I agree with Rajeev Srinivasan. The amount of energy that marxists in India expend on keeping themselves existant, despite a clear demonstration that they are totally irrelevant, would be better used elsewhere. Also i think that another aspect that pulls us down a lot is that we are definitely an underconfident people. Thats why every one - the minnows like Bangladesh, the backward (but terrorist state of) Pakistan, Malaysia, the double tongued European and American countries, the uneducated and fanatical Arabs - all make us cow down with their clever use of moralistic stands. Whatever these countries do or whatever happens in their countries is allowed to pass without any publicity, but the moment anything happens in india it is blown out of proportion. It is outrageous to see Whiteskins blithely questioning about the Religious divide in India and comparing us with real fundamentalist states like Pakistan or UAE or some other countries. Which of these countries allows a non Muslim entity to stand up and fight for its rights (as we allow the Wakf board in India). I think it is high time we drop being duped by the moral card and also show the world we are willing to take some risks to be treated respectfully, whether the world likes it or not
This was a very interesting perspective on the recent arrests of Indian Software professionals in Malaysia. However going by the author's analysis , wouldn't India be playing into the chinese hands if we started breaking ties with the Malaysia in the IT front , this would just give the chinese the right oppurtunity to enter the Malaysian IT market in the absense of an Indian presence..
India should have an active naval presence, and 'show the flag' with a fleet of frigates, destroyers, submarines and if possible, an aircraft carrier, in the ASEAN region and the Malacca Straits. This would also counter the increasing downward thrust of China to make ASEAN its backyard, both economically and politically (with generous helpings by the ethnic Chinese business lobbies in ASEAN, like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand). ASEAN is strategically situated between India and China and we should lookout that it does not become an extension of China!
You are unnecessarily and erroneously using the term "Jaichand/Mir Jafar Syndrome". Politician are in a habit of using the name of Jaichand to defame anybody they wish to.The truth is that Jaichand died fighting Muslim invaders.He never colluded with invaders. His wife(sohagdevi) was more responsible for the invitation to the invaders.As far as Mir Jafar is concerned, he became Nawab of bengal with the help of EI company as well as with the help of local Hindu Bankers and Officials. But Mir Jafar cannot be blamed 'cause he was replacing a cruel, ineffective and oppressive ruler i.e. Siraj-ud-Daulah. Dont make history a casulaty for making your point. Otherwsie your article is quite topical and interesting.
Rajeev, While your theories do sound plausible though a bit far fetched, they're just that - theories which should probably be restricted to over-coffee-banter and not find their way into published material esp on the net. Somehow the written word becomes more credible and that is where the threat lies. Sure these are ideas that may well be true - but then makes more sense to follow up and investigate them, and publish them once credible evidence or at least plausible circumstances pointing to the same are found. This whole 'wild-goose' chase is a little dangerous to just post on sites like Rediff. I mean yes China might be upto it and India does need to get stronger in its reactions - but why assume the Malaysians are gullible puppets fronting for China ? I'm sure there is a not justifiable reason for their actions - but I would not be ready to call them Chinese puppets right away and discount any possibility that this might atually be the pent-up frustrations of an individual or group that the Malaysian govt must be made to punish. Painting the whole country with one brush right away can only do us more harm in the longer term. Gently applying pressure and showing we mean business and at the same time keeping the lines open would be way more constructive long ter. We do not need to stand up to bullying, and at the same time do not want to be perceived as one, right ?
