not cow down this time as they did during the earlier soccer and wrestling matches which were scheduled to be held earlier this year but met with unfortunate suspension causing immense frustration to the women participants in sports and athletics. ______ [3] The News International - October 10, 2004 THE COMMONALITY OF 'FUNDAMENTALISMS' by Beena Sarwar When US-based Indian filmmaker Lalit Vachani set out in 1992 to make a documentary about the 'shakhas' (branches) where RSS volunteers train boys in the martial arts and ideology, he "expected to see pure evil". He was surprised to find normal, even likeable individuals. The sequel to 'The boy in the branch' a decade later is 'the men in the tree', also a critique of ideology, rather than individuals. The relevance of these films to Pakistan in other societies traumatised by Ideologically-motivated violence, stems from the insight they offer into the mindset and thinking of those involved in an organisation that claims to be 'cultural' rather than 'political' - and yet which is basically the 'mother organisation' of right-wing groups that commit violence. As Vachani explained at a well-attended screening in New Delhi recently, he has found that many leaders of the Hindu right "want a mirror image of Islam" - they want to manufacture, "a religion where a (spiritual) leader will give fatwas that the faithful will follow blindly." His words bring to mind an Australian PhD candidate who was working on a comparison of Hindu and Muslim right-wing organisations some years ago, mainly in Bombay and Lahore. She found that the Hindu organisation actually studied the tactics of the Islamic organisation, including pamphlets, literature, and video recordings of their rallies. (She received various threats from their representatives when she returned to Australia, and prefers not to be named at this point). All this also echoes an observation by Indian television journalist Rajdeep Sardesai during a live talk show on Geo TV during the Saarc summit in Islamabad in January. Seated next to the Jamat-e-Islami's Qazi Hussain Ahmed, he and fellow journalist Seema Mustafa of The Asian Age were engaged in a heated debate on Kashmir and religious extremism; one could almost see the sparks flying as the argument went back and forth. At one point, Sardesai burst out, "Qazi sahib, mujhe lagta hai ke aap aur bal thakarey aik hi sikkey ki do sides hain" - it seems to me that you and Bal Thakarey are just two sides of the same coin. It took a few seconds for Qazi sahib to recover from this charge, but he had no answer. Sardesai's brief remark pinpoints a fundamental and universal truth: the commonality of 'fundamentalisms', no matter how much at odds they appear to be. Unfortunately, they tend not to stick to the actual 'fundamentals' that are common to all religions - truth, justice, and compassion. As a result, another commonality is how their respective ideologies contribute towards a culture that condones and engages in violence - a point underscored decisively in Vachani's film. Many like Vachani believe that the right-wing's attempts to homogenise its constituency by developing concept of 'oneness' - one god, one nation bound by one creed, obedient to one leader - is difficult to engineer in India. Some argue that Hinduism is not a religion, but a philosophy, which encompasses within it much diversity of opinion and belief. However, an all-encompassing, all-embracing diversity has a different power than that provided by the concept of 'one' with its dynamics of a unifying force, impetus and rallying cry. Hence the efforts of the Hindu right to strategise towards developing or manufacturing this 'oneness'. In general though, there is little acceptance in India for such homogenisation, that many oppose because it leads to violence that in turn will isolate the country. Vachani's 'The Men in the Tree', in fact, makes the case that this homogenisation also prepares the ground for incidents like the Babri masjid demolition, and beyond, to the horrors of Gujarat. This brings up another commonality between extremist groups: their attempts to construct and strengthen their own identity by demonising 'the other' even if this means distorting history. The film follows five main characters (including two who were once part of the RSS and now oppose its tactics and ideology). Flashback-like references from the earlier film show us where these men are today. In the process, the film militates disconcertingly against stereotypes. "But Sandeep is so good-looking," came one surprised comment at the end of the viewing, as if right-wing bigots have no right to be charismatic. Another surprise is how Kali, about ten years old in the earlier film, has developed as a young man. Vachani expected to find him an integral part of the RSS structure in his village by now. Instead, Kali shuns their politics and is more concerned with running a shop, and with his girlfriend. He believes that the demolition of the Babri Masjid was wrong - it happened shortly after Vachani completed the first film (the Gujarat carnage took place shortly after the sequel was filmed). "It is ordinary, innocent people who get killed in such incidents," says Kali soberly. That is certainly true, any way you look at it. ______ [4] [Text of Leaflet being circulated by secular activists in Maharashtra before the upcoming elections there] Leaflet 1 REJECT POLITICS OF EXCLUSION Day by day as citizens of this country we realize that our powers to bring about change in our economic and social life are decreasing. When we talk about politicians and politics there is an instant dislike and an aversion among us. But yet as citizens it is important for us to regain that right, which was given to us when we became a nation on August 15, 1947. Our Constitution is the foundation of our Nation. It is based on principles, which gives each citizen equal rights in every sphere of his or her life whatever be the religion, caste or class of the citizen. It has very clearly stated that we are a Secular, Democratic and a Sovereign Nation. But if we look at the history of our Nation since the last few decades we find that communal forces are gradually trying to destroy this democratic ethos, culture and space. Communal politics or Hindutva is based on an ideology of divisions, hatred and violence. It has created the 'us' versus 'the other', the majority versus the minority, the Hindu versus the Muslim, the Hindu versus the Christian, Marathi versus Marathi, Gujarati versus Gujarati, Bihari versus Assamese and so on. Communal politics is the politics of exclusion. The danger implied in this ideology is, to what extent will we go on with the exclusion of groups of people. Tomorrow it could be 'you' who is put in the category of 'the other' and this could lead eventually lead to 'your' attack. And then either since you remained silent or were with those who indulged in physical violence -- where would you go for help? For centuries our religious and social life was dominated by the caste system in which within the broad framework of Hinduism we discriminated against large sections of people. Did we not then practice the politics of exclusion? Even today attack against Dalits by upper caste Hindus still continues on a rampant scale. So is the Dalit a Hindu, and if he is why is he being attacked? And if he is not a Hindu, then does he belong to the 'Hindu Rashtra'? India follows a communitarian way of life in which each group values and retains its own identity, and at the same time absorbs all that is modern and worthwhile from other people who have different linguistic, ethnic, religious background. This interaction is possible only in a communitarian way of life and this can thrive only in democracy. Communalism or Hindutva on the other hand erases and completely denies us this interactive process. The violence that took place in Gujarat, in which innocent lives were lost and property worth crores of rupees destroyed, is a prime example of this communitarian and democratic space being totally exterminated. RSS-BJP-VHP combine has constantly projected 'cultural nationalism' as part of their ideology. But we as a nation have practiced 'cultural pluralism' for centuries. If any religion, language or anything ethnic has to evolve, it can evolve only in cultural pluralism. And the prerequisite for this cultural pluralism is democracy. Therefore the absence of cultural pluralism also becomes the absence of Democracy. Thus communalism or Hindutva is ultimately not the clash of cultures, religions, civilizations, it is the extinction of thousands of groups that have lived in India since we became a part of this land through time. It is the total annihilation of their narratives, their religions, their languages, their culture: in short their life systems. It also becomes the slow death of its own majority culture that it is trying to create in a 'Hindu Rastra'. In the process it will On the other hand when you try to impose a 'Hindu Rashtra' of a majority culture, it is the beginning of a slow death process in each and every sphere of our life. History has shown us that majoritanism feeds upon itself until it becomes too demonic and monstrous to handle. Recently in Afghanistan, Taliban ended up stifling majority culture, peoples� rights. Pakistan is another example before us. In an attempt to create an Islamic State, various groups within Islam are fighting among themselves to gain control of the other. So today what is important: Tiranga Yatra, Afzal Khan�s tomb, the position of Veer Savarkar or the enormous economic disparities that are facing us. In every area of life be it nutrition, health, education, housing, sanitation, job security, our figures are pathetic. 44% of India�s population is poor. 47% of children under five are severely and chronically malnourished. Almost half of Indian homes have no electricity. Two in three have no tap water. There are only 48 doctors for every 100000 people. Every third Indian is illiterate. The per capita consumption has increased by around 40 per cent since 1989-90 for the richest 20 per cent of the urban population, whereas for the bottom 80 per cent of the rural population - well more than half of india's total population who now number nearly 600 million, per capita consumption has actually declined since 1989-90. We can go on with the figures, but once again at this crucial juncture before the elections we have to make our choices. Do we choose the ideology of violence or that of co-existence? Do we choose democracy, the Constitution, civil society or that based on divisions in society? Is it not time for us to focus our energies on development and progress to make life better for our future generations? If we need to work on development should we not then be guaranteed our basic democratic rights? Let us vote for Democracy. ______ [5] All India Catholic union Administrative Office: DTC Building 3rd Floor, EDC Complex, Patto, Panaji, Goa 403001 India Phone: 01-932 2438156 Fax: 91 832 2438151 Email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED] ALL INDIA CATHOLIC UNION PUTS BJP-RULED STATES ON 'WATCH LIST' FOR ENDANGERING MINORITY COMMUNITIES, DISMANTLING SAFEGUARDS Government, Church urged to uplift economic condition of Christians PRESS STATEMENT Mumbai, October 8, 2004 The All India Catholic Union's national leadership, recently elected for a two year term 2004-06, had their first meeting in Mumbai today to assess developments in several states and to analyse the impact of the recently released religion-based Census report on the national social and political discourse. At a Press conference here today, Dr. John Dayal, elected National President of the All India Catholic Union and Mr. Dolphy D�Souza, Mumbai's well known social activist who was elected National Vice President, expressed deep concern at the rash of anti-Christian violence reported from several states following the BJP�s defeat in the general elections. Even states with little record of communal violence such as Kerala had seen within weeks desecration of churches, attacks on nuns of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity and the murder of a Catholic priest, apart from numerous smaller incidents of violence against Catholic and Protestant churches and personnel. In all cases, the suspects were identified as belonging to fundamentalist groups of the RSS family. Even more dangerous were developments in the states ruled by the BJP and its allies, including Gujarat, Orissa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh and Jharkhand, which covered the entire tribal belt of India from the east to the west. Since the general elections, there has been a systematic effort in all these states to dismantle many of the safety apparatuses that had been set in place by the previous governments. In Rajasthan for instance not only ahs Trishul distribution been legalized, it is being officially encouraged. In several states there is aggressive coercion activity in the guise of Ghar Wapsi. There is rapid communalization of the educational system. The tribal area has practically been handed over to the Sangh Parivar which has launched a whole scale hate campaign against Muslims and Christians, leading the minority community to fear that violence may be triggered at any time. Dr John Dayal twice met union Home minister Shivraj Patil and HRD Minister Arjun Singh and brought to their notice the rapid deterioration in the law and order environment in these states and the apprehensions of the Minorities. The AICU urged the Union Home Ministry to take urgent steps to restore confidence and peace. Congratulating the Centre, AICU expressed appreciation of recent stapes taken by the Central government and specially Mr. Arjun Singh in the detoxification of the Human Resource Development infrastructure in the country from communal infiltration in the last five years, Dr Dayal called for vigilance against similar elements in police, judicial and other administrative units. Referring to the startling revelations of declining literacy percentages and economic status of the Christian community as revealed in the recent Census report, the AICU leadership said it exposed the hollowness of claims of development of minority communities since Independence. It was time now to go beyond paying lip service to the cause of the Dalits, specially Christians of Dalit origin, and the poor. The Church had to take concrete measures including working for social safety nets, universal health insurance and entrepreneurship programmes. Dalits and landless peasantry must be assured free education. The government must provide ensure adequate funds towards this. The All India Catholic Union endorsed the demands of the Bombay Catholic Sabha which is its largest state unity, for OBC status for the ancient East Indian Community, solving the long standing cemetery problems, specially the one at Mulund in Central Mumbai Suburbs, greater representation to Christians in various government boards and statutory organizations. The Catholic Union demanded of the Central and all state governments that they highlight the various schemes they already have for minorities so that information is available even in distant parishes through Doordarshan and other media. Released by the AICU president for favour of publication, broadcast and telecast. ______ [6] Goan Observer, Panjim, 9-15 Oct. 2004 PARRIKAR-TOGADIA DOCTRINE IT IS NOW official . Use and discard is the mantra of Manohar Parrikar and the Sangh Parivar. We have it straight from the chief Rakshus Pravin Togadia's mouth. In an interview to Sunaparant, Pravin Togadia has let the cat out of the bag. And made public the Sangh Parivar's not so secret agenda. To use, abuse and then discard the Rahus, the Ketus and the Shanis. Rahu, Ketu and Shani are demons in Hindu mythology. In his interview with Sunaparant at the Mahalsa temple, Pravin Togadia is reported to have labelled the Muslims as Rahus and the Christians as Ketus. Togadia told Sunaparant that Lord Mahalsa had destroyed the demons Rahu and Ketu. But they had been reborn as Muslims and Christians to destroy Hinduism. The collorary being that it is the obligation of all fanatical lunatic fundamentalist Hindus to destroy the Rahus and Ketus, meaning the Muslims and Christians. The Sangh Parivar and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which Pravin Togadia heads, committed genocide in Gujarat. They would have succeeded in getting rid of all the Rahus, (the Muslims) but for a change in government in the Centre. The Sangh Parivar and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad along with its criminal associates Bajrang Bal (we are sure Hanuman who was a staunch secularist is not amused) have been targeting the Ketus (Christians) for years now. ATROCITIES Recently a Parish priest in Kerala was brutally murdered by the criminal mafia comprising the VHP and the Bajrang Bali. Even more shockingly, the lunatics and the fanatics who claim to be the torch bearers of Hinduism attacked the Missionaries of Charity, the order founded by Mother Teresa. The great humanist who has been beatified and is due for canonisation. A great soul who is held in reverence even by the head priest of the main Kali temple in Calcutta. In its interview to Sunaparant , Pravin Togadia, the head Rakhsus and the patron sinner of all the Hindutva demons, reportedly has for the first time categorically stated the BJP doctrine. "Hindus should make use of these politicians who go after power and then throw them away." Significantly this doctrine was enunciated by Pravin Togadia in the specific context of the Poinguinim elections. But there is nothing new or surprising about this new doctrine propounded by the chief Rakshus of the Sangh Parivar. Pravin Togadia's most ardent, disciplined and most conscientious student has been implementing the Togadia doctrine for years. Manohar Parrikar came to power by using Dr Wilfred De Souza and Francisco Sardinha. Then they had served their purpose Manohar Parrikar pulled the chain and flushed them down. When it was the turn of the one-time fierce loyalist of Manohar Parrikar, Micky Pacheco. Who was summarily dropped from the cabinet. Though they do not know it the other Ketus who are all set to be flushed are Philip Neri, the Velim MLA; Mathany Saldanha, the Cortalim MLA; Francis D'Souza, the Mapusa MLA and Babush Monserrate the Taleigao MLA. In the case of Philip Neri, the Velim constituency is all set to vanish in the new delimitation proposals. Babush Monserrate may however spring a surprise on Manohar Parrikar and the BJP. He may pull the flush on the BJP before Manohar Parrikar does so. Babush has made his intentions quite clear in an exclusive interview to our correspondent Calvert Gonsalves. The chief Rakshus of the Sangh Parivar, Pravin Togadia has spoken only about the Rahus and the Ketus. As far the Rahus are concerned no doubt in the coming elections Shaikh Hassan will be flushed out. But Manohar Parrikar has gone one step further and has been systematically flushing away not just the Rahus and the Ketus but also the Shanis. The Shanis in the Sangh Parivar dictionary are the pseudo secularist among the Hindus. Particularly the pseudo secularists in the Congress party. Manohar Parrikar, the ardent disciple of the chief Rakshus, has already used and discarded several Shanis. It will be recalled that two prominent high profile Shanis who were part of the Manohar Parrikar government, Ramakant Khalap and Ravi Naik the then deputy chief minister in the Parrikar cabinet, were both used and discarded. And the others on the list for being flushed away include Pandurang Madkaikar, the Cumbarjua MLA, Sudin Dhavlikar, the present PWD minister and Babu Azgoankar, who will have no roof over his head when his constituency Dhargal is merged with the Pernem constituency. But of course the biggest Shani who is all set to be flushed away is the LOO Pratapsing Raoji Rane. Unless of course Pratapsing Raoji Rane decides to become one of the Rakhshus. The doctrine of Pravin Togadia of using power hungry politicians and discarding them when they have served their purpose, should also serve as a wake up call to other pseudo-secularists and power-hungry politicians who have opportunistically aligned with the Sangh Parivar. Heading the list of such politicians who are likely to be discarded like so many used tissues or dirty linen is the Minister for Power Digamber Kamat. Who in any case is already in disgrace because he failed to deliver the South Goa parliamentary seat to the BJP. The Pravin Togadia doctrine is not limited to politicians. As practised by Manohar Parrikar it also applies to voters. There have been reports in the 'newspaper you can trust' that 150 motorbikes have been distributed in the Poinguinim constituency. Soon after the elections all the young men who have allowed themselves to be used will discover that they have been literally taken for a ride. This is because only the first instalment has been paid and after the elections, payment of the further instalments will stop. And the finance companies who have provided the money for the purchase of these motorcycles will repossess them with goons supplied by the man who sponsored the motorbikes. All that the young men have to do is check with the hundreds of other young men who made a pact with the devil in Taleigao. And even those among them who may get to keep the motorbikes will discover that there are no roads to ride on. And that the money for the motorbikes have come from the money that was meant for the roads. As part of the doctrine of using and discarding voters a lot of poixe is raining on Poinguinim. The principle is the same. Voters in Poinguinim will and are making a quick buck. All the mega bucks that are being distributed are coming from their own pockets. It is coming from the pockets of citizens who have been contributing to the public exchequer by way of Excise and Sales tax and motor vehicle tax, and road tax and house tax. It is this very money that is financing the BJP's election campaign in Poinguinim. The money is coming from the bribes and the kick backs that Babush Monserrate and his cabinet colleagues have been extorting from the people in other parts of Goa. And after the Poinguinim elections, when those who have taken bribes go back to the BJP and ask about development they will be told, as they were in Taleigao, that they have already been paid their price. So how dare they ask for more. The contract has been concluded. So if they want any favours post elections they will have to pay for it. The voters in Poinguinim have a choice. They can allow themselves to be taken for a ride. They can allow the Rakshus to use and abuse them. But they aught to know that the BJP and Manohar Parrikar and Babush Monserrate and all those involved in the Poinguinim elections are only following the Togadia doctrine. Not just politicians but bureaucrats and even the ordinary voters who are greedy for power and for money should and will be used and then discarded liked soiled tissue paper. The BJP will pull the chain and flush them all away after the elections. The time has come for you to make the choice. The time has come for you to decide whether you want to be victims of the Togadia doctrine. Whether you want to be used abused and flushed away like it has happened in the case of the Rahus, the Ketus and the Shanis. o o o http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=100915 Navhind Times, Panjim, 9th Oct. 2004 CONGRESS FILES POLICE COMPLAINT AGAINST TOGADIA NT Staff Reporter Panaji Oct 8: The Congress today lodged a police complaint against the general secretary of Vishva Hindu Parishad, Dr Praveen Togadia for making a derogatory statement against Muslims and Christians during a recent visit to Goa. Addressing a press conference at the Congress House, today, the president of the Margao Block Congress Committee, Mr Satish Narvenkar circulated a copy of the complaint stating that Dr Togadia termed the Islam as 'Rahu' and Christianity as 'Ketu' equating these religions with demons, which were earlier destroyed by the Gods. The complaint submitted to South Goa SP, Mr Vishram Borkar, stated that Dr Togadia made the alleged statement in an interview in the premises of Mhalsa Narayani Devasthan, Verna, recently. The press statement alleges that the statements were made to foster enmity between the Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities. It said that such statements were harmful to national interest. The statement also mentioned that Dr Togadia's alleged statement violates various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Meanwhile, the Catholic Association of Goa has condemned the Dr Togadia alleged statement and emphasised that a strong and united Catholic community in Goa is the only way to counter such irresponsible statements. ______ [7] Economic and Political Weekly - September 25, 2004 (Census 2001 and religion data) CENSUSES, COMMUNALISM, GENDER AND IDENTITY A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE The census has always been used by communal forces to map Hindu communities, to count them, and above all to compare them with other religious communities, particularly the Muslim. Census data has been an instrument not just for enumeration, but also for comparison. by Charu Gupta http://www.epw.org.in/showArticles.php?root=2004&leaf=09&filename=7715&filetype=html ______ [8] Upcoming Events: (i) A Conversation with Dr. Mallika Sarabhai: Communal Harmony and the Role of Civil Society Promise of India & Stanford University Asian Religions and Cultures Initiative Proudly Present A Conversation with Dr. Mallika Sarabhai Communal Harmony and the Role of Civil Society: A Personal Story Renowned Danseuse, Actress, TV Anchor, Editor/Publisher, Social Activist, and winner of numerous awards for her artistic work and her advocacy on behalf of the poor In conversation with Prof. Linda Hess of Stanford University about her passion for the performing arts; the role of civil society in reestablishing peace and harmony among communities; and her interventions on behalf of the victims of the 2002 Gujarat violence--and the consequences of taking a principled stand. When: October 10, 2004 - 10 a.m. to Noon Where: Stanford University Campus-Room 105, Braun Hall (Bldg 320) A FREE EVENT Co-Sponsored by: Asha for Education-Bay Area Chapters (ASHA); Association for India's Development-Bay Area Chapter (AID); Coalition Against Communalism (CAC); India Community Center (ICC); India Literacy Project (ILP); Indian Muslim Council (IMC-USA); Indians for Collective Action (ICA) (ii) Documentary Voices: Anand Patwardhan Eight documentary features and two short works by one of South Asia's most celebrated and controversial filmmakers Anand Patwardhan on October 7, 14, 21, 22, 23, and 24 at the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley. Patwardhan will deliver a special lecture on film and activism on October 21, and will also appear in person on October 22, 23, and 24. Thursday OCT 21 2004, 7:00 PM In the Name of God - Lecture by Anand Patwardhan. Location: PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE THEATER, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94720. For more info, call: (510) 642-1412 Patwardhan discusses film and activism following the screening of his fascinating work about the destruction of the Babri Masjid by Hindu fundamentalists. <http://ektaonline.org/events/patwardhan/PFA/index.htm>http://ektaonline.org/events/patwardhan/PFA/index.htm (iii) Sakhi for South Asian Women http://www.sakhi.com Contact: Tamseela Tayyabkhan, 201.934.3288, [EMAIL PROTECTED] WHO: Sakhi for South Asian Women WHAT: Press Conference for Sakhi's 4th Annual Gala Celebrating Women's Lives featuring Actress Ms. Nandita Das, MC Ms. Joya Dass, Sakhi members and staff WHERE: Dewey Ballantine LLP 1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019-6092 You must RSVP with Sakhi by e-mailing [EMAIL PROTECTED] to be put on the security list Valid I.D.'s will be required to enter the venue WHEN: Friday, October 15, 2004, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. The press conference will start promptly to ensure adequate time for presentations and questions. Established in 1989, SAKHI, meaning "woman friend" in many South Asian languages, is a New York City-based non-profit organization working to end violence against women of South Asian origin. To mark the 15-year anniversary of Sakhi's inception, Sakhi is holding its 4th annual gala fundraiser Celebrating Women's Lives at Chelsea Piers on October 16, 2004. The honorary speakers for the 2004 gala are acclaimed actress and political activist Ms. Nandita Das and acclaimed writer and political activist Ms. Eve Ensler. This event celebrates Sakhi's work and the achievements of the gala speakers in their visionary advocacy for women's rights. Last year more than 530 community supporters attended the gala and learnt of Sakhi's work with survivors and especially the campaign to correct injustices within the court interpreter system. As a curtain-raiser to the event, a press conference with Ms. Nandita Das, Mistress of Ceremonies CNNfn correspondent Joya Dass, and Sakhi Founders, Members and survivors will be held on October 15, 2004. The press conference is generously hosted by the law firm Dewey Ballantine LLP. Sakhi will premiere its new audiovisual presentation What Creates Change?: Sakhi Celebrates 15 Years of Working to End Violence Against Women at this event. The presentation brings forth powerful photographs combined with strong voices from Sakhi reporting upon 15 elements of change needed to respond to the ever-increasing calls from survivors of abuse. In addition, the speakers will report on Sakhi's ongoing work and share information about the 2004 gala. We hope you will join us for the press conference. To gain entry into the press conference due to building security, you must RSVP to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and [EMAIL PROTECTED] or by calling 212.714-9153 ext. 100. Please identify all media and crew who will be present (including video and photographers). RSVP to Sakhi and valid I.D.'s will be required to enter the premises. o o o o o Celebrating Women's Lives Celebrating 15 years of Survival, Strength,& Sisterhood with Honored Speakers Nandita Das & Eve Ensler Where: Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, New York City When: Saturday October 16th, 2004 _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Buzz on the perils of fundamentalist politics, on matters of peace and democratisation in South Asia. SACW is an independent & non-profit citizens wire service run since 1998 by South Asia Citizens Web: www.sacw.net/ SACW archive is available at: bridget.jatol.com/pipermail/sacw_insaf.net/ Sister initiatives : South Asia Counter Information Project : snipurl.com/sacip South Asians Against Nukes: www.s-asians-against-nukes.org Communalism Watch: communalism.blogspot.com/ DISCLAIMER: Opinions expressed in materials carried in the posts do not necessarily reflect the views of SACW compilers. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/act/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
