Tag: Justice Markandey Katju

Justice Katju: Kalidas Ghalib Foundation ( KGF ) meeting 2023

Yesterday, 20th July, we held an important lunch meeting of Kalidas Ghalib Foundation KGF ( of which I am the patron ) in Karim’s restaurant in the India Islamic Cultural Centre, Delhi. It was attended inter alia by the Chairman of Kalidas Ghalib Foundation (KGF ) Naushad Ali Syed ( naushadalisyed@gmail.com ), Ershad Alam, the National Gen Secy ( ershad.aalam@gmail.com ), Bharat Thakur ( btyoga@gmail.com ), Ajay Upadhyaya, Sonam, and others.

The object of Kalidas Ghalib Foundation is to promote the composite culture of India ( Ganga Jamuna tehzeeb ), which is very important today when powerful forces are trying to polarise society and spread communal, caste and ethnic hatred in the country.

https://thenewscaravan.com/kalidas-ghalib-academy-by-justice-katju/

Kalidas Ghalib Foundation had been very active at one time. We held functions in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi etc on various cultural and literary subjects, which were largely attended.. However, thereafter it became inactive, so we have now decided to reactivate it.

https://thenewscaravan.com/the-need-for-reviving-and-revamping-kalidas-ghalib-foundation-by-justice-katju/

We have also decided to set up state units in India and even units abroad e.g. in USA, UK, etc
We will hold functions of KGF in many cities in India, as well as online global webinars, on various cultural and literary topics.
The first function will be held in Kolkata in which I will speak on the role of art and literature in contemporary India.

All those interested in joining us may contact me ( justicekatju@gmail.com ) or the others whose email ids are given above. They may also give us ideas how to proceed

July 21, 2023
Justice Katju Aligns with Taliban’s Beauty Salon Ban in 2023, Proposes Similar Closure in India Amid Economic Crisis

Disagreement with the Taliban’s Actions
On almost all issues I strongly disagree and disapprove of what the Taliban has been doing in Afghanistan, like depriving women of higher education, and compelling them to wear the burqa.
Agreement with the Taliban’s Ban on Beauty Parlours

But on one issue I entirely agree with them, that is, closing down beauty salons and beauty parlours.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66094490

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/4/taliban-bans-womens-beauty-parlours-in-afghanistan

If it were in my power I would close down all beauty parlours and salons in India, and ban beauty contests, modelling, fashion parades, disco dancing, etc. I have nothing against women looking beautiful, but consider the situation.
Concerns about Poverty and Unemployment in India

There is massive poverty in India, half of our tens of millions of children are malnourished ( according to Global Hunger Index ), there is record and rising unemployment, skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, almost total lack of proper healthcare for our masses, etc.
Lies, damned lies, and statistics
https://thenewscaravan.com/lies-damned-lies-and-statistics/
Considerations for Addressing Social and Economic Issues

In this situation, is it not a vulgarity and cruel mockery of our people to have fashion parades, beauty contests and beauty parlours when a large section of our people are poor, hungry and unemployed ?
Historical Analogies of Out-of-Touch Rulers
Is it not like Queen Marie Antoinette of France telling people who said they have no bread that they should eat cake ? Or like the Roman Emperors who said that if you cannot give the people bread, give them circuses.

July 20, 2023
Moharram and Holi on same day By Justice Katju

Tomorrow, 19th July, is the beginning of Moharram, an important day for Muslims, particularly Shias.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muharram#:~:text=Mu%E1%B8%A5arram%20(Arabic%3A%20%D9%B1%D9%84%D9%92%D9%85%D9%8F%D8%AD%D9%8E%D8%B1%D9%8E%D9%91%D9%85)%20(,Muharram
In this connection I may recount a recorded incident.
Once in the 1840s or 1850s Holi and Muharram fell coincidentally on the same day.

The then Nawab of Avadh, Wajid Ali Shah was a Shia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wajid_Ali_Shah

After taking out the tazia from the Bada Imambara and burying it in the Karbala in Lucknow, he enquired why Holi was not being celebrated.

He was told that since Holi was a festival of joy, while Muharram was an occasion of sorrow, the Hindus of Avadh had decided not to celebrate Holi that year, out of respect for the sentiments of their Muslim brethren.
On hearing this the Nawab declared that since Hindus had respected the sentiments of their Muslim brethren, it was the duty of Muslims also to respect the sentiments of their Hindu brethren. He then announced that Holi would be celebrated the same day throughout Avadh, and he himself was the first to play Holi, and it was played throughout Avadh that day ( even by Muslims ), although it was also Muharram day.

July 18, 2023
Seema Haider – The Modern Helen of Troy By Justice Katju

It is an old custom in India ( and the world ) that a lady in love is carried away by her lover, ( usually with her consent ).

Many young women want some handsome young knight, preferably in shining armour riding a charger, to come to them and carry them away.
This is the way how Lord Krishna carried away Rukmini ( whom he later married ) on a chariot.

https://back2godhead.com/the-kidnapping-of-princess-rukmini/

This happened to Helen of Troy, who though married, was carried away by her lover Paris ( which is what she wanted ), which triggered off the Trojan War, depicted by Homer.

It happened in England when Queen Guinevere was carried away by her lover, Sir Lancelot, Knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, though she was married to King Arthur.

It happened in Rajasthan when Princess Sanyogita, daughter of King Jaichand, was carried away by her lover Prithviraj, the enemy of Jaichand ( which is what she wanted ).

And now it has happened in the Indian subcontinent, when a married Pakistani woman with 4 children, Seema Haider, has run away with an Indian man, Sachin Meena, via Dubai and Nepal to India, where they are currently living in Noida with her children.

Discounting the allegations that Seema is a spy, and taking her words that she is genuinely in love with Sachin at their face value, these incidents prove the truth in Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib’s sher ( couplet ) :

” Ishq par zor nahi hai yeh woh aatish Ghalib
Ki lagaaye na lage, aur bujhaaye na bujhe ” :
i.e.
” There is no coercion in love, it is that flame
Which cannot be forcibly lit, nor extinguished once lit ”.

I am reminded of a song I sang myself some time back in a wedding :

https://www.facebook.com/justicekatju/videos/704287491294413/

And this is one of my favourite songs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRPPob2BQLU&pp=ygUnYWdhciB0dW0gbWlsIGphbyBqYW1hbmEgY2hob2QgZGVuZ2UgaGFt

July 15, 2023
The Launch of Chandrayan 3 Sparks Debate: Is it a Meaningful Celebration Amidst Lingering Social Challenges?

By Justice Markandey Katju
Launch of Chandrayan 3 by ISRO
LVM3 M4/Chandrayaan-3 Mission:LVM3 M4 vehicle🚀 successfully launched Chandrayaan-3🛰️ into orbit.
In the midst of the widespread celebration and jubilation surrounding the recent launch of Chandrayan 3, a somber reality check dampens the spirits of those who exult in such a festivity. While the technological achievement is commendable, critics argue that the exuberance is misplaced considering the pressing social challenges that continue to afflict India.
India’s Global Hunger Index Ranking Drops to 107, Highlighting Persistent Malnutrition Issues
India’s Global Hunger Index Ranking Drops to 107, Highlighting Persistent Malnutrition Issues
The euphoria surrounding Chandrayan 3 begs the question of how one can rejoice when half of India’s children suffer from malnutrition, wasting, and stunted growth. Startling statistics from the Global Hunger Index reveal that India’s ranking slipped from 101 to 107 in just one year, painting a stark picture of the nation’s struggle to ensure food security for its vast population.
https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/global-hunger-index/#:~:text=India%20ranks%20107th%20out%20of,countries%20covered%20in%20the%20GHI
Alarming Levels of Anemia Among Women Raise Concerns Over Healthcare System
Alarming Levels of Anemia Among Women Raise Concerns Over Healthcare System
As the nation applauds its space mission, over 55% of Indian women battle anemia, shedding light on the dire state of the healthcare system. Reports indicate that almost half of girls under the age of 15 are anemic, raising concerns about the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for women across the country.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/46-of-girls-under-15-anaemic-in-india-report/articleshow/89098690.cms

Job Crisis Looms as Unemployment Plagues Young Workforce
Job Crisis Looms as Unemployment Plagues Young Workforce
While Chandrayan 3 takes center stage, millions of young men and women in India find themselves without employment opportunities. The article highlights the staggering numbers, with job openings witnessing an overwhelming number of applicants, including highly qualified individuals holding advanced degrees. The lack of job prospects and subsequent economic hardships present a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere.
Accessibility to Quality Education and Healthcare Remains a Concern for the Masses
Accessibility to Quality Education and Healthcare Remains a Concern for the Masses
Celebrations surrounding space missions seem hollow when the masses struggle to access proper education and healthcare. Private facilities often prove too costly for the majority, and government institutions, including the renowned All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), are inundated with patients, resulting in subpar care. This disparity in access highlights the urgent need for improvement in these crucial sectors.
Soaring Prices of Essential Commodities Burden the Population
Soaring Prices of Essential Commodities Burden the Population
While the launch of Chandrayan 3 sparks excitement, the common person is burdened with soaring prices of essential commodities. The article draws attention to the escalating costs of food and other necessary items, exacerbating the struggles of the already marginalized sections of society.
Social Inequality and Discrimination Persist Despite Technological Advancements
Social Inequality and Discrimination Persist Despite Technological Advancements
Amidst the celebrations, the issue of social inequality and discrimination remains unresolved. Minorities and Dalits continue to face mistreatment, exposing the lingering social prejudices that hinder progress and national unity. The widening wealth gap, with a few elite individuals amassing wealth through questionable means, further fuels the stark divide between the rich and the poor.
Political Leaders Prioritize Power Over the Welfare of the People
Political Leaders Prioritize Power Over the Welfare of the People
The enthusiasm surrounding Chandrayan 3 is contrasted with the disappointing actions of political leaders. Instead of addressing the pressing issues affecting the nation, politicians often prioritize cultivating caste and communal vote banks, engaging in power struggles and even resorting to violence. This political wrangling diverts attention and resources from the genuine welfare of the people, leaving them disillusioned.
As the nation revels in the glory of Chandrayan 3, critics remind us of the famous phrase, “If you cannot give the people bread, give them circuses.” While the space mission is undoubtedly a significant achievement, it prompts reflection on the state of India’s society, where fundamental problems persist. The launch of Chandrayan 3 may be likened to an offer of cake, enticing but leaving the underlying social challenges largely unaddressed.

July 14, 2023
Kalidas Ghalib Academy By Justice Katju

We have to transform India into a modern highly industrialised country in which all our people enjoy a high standard of living and decent lives.
For this three organisations have been created (1) Ibaadatkhana (2) Indian Reunification Association (IRA) and (3) Kalidas Ghalib Academy
While the first two are active, the third, which was once active, but has been inactive for quite some time, needs to be reactivated.
https://thenewscaravan.com/the-need-for-reviving-and-revamping-kalidas-ghalib-foundation-by-justice-katju/
https://thenewscaravan.com/what-should-indian-muslims-do/

Powerful divisive forces have started operating in our country trying to sow the seeds of discord among our people and creating hatred and enmity between various communities and groups.
In this scenario the time has now come for the patriotic intellectuals of our country to come forward to give guidance to the people, combat communalism and casteism, and to promote the rich composite culture of India and help the country on the path of progress.
It is with this aim and intention that the Kalidas-Ghalib Academy ( of which I am the patron, and Naushad Ali Syed is the Chairman ) has been created.
While all the three organisations mentioned above have the common goal of making India ( which includes Pakistan and Bangladesh, for we are really one nation only temporarily and artificially divided ) a prosperous modern country, the Kalidas Ghalib Academy operates in the fields of culture, art and literature.

In the great historical people’s struggle which lies ahead of us art and literature can play a significant role in inspiring people to heroic deeds and attacking backward feudal customs and ideas like casteism and communalism, as was done by great writers like Voltaire and Rousseau ( who attacked the feudal system and religious bigotry in France before the great French Revolution of 1789, Thomas Paine in the great American War of Independence ( see his pamphlet ‘Commonsense’ ), Maxim Gorki in Czarist Russia ( see his novel ‘Mother’ and his poem ‘Song of the Stormy Petrel’ ), Bismil’s poem ‘Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai’ and Faiz’ poem ‘Hum dekhenge’ etc
I discussed with Naushad and we agreed that we need a team of younger people to run the organisation ( I am 77 and Naushad is 75 ), while we oversee its activities from above.
My appeal is to people who have some connection with culture, art and literature, and who may be interested in being members of this team, to write to me on justicekatju@gmail.com or Naushad on naushadalisyed@gmail.com. Only those who can devote some time to this historical endeavour, and strongly believe in secularism and promotion of the Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb ( composite culture of India ) need apply

July 14, 2023
Today, 14th July, is Bastille Day.

Bastille Day
By Justice Katju

On 14th July 1789 Parisians stormed and destroyed the Bastille, a French prison fort, which symbolised the feudal Ancient Regime, and the French people set about destroying feudalism and creating a modern nation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastille_Day

Similarly, the Indian people ( which includes Pakistanis and Bangladeshis ) have to storm and destroy the feudal forces of casteism, communalism and superstitions, and create a political and social order under which we emerge as a mighty modern highly industrialised nation in which all our people enjoy a high standard of living and decent lives.

But while the Bastille was destroyed in one day, we can accomplish our goal only after a protracted, united, arduous struggle, transcending the feudal barriers of caste, religion, race, etc, and lasting for perhaps 10-15 years, in which tremendous sacrifices will have to be made.

Unity of our people is absolutely essential at this historical juncture
.
https://writerscafeteria.com/guest-blogging/unity-of-indians-is-absolutely-essential-at-this-historical-juncture/

This is because while the French people had only to fight against a weak king ( Louis 16th ) we have powerful forces, both within and outside our country, which will oppose tooth and nail the radical transformation of India into a modern industrial giant, and this they do by polarising our society and inciting religious, caste and ethnic hatred among us.

https://indicanews.com/2023/02/22/the-puppeteer-and-the-puppets/

But without this transformation, this Great Leap Forward, we will remain condemned to massive poverty, unemployment, malnutrition, lack of proper healthcare and good education for the masses,and the other great socio-economic evils which plague our country.

https://indicanews.com/2020/10/15/india-needs-a-great-leap-forward/

https://indicanews.com/2023/05/07/justice-markandey-katju-india-the-sleeping-giant-will-awake/

So, (paraphrasing Winston Churchill’s words on the eve of the Battle of Britain) let us brace ourselves to our duty, and so bear ourselves, that if the Indian nation lasts for another thousand years, men will still say ” This was their finest hour ”.

July 14, 2023
How Urban Greed Washed Away the Accumulated Wisdom of India’s Past

Anyone who has studied history knows that the people of the Indus Valley civilisation built cities and towns with excellent drainage and sewage systems. Five thousand years later, have we in India moved forward or backward?
Anyone who has studied history knows that the people of the Indus Valley civilisation built cities and towns with excellent drainage and sewage systems. Five thousand years later, have we in India moved forward or backward?
The rains ( 2015 )in Tamil Nadu have caused havoc on the streets of Chennai and elsewhere. Twitter and Facebook are full of photographs and videos of the flooding, even if the TV channels and newspapers have tended to ignore the story.
Vehicular traffic has been severely affected, power supply disrupted at many places, trains have been cancelled, rescheduled or diverted, and the life of the citizen – ordinary and “VIP” – thrown out of gear. Even the Chief Minister’s car is reported to have been stranded.
The misery which has unfolded is, of course, not unique to Tamil Nadu.
All across India – from Srinagar to Chennai and Mumbai to Dibrugarh – rain is inevitably followed by water-logging on the streets of cities, causing immense suffering to the people.
In September 2014, heavy rains turned the capital of Jammu and Kashmir into a lake, with many localities submerged under 20-30 feet of water. In my home town of Allahabad, many localities like Allahpur and Mumfordganj go under several feet of water every year after heavy rains.
Kolkata’s waterlogged streets are well known, and parts of Delhi, e.g. Minto Bridge, have severe waterlogging in the monsoons. What is the cause of this?
The reason is simple to understand. Urban greed has destroyed our drainage systems.

Rains come every year in the monsoon or rainy season, and so there has to be a proper drainage system to take away the water, otherwise it will accumulate and cause waterlogging. Historically, indeed, all the way up to British rule and for some time thereafter, there were drainage systems in every city in India which were properly maintained by the municipalities.
There is water logging on almost all roads in Delhi with several feet of water, and people cannot move about.
How did this happen ?
I have explained the cause in this article.https://thewire.in/urban/how-urban-greed-washed-away-the-accummulated-wisdom-of-indias-past
5000 years ago our ancestors built the Harappa Mohenjodaro Civilisation. They were wise, and knew that every year there will be rains during the monsoon season. So they built an excellent drainage system to carry away the rain water.Our British rulers also built a drainage system in all Indian cities.But our people out of their greed have built houses, shops etc ( illegally) on these drains, and choked and destroyed them.So naturally there will be water logging every year, since the water cannot flow away. In my own home town Allahabad every year some localities are 10 feet under water during the rainy season. Similar is the situation in many Indian cities.So you reap what you sow

July 13, 2023
Students’ Future at Stake: Kerala Government Under Fire for Failing to Address Class 10th Admissions Crisis

The Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Vijayan, and his government are facing severe criticism following their alleged inaction in addressing the critical issue of limited admissions for students who pass Class 10 in the Malappuram district.
Concerns have been raised by former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Katju, who recently attended a conference in the region and discovered the distressing situation faced by talented students. Despite repeated appeals and calls for action, the government’s alleged lack of response has sparked outrage, as the aspirations and future prospects of these young individuals hang in the balance.

According to Justice Katju’s email, numerous students in Malappuram who have achieved exceptional results, securing over 90% marks in their Class 10 exams, are being denied admission to Class 11 in subjects such as computers, biology, maths, physics, and chemistry. These students harbor dreams of pursuing careers in engineering, medicine, scientific research, IT, and other fields. However, the limited availability of seats in these subjects is severely hampering their chances of pursuing their desired career paths, leaving their aspirations shattered and their futures uncertain.
Justice Katju expresses deep concern that despite appeals made to the Chief Minister, his government, and the MLAs from his party and its allies, the issue has allegedly been met with indifference and apathy. The lack of action in addressing this problem is deemed a grave offense, as it directly impacts the lives and ambitions of these talented youngsters. Justice Katju does not mince words, holding the Chief Minister and his government directly responsible for this “crime” against the students of Malappuram.
The former Supreme Court Judge goes on to highlight that he personally discussed the matter with Mr. Shamsheer, the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and an MLA of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), during the conference. This indicates that the issue has gained attention and concern among various political figures within the state.
In his email, Justice Katju firmly calls upon Chief Minister Vijayan to urgently address this admissions crisis or face the demand for his resignation. He warns of dire consequences for the government if a satisfactory response is not received promptly, criticizing what he perceives as incompetence on their part.
Conclusion:

The failure of the Kerala government to tackle the Class 10 admissions crisis in Malappuram has sparked outrage, with Justice Katju and concerned stakeholders highlighting the dire consequences faced by talented students. As their dreams hang in the balance, the government’s alleged inaction has led to public condemnation and demands for immediate intervention. The future of these aspiring engineers, doctors, scientists, and IT experts remains uncertain until a resolution is reached. It remains to be seen whether Chief Minister Vijayan and his government will take swift action to address the issue or face further backlash from the public and concerned parties.

July 13, 2023
What should Indian Muslims do ?

By Justice Katju

Indian Muslims, who are about 213 million or 15% of India’s population of about 1400 million ( according to Pew Research Centre ) are today totally confused and perplexed about what they should do. After 2014 they have been politically totally sidelined in India, and atrocities and discrimination against some of them have increased.

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/india-muslims-marginalized-population-bjp-modi

https://casi.sas.upenn.edu/iit/fatimakhan

https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/07/india-surge-summary-punishments-muslims

https://twitter.com/mkatju/status/863039215738671105

Some feel that their problems will end once the BJP is ousted from power, which can be done by forming an anti-BJP alliance of Opposition secular parties and defeating the BJP in the forthcoming 2024 Indian parliamentary elections. I have expressed my view on this idea in my articles, in which I have pointed out that it is a superficial idea and will solve nothing.

https://www.hastakshepnews.com/opposition-unity-in-india/

https://indicanews.com/2023/06/18/justice-markandey-katju-the-2024-indian-parliamentary-elections/

https://indicanews.com/2023/06/06/justice-markandey-katju-on-rahul-gandhis-visit-to-the-united-states/

I have explained in detail in the following article that the basic problems of Indian Muslims are the same as that of most Hindus viz massive poverty, unemployment, malnutrition, lack of proper healthcare and good education for the masses, skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, etc, and these problems cannot be solved within the present system of parliamentary democracy.

https://indicanews.com/2023/06/16/who-should-muslims-turn-to/

No doubt in addition to the above problems some Muslims have in recent years also been subjected to violence and insults, problems created by politicians for getting Hindu votes, but these have affected only a few hundred ( or a few thousand ) Muslims, and are only a drop in the ocean compared to the huge economic problems mentioned above which affect a vast majority of India’s 213 million Muslims ( see Sachar Committee Report ).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachar_Committee#:~:text=The%20Sachar%20Committee%20concluded%20that,discussion%20that%20is%20still%20ongoing.

It is only a mighty, historical, united people’s struggle, lasting for 10-15 years or more, and in which tremendous sacrifices have to be made, which can solve these problems by creating a political and social order which will lead to rapid industrialisation and modernisation of India, which alone can abolish poverty, unemployment and other social evils. In other words, a social and political revolution is needed in India, and this will solve the basic problems of Muslims too.

https://indicanews.com/2023/03/17/justice-markandey-katju-the-old-is-dead-the-new-is-powerless-to-be-born/

Historical experience shows that every actual revolution is preceded by an ideological revolution, in which the weapons used are not swords, guns, or bombs but ideas. Thus, the great French Revolution of 1789 was preceded by decades of ideological struggle in France by great writers and thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot and the French Encyclopedists who waged a relentless struggle against the feudal system and religious bigotry in France. The same happened in England in the 17th century ( in the struggle between King and Parliament ).

India is presently passing through a period of ideological revolution, that is, it is in the pre-revolutionary stage.

Who will give leadership to the Indian people in this period ? It cannot be our present political parties, for they are only interested in power and pelf, and not the people’s welfare

I submit that at present such leadership will be given by 3 organisations viz (1) Ibaadatkhana (2) Indian Reunification Association (IRA), and (3) Kalidas Ghalib Foundation (KGF). I have explained in detail about these organisations in the article below, and hence I am not repeating its content

https://writerscafeteria.com/guest-blogging/the-need-for-reviving-and-revamping-kalidas-ghalib-foundation/

I appeal to the patriotic secular Indians to join these organisations ( the email ids of its office bearers are given in the article ) and contribute to our country’s emancipation. In particular, I appeal to Indian Muslims ( and also Muslims of Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries ) to join them and work in them actively. That is the route you should follow presently.

Later, a genuinely patriotic secular political party with modern minded leaders will emerge, to whom these 3 organisations will then hand over the baton.

July 13, 2023