Failing the Tibetan people

When China invaded Tibet, the Dalai Lama fled to India expecting refuge. The then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, thought very highly of the chinese and his policies reflected a distinctive pro-sino shift. He famously talked to the Dalai Lama about the importance of India's relation with China remarking 'I will educate your children, but I will not give you political support'. Nehru's expectations from the chinese all came crashing down when China invaded India in 1962 and to current date still holds a part of Indian territory in Aksai Chin.

The communist party of India which has always been a part of the ruling coalition headed by the Congress party, has always ensured that the Indian government takes a soft approach to China. In 1987-1988 along with the student protests in china, there were quite a few atrocities on the tibetan people, but India has failed to voice a protest. Emboldened china has always sought to keep the disputes between India and Pakistan simmering by arming and providing other necessary assistance to the Pakistani Army, in return getting a foothold in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf by having a significant presence managing the Gwadar Port which is at the tip of the Persian Gulf.

Inspite of history teaching a different lesson, India seems to be repeating some of its past mistakes. On the eve of America's historic passing of the India-US Nuclear bill and making India the de-facto sixth nuclear power in the world, the Chinese President Hu Jintao is making a stop over in India on his way to Pakistan to provide the same deal to Pakistan according to rumors.

India trying to impress their host, has taken the highly undemocratic move of restricting the movement of Tenzin Tsundue a prominent pro-Tibetan independence. This is inshort saying that you may be born here, but your status is still a refugee and you have to do what we say. This unusual step of bending over backwards for a neighbour which has rarely acted in the best neighbourly interests is quite surprising and reeks of a decision influenced by the Communist Party of India.

Maybe its time for the ruling parties to have a look at history, for often History Repeats Itself.

Successful common civil code

India for years has been trying to pass a common civil code to homogenize laws between all the religious communities, but has been largely unsuccessful. Netherland took a tentative first step towards a common code amongst its citizens by banning the burqa. As is expected, this has raised a hue and cry amongst the minority muslim community about religious persecution and intolerance.

There is a saying "When in Rome, do as the Romans" or its oft misrepresented 'when in rome, do the romans' but thats a different topic completely, so coming back to the point. Whenever people visit the ultra conservative state of Saudi Arabia, all women irrespective of their religious beliefs do have to cover their heads or even wear the burqa. So I personally dont see why anyone going to Holland, shouldnt observe the customs practised over there. One's religion is a very personal thing and should always be practised in the confines of one's home. Out amongst others, no one should receive different treatment based on their religious beliefs.

Whatever be the real reason behind passing the burqa ban in holland, I'm very supportive of inclusive legislation and I believe this ban would lead to more homogenization of their culture.