"The Soil of Samana"

“The Soil of Samana”

By

J.L. Gupta

Samana, my ancestral home town, is a small place in Punjab. It is about 16 miles from Patiala. Sometime back, I had discovered that Janab Qateel Shifai, the famous Urdu poet is from Samana. Also Justice Munir, a known name in the field of Law. He  had risen to be the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Then Justice Jameel Hussain Rizvi. There are others too. Who?  Justice Iqbal Hussain Rizvi son of Justice Jameel Hussain Rizvi. Justice Syed Shakir Hussain Rizvi. All distinguished judges and known names in the field of law. They all belonged to Samana. They had migrated to  Pakistan on partition.  And I discovered this connection of eminent men only a few days back. How?

Justices Rizvi, K.S.Garewal and the host J.S.Narang

On the morning of March 18, 2014, Justice J.S. Narang and I were waiting at the Chandigarh Golf Course for our turn to tee off. Suddenly, Mr. Kuldip Singh Chadha introduced us to Justice Shakir Hussain Rizvi from Pakistan.  It was a pleasant surprise. We exchanged a few pleasantries, promised to get together and even have a round of golf. And then continued with our game. But the promise was kept. On the morning of March 20, we were together on the golf course. And in the evening at Justice Narang’s house for dinner. 

The ambience was excellent.The talk was free, frank and friendly. The drinks looked heady. The snacks, in particular the kababs were just delicious. Melting in the mouth.And then Pinky, the gracious hostess, had as usual prepared  an excellent spread of vegetarian & non-veg. varieties. It looked a gastronomical delight. By all standards, it turned out to be an excellent evening.  

Jeeti Narang with the guests.

The meeting was nostalgic. As a child, I had seen Justice Jameel Hussain Rizvi at our house. I remember my father telling me that he belonged to Samana and that he visited the place every year to pay obescience at the graves of his ancestors.  This had continued even in the later years when we had shifted to Chandigarh. I have a vivid recollection of an immaculately dressed, tall & handsome man who looked decent and dignified every inch. So, meeting Justice Shakir Hussain Rizvi, a person from my generation and from my native place was an emotional event. A fulfillment of an old desire. Imagine, we were born as one people. We had grown up together. Probably, played together in the streets of Samana. The bonds of birth were suddenly snapped by a purely political decision to partition India imposed by the British rulers while leaving the country. Even though we were all united in our fight for freedom from the English. We were divided when we had achieved our goal and attained independence.  Ironic. Truly tragic.

Pinky Narang with the guests.

“Do you know Justice Jameel Hussain?, I asked Justice Shakir Rizvi. “Woh mere mammu the,”(He was my maternal uncle) was the response. And then, he had mentioned the names of various other persons from Samana who had been elevated as Judges in Pakistan. 

The hosts had invited a few other friends too. They and the presence of ladies, lent charm to the evening. We talked of all good things of life. The  small innocent pleasures. Everything seemed so similar. In fact, familiar &identical. We wear similar clothes. We eat & enjoy the same kind of Food. We speak the same Language. And yet, we are separated by the man-made borders. And have even fought three wars. Yet, we are united by old bonds. There is a heartfelt feeling of admiration and affection.The happiness in the hearts of all was apparent to everyone. Why can't we who were together as one people bound by love and friendship get united again?  Hopefully, some day, we might. However, for the present a question that comes to my mind repeatedly is - How is it that a small town like Samana with virtually no facilities for education has produced so many distinguished men not only in law but in other fields too? I feel there is a divine blessing. There is something in the soil of Samana! It seems sacred. May God bless it and make it a place for pilgrimage! Then, more people might visit Samana and renew the old associations.

  

"A, B & C of Indian Politics

“A, B & C of Indian Politics”

By

J.L. Gupta

            Elections to the Indian Parliament have been announced. Which party is likely to do well?

The elections to the Legislative assemblies in four states were held recently. If the results are an indication, the three parties that emerge as possible contenders are –

1.                 A – AAP

2.                  B - BJP

3.                  C- CONGRESS

1. AAP -  The party had made its debut in Delhi. The result shows that its members were ‘Able’ to project their ‘Agenda’ and had found an unexpected ‘Acceptability’ with the voters. When asked to form government, the party did not seek anyone’s support. Yet, the Congress, which had performed miserably at the polls volunteered to support. However, the very first legislation introduced by the Government was not passed. The Chief Minister did not attempt to maneuver or muster support. He acted honourably. Resigned and recommended dissolution of the Assembly. During its short tenure, the leader and his party were criticized for their ‘agitational’ approach and called anarchic. The critics forget that peaceful protest was taught by Gandhi whom they call Bapu and whose name they continue to exploit.

We cannot also lose sight of the fact that during the few days of the AAP government, there was evidence of governance. The supply of water in the houses had improved. The dependence on Tankers has become history. At least in certain parts. Still more, there was a visible check on corruption, which was conspicuous by its absence earlier

The party leaders were Accessible; Accountable; Acceptable. No ‘Act’ was passed. Yet, there was action.

It is truly the Peoples’ party.

For the present, AAP should be good as an opposition. It will keep the government on its toes.

2.  B – BJP

             B – Bharatiya; Indian

             J – Janta – People

             P – Party.

            The party got a chance to form government at the Centre. Its performance, particularly in improvement of relations with foreign countries was good. The patriotism of the party and its members can never be doubted. Its protection of national interest can never be suspected. It had reduced the rigor of various draconian laws promulgated during Mrs. Gandhi’s rule and made imposition of national emergency virtually impossible. It has been criticized as being communal. Repeatedly, there is reference to the riots of 2002. Modi, the Prime Ministerial candidate of the party is sought to be blamed. He was described as ‘Maut Ka Saudagar.’

            The criticism is unfair and untenable because:

a.     He has been given a clean chit after thorough probe. The report has been accepted by the court. Congress calls it premature. How& why?

b.     The criticism is not bonafide. It is calculated to cover up the wholly unjustified act of genocide against the Sikhs in 1984;

c.     The ‘Maut Ka Saudagar.’was elected by the people of Gujarat. He defeated his critics thrice and is now giving nightmares to his opponents.

d.     It does not behove Congress, with so many skeletons in its cupboard to criticise anyone.

e.     BJP has done better than its critics in some of the States.

           

 3. C – CONGRESS

C - Corrupt;

            O – Ordinary;

      N – Nationalise – Banks and other national assets.

      G  - Greed & Gloom;

      R - Redundant;

      E – Emergency; Excuse-less;

      Ss’– Scams; scandals; spineless.

The congress was once a party of patriots. It was popular. Then came the fall in values. The dark days of Emergency. Indians were deprived of the right to enforce the fundamental rights by their own government. Now it is outsourcing the responsible jobs (like the PM’s) to the pliable rather than the able. It preferred Smt. P. Patil to a distinguished scientist like Dr. Kalam as the President of India. It has eaten into the vitals of the nation. Today, because of the fall in values, it has reduced itself to a party of parrots. It has been an abject failure in improving the economy; the lot of the poor or the relations with the neighbors.

Even a die-hard congressman shall not be able to justify the failure to resolve the Kashmir problem despite having more than 90,000 Pak soldiers in custody. Failure to fulfill the promises or perform in any sphere stares it in the face. Still, to perpetuate the dynastic rule, the party is projecting Mr. Rahul Gandhi as the Prime-ministerial candidate. Does he know the ABC of anything much less than that of administering India and the Indians?

Visit Venice

‘VISIT VENICE’

By

J.L. Gupta

The name of the place is Venice. It is  symbolic. It is very nice. As the ship turns towards North-east, the sight is stunning. Are the coming events casting a shadow? 

The Sunrise and the lonely bird

The sun is emerging. It is lending a beautiful deep crimson colour to everything. And There is water

Water …. Water … everywhere.  Yet, not a fly, moss or mosquito to see. A seagull? Yes! I could see a bird too. But there was no scent. One could not even seriously complain of any smell either. The air is generally clean. The breath of fresh air was refreshing. Standing in the balcony, one could see the buildings with domes. Also minarets and pass by boats of all shapes and sizes. It is the first sight of the city of Venice. Appears to be true to the name. We disembark. Reach our destination in a small boat Taxi.

A view of Venice from the ship.

A little stroll and we learnt without any loss of time that it is the city of Basilicas; Museum, Palaces, Art, Culture and Spirituality; St. Marc’s square; Murano glass; authentic Italian cuisine; vintage wines; narrow lanes and wide waterways. You can get good footwear that fits your feet and food that suits your palate on the roadside and in the streets. It has a historic past. Been the venue of various wars leading ultimately to the victory on the issue of the lagoon configuration and dominance over the Adriatic and East Mediterranean coasts. Thereafter, the trade flourished and the fortunes of the traders  changed.

Gondola for short distance

The Gondola or a small boat are easily available for local travel. The waters can be rough and the ride, at times, a bit scary. However, it does not take long to get used to the boat taxis. The drivers are good. they maneuver the boats well and reach places that may apparently appear to be totally inaccessible. It is a good option when you are in a hurry or not inclined to walk or short of time

The Ship going through the Grand Canal

For smaller boats & pedestrians

A Lane

A Cathedral

On the other hand, there being virtually no traffic, walking is easy and often a good option. it allows a closer look at the shops, show-windows as also the charming and friendly shoppers. Often, you may savor the scent of some good tobacco too. The Europeans seem to enjoy their smoke. And why not? Ms. Nicotine is generally a good friend. Once you get fond of her, she does not leave you easily.  At least, till you stretch your will power to its fullest and make a really determined attempt.

A Wide Waterway

         St. Mark's Basilica is said to  "depict stories from the Old Testament and serve as a historical introduction to the sacred themes in the interior of the Basilica. Here, following a narrative thread represented by the idea of the Church...., we have the Prophets, the Apostles, the Ascension and Paradise portrayed on the larger domes. On the walls and minor domes other parallel stories complete the narrative with episodes from the life of Christ and the Virgin, the passion of Jesus, the life of St. Mark with the famous episode of the theft of the body, the lives of St. Peter and other saints. All the artistic styles .... Thus, as many love to define it, St. Mark's Basilica is  a casket which jealously conserves in its custody, the trembling, palpitating expression of the spirituality and of the history of Venice."
_____

St. Mark's Basilica

A Painter at work before sunrise and  the Eatery in the open that has not yet opened

                                     Photos by the author.

"The Fatter the Fitter"

“The fatter the fitter"

By

J.L. Gupta

I HAVE a big mouth. A bigger appetite. Yet, once upon a time, I was thin as a reed. Most of my bones could be seen and felt. I could have been hired to act as a moving skeleton' in a horror movie. I could have made a reasonable living as a "scare crow".

         
And all this despite a voracious appetite. An insatiable greed for food. Normally, as the saying goes, "one should eat to live". But I have really lived to eat. I have always believed that the inno­cent luxury of a good table is meant to be enjoyed. A sumptuous dish has to be devoured. A hearty appetite is a part of human liberty. The human body has the capacity and the tenacity to bear most of our indiscretions. The human metabolism can never change. Abuse the body to determine the optimum.

However, my belief turned out to be an illusion. I was only living in "food's paradise". I was wrong. The wheel of change is always on the move. Nothing stays forever. Yesterday is not today. Age has the inevitable effect. The change was unavoidable. It came. Initially, it was slow. Yet perceptible. Soon, it began to show. It was visible. I was beginning to get filled up. Mostly, in the wrong places. Before long, I had a double chin. Despite a conscious desire and even attempt to resist the temptation to indulge, I could see the appearance of the bulge. The circumference was ever increasing. Before long, I looked like my big "pillow".

When the middle begins to expand, the middle age sets in. I was not prepared to accept it. Something had to be done. Operation "girth con­trol" was an immediate necessity.

I resolved. To "eschew" food. To be on a diet. To eat food as one takes medicine. By weight and measure. And I gave it a serious trial. For a month, I followed a strict regimen. I ate less. In moderation. Sometimes, I virtu­ally starved myself of even the sight of a sumptuous meal.

The sacrifice aroused no visible sympathy in the mind of my wife. And the law only provides against cruelty to animals. Anyone who starves a cow can be in trouble. However, a wife who will­ingly allows her husband to starve is absolutely immune. She violates no law. Even when she teasingly eats everything that you relish. You helplessly watch her smother food in the hope that someday things will happen your way. But all in vain.

That day does not dawn. After a month, all that I had lost was my "temper". The only thing that got thinner was my hair. The mirror disappoint­ed me. The photographer did no justice. My pho­tographs looked exactly like me. Too bad. I had almost lost my patience. I was about to give up and resume my fond friendship with food. I was persuaded to just see the doctor. I did. Went through the checks and pricks. At the end of three days, I was given three things. A diet chart,  a lec­ture on the importance of exercise, and a fat bill on which the tests as well as the fees were fully listed.

         Would the prescription make as big a dent in me as the bill had in my purse?

         I am an incorrigible optimist. I do not let disap­pointment defeat me easily. I decided to go through another period of agony. Insipid soups. Salads without any sauce. No bread and butter. No prathas. No pullao. No pudding! And yet, no gain. What was I trying to achieve? Adding years to my life? What good are the years without any life in them? I asked myself. Reluctant to accept defeat, I still persisted. Took a little food and long walks. Still, the mirror did not flatter me. In fact, it appeared that my eyes and lips provided the only source of colour to the face. 

Has an elephant ever died of a heart attack? Is not the fatter one, the merrier one? These ques­tions crossed my mind. A hungry man is an angry man. The starved look sick. The fat man has such a presence. He can never get lost even in a crowd. He is the life of a party. Too heavy to run. Too fat to fight. Unable to bend, the fat man can never stoop too low. Honorable ladies will kindly excuse.

Thus, I convinced myself about the utter folly of my effort. The total futility of the entire exercise was so obvious. It had only left me poorer. Financially and physically.

And so the food and fat are back. I am feeling better. In fact, fatter and fitter. Why not? God's graces have to be gracefully accepted and grate­fully enjoyed. Including food. It is a sin to starve "yourself."

So, let yourself' go. Eat and enjoy. Do not worry about what you eat. Take care of what is eating you. Be happy. Get fat and feel fit. The fatter you are, the fitter you will feel. Good luck. Good looks!!