Recently lobbying has gained a whole load of currency (no pun intended) in the Indian market, with Ms. Radia in the news for probably perceived incorrect reasons. Lobbying has been defined in many ways and has a huge history. The common definition of lobbying is that it seeks to influence decisions made by governments or legislators for specific interest groups or institutions or groups of people. In fact in many countries, lobbying is not such a “bad” term as sometimes referred to in India and in some it is even the fundamental right of every citizen. For example the ability of individuals, groups, and corporations to lobby the government is protected by the right to petition in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Lobbyists actually use time spent with legislators to explain the goals of the organizations they represent and the obstacles elected officials face when dealing with issues, to clients. At its fundamental level lobbying is just another way of communicating your point of view, to people who could make a difference.
Continue reading “The Thin Line with Lobbying”Category: Politics & India
Can “Culture” Liberate You?
Perceptions and characterisations about being “Indian” in many spiritual groups run deep. Also the way “Indians” are perceived around the globe runs deep, as well as the image Indians give out themselves is varied, complex and even geographically different. Also how spiritual masters percieve different groups of “Indians” runs diverse and deep; and it also depends to which group they are speaking with, when and in what context and sometimes whom they want to appeal to. How American spiritual devotees live and work with “Indians” under the same spiritual roof, is also interesting and hilarious to watch ‘sometimes’ (imagine taking a tight American planned and labelled apprach and dumping it or lets say sharing it lovingly -:) on an Indian who refuses to label things, does not think in a linear fashion and needs many chai breaks and perhaps has never seen a strategic plan in his/her life ha ha).
In any culture/creed debate, generalisations are very difficult to make and at the same time they are still sub consciously made and people behave/react/be proactive based on those sub-conscious vibrations; sometimes vehemently and sometimes lovingly. Being free of culture traits can truly lead to the ultimate freedom. But its a very very subtle process, since culture traits are sub conscious, because they get automatically ingrained as we grow up. Either you were “lucky” (in quotes, because I am sure you planned it ahead of time) to have multi cultural influences in your childhood; or you are bold enough to look into your sub conscious process, be deeply reflective and accepting of yourself (because a lot of junk mail can also pop out of the sub conscious) and then consciously design an uncluttered and “natural” view of the world. And at the same time culture brings with it richness, colour, grounding, love, community etc. So, a very interesting topic.
My India – Potentially Flawed?
Yes, we all want to see India do well, especially those of us who stay in India and are brought up here. And yes, we have inherited a great culture as we like to say, 5000 years old say some. But when I look around me, either we are blinded by this great culture we have inherited or we are plain shitting on it – this applies literally as well. Remember Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt and many others are developing nations like India, but we have a unique reputation globally, of defecating on the streets. And I cannot ignore this. A nation that “allows” people to defecate on its streets on a regular basis, creating tons of organic waste left outside to rot, reflects an inner state within the cultural fabric of its soul. It communicates very simply – we don’t care, say what you like, when I want to shit, I will just defecate right there in front of you – that, is the inner feeling. Of course, the solution is not in having more public toilets (that is one of the outer effects of an inner change) , the solution is in changing our mindset first – both parties, the ones who shit and the ones who do not – need to care about the country. But do we really?
Continue reading “My India – Potentially Flawed?”IPL After Parties: A Concocted Show
Many people, especially Indians are very quick to criticize say someone like the Singapore government, for putting on directed and concocted shows. But what about these new IPL “after parties”? They seem like a miserable drill the cricketers follow, night after night after night. Not only does the show seem completely put on (at least to this author), women are invited, celebrities perhaps flown in and the cricketers seem like they have to “keep up” with this new party culture; and all-in-all it looks like a sad and forced regimen for everyone. To top it all you have VJ’s and some others, pouncing around in over-excited tones, acting like it’s the greatest party on earth. Unfortunately, most of the visuals indicate to the contrary. The cricketers look jaded and tired, the VJ’s over-the-top, the invited mini skirt women flashing false smiles and celebrities who look like they would rather quickly get to their hotel room to get a good nights sleep. But its a free country and so people are free to celebrate and do as they please, but I would caution readers to be mindful before consuming boring visuals of a “put-on” party, weather on TV, in print or on radio. True celebration comes from the inside, through a solid understanding of your own inner being…no wonder you never find Sachin Tendulkar at any of these concoctions. Great example.
Dennis Taraporewala 