Election 2014 – A Political Revolution

It was half past 11 in the cold night, few days back, when one of my friends called me up from the Netherlands  and said  sorry for calling very late and told that “Yaar, I am coming back to India this March, I want to know, how can I get a voter ID for me and my wife? What is the procedure? How long it takes to get the delivery? Will I be able to vote in this election?”

I said “wait, wait, wait…” rubbing my eyes, “What happened all of a sudden to you Shree? You never bothered to think about upliftment of this country and you had a list of complaints starting from individual to the system. “

Shree picked the speed “No, man I want to cast my vote this time without fail. Yes, I was hopeless about the system earlier but now, I could see possibilities of change in the paradigm.” “I know for sure that Narendra Modi will do something for this country as he developed the Gujarat”. “You just tell me what I have to do to get the voter ID.” Taking a sigh he said, “You know? Three of my colleagues here in NL are taking a month vacation during the general elections and coming to India and render their service to increase the voter turn during election”.

I said “Good!”, “Yes, you can get the voter ID. First, you come to India and give me a call. I will guide you. It is late here buddy, we will talk sometime later. Bye!”

I could not get sleep for a while. I was thinking about Shree. I was surprise that such a reluctant person like him is talking about the elections and importance of voting! But it is quite evident that the coming general elections in India has touched everyone’s conscience and shaken their depressive mindset about politics here. They started realizing the potential laying there in waiting, for someone to take lead.

Coming 2014 general election is relatively different in more than one way, compared to all other elections happened till date in Indian Republic. This election is not a usual procedure of democracy rather it has picked the momentum and has turned into a mass political revolution, which is going to happen on democratic terms.

Revolution need not be violent; it can be in democratic and peaceful. It is the message only Indian can give and Indians will Pioneer it once again in 21^st century world.

We have seen the revolutionary movements in the Middle East countries in the recent past. like in Egypt, Syria, etc. All of them were the revolutions of blood and Iron. They could not achieve more out of it than the bloodshed.

Even in India several apolitical movements (small and big) took place, considering rapid corruption in to account in the past 2-3 years. All of these movements were peaceful. They tried to mobilize the youth and convert their anger and anguish into a mass movement. However, they did not yield the anticipated results. People tried to make the Gate of India a Taharir Square of India. But, the government has dismissed such efforts. The leaders of these movements have taken different paths leaving the hope and objectives of many people in the mid way.

One group took decision to form a political party and get into politics to clean it. But, was it necessary to form a new political party one among the several already existing? Especially when the opinions are forming against ruling party (into one side), was there a necessity to have another party to divide the people again. It is not the matter of justification rather a matter of relevance and collective fight. Just think, what is an achievement out of this move? It is just an example of waywardness.

One of the good things happened out of recent social movements is that they formed a social mood and made people and rulers accountable in their respective constitutional role and responsibility. However they failed to provide a logical end to it.

The failure of social movements put people into confusion and left with a question “what’s next?”  on one hand, where as made political parties to think over cleaning their image and allow more and more public participation into their decision making on the other hand. 

There are several other important points contributed to political purification, such as rampant corruption cases against the ruling party government, social demoralization, mass loot of wealth and natural resources, increasing land mafia and cultivated land encroachment by government, uncontrolled inflation, lack of social security, corruption, unemployment, foreign infiltration, etc… 

The people, especially the youth started thinking that, how we are going to survive as dignified self-sustained country for a long run? Slowly they realized that it is they who have to do something about it to correct it.  But, did not get clear idea that what to do? where to start? whom to give the responsibility to lead? in such a critical situation, where another single wrong step would lead to anything like anarchy or dictatorship or losing everything we own as a nation. Naturally, the leadership cannot be in the inexperienced and one side thinkers, like bollywood movie lead actors and even cannot be in the hands of shameless looters and their durbaris (supporters/allies).

We always blamed our youth for being lazy and not taking charge of correcting things around in society in small and in system in large. We believed that nothing in this country is going to change. But, now the youth got the beat of the heart of the system. They got to know that only by cleaning the Parliament we can make some impact. To clean the parliament we need to send the right candidates there. They comprehended that they cannot influence the candidate selection in any party. Then only way out is, look at the top leadership of the party and their track record and delivery of their promises.

After national brainstorming for a year or so, a name came that is of Gujarat chief minister, Shree Narendra Modi.

Initially, the name has been suggested by the Yoga Guru Swamy Ramdevji, a crusader of black money and system reform movement. Modi has been blessed by more than thousand sant-sanyasis in a big ceremony. Later after several days discussion even the Bharatiy Janata Party (BJP) also consented his name. Since then the national mood has changed. People started considering 2014 election as the last battle of their Life, they are going to fight for good governance.

There were only three topics of any youth talks across India, one used to be cricket then bollywood and general things (like boy-girl). Now, the topic of 2014 election and especially about Modi have sidelined all other lose talks. Take it from the Gangubai to Gnyaneshwar everybody talks of Modi and Gujarat development. The huge crowd at Modi's public addresses witness tip of the iceberg.

It’s not only the urban even the villages are not left untouched with NaMo mantra. The road side holdings, posters are witnessing this.  The public gatherings and ceremonies conducted by apolitical groups in spreading Modi mantra attracting huge masses. In a unique development, lot of seminars, debates, discussions happening across India on several topics from bad governance to good governance, economics to taxation, agriculture to land encroachment, fighting poverty to development model. These groups of volunteers are spreading the accrued knowledge to the common man. The national days, the birth days of freedom fighters and national heroes are being converted as the tools to infuse the nationalism and national pride. At the end they do not forget to emphasize on how their single vote could change the fate of India.

Many youths have taken long leaves or taking breaks only for 2014 elections. It’s not in fascination but, with full conviction. Many of them are travelling the countryside to spread the importance of their voting, who is Narendra Modi and what are his achievements and why to vote him?

Indian youth were never useless rather they are used less or miss used. They got education but, deprived from ancient knowledge and wisdom. That’s one of the root causes of today’s miserable condition of India. They have realized their national responsibility and without setting a proper development oriented government in place, their life of prosperity is an illusion. Salute to all such youth.

There is a saying that there will be 3 stages in correcting any problem, so is in national perspective. It says, if a problem has emerged recently, you can stop it by engaging little energy, money and time. If the problem is existing from several years and still you have any opportunity to correct it with little extra effort, little extra energy and little more time and money (even could be a loss of life of few people), then it means the situation is still under control. But, if the problem is there in the third stage, then there is no guarantee that we could stop, save or resolve it even by giving our entire time, money, effort and national wealth and our life. We are in the second stage, we still have a say and space to set things right. We believers of democracy still posses the power to send out the vested interests in system and make place for right people there. 

Modi’s name was not handpicked through a lottery for the prime ministerial candidature. He rendred his service for more than 30 years for Sangh and Party. He walked the tough roads from 2002 riots to several other cases. He never gave up. These road blocks did not stop him from his commitment to service. 

His contribution to Gujarat state in building the infrastructure, providing 24/7 electricity even to the remote villages, giving enough electricity to the farmers, water conservation efforts, drinking water supply to more than 4,000 more villages of the drought prone areas, converting 35 lakh hector barren land into cultivatable land, joining many small rivers to the Narmada river, construction of 1,20,000 check dams, e-governance, health benefits to the last man though e-mamata and chirajeevi schemes, educational reforms and several other development plans and schemes and their proper implementation and on ground results have made him the man of promises and man of action.

With his delivery on promises made place for him in every common man’s heart. He touched every section of country, every class of society, every age group. My mother, though she doesn’t understand intricacies of politics, keep asking me about 'Modi’s rallies and what he said in his speech? What people are telling about him?' And ask me, 'what I am doing for it?' Today, not only he has fan following from length and breadth of this country, but, he has loving hearts and praying souls.

Modi is the most searched politician on Google in 2013 leaving US president Barak Obama to the second place. It shows Modi is in talks all over the world. It shows that he has fans and supporters even outside India. I was surprised to see (like me many Indians watching the match) during the recent India-New Zealand match, one side of the stadium was fully filled with Modi supporters. They were wearing Modi T-shirts, holding his posters and banners shouting “Modi…Modi…”. With that anyone could understand the popularity of NaMo. If you do things right, what you are supposed to do, (though you are not doing any extra things) definitely people appreciate it and it in turn attracts name and fame. Modi is an example for it.

Modi is a true nationalist. It is being confirmed through his public addresses and subjects he speaks about. He throws light on several un-discussed topics.

Recently he made a statement which drawn everyone’s attention. He said “If a daughter is born, plant five trees along your farm and when she is grown up you can sell the timber to fund her wedding”. What a thought. Only a person like him can think of it. He knows that India is a major importer of timber. It costs more in India than in US. So, it is beneficial both ways to the house hold and to nation.

He is clear about his development strategy. He has a model for growth. His recent "Rainbow of Hope" drew everybody’s attention. It consists Family Culture, Agriculture, Women Empowerment, Natural Resources, Youth Power, Democracy, and Knowledge. He says we have to give importance to these seven points and strengthen them for our prosperity, then we can not only survive but, lead the world.

He talked about 5T strategy to brand Indian development. Technology, Tourism, Talent, Tradition, Trade. He said Terrorism divides where as Tourism unites. We need to take help of talent and technology to improve trade. We have to nurture our tradition for the next generation.

He has his footprint even on social media. He has more than 90 lakh followers on FaceBook and lakhs of followers even on Twitter and other online mediums.

His unique way of involving people across country through a program called "Chay Pe Charcha" has drawn everyone's attention. People are participating with lot of enthusiasm in such these events and suggesting their points".

It is the first election in independent Indian history when a prime ministerial candidate through his party giving a clear picture for growth. It the first time we are talking beyond appeasement assurances. It is the first time we are talking beyond Roti-Kapada-Makan, It is the first time we are talking beyond garibi hatavo!, It is the first time we are talking about the model of national security in public domain, It is the first time we are talking about inclusive prosperity. It is the first time we are talking about development oriented topics. 

But, sad part is other political parties still talk in terms of divisive politics. Good thing is people have realized the fundamental difference between parties and they have made their mind clear which way to go and whom to elect. 

Don’t say if we miss this time..!!??, we cannot afford to miss it.

Again I would like to emphasize on the point that 2014 election is a revolution in more than one way. As every revolution has a lead revolutionary, 2014 political revolution is known for Narendra Modi. 

NaMo is everywhere in talks, hearts and prayers. If we all together succeed in converting our love, compassion and patriotism towards Mother India and Narendra Modi into tangible votes then there is nothing precious gift we could give them both.

Jay Hind!

-          -- K. Kalyan

Ye Jo Desh Hai Tera...!

On that day, it was vote counting day / election results declaration day, in 3 states of India. We being politically interested were eagerly waiting for the final results in a roadside canteen. We were all watching the results telecast there. Along with watching results, we were discussing about many bothering topics in the country.

Nitin initiated it by saying, “Maga (Friends), even this time my party is going to win with thumping majority in 2 states and in 3rd one we will be in a position to form the government with small party’s support.” in teasing voice.

Somesh said bluntly “Hey Nitin, could you keep quiet, I know you and your party how you win elections, Hey Sachin tell him da, what happened in your ward, just before a day of voting”.

Sachin said assertively, “Do you think Nitin doesn’t know all this?”

Nitin interferes in between just cutting Sachin’s explanation “I know, I know..., this is how the elections happen in India... and what is wrong in it? No party is exception to this trend, Okay...!”

Abhilash said, “Leave it man, nothing is going to change here in India, unless there is 100% literacy in India. Only then people would understand the importance of their vote. Otherwise it is just an opportunity to make free money. Who will lose it?”

Joseph said, laughingly, “Of course, there is no guarantee that they will fulfil any promises they make during canvas, at least this way voter tries to utilise it to his favour. It is not education, it is all about values and ethics and national feeling”

Sadiq, “When there is drowning poverty and killing inflation, how many think of values and stick to them?”

Sachin said, “Maga, it seems Prabhu came, I am well versed with his old Dakota two wheeler’s scream(sound)... he is still not leaving it, sentimental fool.”

In the mean time, Nitin, told in jumping joy, “Yes, again we got majority! Hip... hip... Hurry...!”

Everybody was in deep silence with loads of disappointment.

Prabhu entered with face full of smile... “What happened guys, so silent? I am sorry for being late... My 2 wheeler stopped running near Dhyananjaneya temple up. Then I had to pull it up to the top by walking....” took a sigh and asked “What happened? All of you are so silent? what is the result of counting?”

“As expected, our party one majority” Nitin said.

“We should blame people, not the party, still they voted for money and on time favor, I feel why did I take birth in this country?” Somesh said with angry.

Prabhu said “I told you guys that none of the current parties are worthy to contest elections. We need a change and it is possible only through nationwide movement against current system. For that we need to bring public awareness.”  Took a pause “I called you to participate and support the movement last year when it was lead by a non political social movement. No one did  listen to my call”

Again the topic cached heat that what should be corrected first? Someone pointed out, education, some other said, corrupt system, and then someone said population growth, Political system, Poverty, cast-ism, etc...It went on.  Each one of them emphasized on their own point and said first we should correct what they say. For them unless that section/area is addressed nothing is going to change.

This is the same trend all over the country. Everyone keeps blaming one or other national/social issue for the current worst situation in the country. By saying so, we pass on the responsibility and initiation to others. Same point is depicted in the below graph.

In the above graph we can see that each arrow in circle depicts one major issue our nation . Of course, these are just few handpicked one, but, in reality there are more haunting issues contributing to current situation than the one mentioned above. It is irony that we all are clear at least about issues prevailing in this country since independence or even before that, but, hardly any action is being taken to correct them. The youth of any decade, always tried to find their own comfort zone than taking a collective step in changing it. India being one of the youngest countries (a country having more youths than any other country) is suffering with same issues for more than half a century. It shows that how much concerned we are about our nation. Now, let us not consider it as our fate, let us receive it as an opportunity. Be proud that we are chosen by time and destiny to take actions.

We give our Life for people around us. People like, father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, children, friends, who gave birth, took care of our education and well being and who gave company in all our good and bad times. But, what about our mother land (Maa Bharati)? Is she nothing for us? She gave food, air, water, land, forest, water, natural resources, everything on earth we are enjoying at this moment is her bellowed gift from her children. But, then, whether her contribution and existence in our Life does make any difference? No, she is just a piece of land for most of us. 

It is sad that most of us only know pointing out the issues but, not taking part into improving it. Is our culture has become to be silent on all the issues and take our own safe shelter or safe way out? Even our family, society, environment teaches us not to engage in such things but, is that the right approach? We need to think over it by giving utmost importance.

Remember when we leave our body, none of our pleasures, happy moments, belongings, relationships, friendships come along with us. It is how much we gave back to society and what good we did to the society/nation counts. Of course, it is not going to be a smooth walk but, how much we walk counts a lot. If not race then at least should participate in relay race.

When any one says about taking initiative and making a right move, so many questions will arise. What to do? Which issue to choose? How we can contribute in eradicating it? How we can influence the society to take right direction? etc...

For that, first of all we need a deep national feeling, national pride (patriotism) and national development should be in the center and everyone should be working towards it than just blaming (anybody can do this)without initiating or participating in any constructive solution.

The first graph depicts passing on the problem or identifying the area of problem. It cannot give any solution to our problems, where as the second graph depicts working towards the central and common goal. That is building a powerful and developed nation than taking rounds in vicious circle of problems without any action.

A question arises what should be our contribution then? We need to start from wherever we are and the sector/area we feel requires the change than passing it on to others.  It needs dedication in all aspects, as said, time, money and service/labor.

Take any area like active politics, inactive politics like voter registration, voting awareness, debating national issues in public or groups, teaching economically deprived, environment awareness, global warming, corruption, etc... It can be anything of your interest. There is even no limit in number for selection of area you choose. But, we should cultivate the habit of giving back to society. It should not be for a day or for a month or for a year. Rather it should be forever. We should stop thinking that our part is over by giving a small/big donation to an NGO or any other organisation or religious trust. Money is required but, if everyone starts just giving money and thinks their social responsibility is over, then it is not right. We do need to put our labor time and actual selfless service.  

Along with above points we need to start out of box thinking. We are brought up in a secure and sure society and we are exposed to the path walked by many others and achieved success in the past. We need to come out of just getting satisfaction with Roti-Kapada-Makan-Education-Enough Bank balance. If we stop here even then it is fine. It is worst when, we start multiplying it. 99% of our generation is engaged only into such things, which can be minimized. Otherwise, there is no value for such a beautiful gift called Life.

Secondly, we need confidence  to succeed and Intention of doing some good to society is required from bottom of our heart. This attachment and concern will make success a sure phenomena. So, in the same way when attachment to serve nation turns into passion then there is no scarcity or no hurdles. We do hundred things, manage or buy some time out of available time for anything of our interest. Spend most of such valuable time carelessly and in fulfilling never satisfying conscience’s wishes and desires (could be material or immaterial). 

Third one is continuity. Many of us start many ideas with colorful beginning and stop just after few steps again blaming society as a whole, or for not getting required support, people not understanding your cause, etc... This is where the real exam is. Let people do not support, let them laugh, let them stop us, but, small or big step, we should keep going.  It might look blind walk for some time but, when we cross it, we find a new world, in fact, we find new we/us. From there we gain courage to walk an extra mile in the areas where we like to contribute/serve the society. Where we feared a lot in the beginning.

One import factor that could stop you here from going ahead or put hurdles on each step, I feel it is a menace for our country. People might ask you what we are doing. Why we are doing it? What we are going to gain out of it? When we read your mind in front of them, some of them appreciate it and few may annoy it. 

There will be another section of people neither they buy your idea nor reject it. To them they are the right persons and their decisions and way of thinking and way of living is perfect. When they see something or someone is going different from their way and find it a positive (gaining public interest), then knowingly or unknowingly they start feeling jealous about us. They will turn to be the biggest critic of us. And they start finding faults in us, so that they can prove that we are no way different from the rest (them) or they want to teach us a lesson that “you correct yourself first and then teach others or check your past or surrounding or your character”. By all these means they try to kill our enthusiasm, motivation, confidence, will power and show our efforts useless and waste of time.

This trend is spreading like an epidemic. This trend is stopping us from mingling and forming a group of like minded people for a common social/national cause. It is boosting the ideology where neither you are good nor I am. So, none of us can do anything good. Answer to this cannot be a quick one. We should have strong control on our character and behavior in all walks of Life and should keep walking towards the same goal facing all types of challenges, time will answer everything.

In this self centered world, it is hard to digest that anyone can do good beyond his/her immediate circle. Yes, Of course, It is up hill to walk, but, nothing/none stopped us getting inspiration from Tenzing Norgay and Edmond Hilary, who challenged the Gouri Shankar Parwat (The Mount Everest) and returned successfully.  

We the Youth of India, let us learn lessons from the past, face challenges of the present, let us take oath for the better future for generations to come. Chose the areas you want to contribute and make a difference and do your bit to Maa Bharati. 

                                            Tujhe Hai Pukaraa…!

Together We Can and We Will!

Jay Hind! Vande Mataram!

-- K. Kalyan

My Gujarat Diary

a fact file...

I had been to Gujarat for 3 days (20, 21 and 22 June, 2013)  last month mainly for 2 things. 

• First to take Darshan of Dwarakadhish and and Somanatheshwar.
• Second to witness the development by Gujarat Government. In fact, to call it correctly in Gujarati slang, Modi Raj. I wanted to see, whether it is really developed or it is just a balloon filled with air.... I don't wanted take risk of just praising someone without facts to prove.

It was overwhelming, soothing too to have Darshan and blessings of Dwarakadheesh and Somanatheshwar. A long time dream came true. Jay Dwarakadheesh, Jay Somanath.

I even had been to Sabarmati Ashram. It was really inspiring.

I am being proud Kannadiga (Of course, Proud Indian as well) and Bangalorean for this Life, was really surprised to see that new land called Ahmedabad, in fact, Gujarat.

All Roads in Ahmadabad and Gandhinagar are so wide (200 - 300 ft) with a divider in place and no humps, no digs, no damages, no potholes. Though it was too humid there, but, I really enjoyed the travel (I mean being on road).

When I had to visit Dwarka and Somanath, I chose to go by road. I saw many roads are two way roads with a divider even in the interior parts of the state.

I cannot imagine Bangalore ever reaching that level in another 10 years. Because, the roads are so narrow here, widening them is too difficult task. Maintaining quality roads itself is very difficult here. Forget about widening and managing...

I saw no road side posters and banners. Not only roads, but, even the road sides are very clean. Where as here... Film posters, banners, political rally banners (they will be hanging for months together even after the function is over) useless politician's birthday posters adore the roadside walls and electricity pillars.

The Ahmadabad - Gandhinagar, twin city corridor road (30 - 35 km) is beautiful. I felt being in Europe. If you don't believe then plan a trip before 2014 elections, so, it might make your mind to vote for real development (Modi-fication).

Then the interesting part is, I interviewed almost 13 people during my travel across Gujarat, all common people, auto-rickshaw walas, hotel persons, students, mandir Pujaris, Guides, Police, etc... (always, Khangress spokes person's tell that to go and ask the common people in Gujarat what problem and plight they are facing, life is terrible there, etc...). Out of them 12 People voted Modi Raj and BJP in Gujarat. 1 person an auto-wala seems to be victim of some problem, he was blaming the Gujarat Government throughout our 16 km journey.

All other 12 people (not related in anyway to each other) told 3 points with emphasis in common, but, to my surprise, it was not about roads and transport.

One, the electricity supply doesn't stop for a single minute throughout the year in Gujarat. While saying this, they remembered the condition 5-8 year ago, when there was always scarcity of electricity in Gujarat. Due to which lot of small scale industries were closed. This is not a point only told by an Ahmadabad resident but, even people from Dwaraka, Porabandar pointed out the same. 

In Karnataka, in my village, we have only 10 hours electricity supply, that too on papers but, many a times it is off for 12 – 15 hrs a day. In Bangalore, in my area, a prime area, every third day the transformer fails, in rainy season. No one bothers to get rid of it. 

Second, a person can roam in the city holding bag carrying big amount without any fear of getting robbed and even if robbed has a assurance that he will get the money back. Similarly a girl or lady can go out alone in the late midnight around 2-3 PM without any fear or security issue. These words and situations are not articulated by me, rather I am writing here what people shared through their observations and feelings.

Third, (Which is time and again doubted my many outsiders) the harmony in the normal citizens/residents. Ahmadabad has a very big area called Bapu Nagar and many other areas from old city are densely populated with migrants from northern and western India, all leaving respectful and peaceful Life. 3 auto-walas were from north India whom I rented. All they said is,"though Ahmadabad is bit costly, but, we really have Value for Our Life and it provided us a tension free Life". One thing, we so called techies need to remember that In Gujarat still computer technology is not yet boom here. Still they are earning sufficient. I felt if IT is gone, Bangalorians cannot with stand the current growth but, there it is entirely independent and indigenous.

What a progress! This is where a person earning lakhs together or few hundreds of rupees a day; everybody feels Value for Life here at the end of the day!

Then I felt, In Bangalore (We surrounded by techies) we earn by burning ourselves, Here we die earning, live talking about Value for Life!

If somebody is still unhappy and expects a sudden change over in one term, then either need to be ready to be disappointed for another decade or two or need to be happy with his dreams or need to get a gin. :)

I do understand, It doesn't need to say everything here is perfect with just one glance, but, can say a step towards good governance. At least, he has something to showcase beyond dirty communal/secular/garibi hatavo politics in just 2 terms, which is not possible for others after being in power for more than half a century both in states and center. 

The moment touched me the most is when the Taxi-wala (who was companion for us for 2 days) dropped us at Ahmadabad Railway Station. and said, "Sir, your visit was very short, you hardly saw a part of Gujarat, next year come for a weeks trip, and call me, I will take you to wonderful places. Gujarat has beautiful places, Sir!", Nothing great in his feelings and sharing, everyone says this, but, the astonishing thing was he is not from Gujarat rather he is from Uttar Pradesh.

I felt it was worth visiting Gujarat. Now, I can say, openly that what I saw and heard from people there, I am expressing the same facts not telling blindly or with over exaggeration about any one in person.

Ab Kuch Din to Gujaro Gujarat Mein! :)

-- K. Kalyan

Post-Mortem Report of a Farmer

There are several cases of farmers committing suicide makes news now and then. But, We (Like me, many others) being in city, these news make hardly  any impact on us and make us understand the seriousness of the matter. It had least impact on me until I heard news of suicide in my own village. 

Post economic reforms in 1991-92, we have been divided in two parts, one urban India and another Rural India. It is tough to understand each other’s problems unless wearing each other’s shoes. I enquired about the suicide when I been to my native. It was Shivanna who passed away.

Shivanna, was a small scale farmer, native of my village. He was working as paid labour in our fields for more than 3 years. Last few years ago, he left the job to start cultivation in his own 3 acers of land. He started farming with all his interest and did all possible and required investment. But, He could make very less for his pocket due to low rain that year. So, he had to borrow for next year’s cultivation. Initially, he borrowed from relatives, then at last from local money lenders. In between his elder daughter’s marriage added heavily to his financially deteriorating condition.  With reducing yield year by year the debt kept on increasing. At last when he could not find any way out he resorted to suicide.

This might look an usual scribbled patho story. Yes, it is! But, under this same grave yard more than 2 lakh (2,00,000) people lost their lives in just less than 2 decades. When you compare this with the people died for our independence is approximately 7 lakhs (7,00,000) in 150-200 years under foreign rule, then it  appears more shocking. 

Though the visible story of each of them looks similar but, reasons behind them are very alarming. Then I started looking into the post-mortem report (Reasons for Suicide) of similar deaths in last few years and started looking for available literatures, facts and numbers over the internet and other sources. Here is a synopsis of the same.

Before we start going point by point there is one common and major change which caused the drastic disaster in the farmers' condition today and continuously deteriorating their financial condition.

GATT/WTO

1^st January, 1995, it is the date on which, India signed a WTO’s (World Trade Organization) GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) agreement though there was huge protest in whole country against it. Many so called intellectual people were requesting the government that if this is so inevitable then at least re-read and re-write (customize) the clauses of this treaty to suite our national conditions. But, the then government over ruled all such public interest requests and signed it. Since then till date it changed the way of farming and agriculture sector on a larger scale in India. There are around 157 countries who signed this treaty so far. This list includes all, developed, developing and under developed countries. 

GATT has introduced a new concept of multilateral trading. Before this, there was only bilateral (where only 2 parties/countries involved) trading happening. Multilateral here means, any country can sell any (agricultural) product in any of those countries who are part of GATT agreement. Multilateral trade agreements are between many nations at one time. To the opposing people in India, government said the agricultural growth in India will grow from 4.8% in 1995 to 14% in next 5 -10 years.  But after 15 years it is between 4.0% and 5.0%. 

There were hardly any farmers in India who used to resort to suicide before 1995, but, it kept increasing year by year. More than 17,500 farmers killed themselves between 2002 and 2006. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) stated that there were at least 16,196 farmers' suicides in India in 2008, bringing the total since 1995 to 2,70,940. Maharashtra top’s the list followed by other states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgadh and Madhya Pradesh. These numbers raise a question does Human (especially farmers’) Life has any value or not in India?

     (Source : The Hindu New Paper)

There was a committee formed to study the impact of economic reforms (in a decade after reforms being implemented) in India under the chairmanship of Shri. Arjun Sengupta. This committee submitted its report in August 2007. 

It revealed an alarming situation that an unbelievable 836 million people, or 77% of the population, require assistance. The Planning Commission must ensure proper monitoring of funds and schemes to help these disadvantaged groups. The NSS data divides the poor into six groups. Those who are extremely poor, whose average per capita consumption income is Rs 9 per day; those who are above the poverty line, earning Rs 12 per day; the marginally poor, earning Rs 15; the vulnerable, earning above Rs 15 but less than Rs 20; the middle income, earning Rs 37; and the high income, earning above Rs 93 per day. (Collected from Arjun Sengupta interview published on net)

This is the impact of GATT and economic reforms after 12-15 years. It is evident through this report that the so called reforms added more per cent of people to below poverty line. To our fate agriculture sector falls under this 77% section.

Here is a small though a comprehensive study on farmers’ condition in today’s India and reasons contributing to their deteriorating condition and at last their suicide. :(

Subsidies

In India, there are no subsidies (not considerable) given to farmers and agricultural produces. Due to WTO Multilateral trade agreement, many foreign countries began selling their agricultural produce (as well as other finished products like, clothes, household products, etc) at cheaper rate compared to Indian substitutes. This is possible for them, because, in their countries, their government pays huge subsidies on seeds and plants, on fertilizers and pays subsidies on crops and buy’s them from farmers at higher (double, triple) rate than the actual cost of production. This leaves handsome money in farmers’ pocket. On the other hand those countries export their goods to the buying country with no or lower export duties. Even Indian government has a reduced import duty on these stuffs. With subsidized rates and no export and lesser import duties duties their produces will be available on cheap rates. Indian farmers do not enjoy any of these supports.

Foreign Entrant 

After welcoming multilateral trading through WTO, many countries started exporting their products to Indian market. We could have observed that American Apples, Australian Bananas, US cotton, Burma’s daals, south eastern Asian country’s palm oil, many others alike, in our markets now-a-days. It is all made possible through free trade. On the other hand our exports are reducing due to high prices caused by no subsidy, high export duty, and high import duty from the importing countries.

If we look at the graph of import – export, export might look increasing year-by year, but, on the other hand imports are also increasing. Export quantities might look increasing, but, one of the important reasons for it is devaluation of Indian Rupee against US Dollar. Due to which, in reality we have to sell more quantity to earn single dollar. The middlemen started buying high quantity of foreign produce from different countries, than buying from local farmers, due to lower prices and high profit margins. This is one of the major depressing setback to on farmer's side.

Seeds Patenting 

India is a source of different types of seeds available in the world, from 1000s of years. Each seed used to have hundreds of varieties. Now-a-days we could observe many of them vanished from our markets, with the flow of time and only few varieties are left to see. As water, as air, seeds were never sold and bought in this country. I do remember in my village people used to help each other by exchanging the seeds. But now, things have changed, every exchange has a price associated according to market rates.

There is no patent of seeds system in India. Everyone feels, God is the owner of the seeds and he distributes them. But, now the patenting seeds have started in western world. Many of our seeds are getting patented in US and other parts of the world. The company, which has the patent, can only sell those seeds. Anyone else sells them is subject to the court of law. If the company is serious then they can lodge even a case against the seller. This will pledge our sovereignty and lead to monopoly of the company, adding higher cost to farming. This is a dangerous progress. We (our government) should intervene (fight a legal case– if required) against patenting of seeds.

Competition

The lesser price produces from outside is giving a tough competition to locally produced food stuffs. It is harming the local market. There is less demand for local produces due to higher cost of production. This trend is forcing the farmers to either resort to modern farming or to concentrate mainly on economical crops. This leads to reduction in area of cultivation. On national forum it is not a healthy growth.

For e.g.

1 KG daal produced in India might cost us Rs. 70-80, whereas imported daal costs Rs. 40-50 / per K.G. So there is less demand for local produce from middlemen, so is from end customer. This in long run leads to imbalance between import and exports causing export deficiency and trade debts.

Genetically Modified (GM) 

The term GM foods or GMOs (genetically-modified organisms) is most commonly used to refer to seeds or crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content.

GM/BT Effect 

The introduction of GM seeds slowly started killing the local seeds’ variants. The major examples of GM products are (BT Cotton, BT Brijol, BT Potato, BT Tomato, etc...). They give comparatively high yield, because, they are genetically modified. To make them Pest resistance, Disease Resistance, Drought Tolerance and Antisense Technology, bio technological methods are applied. To remove weeds cost-effectively, weed-killers are sprayed. In this process these BT seeds have become very dangerous; they started killing natural fertility of the soil. The BT cotton fields have become useless after few years. You could imagine that how dangerous they could be by knowing the fact that many cattle died just because of entering into these fields. 

The seeds selling companies have become monopoly and started selling seed bags at an increased price to exploit the need after killing local variants. Water scarcity increased after using GM/BT seeds; as such crops need more water. There are other effects of serious health issues as well on human and cattle bodies (causing issues like impotence). That is why lot of protests happening all over world against these GM and BT seeds.

Fertilization

Earlier Indian agriculture was an independent sector. Now, in modern (post 1995) days agriculture is becoming very much dependent sector. Where from seeding onwards till the harvesting lot of dependency has come. Now-a-days, a situation is such that without putting chemical fertilizers like, Urea, DAP, etc... No, average harvesting can be possible (or at least it is brought in our minds). The GM seeds, might give higher produce, but, they need lot of investment as well,  like, applying fertilizers, insecticides, availability of continuous water source, etc... 

The fertilizers prices have gone 3 to 4 times up within last 13-14 years, just by adding profit to the company’s profit sheet. It is nothing but, to make a little extra profit, one should bear lot of extra expenditures till the crop comes in hand. In such case, one crop fails then it is very tough for the farmer to overcome the debt and dare to try next crop.

Increased Farming Cost

Farming is not a common man’s (totally dependent on agriculture) cup of tea any more in India, today. Increased prices of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, left an average farmer always under debt state. Adding to it, speedy urbanization drew the labor force from fields to under construction building works in cities. The scarcity of labors in villages has turned the laborers to a very demanding one. A simple work also costs high today.

Other Points

Other than these major problems, there are many other small and big points causing to make farming toughest job

• Consistently failing crops, Uncertain weather conditions, Costly and less productive seeds, forced Chemical fertilizers usage, Electricity problems, Transportation problems, and Storage and Preservation problems.
• Inspection (Panchnama) by government officials after natural/man made calamity.
• No, support by government in handling inflation in the form of subsidies, higher import duties, no export duties, price fixing, handling the middlemen, direct buying, etc...
• No guarantee of rates of farm produce.
• No funding facilities, on loss of one crop, to venture for the next time cultivation.
• Insufficient and ineffective food processing facilities

Oooph! When we hear any suicide news of a farmer, we tell without a second thought that it is because of debt. Now, we know it is not only just debt it is far deep one. It’s deep-rooted with our policies. Poor farmer to feed us he is living foodless. 

The government and farmer’s unions should sit together and form a new policy though which a farmers come out of suicidal mentality and gets good amount of breathing space! What do you say brother?

O God let Shivanna’s soul rest in peace!

I made my true effort to bring (at least partial) reality to you all...! Hope it helped you in understanding our brothers’ helplessness.

Jay Jawaan, Jay Kisaan...!

-- K. Kalyan

 Sources:

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/sainath/article3595351.ece

http://www.aajeevika.in/studies/understanding-poverty/1-arjun-sengupta-paper.pdf