Dharma = Religion? No.

We are the people of 21st century - intelligent and forward looking. Why should we think and talk about old terminologies like Dharma and Religion? Are they still relevant? I am sure this question will arise in the minds of the readers. Then I have a counter question- Why should we learn history in our school? The reason might be, you should think about the present learning from the past to make your future bright. If we want to know about Dharma we need to go into the past, especially into our Shastras. In our Vedas and Shastras, Dharma is defined very broadly and going by that definition it has nothing in common with words like Religion and Majhab.

Dharma can be defined as virtues of humankind. It has no religious connotation. In Indian ethos, Ramayana and Mahabharta hold a special place. These epics teach us that it is Dharma (i.e. virtues) that triumphs. Our struggle has always been to uphold Dharma. We don’t get any instance in our history of over six thousand years, of we indulging in war for caste, faith or mazhab-conversions; we did not build kingdoms for the advancement of our religion, because there was nothing called religion in first place.

All that existed was Dharma-Virtue. What we have tried doing is saving our dharma and culture. After all there should be some reason for India still retaining its dharma despite being invaded and ruled by so many people from different parts of the world. The wars waged by Shivaji and Rana Pratap among others were certainly not for advancement of their faiths or religions but for the protection of our dharma. For us culture is life, which is the genesis of Dharma. The Culture has originated from the Nature. When India is called ‘Dharma based society’, it does not mean that is based on religion or faith but on Culture i.e. Nature. From Nature came Culture and from Culture came Dharma. We still revere nature- sun, trees, animals, seasons to name a few.

To elaborate further, humans can love or hate, but it is love that is dharma. Humans can speak truth or falsity but truth is dharma. Similarly it is sacrifice to enjoyment and duty to authority that is dharma. It is being helpful than being selfish that is dharma. All this originates from the concept of Dharma. We can conclude that dharma is not just about duty and being duty-bound but a means for the process of rational self-control. And when this self-control ebbs, society and nation accelerate down the degradation path.

Man is a social animal and his being social should be based on the principles of dharma. If this dharma is not the basis then he remains only a beast.

But today “Dharma” is getting all together a corrupt meaning- as religion. Due to which its authority and piety are getting subdued. So the need of the hour is not to blindly criticize Dharma but to understand it. As it is based on Natural Truth, one will find sense in it.

Summarising, the dharma cannot be equated to religion or mazhab or jaati as these mean faiths which can be different for different sections of the society. Human Advancement is the only essence of the dharma. Gandhiji’s Ramrajya was also based on this version of dharma. Human Advancement is the goal of the ManavDharma.

Price Rise - Arun Jaitley in Parliament

Sir,

Ideally we would have preferred a debate under a resolution which has a provision for voting. The Parliament must go beyond a mere debate. The government must seek a parliamentary referendum on the handling of the price situation in the country. But since there is reluctance by the Government to do so, we wish to use the forum of the House to highlight the insensitivity and incompetence of this government in handling the price rise.

The government is not serious in its economic management. Yesterday’s Rail budget, which is the first amongst this session’s economic business, only provided comic relief to this country. The Rail Minister was concerned with sports stadiums, mineral water bottling plants, medical institutions and Indo-Bangladesh relations etc. and not about core business. I remember a Tata Steel promo which said “We also make steel”. Is the PMO helpless in dealing with the situation? A confessional statement has been made in the editorial of the “Congress Sandesh” which says “some practical difficulty in coordination among the PMO and various Ministries are natural in coalition Governments” There has always been a collective responsibility of the Cabinet. A cabinet cannot pull in different directions. A government cannot plead helplessness on the ground that the Ministers are not listening to the Prime Minister. The NCP’s journal Rashtravadi has editorially commented that people won’t die or suffer if they don’t eat sugar. Such is the insensitivity of those in power. This can only be compared to Marie Antoinette’s comment “If they don’t get bread, let them eat cakes”.

The Approach of the Government

The general approach of this government on the price situation has been disastrous. Has the government run out of ideas on how to deal with the situation ? Can’t the government look beyond its nose and anticipate shortages and rely either on imports or stocks to tame the market? Is there a manipulation of policy resulting in price rise or is the government feeling helpless to deal with the situation and only searching for alibis to justify its failure? It appears that the government has adopted a ‘do-nothing approach’ and wait for the market situation to solve the problem on its own.

Factual Situation

The wholesale price index is not reflective of the actual price situation. The WPI shows inflationary increase at 8.56%. The CPI for industrial workers shows 14.97% increase and for agricultural workers there is 17.41% rise. The food price index indicates a rise varying from 17 to 19%. We have just emerged from a slow down. The purchasing power is low. A Slow down normally see a recessional trend or a fall in prices. India saw a food price inflation during the downturn. We are certainly moving towards a double digit inflation. This inflation is UPA’s unlegislated tax on the consumer. The price in the retail shops is even higher than the one in the mandis. The actual price indicates that in December 2009 there has been 27% increase in prices of processed foods, 70% in potatoes, 45% for onions, 45% for Dal, 14% for cereals etc. In its present policy of Dal, the government is emulating Sachin Tendulkar . Dal prices have scored a century, sugar prices have already hit a half century. Instead of being proactive and dealing with the situation, the government is in search of false alibis.

Drought

The government claims 18 million tons fall in Kharif crop because of the uneven monsoon. Why it has been a silent spectator? During the drought in 2002 , there was a 40 million tons fall in food grains. The market was flooded with 60 million tons of foodgrains and the inflation was restricted in 2002-2003 to 3.4%. Today it has touched double digits.

Future Trading

Future trading and commodity exchanges were perceived in an economy of surplage .
Shouldn’t the UPA have reviewed this policy in an economy of shortages? Obviously, if there is a Rs.4.5 lakh crores future trading on the commodity exchanges with only one percent actual delivery, it will build inflationary expectations in the economy.

State Governments

It would be improper for the Centre to blame the States, particularly the Opposition States. Of all crack downs on hoarding, 83% took place in non-UPA run States and only 17 % in other States. This was clear from the documents placed before the Chief Ministers.

Sugar Economy

Obviously the mill owners have a say in government’s sugar pricing. The whole concept of abandoning the State advised prices was conceived in order to hurt the farmer and benefit the mills. 49 lakh tons of sugar has been exported at Rs.12.50 per kg. Sugar has been imported in this country at Rs.36/kg. Why should 10,000 tons of sugar be allowed to be exported on 15.2.2010 when the economy is facing shortage. What about 9 lakh tons of sugar lying in the ports of Gujarat waiting to enter and be processed for consumer use ? Sugar Price hike is a result of policy manipulation.

MSP increase in price rise

The government has repeatedly come out with a false alibi that the MSP increases from the UPA government have contributed to the price rise. The MSP increase is intended to benefit the farmer against rise in fertilizers cost, transport cost, fuel prices, power cost and the cost of living. It is intended to incentivise certain crops In the short term it can result in increase in price but in
the long term it results in increased production through increased acreage of cultivation of certaincrops and brings the prices down.

High consumption pattern on account of NREG

This country has always had distribution of ration to the weaker sections under Food for Work and Antyodya schemes. These subsidies were created in order to eliminate starvation and give a right for food to the weaker sections. Merely because these are now converted into NREG scheme , they can not result in shortages by itself.

Increase in oil prices

The oil price increase has still not been transferred to the consumers. In the last few months its impact in the market has not been felt. Obviously it has not contributed to the price rise. In any case if international oil prices go up, the duty components have to be rationalized so as to keep the pricing revenue-neutral. The excise duty, sales tax and customs duty contribute to more than half the oil prices. If duty structures remain the same , every increase in global prices
unjustly increases the revenue collection of the State. If the State were to adopt a revenue neutral policy, obviously the impact of oil prices could be absorbed .

WPI or Consumer Price Index

The wholesale price index does not factor in the services, and substantial number of food items. It does not represent the actual increase of prices in the market. The consumer price index is closer to reality. The difference between the two is more than substantial. Most countries in the world have abandoned WPI in favour of CPI. It is important that the Indian consumer also realizes the actual impact of the price rise rather than be confronted with some imaginary or unreal figures.

The prices have risen uncontrollably. The government has been unable to anticipate
shortages on the supply side. It continues to inflict the misery on the consumer particularly with food inflation at its highest. The Government must learn the basic dicta of governance.

Presidential Speech Part-6

The world order is fast changing in favour of Asia

Our party is synonymous with Nationalism. Bringing back the lost glory to our motherland is our duty. And this we have to do against the backdrop of the transformation that is now taking place in the world order. The global domination by the West --particularly by the United States of America-- is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Last years financial meltdown and economic recession in western countries is not to be seen as a minor downturn. They have had a deep impact on their economic activities. Unemployment is high. Western countries are waking up to the unsustainability of high-cost, wasteful and excessively consumerist lifestyles not to speak of the unsustainable levels of military spending to maintain their global hegemony.

As a consequence, the centre of gravity of the world economic order is irreversibly shifting from the West to Asia. Undoubtedly, China has been a big beneficiary of this change. But the fact that India also can quickly emerge as a major global power is now being recognized by more and more people around the world. No major problem affecting the world -- climate change, global economic slowdown, restructuring of the global financial architecture, or how to tackle the scourge of international terrorism -- can now being discussed without seeking Indias participation and cooperation. I regard this change as a historic opportunity for India, perhaps the greatest opportunity since Independence. This is the opportunity to rise as a strong and prosperous nation that has a strong voice in the comity of nations.

We in the BJP must recognize this opportunity. Let us evolve an appropriate response that reflects in our political activities, our policies and in the functioning of our governments, including local bodies. We are an India First party and have no hesitation in extending support and cooperation to the central government, and non-BJP governments in various states, wherever and whenever they are taking the the nation forward in the direction of this historic new opportunity.

Presidential Speech Part-5

Let us build on our achievements!

Friends, the National Council is meeting at a time when important developments are taking place both at the national and international levels. Some of these developments have far-reaching significance for India, presenting both daunting challenges as well as historic opportunities for a big leap forward.

Our Party too faces stiff challenges, which we must candidly admit, objectively understand and resolutely overcome. However, let the challenges before the BJP not cloud out from our view the real opportunities that we have. Let us strive collectively to overcome the recent temporary setback and bounce back with renewed vigor. Let us not forget that we are a Party with presence in every nook and corner of this country. We have our own governments in six states and we are governing in alliance in another three states. In another three states we are the Principal Opposition party. We have been in power in about 20 states at one time or the other. Let us now build upon what we have achieved so far. There are some states where we are yet to become a significant political force. Let us win the confidence of all sections of the society in every part of our country and make every effort to give our fellow countrymen what they deserve: Good Governance!

Presidential Speech Part-4

Indore: Seeking inspiration from Ahilyabai Holkar
The BJP believes that political office is not a piece of ornamentation. Rather, it is an opportunity to perform ones duty of serving the people righteously and selflessly without any discrimination. Indeed, a person occupying high office must treat even his or her own near and dear ones on par with others. I am reminded of this as our National Council is meeting here in Indore, the city that has immortalized the hallowed memory of one of the greatest rulers in Indias history \ Punyashlok Rajmata Ahilyabai Holkar. I pay tribute to this Philosopher Queen of the Malwa kingdom, whose devotion to justice was legendary. She did not hesitate to order the killing of her only son under the elephant feet for indulging in gravely criminal activities. An embodiment of wisdom, goodness, firmness and virtue, she worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the common people, especially the tribal communities. India is now a democracy. However, from ideal rulers like Ahilyabai Holkar, we should learn the lessons of impartial and fair approach for good governance and peoples welfare.

After reaching Indore, I also visited MHOW, the birth-place of Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar to pay my tributes to his memories. Dr. Ambedkar was a true Humanist who gave voice to the voiceless. His life best teaches the values of social justice and Samajik samarasata. I offer my adaranjali to this towering leader of all of us.

Presidentil Speech - Part3

Our glorious heritage: Sacrifice of Dr. S.P. Mukerjee and Pandit Deendayal
Upadhyaya

My first duty is to pay my most heartfelt respects to the immortal memory of Dr.Shyama Prasad Mukerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, whose life and teachings have inspired us since the beginning of our political journey in 1951, when the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was born. Their vision will continue to guide us forever.

Proponent of the Ekatma Manva Darshan or Integral Humanism, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was one of our visionary founding fathers. It was he who established that the spirit of nationalism and upliftment of the down trodden together can evolve a political philosophy and attract all sections of the society. Through his untiring efforts he created a niche for a political party for all patriotic people.

Today I seek the blessings of the two tallest leaders of my party, whom I have always regarded as my ideals Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Founder-President of the BJP, and Shri Lal Krishna Advani, who has made a seminal contribution to the growth of the party. Respected Shri Atalji can no longer actively participate in party activities due to his age and ill health. However, his legacy of wise and balanced approach to national affairs, his widely adored personality, and his enormous contribution to nation-building as one of Indias best Prime Ministers, make him a source of strength and pride for the BJP. With all of you, I pray for his good health.

It is my good fortune that I can count on Respected Shri Advanijis margdarshan. As someone whose own political yatra began with the formation of the Jana Sangh, and who has witnessed and participated in almost all the major developments in national politics in the past six decades, Shri Advaniji is a rare link which connects the past and the present of the BJP. His dedication, selflessness and tireless service make him a leader to emulate by the younger generation of political activists.

My sincere and respectful thanks to Shri Rajnath Singhji, my immediate predecessor. He ably provided leadership to the Party when our organisation was facing several challenges. On behalf of the entire party, I wish to place on record our appreciation of his service.

Today it is my bounden duty to remember with gratitude many great leaders of the party, who are no more but from whom I received inspiration, encouragement and political training. I offer my deep respects, my aadaranjali to the late Kushabhau Thakre and Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia. I also pay homage to the countless ordinary karyakartas who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Party. Thousands of party workers have been working for our Party without expecting any position for years together and I salute them at this occasion.

What I have learnt from the great leaders as well as the ideal karyakartas is the motto that guided their lives: NATION FIRST, PARTY NEXT and SELF LAST. This has been, and will continue to be, our guiding principle. I urge all my party men to follow it, since this alone can enable us to become better servants of the people and make the BJP a better instrument of nation-building. Remember that Nationalism is our inspiration, development through Good Governance for Antyodaya, our ultimate goal.

Presidential Speech Part-1

BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY
Presidential Address
By
Shri Nitin Gadkari
All-India President
National Council meeting of the BJP
Indore . 18 February 2010
Dear delegate brothers and sisters,

As I stand before you at this meeting of the National Council of the Bharatiya
Janata Party, I am overwhelmed by happiness, humility and pride. There are
moments in ones life when words fail to adequately express ones emotions. This
is one such moment in my life, the most important indeed.

I am happy because I can feel the tidal wave of enthusiasm and energy of the delegates of my Party who have congregated here in the historic city of Indore. It is you who bring the hopes and the aspirations, as also the dedication and determination, of millions of party karyakartas and supporters across the length and breadth of our great country. In you I see the same commitment to serve the Motherland that I had seen when I, as a young Party volunteer, had attended the founding conference of the BJP in Mumbai in 1980.

I am humbled by the enormous trust and confidence that the National Council has reposed in me. I had never in my life expected that I would be called upon to shoulder the responsibility of serving as President of this great party. I know, and I will state it without any hesitation, that there is no dearth of persons with requisite leadership capacity in our Party and there are many other leaders who too could have shouldered this responsibility. Yet, the party leadership and you unanimously elected me to occupy this position. I, as a disciplined soldier of the Party, accept this responsibility with a sense of mission.

Why this moment fills me with immense pride is because the honour of presiding over the BJP has been bestowed on somebody who is basically a Karyakarta. I do not have a pedigreed surname. I do not even belong to a political family. I was born in an ordinary family in Nagpur. I learnt my first lessons in patriotism and social service in RSS and ABVP.

Presidential Speech - Part 2

Presidential Address By
Shri Nitin Gadkari
All-India PresidentNational Council meeting of the BJP
Indore 18 February 2010

A Party of karyakartas

When I say that I cut my teeth as a ward-level political worker by canvassing for the Jana Sangh, in my early teens I am not telling anything new to you. Many of us have started from activities like wall-painting and poster pasting. Remember, for you and me when we move in cities like Mumbai traveling in crowded trains is a regular affair since we all are common citizens who routinely experience the daily suffering of the common commuters.

The journey of my political life is by no means unique to me. Indeed, all the past presidents of the BJP were committed karyakartas who grew up from the grassroots. Therefore, I regard my becoming the Party’s all-India president as a tribute to the BJP’s proud tradition of being a party of karyakartas. BJP is not aparty controlled by a family or a dynasty and this is what distinguishes the BJP from most political parties in India, where the highest office is being treated as the birthright of members of a particularly dynasty. This is what underscores the BJP’s deeper commitment to the ideals of democracy. This is what we mean when we
say that the BJP is a Party with a Difference.