Moulds and models

 For many, Hindi Chini are bhai bhai. I should know because I have any number of past students letting me know that they are studying Chinese. That is because I would request them to study a foreign language or two! 

Why Chinese? I suppose because, according to them, it opens up for them professional avenues. Yet another reason could be that the very ethnic script full of pictograms must be satiating the latent/budding artists in them. 

Ah, the Chinese art! That should remind us of the Terracota Court and of the Great Wall of China, right? Both belong to the rule of King Qin Shi Huang. This morning, on one of the WhatsApp groups, there was this huge praise of this Chinese King as someone who believed in the 'unity is strength' principle . Apparently, he thus changed the very contours of China. 

Well, I looked up the references a little. It seems, he unified all the warring states in to a nation. King Qin Shi Huang also worked with his minister Li Si to enact major economic and political reforms aimed at the standardization of the diverse practices among earlier Chinese states. All praiseworthy and noble so far. 

I wonder though why the morning message praised him as a unifier. Apparently, he burnt a large number of books from earlier regimes. His methods, though also is debated this accusation, were, it seems, tyrannical and brutal. 

I suppose that precisely could be the problem when it comes to praising n imposing models imported from abroad. I would say, better are homegrown models, and we have aplenty. From Maharashtra itself, we have Shivaji Maharaj, the Peshwa's and Ahilyabai Holkar. Let us not refer to the erstwhile Chalukya or Satwahana dynasty, nor let us discuss the multi-pronged leadership that emerged during the Freedom Struggle. 

Such is the trajectory of each of the Indian states and erstwhile provinces. In other words, there is no dearth of local n organic models n moulds. Hope we somehow re-pay their debt, at least by elaborating such genealogies as historiographies! 

Pratima@ Even a cursory glance lets us know how little we know, either of the past or the present, and, that, too, in the AI era! 

Quote of the day:                                                             Marcus Garvey argues, "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." 

Word of the day: organic                                             Organic organising refers to moulds n models developing gradually and naturally over time without forced planning. 

The Real Renegades

 Well, all seems to be quieter on the CJP front. Sure, Dhruv Rathi un-muted when he reached London. As for the CJP-ians, they seem to be scuttling in to the corner, too. Ah, the quotation mania of literature enthusiasts! Those who read the classics  would sure know that this reference is to Kafka's Samsa. 

When one thinks a little more about of the 'regime changers' though, one realises that the real culprits are neither the Ph.D. scholars of a certain university nor are motor-mouths of any other variety to be blamed. 

The real renegades belong to the old order. Some of them are journalists. Like academics, journalism, too, was a profession that commanded awe n high honour once upon a time. Even as a rookie journalist, the kind of respect I have been granted continues to be energising 

Currently, it is tough to decide which field is full of apostasy, which of them is more compromised, academia or journalism. Both species seem equally 'i'mpaired, and engage in a truly tough competition with each other when it comes to corruption of all types, but especially of the moral variety. 

Honestly, when it comes to certain big names in the game, it is tough to believe that once upon a stupid time, one actually thought that such 'intellectuals' were decent, honourable, ethical! How naive could one be to believe that such 'i'ndividuals could have principles! Well, they are the real renegades. 

They do not mind changing colours faster than a chameleon. Whosoever might seem to give them a plum post, thither they would hasten. Honestly, they are more like 'spotted snakes with double tongues' who shed skin as often as necessary. 

Actually, both these creatures are clean compared to the intellectual renegades, drunk on a dangerous potion of self-interest, mixed with a visceral 'hatred for the sake of hatred' of their  decades long targets. They are hence forgetful of the basic concern for the welfare of the motherland wrested from the colonial clutches with such hardships! 

Well, 'i'nterests may shift and change as per 'i'ndividual conveniences, parties may come and go, slogans may whimper away in to whispers! The sustenance of the motherland and its quintessence cannot be subject to renegade betrayals, right? 

Pratima@ When the foundations of, be it academia and/or nation, are thus corroded in to degeneration, generations suffer, and the loss is forever! And, why?  So that certain pigmy 'i'ndividuals could preen to their heart's content!?! Thus snowballs the descent in to degradation! 

Quote of the day:                                                           "Just for a handful of silver he left us,/ Just for a riband to stick in his coat—/Found the one gift of which fortune bereft us,/Lost all the others she lets us devote;"                                             Thus laments Robert Browning "The Lost Leader" (1845).

Word of the day: apostasy                                           Apostasy means the refusal to follow, obey, or recognize a (religious) faith, or the abandonment of a previous loyalty. It can also apply generally to leaving a political party, cause, or set of principles.

Regime!?!

 A Ph. D. scholar must use terms carefully, as she sure should know the technicality behind that usage, right? Well, that is a basic premise! Given, however, the Indian education scenario, where Ph.D's are dime a dozen and quite some routine, is it any surprise that the furious find of the current 'revolution', as it is unfolding in the capital, should grandly talk of 'regime' change!?! 

Sure, Madame may differentiate and distinguish between student sit-in's in Delhi versus Ranchi! That is but okay, as the political bias and ideological inclinations have never been a hide, but seek she doth them openly! 

Imagine though using a term like 'regime (and its change)' so very loosely! Apparently in some undated (that is, I am not sure of the date) interview she talks of how Bangladeshi students are her thought leaders as far as regime change in India goes. 

Forget the fact that India is NOT Bangladesh from where migrants move in. Does the great lady understand the term 'regime change'? To begin with, 'regime' is related to monarchy and/or autocracy, and its various modes. I am not much in to politicking, but I sure do know that my country, and/or its governance, is a democracy, however flawed it might be, or it may appear to be. 

A cursory look at even a basic simple Wikipedia entry is sure to convince anybody moderately literate that regime, as its current politicking usage goes, is first used circa 1792 at the height of the French Revolution!

 Reference hence is also always to the 'ancien regime'. The etymological roots of either term is from Latin/Old French 'regere' which continues even today in to daily usages such as diet regime, exercise regime, et al, implying authoritarian, dictatorial, regulatory procedures. 

Well, I may not forever flag the famous red book, with-in blank or otherwise. I, however, sure do know that every five years  ordinary common citizens like me can vote governments out, if they wish to. India, in brief, does not need regime change, given its post Independence constitution in every sense of the term.

Pratima@ I do not know enough about the tool kits of the deep state, et al, which Mary Milben types are swearing by.  I am sure though that the very many checks and balances in the indian institutional structure, refined over the last seven decades, are bulwark against any misuse, even by the ambitious fear/hatemongers cum demogogues lusting after power. Yes, it IS the parliament, and NOT the streets, that would continue to 'govern' ( note please, not to 'rule') India! 

Quote of the day:                                                          Dwight D. Eisenhower declared, “Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels - men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, may we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.”

Word of the day: checks and balances                       Checks and balances is a fundamental constitutional principle where different branches of government hold distinct powers that can limit, monitor, and restrain the actions of the other branches. 

Nuggets@ Know thy Humanities

 Of all the "Nuggets" this week, this should be the easiest. You have to name this broadcaster. He is a naturalist. He is one of most famous conservationists of this, and, yes, the earlier, century. 

He is a good writer and a great narrator, a fact you would grant ungrudgingly, even when 'narratives' are hardly kosher hereabouts these days. 

A clue or two: A centurion formally now, he turned hundred rather recently. His brother has a very close connect with India. 

Pratima Agnihotri

Simply soulful!

 A very happy news dominated this morning. Since it is a social media product, tough to know how far true or valid or authentic it might be. If true, even if just by a little fraction, during the Navratri, happy happy times seem to be here again. Oh, no, I am NOT talking of the grand Garba get-together's. 

It seems, soon there gonna be a sabbatical of someone! As this special someone is, it seems, in the annual vacy mood, hopefully the hullabaloo over hawaa-hawai issues, in other words, the quite airy(but not exactly)fairy fights, heating up intolerably our public sphere in this already hot October, might cool down a little. 

As such happy, happy days are here again, it is but obvious that I would remember my favourite most flower. Ah, a deep inhale of its fragrance n for weeks on end, my nostrils themselves are fragrance incarnate. 

Yes, indeed, no other flower is as unique as the bakuli flower. It is small, unlike the flashy sunflower. It is pale yellow, unlike the multi-coloured rose. In fact, when it dries, it is rusty brown, like a mix of copper tapered with bronze. 

Known in English as the Spanish Cherry/ medlar/bullet wood flower, this delicate existence hidden behind lush green leaves is the essence of eternity itself, as its gentle fragrance is forever. Yes, even when it dries, my dear little 'bakuli' continues to stay, and fragrant 

A symbol for me of all that is permanent, pure, simple but genuine, the beatific bakuli flowers stand for an eternity that neither  time nor its state, fresh or dried, can stale. Sitting under the bakuli tree and getting a shower of its beautiful bloom spread on n around you is heavenly. In brief, its gentle but permanent aroma therapy is simply soulful! 

Pratima@ It seems, the fruits as well as wood of this forever lush green tree are very useful. Hence in Malaysia, and in the South-east Asia, it is the 'regional' tree.  Sustainability signified, simply but surely, in brief! 

Quote of the day:                                                          "Flowers…are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities in the world.” Ralph Waldo Emerson puts its so succinctly.

Word of the day: mimosa                                           The bakuli flower is a type of mimosa, a generic term for very many beautiful blooms. The word  is derived from the Greek word μῖμος (mimos), 'actor' or 'mime', and the feminine suffix -osa, 'resembling', suggesting its 'sensitive leaves' which seem to 'mimic conscious life'!

Memories haunt!

 Certain memories! How they haunt forever! Usha. She was my junior. May be, we were almost the same age because I have completed my post-graduation at a very early age. I had helped her with her French, and with the contents of her essay in a contest which won her a French trip. 

Naturally she cared for me. The Eiffel Tower paperweight she bought me from Avignon is a keepsake. After she got married, our rôles changed slightly. Hers was a love marriage with a Tambram. 

She was a Telugu Brahmin, and a very close relative of a very very powerful leader. She had adjustment issues within the marriage, and I was the counsellor who tried to convince her how minor disagreements with in-laws could be silly misunderstandings. 

Here was a quite funny situation, a Maharashtrian high caste Brahmin girl trying to explain the Tamil symbolism to a Telugu girl. Yet the underlying civilisational cultural bond seemed to carry us through, thereby making us better friends.  

Unfortunately, she died within a fortnight of her baby's birth. I still cannot forget that small infant, an exact replica of his late mother, wailing away even when the poor grandma was trying her level best to comfort him. 

The haunting bit, however, is still more vivid. Her husband, we had not met much, but he knew me as Usha's best well-wisher, was obviously overcome with intense grief. 

Tearily he announced to the dead body. "Usha, see, Pratima is here!". I am ready to swear. Her body, tied to that pier/wooden stretcher, literally tried to get up! My other friend, who had come along, too, was shocked beyond words, mentioned it later, too.

I had never seen a 'body' before. The whole night I could not sleep. Yet this incident has forever convinced me that life might go on(!?!) even after the body dies!?! Why then, for the sake of your weird notions of fun, hurt, harm n harass human beings, when alive?

Much more, I understood what post-partum depression may do. Hence, however much feminism may be mocked, yes, there ARE certain, in fact, very many, womanly sensitivities that DO need deep considerations, and beyond all the shrill n empty sloganeering by n of career feminists.

Most important of all, the incident has made me forever grateful to Aai who was down with high fever when she was eight months pregnant with me, yet in the ninth month, she travelled in a meter gauge train some six/seven hundred kilometers, while the late April sun beat mercilessly. Within a week of reaching her parents' place, a small town, she walked to the hospital for a normal, non-cesarean delivery, while the nurses were brutal, and doctors indifferent! What all a mother's love can bear!

Pratima@Well, tragedies cannot last forever, and often have a funny end. Well, Usha's husband had asked me to inform a Tamil professor, all of them, unlike me, were in to Linguistics, about Usha's unfortunate demise. It was the week-end. So I decided to inform his colleague who lived on campus so that the message would reach him.                                                                                I had no idea that the lady was sweet on him! First she obsessed about finding out if I had called him up. After convincing her somewhat hopefully that I knew neither his phone number nor his address, she calmed down on that account.                                                                Next followed a simply wow conversation, with monkeys chattering madly overhead, hidden in the canopy. She was insisting that it was a murder.                                                                          I tried to politely point out that it might not be so, at least because Usha was closely connected with very powerful people. Then she started haranguing about how the need for such a murder (why, a 'son' was born, no?) is like the desire for sex!                                                  Thereafter, I did what all students are excellent at, obediently stand in front of the teacher, head bowed down, eyes half open, ears and brain completely closed, tightly shut indeed! Feminism sounds fun, if n when shallow!

Quote of the day:                                                           "Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.” Wise 'saw' as ever by Oscar Wilde!

P.S. i was thinking about the incident, and it struck me that Hamlet, as well as the entire blood n gore revenge tragedy of Thomas Kyd variety, need not be a mere literary convention. There could be a psychological, may, supra-physical, truth to the core of such (super)human explorations.

Word of the day: postpartum depression               Postpartum depression (also called perinatal depression) is a medical mood disorder that can happen during (late) pregnancy or after giving birth.

Nuggets@ Know thy Humanities

 Translation takes various forms. One of the seminal modes is 'transmuting' a text in to a film. Of course, bibliophiles look down upon the process as a demeaning of a book, and we have pj's of the "donkey grazing at the corner dumpsite preferring a book over a film, as it is in better taste'', et al, variety.

Who is the linguist-scholar who theorised this process extremely interestingly and elaborately? Which term did he use to describe this process? How did he define this process? 

Pratima Agnihotri