Thursday, March 14, 2013

REVISITING SPEIGHT COUP VIOLENCE: WHEN FIJI INDIANS LIVES DID NOT MATTER TO FIJIAN THUGS


THE SPEIGHT COUP VIOLENCE: WHEN FIJI INDIANS WERE VICTIMS OF ITAUKEI THUGS

Thakur Ranjit Singh
PROLOGUE:

This article was initially written in 2000 in the aftermath of violence brought about by George Speight’s attempted coup in 2000 . Then, and even after that, Frank Bainimarama and Fiji Military had taken a tough stance against lawless thugs in Fiji.

There was as frenzy amongst Australia, New Zealand and Fiji media and NGOs, and protest against Fiji were organised by NGOs. Many of those who were shouting democracy and human rights, had taken a blind eye when Fiji Indians were victims of these lawless Itaukei (Fijian native) thugs. 

They had no idea about Fiji and its transition into democratic stability by arresting problems that had plagued Fiji’s discredited young democracy, and search of a home-grown solution.

While we do not condone violence, many appreciate the dilemma security personnel in Fiji faced then in kicking butts (read asses) to bring stability. Considering Fiji’s turbulent trial with (Western) democracy and human rights, balancing human rights against fragile security situation does create dilemma for security personnel-and Bainimarama had done well then. (Not sure about now in  2021)


Muaniweni Fiji Indian victims of racially-inspired violence in May 2000, crying to see their house looted and burnt by the rebels and criminal Fijian thugs.

The people rallying for action against Fiji Military for kicking asses of Itaukei thugs were quite when my people, Fiji Indians, got beaten, raped, and pillaged. The fears for the thugs were the same they had created for the Indo-Fijians, with strict security situation brought in by a military government when democratic system failed to provide security. This was coupled with, as my previous articles on Commissioner Savua showed, police were caught with their pants down and rendered impotent (read poofter) by a poor and wanting leadership.

Some Chiefs and the British-made divide and rule institution, the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) have been the greatest threat to democracy in Fiji.  A salute to Bainimarama for disbanding this parallel government where Chiefs retained and held on to power by sowing seeds of racial discord and projecting Fiji Indians as a threat to Itaukei whose situation was created by draconian divide-and rule policies of the British, ably abused by the Chiefly powers and the GCC.

We need to revisit violence and lawlessness caused by George Speight’s attempted coup and revisiting an area which became the face of turmoil and thuggery -Muaniweni.

The purpose in reminding this history is for the new generation in Fiji to realise how the poster-boys Itaukei on tourism postcards became racial thugs in the 21st century.



George Speight, the attempted coup leader, misled people and caused a spate of racial violence targeting Fiji Indians. People need to be educated about democracy and constitution to avoid other false prophets like Speight.

In 2000, when George Speight and his army of racist Fijian thugs assaulted democracy, many Fiji Indians were the victims. Many self-appointed and foreign-funded NGOs jumping up and down for strong arm tactics of army on the thugs had then remained quite.

I witnessed that violence when I was the Publisher of the now-discontinued Daily Post newspaper. I visited violence-struck community in Muaniweni near Suva and reported on the harrowing and shameful criminal incidents by Itaukei who were once the friends of these people.

I reproduce one such article to inform those who criticize Bainimarama for his strong arm tactics against lawless thugs who had also tried to murder him in November, 2000 (See another FIJI PUNDIT story).

People need to see in their rear-vision mirror to see where Fiji has come from.

Fiji Indians for ever will be thankful to Bainimarama for delivering Fiji Indians a common name, social justice, dignity - and security. No previous leader of Fiji could deliver these.

Lets now look in the rear vision mirror...................
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A COMMUNITY IN FEAR AT MUANIWENI

The attacks have stopped - - but the fear lingers on

You drive up the once dusty (but now tar sealed) Sawani Road from Suva, Fiji for some 30 minutes and you will come to a junction road to the right hand side, reading “Savu Road.” The rich farming area there is known as Muaniweni, which is home to some 110 Indo-Fijian (co-jointly referred to as Fiji Indians) households comprising some 700 people in total. They are farmers on Crown land (what Crown? you may ask) and provide a unique landscape to this area with lush dalo plantations and other cash crops. They also raise cattle and grow rice, ginger and other types of vegetable.

Speight -behind bars now, serving his term for treason

You drive further into this dusty, narrow, winding and repair-starved Savu Road for some 10 minutes; you will come to a twin school complex at the riverbank. This is called Muaniweni Indian School and Vunicibicibi Secondary School, which were established some three decades ago by the Fiji Indian community for the benefit of all the residents.

In the aftermath of Speight coup on 19 May, 2000, that place had gone through devastation and racial hatred erupted by some misplaced, greedy, opportunist and power-hungry people. It could be described as a war zone. We were greeted by fear and grief-gripped Indo-Fijian farmers and their families, depicting a picture of despair and helplessness. We were shocked and saddened by the stories of inhumane and criminal acts committed on this peace loving, hardworking and religious Indo-Fijian farming community.

Muaniweni Indo Fijian victims of racially-inspired violence in May 2000, crying to see their house looted and burnt by rebels and criminal Fijian thugs.

After cries of help, Muaniweni and Nasi residents in Baulevu, Naitasiri were happy for the setting up of Muaniweni Police Post next to the local school.

The Police post came late for about 100 residents who had abandoned their homes to take refuge at Sanatan Primary School in Lautoka, and later at Fiji Girmit Centre in a refugee camp. It is a pitiful sight to see their battened houses with lush green farms and neat well-kept compounds abandoned by the residents.

Other Fiji Indians in the area who did not want to move had transferred all womenfolk to their relatives' places away from Muaniweni for their security. However with life getting more secure because of the new police post and armed soldiers, most are coming back to the place they call home – and the only home they know.

They have been subjected to thuggery and fear by the nearby village youths who appear to be under nobody’s control. One helpless farmer commented that it appeared that the whole village condones this pillaging and assault on hard – working helpless Fiji Indian community. And they are supposed to be Christians!

Rebel soldiers causing mayhem and violence, seeking supremacy and Fiji for Fijians. It is such culture of violence and separation that Bainimarama then wanted removed from the new Fiji

Our team was pleasantly surprised by the philosophical comments of one Indigenous Fijian(Itaukei) Police officer at the police post:

I am a Christian and my heart cries out for these (Fiji) Indian farmers and what the so called Christians did to them. We need to break the cultural barriers between the races. Fijians should be taught Hindi while Indians should be taught Fijian language and culture. Our education system is to blame for this mess. Our schools are too exam oriented and we teach very little human values. We should concentrate more on extra curricular activities.

One perhaps need to ask why did not the supposedly visionary leader, Ratu Mara, who ruled Fiji for 17 years after independence in 1970, did that. Did he, like Ratu Sukuna also was very British and believed in ruling over a divided Fiji, where through fear could divide and rule, and they derived their support from driving Indian fear of takeover of Fiji? You be the judge. 


Another thuggery–scarred Indo-Fijian farmer commented that teaching of the Constitution should be included in the school curriculum:

Everybody should know about their rights, especially the new generation of Indigenous Fijians so that no George Speight in future can mislead them about their Constitutional protection.
Another neighboring Indian farmer had his radio, two workhorses, one calf and five chickens stolen.

We, with our family, including young children, spent the night in the open fields for fear of attack. Our stolen horses are used to cart stolen items from other farms. The most disappointing scene is that the elder thugs use young school - age children of ten to twelve years as apprentice in this looting. They send these youngsters to steal, if we say anything then they come out to threaten us. We are just wondering, what will happen when these kids grow up?

 

Where are all the moral and religious teachings? Church and their talatalas (preachers) should take some blame for these lawless people. The greater blame should go to the parents who cannot and do not manage the moral teachings of their young ones. If my son brings anybody’s stolen items home, I will whip him. Most Indian children know this.”

Muaniweni Community post which brough some law and order to the area.  Bainimarama Government wishes to prevent a repeat of such violence through policies removing racial segregation and promoting racial integration where all have a common name of "Fijians" .

One farmer whose brother left his nearby home for the refugee center said he could not make himself to leave the place he calls home. He added:

One thug came with a gun that was new and still packed in its box with its wrappers intact. He shot my cows, gutted them and took them to the Parliament. Anybody could walk in your farm and take whatever they wanted.
The residents however agreed that Fijians (Itaukei) by nature are very nice people, but they appear to have been misled. Once the political problems are sorted out at the top level, then they are confident that things could return to normal, and they could go back to farming.

If things do not improve and they are not allowed to live with dignity then they would like to join the others in the refugee camp and plead other countries to grant them refugee status.

In all this, the philosophical pleadings of the police office should be considered. The community leaders should get together to build a bridge of cultural understanding, and perhaps both the communities need to work more closely to appreciate each other well. This will ensure that in future political differences, they do not become mere pawns in the hands of the politicians who have their own personal agenda.

[Hope our media in Fiji, the Fiji Times and the Fiji Sun could revisit the area in 2021 and report on it after two decades  and see what has changed and improved. Go ahead, Fred Wesley and Peter Lomas-make my day]


Footnote:

Therefore the strong-arm tactics that we see in Fiji now (after May, 2000) to address the culture of violence among Fijians against others and those trying to destabilize peaceful multi-racial setting and provide security to all is to address such political instability created by those with vested interests. 

Many measures introduced by Bainimarama Government were to address exactly the situation that in the past promoted racial segregation and animosity.

These were the issues spoken by Muaniweni residents some 13 years ago and now being addressed with policies which try to make Fiji a home for all Fijians, with common name and destiny.

It is hoped Australia, New Zealand and NGOs financed by them can appreciate what Fiji has been through and what it needs- a home-grown solution without foreign influence and meddling.

THAKUR RANJIT SINGH
Blogsite: FIJI PUNDIT: www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz

Additional Reading:

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a journalist and media commentator and runs his blog site, FIJI PUNDIT, that tells what others fail to tell. He is a former publisher of Fiji's Daily Post newspaper, and is based in Auckland, New Zealand. This article was originally  written and published in the Daily Post in May, 2001 under the column Liu Muri by Aage Picche. This is intended as a historical reminder of our dark past.]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sunday, March 3, 2013

A fresh perspective on doing business with India


A fresh perspective on doing business with India
Thakur Ranjit Singh
Some businesses may be battling bureaucratic wrangling, red tape and some sort of corruption in India. …Do not get involved in corruption. Understand and respect Indian business regulations and bureaucracy, and adapt to meet their requirements…. In spite of these problems, the huge and growing market potential continues to attract businesses,” these were the honest assessment and words of advice to businessmen from a respected and successful businessman, Wenceslaus Anthony,   a Board Member of Bank of Baroda, among other important positions,  and  Chairman of India New Zealand Business Council.
Mr  Wenceslaus Anthony the keynote speaker-Do not get involved in corruption..Understand and respect Indian business regulations
Mr Anthony was speaking to businessmen at ANZ Bank premises, Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand on 28 February, 2013. This business networking was organised by Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) and sponsored by ANZ, to promote and foster better business relationships with India. WIA does not only organise social, cultural, community and religious festivals like Diwali, Holi and Girmit Remembrance Day but is  also involved with community welfare services such as Family Violence, Senior Citizens, Youth, Women concerns and Hindi Language and Culture School. Now it has gone one notch higher by becoming a vehicle to promote and enhance business activities.
Guests at the WIA/ANZ Business Network evening,(from left) Mrs Amail Habib, Francis Peters, a solicitor at Corban Revell lawyers and Vice President of Waitakere Ethnic Board, Amail Habib, Deputy Chair of Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel (EPAP) at Auckland Council,  Andrew Webster, Senior Regional maner ANZ Auckland and Northland and Dr Rajen Prasad, Labour List MP.
In the last 5 years, the Indian economy has grown at 8.5% to become the third largest economy in Asia, behind Japan and China. India is the 9th largest economy in the world in absolute $ terms and is poised to become the 4th largest by around 2030. In terms of PPP –Purchasing Power Parity (the same purchasing power in different countries), India has become the 3rd largest economy behind USA and China
Media presence at the function: Rajesh Maharaj (left), Station Manager for Humm FM 106.2 radio station, with WIA Executive Mahendra Dutt Sharma.

But, what does this mean to NZ Businesses? To answer this, WIA expanded its horizon to promote business. It thus invited Mr Anthony, to enlighten India’s Growth and what it means for businesses in New Zealand.

He reminded businessmen and community leaders that India is not synonymous with corruption. “There are organizations like Wipro, Godrej and Infosys who never compromise on moral and sound business ethical values. These are just few of the examples.  Hence, NZ businesses need to take that extra step and look for businesses that stand for honesty,” Anthony said. He advised that India NZ Business Council, respective Indian and New Zealand High Commissions, Trade Commissioner in Delhi and, ANZ could play a vital role with its branch in India. “We have a pool of talents from India already in NZ. The likes of Waitakere Indian Association can play a great role. We need to get them together and ignite their minds,” Anthony said.  He urged New Zealanders to establish contacts, be good hosts, create good impressions and build relationship because”…business in India is based on relationships that encompass family, personal life, and interests as well as shared business acumen.”

Anthony spoke about his dream that NZ could be one of the partners in India’s march towards becoming a Developed Nation. “We need the likes of India-NZ Business Council, Waitakere Indian Association, ANZ bank to build this bond in business between the two countries…the motto of Infosys is “Powered by intellect and driven by values” while Former President of India, Abdul Kalam said “ We need ignited minds,” he concluded with a refreshing advice on doing business with India.

ANZ enhancing diversity -Mr. Andrew Webster, Senior Regional Manager Auckland & Northland, (Left) and Sunil Kaushal who oversees Indian sector banking needs and adds to the theme that the face of ANZ staff represents the face of community
Earlier, ANZ’s Andrew Webster, Senior Regional Manager Auckland & Northland spoke about ANZ’s special focus on cultural diversity and their strategic orientation in addressing the increasing Asian needs in the community. “Our focus and recognition reflects the importance of Indian business community  to New Zealand’s success,” he observed, and added that the Bank, being largest in NZ with most staff and branches, was well geared to look after the needs of changing population.

Webster made a crucial declaration that hits at the heart of businesses aligning to changing demographic environment and embracing diversity. “One of the things we try to do is to make sure the face of our staff represent the face of the community.” He added that in his business which is focussing on small and medium businesses with 200 staff, 34% are of Chinese descent while 20% are Indians. These people represent the community and can provide culturally appropriate services. ANZ walks its talk on embracing diversity by being involved in their affairs. “We do this, by sponsorship of Diwali. We also have strategic relationship with India-New Zealand Business Council and have strategic partnership with Department of Ethnic Affairs, “ Webster said.

Waitakere hosting a Pukekohe visitor: Sunil Chandra, (left), President of Waitakere Indian Association, and Manoj Tahal, (right), Events and Business Networking Director of WIA, with Bhikhu Bhana (middle), executive of Pukekohe Indian Association
President of WIA, Sunil Chandra acknowledged the presence of Labour MP Dr. Rajen Prasad, Bhikhu Bhana, Executive of Pukekohe Indian Association, Linda Cooper, Chairperson, Waitakere Licensing Trust and Amail Habib, Deputy Chair for Auckland Council’s Ethnic Panel. He stressed that apart from community and cultural activity, the business networking was widening the scope of WIA to help the community and building relationship with business community. “In doing community work, we built a close relationship with ANZ which is a major sponsor for all our activities and we really appreciate the help and support of ANZ in helping WIA serve the wider community,” Sunil said.

Roshila Prasad, Executive Director of Humm FM radio station, in discussion with Roneel Singh, Secretary of Waitakere Indian Association
Through this business networking, community needs to salute Waitakere Indian Association for their FIRST, once again: for venturing into areas other similar organisations can emulate. That is, to better serve their communities and foster community well-being by enhancing business opportunities with India.


Photos and story by Thakur Ranjit Singh.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

NZ Sanatan Naari Sabha leads the way for others to follow


NZ Sanatan Naari Sabha leads the way for others to follow

Thakur Ranjit Singh

NZ Sanatan Nari Sabha (Sabha) initiated, ignited and led a new exemplary trend for all Hindus when they organised “Mata Jagran” (Whole night vigil and worship) at Shiv Mandir in Manurewa Auckland on 23rd February, 2013.

Durga Maa Jagran - the decorated shrine
This is an exemplary trend that needs to be followed by other Hindu organisation, not only in Auckland, but in Indian Diaspora as a whole. Most prayers, parvachans and religious discourse are held in abstract, bearing little relationship to present-day problems. In particular, I remember an incident with Hindu Council of New Zealand, which rejected my proposal of incorporating domestic violence with celebration of Racha Bandhan. (Await a separate story on this in FIJI PUNDIT). As usual, politicians have field days in Indian and Hindu functions. We sing and dance, sweep the problem of woman-beating under the carpets and celebrate public Ratcha Bandhans while our sisters get beaten up. So much for public-seeking religious organisation, which hold big conferences in big hotels, with little benefit to people on the ground.

Mrs Mavis Lata Singh-[Lata Ji,] (left) of NZ Sanatan Naari Sabha, chief organiser, with one of her committee members.
Therefore it came as a breath of fresh air when the chief organiser Mavis Lata Singh (Lata Ji) and her Sabha decided to incorporate violations of human rights of women with this Jagran - a whole night vigil for Mata Durga and other Hindu Goddesses. The Sabha especially dedicated this Jagran to each girl and woman who has been through or is going through horrific violations of human rights, mainly to the one who became the voice of our conscience as “Damini”.

Damini -the movie behind the theme of social issue of domestic violence
The speakers for the evening, three Singhs, Judge Ajit Swaran Singh, National List MP Kanwal Singh Bakshi and yours truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh, dwelt on these cases of abuse of women and the way our society treats them.

Judge Ajit Swaran Singh -"...it is the obligation of community to report cases of abuse.. those remaining quiet are as guilty of the crime as the perpetrators of the actual crime.
Judge Singh told of cases where we pay respect for our Goddesses but in reality treat own women very differently. Picking on the topic of Damini, which was a Hindi film, released in 1993, Judge Singh urged people to watch this movie. “This movie exemplifies entrenched attitude of some members of our community where family prestige is more important than the rights of a woman who is a victim of abuse, and in particular, sexual abuse. Family often tries to cover it up because it stigmatises the community and brings shame on the family and therefore often it is hushed up and not spoken about,” Judge Singh said. He said the movie speaks of a higher court than this one, and that is the court of conscience. There is a need to bring such issues in religious programmes to educate our people. “It is not only the perpetrators of crime, who need to be brought to justice, but those as well who know that a crime has been committed, but remain silent, as they are as guilty of the crime as those who committed it, “Judge Singh said. He emphasised on the obligations of the community to report any such crime we see taking place such as rape, assault and violence. He praised the Sabha for taking this leadership role in combating domestic violence.

National List MP Kanwal Singh Bakshi (Right) was accompanied by Angela Dalton, Chairperson of Manurewa Local Board.
Kanwal Singh Bakshi explained the different roles that women play-from a child to a housewife and to a mother. He narrated a story on the virtues of a mother, and the theme of that was that another name of a woman is love and sacrifice. “Our children are product of a family, hence it is important for parents to have religious activities at home and take their children to religious programmes to ensure we produce good citizens who respect women, “Bakshi said. He praised Indo- Fijian families for their religious, language and education progress and urged all to get more people to attend such beneficial programmes, addressing religious and community issues together.

FIJI PUNDIT-Thakur Ranjit Singh "..it is time for abused women to stand up and fight back.."
Thakur Ranjit Singh also took the medium of films and TVs to educate people on domestic violence and injustices against women. “We say Sita - Ram, Radhe - Shyam, Gauri - Shankar, Latchmi - Vishnu, always reciting women’s names first. Mythologically, all deities are supposed to have evolved from women - Shakti. We Hindus have so many festivals honoring our Goddesses. Why in reality we treat our living Goddesses, our women with such contempt, disrespect and scorn? “, Thakur asked. He encouraged people to see film “Lajja” to get an appreciation of women’s rights on dowry, violence and foeticide.
Thakur quoted from his earlier blog posting from and article he wrote on his blogsite (www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz) and that was posted on an incident from TV serial ‘Madhubala.” You can catch that story on: http://fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz/2013/02/family-violence-fight-back-abused-woman.html
Madhubala-EkIshq Ek Junoon- TV Serial that depicts a woman's courage to fight back a Rakshas and so-called Pati Parmeshwar.
The other trend the Sabha set was to feed the people before the program, so that it is healthier to eat early and not sleep on full stomach. The management committee of Shiv Mandir has to be commended for bringing much-needed improvements to their facilities by extending the kitchen and eating area.
FIJI PUNDIT takes this opportunity to congratulate NZ Sanatan Naari Sabha for taking these trend-setting bold steps that other organization in Auckland and Indian Diaspora can emulate. This is to: associate and encompass social issues with religious celebrations, and to feed people before the programme, as it is a healthier habit. Thanks to Lata ji and her commendable team for a job well done. May the blessing of Mata Di be bestowed on you all. Mata Di bless you all.
[Thakur Ranjit Singh-E-mail:thakurji@xtra.co.nz]

Friday, February 15, 2013

Truth shall prevail: Thakur Ranjit Singh cleared of any wrongdoing by Waitakere Indian Association.


Truth shall prevail: Thakur Ranjit Singh cleared of any wrongdoing by Waitakere Indian Association.

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Yesterday, 15th February, 2013 was Basant Panchmi, the day we normally erect Holika in Fiji to celebrate the festival of Holi. Next month we will celebrate Holi publicly at Trusts Stadium at Henderson, Auckland on Sunday 31 March, 2013. Waitakere Indian Association initiated public Holi celebrations in Auckland in 2005, and other organisations have copied this trend in Auckland. The theme of Holi is victory of good over bad and evil. That is exactly what I am going to write about, where a poor David wins over mighty Goliath, as Bhakt Prahlad won over her evil Aunt Holika.

A flash-back to Waitakere Indian Association Rang Barse Holi Mela last year, with yours truly (Thakur) as MC, addressing the audience. Dewa Chaudhry, President of Parupkaar Ramayan Faag Mandali (in red with harmonium) is ready to sing a thrilling faag (Holi song) while DJ Gabbaroo Manish Sharma, the sound technician for the day is all in the joyful mood of Holi in the Park at Trust Stadium Grounds, Auckland.
It is indeed unusual to do a story on oneself, but they say, if you want anything done properly, do it yourself. One cannot entirely have faith in Indian Media in Auckland, least of it, Indian Newslink, which has set an agenda to malign me and refused to publish a right of reply. Hence I will tell what they may not.

 In an executive meeting of Waitakere Indian Association (WIA) on 13th February, 2013, yours truly, Thakur Ranjit Singh was unanimously and with full respect and honour, bestowed back on the position of Vice President of the Association. This reinstatement is with a condition that I should not bring disrepute to the organisation. This will be a matter of opinion, as truth, which, like India, is the motto of my blogsite Fiji Pundit, which stands at Satmev Jayte (Truth shall prevail).

WIA, in August last year was pressured, in fact lobbied and directed, to sack me by the Indian and one Hindu leader in Auckland in response to my Facebook posting on reality in India. These, among others included truth of rampant corruption, black money and mistreatment of women and low –caste people in India. [You can read those original ‘offending” Facebook posting on this link: http://fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/mera-bharat-mahaan-thakurs-offending.html]

I apologised, though found it strange that Indian leaders, representing the largest democracy in the world were riled by my use of freedom of speech, media freedom and freedom to belong to an association. These are strong pillars of democracy, and one would not be wrong to say that those from the largest democracy in the world should be promoting the essence of democracy, and not punishing those who were exercising their democratic rights. But it unfolded like a script from Bollywood.

In August 2012, I was away overseas and unavailable to defend the slander and accusations heaped against me. Hence WIA, to diffuse the situation, suspended me from the position of Vice President. This was done to protect the interests of WIA which was threatened by this Indian lynch mob (as I call them) because of threats on loss of sponsorship, used their media and community influence and financial muscle, among others.

In the meeting earlier this week, I initially volunteered to withdraw from the position of Vice President and completely quit to protect the interests of WIA, as I had no wish to see me sacked again at the whim of opinions by the so-called community leaders. This was also because of some offending, defamatory and derogatory  e-mails against me circulating in Indian leadership and there was threat to “disassociate with WIA” as well as lobby politicians to boycott WIA unless Thakur was removed. However, the executives of WIA felt that I had done more positive and discounted such threats. It was recognised that I was voicing truth and fighting for the rights of others through my blogsite FIJI PUNDIT (www.fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz). It was resolved that a media statement would be issues out by the President Sunil Chandra on my reinstatement.

In my earlier posting in my blogsite Fiji Pundit, I have gone ahead and requested Indian Media in New Zealand as well as other developed countries, not to stifle free speech but become medium of change on wrongs done in India [Read at: http://fijipundit.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/indian-media-in-developed-countries.html]

I am grateful to Waitakere Indian Association for seeing the light and reinstating me with full honour. This is a lesson to all. Like the theme of Holi and Diwali, good and truth always win in the end. I would like to repeat that in whole of Auckland, in fact in New Zealand, Waitakere Indian Association has been awarded, called and attributed as the best organised and operated community organisation. The lesson to other Indian organisations is, if they cannot help, neither should they try to weaken or divide WIA, which in fact, they need to emulate. This is because WIA has always stood tall in being a clean, credible, exemplary and effective community organisation; never succumbing to any form of pressures which most community organisations find hard to resist. WIA’s reinstatement of their Vice President is a resounding message to other Indian organisations that it is a community organisation far above politics and any forms of coercive egoism.
Waitakere Rang Barse Holi Mela last year - the largest and only of its type Holi -in -the- Park at Trusts Stadium Ground in Auckland, New Zealand. You are invited to attend Waitakere Indian Association Rang Barse Holi Mela at same venue on Sunday 31 March, 2013 (Easter Weekend)....Fagun Bhar Baba Devar Laage (In the festivities on Holi, your father -in -law is akin to your brother-in-law.)
To celebrate the victory of good over evil, I hope to see you all at Waitakere Rang Barse Holi Mela at Trust Stadium Grounds, Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland on Sunday 31 March, 2013. Who knows, in the spirit of Holi, I may be able to forgive the members of the Indian Lynch Mob, if they are present to face the truth. Ho..ho…ho..Holi hay…



Sunday, February 3, 2013

FAMILY VIOLENCE: Fight back, abused woman urged by Madhubala Hindi TV Serial


FAMILY VIOLENCE: Fight back, abused woman urged by Madhubala Hindi TV Serial

Thakur Ranjit Singh

In light of news of institutionalized abuse of women in India and recent rape and murder case, it is nice to see Bollywood reacting to this situation, and incorporating abuse of women in TV serials. One such is Madhubala-Ek Isk ek Junoon. (Google to search and watch). As it is easier to get to many readers via the channel of Bollywood, I am using this TV serial, Madhubala to pass this important message on FAMILY VIOLENCE, which is also very prevalent India, in Indian Diaspora in general and Indo Fijian Diaspora in particular across the world, including my New Zealand.

Madhubala -Ek Ishq Ek Junoon: Hindi TV serial that has seriously addressed the issue of  FAMILY VIOLENCE and removed the myth of male-superiority and outdated concept of Pati Parmeshwar-husband as Gods.
In this episode of 30th January, 2013, the dialogue and the message stood up strongly in support of women’s efforts to fight back.  Balraj Chaudhry (Ballu), an abusive husband of Padmini (Paddo) holds her family hostage through his goons and was about to shoot Madhubala, daughter of Paddo and Chaudhry. Paddo ends up shooting and killing  her husband.  She is brought to court and there are calls from prosecution to hang her.

When a Rakshas (demon, devil) father ( Balraj Chaudhry) holds his daughter, Madhubala, a hostage and threatens to kill her, what does a mother do? She becomes Durga, the destroyer and kills the Rakshas. There is urge for woman to take their rightful place in society to fight injustice and abuse.
In the court, Padmini says that if the law wants to hang her, so be it, as she deserves it! She says..BUT it should NOT be for killing Ballu ..she  should be hanged for tolerating all of his torture, insults and abuse ..  ..for not hitting him back for the slaps and fists, for not opposing violence.. for never retaliating, for tolerating silently an as an ideal Hindu wife for ego, community respect, false pride and honour of a villainous husband! She says she should be punished for running away..for falling weak.. when Ballu threatened her unborn baby. She says...she will go in peace....by killing the Rakshas - and ending torture for the family--

Prosecution lawyer picks on the word ‘Rakshas’ and says ...in a country where husbands are called  ... ‘Pati Parmeshwar’ (Husband supreme, God), she insulted her Pati Parmeshwar.. That is when Madhu takes over and renders a powerful dialogue that should become an example in all cases of family violence and abusive husbands where women have said ....enough is enough, and strike back.

Madhubala in docks- those desirous of being addressed as Pati Parmeshwar ( Husband superior as God) should try to become a Pati (husband) FIRST.Why do those behaving like monsters want to be treated as Gods? Women need to question this outdated and undeserving honour for abusive men.
Madhu says that those who are desirous of being addressed as Pati Parmeshwar need to be a Pati or husband FIRST. If you knew what this (Ballu) Rakshas did, you would stop praying to Parmeshwar (God). Madhu takes stand and defines ‘Parmeshwar. It is a force and power that nurtures, protects and keeps one alive. However, a person who wants to destroy, who wants to kill his wife and daughter and becomes a danger for his own children cannot be a ‘Parmeshwar’. He is a ‘Rakshas’ a demon, and a devil! She says there are many in our society who harbour the same undeserving superiority thoughts for a male.

An ugly picture? That is the face that some abusive men give to their wives and other women.. It is time women stood up against this abuse and seek help in the least and expose those Rakshas in their homes and societies.

When a boy is born in a family, they regard a Gods Avtar (incarnation) is born, and we are told a boy is superior to a girl.. The boy is told you are our son, an incarnation of God and Chirag or light and candle of the family. Then, one day the internal flame of this candle burns the house, starts burning the ladies in dark street corners, and burns beauty of women with acids.

They rape women in a moving bus and kill them. On many occasions, female babies are killed in their mother’s womb through foeticide! These are the examples of the supposed guardians, and saviors of our society- the Parmeshwar, the God. Such men should be publicly shot dead on crossroads or hung!

It is time for women to stand up for the protection of their families and society where Raksahs rule now. and FIGHT BACK
She asks all... .why girls are weak. .why they are idols of sacrifices? From school fees to clothes for festivals, they are the ones who have to sacrifice for their brothers. Why cannot boys and brothers be asked to sacrifice for their sisters? Why – because they TOLERATE.. they ENDURE and DO NOT SLAP BACK! She says.. that if the person who handles the home goes off the track..there will be no home left, and no world..!

She says. .no matter how big a man becomes. .he is woman born, born from the womb of a woman, and hope time does not come when our wombs become wayward and go on strike.. there won’t be a world left..! She says a woman breastfeeds the child with milk that develops bones. When that baby grows up as a man that same Rakshas, that demon beats up his wife from the same bones, and pays back by breaking another woman’s bones and teeth? Imagine what will happen if women stop feeding these Rakshas? She says a man who is born of a woman insults and defames his mother by hurting another woman.

AT 11 WEEKS, THE BABY STARTED KICKING: AT 22 WEEKS SO DID THE FATHER: A man who is born of a woman insults and defames his mother by hurting another woman. Shame on men who insult their mother.
Madhu says the woman standing in front, her mother, is not only her mother, but a lady who has endured such thoughts of a husband who was an epitome of a Rakshas and she suffered a lot under the false sham of an ideal Hindu wife. If today she was attacked, she may have endured that as well. But when she picked up the gun to kill Balraj Chaudhry, it was to protect her child.., she reached a breaking point of endurance and reacted. It was overlooked and ignored, that a woman is not only just a Janani who gives birth. But to protect her children, she can also become a Durga Avtar to kill the Rakshas. She has spent her life to raise me, and today when she saw danger, she reacted to protect me. So, for me, she is my Parmeshwar, God. And today I am proud of her what she did to execute her Rakshas husband to protect her family.

She tells all the women in the court that if their husbands are abusive and Rakshas like Balraj Chaudhry, they should do what her mother did – FIGHT BACK.

Paddo tells all women to stand up and fight back. She urges abused women to reply and retaliate to the first slap, first swear and first abuse so that men cannot gain courage to stand up for second round of abuse. Otherwise the sin, abuse and injustice will grow to such an extent that they will take the form of a demon, a Rakshas. That is why women should fight back- for her children, for her family and for her society. Stand up for your family ..For their kids and for society! Act before the man becomes a demon and a Rakshas.

Women in Indian, especially Hindu societies are regarded as "Shakti" -the strength and source of power.. It is time women stopped being a "bechari" or item of pity, and assumed the power and strength they are bestowed in mythologies,  and stand up to fight demons, devils and Rakshas in homes and community, whenever injustice on women is commuted.
THIS IS A STRONG MESSAGE to Indian and Hindu ladies- you have attended enough rituals, hawans, Mata’s Jagran, Hindu conferences, seminars, workshops, Navratam Garba and rituals singing power and praises of various Goddesses. You have been doing that always that never improved your well being and status in society. Please step back, assume the role of Durga and Kali and FIGHT BACK for yourself, your family and society. Especially fight for your sisters in India.

There have been too much pooja and meaningless rituals. Now women have to take action and fight an unjust system – for themselves here as well in societies elsewhere on family violence. Gone are the days of shouting..”bachao.. bachao..’ (Help, save, save) and that of Pati Parmeshwar-husband the God, if he is a demon and Rakshas. As told by Paddo in “Madhubala”, it is time for abused women to stand up and fight back. That may just mean telling the world about your problems and exposing the Rakshas in your home and society. AND ACCEPTING THE FACT THAT WE HAVE A PROBLEM OF FAMILY VIOLENCE, AND TALKING ABOUT IS.

A face of despair and pain. It is time women stood up to fight  against the injustice of FAMILY VIOLENCE. There is need to talk about it. Padmini executed her abusive husband to save her daughter and family. THE LEAST YOU COULD DO IS TO SEEK HELP AND EXPOSE RAKSHAS IN YOUR FAMILY.
So join your brother Thakur, and tell the Indian High Commissioner and his elite cocktail circuit, to tell New Delhi and India to change their mindset and thinking about status of women in India. Now the Durga and Kali will assume their mythological power and will FIGHT BACK. JAI MATA DI- RISE TO REMOVE INJUSTICE.

[E-mail: thakurji@xtra.co.nz