Concrete action against Terrorism

These are my views on some pressing issues confronting us. I am reproducing a news item published by The Times Of India today, for the benefit of my readers.

VARANASI: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Murli Manohar Joshi demanded a specific time frame for concrete action against the terrorist attack on Mumbai in November. "It is unfortunate that the central government lost the opportunity to capitalise the national unity following the Mumbai attack due to its weak policies," said Joshi, who is contesting the forthcoming Lok Sabha election from Varanasi seat. Talking to reporters on Wednesday, he accused the government of failing to pressurise Pakistan to own the responsibility of Mumbai terror attack. "In such a slow pace it seems that the matter will be delayed for an infinite time like the execution of capital punishment of Afzal Guru," he said adding that the government should clear its stand. He said that the remarks of Supreme Court on the functioning of CBI exposed that this investigating agency was working on the whim of the government. The laws should be amended to ensure the impartial functioning of the agency, he said and added that people's confidence in constitutional institutions like election commission, parliament and state assemblies should also be maintained. Replying to a query regarding the reservation in higher education, he said that there was a need to expand the reach of higher education with accessibility, affordability and quality so that everyone could get higher education. "The reservation will be meaningless if there are enough seats," he said.

Time to act on threats of global warming

I read with great concern some of the recent news reports highlighting the imbalance in weather patterns. According to a recent report from the meteorological department this year the temperature rose to 38.2 degrees Celsius at Ocala in Maharashtra on 29th January. It was reported that this was the highest in last 50 years. This and many similar revelations are alarming.

I have always believed, and said, that uneven patterns of climate change is scary and require all of us to take a grim view. It calls for immediate action. The challenge of global warming and climate change is no ordinary challenge. I am reproducing some excerpts from the speech which contain my views on Global Warming. It was delivered at the International Conference on Science & Technology Capacity Building for Climate Change on October 20-22, 2002, New Delhi.


“The phenomenon of Climate Change is the most dramatic manifestation of a created imbalance in the relationship between man and his eco-system. We know that the earth's climate system has demonstrably changed on both global and regional scales since the pre-industrial era and that these changes are primarily attributable to human influence. The concentration of green house gases and their radioactive forcing have increased mainly as a result of human activities. We know that the globally averaged surface temperature is projected to increase by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius over the next 200 years - about two to ten times larger than the central value of observed warming during the last 100 years. 1998 was the hottest year in the past one thousand years. Seven of the ten warmest years ever recorded occurred between 1990 and 1999.”


“The adverse impacts of these changes are numerous. There is evidence to show that recent regional climate changes, particularly temperature increases, have already affected many physical and biological systems in many parts of the world. A general reduction in potential crop yields in most tropical and sub-tropical regions, decreased water availability, an increase in the number of people exposed to vector-borne and water-borne diseases, an increase in heat stress mortality, widespread increase in the risk of flooding and increased energy demand. Sea level rise and an increase in the intensity of tropical cyclones would displace tens of millions of people in low lying coastal areas of temperate and tropical Asia.”

“Current scientific and technological approaches to dealing with the issues of climate change are, in my view, fundamentally flawed. Firstly they confuse symptoms with the disease and offer cures which can at best delay the consequences. Secondly, within the framework of the linear, mechanistic and reductionist science within which we are imprisoned we tend to break every problem into isolated parts and hope that a part by part solution of the whole is possible.”

“Is this what science is about? I have always believed and will continue to believe that science has a divine purpose, which is - 'to know', to probe and probe and constantly stretch the frontiers of knowledge. Should we stop asking questions because the questions cause discomfort to certain entrenched and powerful interest groups? Should we allow the scientific agenda to be determined by those who would rather not have us ask questions which embarrass? Never.”

Solutions

It should be evident, though it is not to many, that as long as the goal remains to have constantly higher levels of consumption with unlimited consumer choice and profit maximization as the predominant value, efforts to tackle the problem of an imbalance between man and his eco­system have little chances of success. In a situation where unbridled consumer choice is unquestionably accepted as a value, it is impossible to go beyond technocratic and economist approaches to sustainability. A purely economic and technological solution to unsustainable forms of production and consumption is an impossibility because production and consumption are social acts and un­sustainability is primarily a social problem. Social problems apparently created by technology the way we presently understand cannot be solved by the application of yet more technology. Social problems have to be understood in terms of social value systems and values have to change fundamentally for the problems to be resolved. The question is how do we institutionalize policies and structures which prevent or eliminate the use of non-sustainable technologies and stimulate the use of sustainable ones? Relying purely on market forces under distorted market conditions will delay the achievement of sustainability goals. On the other hand regulatory mechanisms have severe limitations as do any statist interventions. The challenge is to create a social environment and forms of governance and power structures which provide the framework for the expression of collective initiative and community control as well as the development of the full capabilities and creativity of the individual. Is it possible to create a society in which the distinction between social and technological values, the first reflecting the values of man, the second those of the machine no longer exists?

Let me now turn to the role that technology can play in finding solutions to the problems created by the Climate Change phenomenon. I have on many occasions, elsewhere, made suggestions on remodeling our technology development and technology application processes so as to be similar to natural processes. A natural eco-system functions as a closed loop involving slow changes, which occur at a pace which allows time for adaptation to the natural environment. In contrast, technology has so far used a linear approach in which resources are extracted as though they are inexhaustible, processed to make synthetic products which have no natural counterparts, involve lengthy transportation both of raw materials and manufactured products and each step impacts on the environment and generates waste. Further technology design is insufficiently evaluated in terms of its impact on nature. We need technologies which completely eliminate the concept of waste, we need to design every process so that the products themselves, as well as leftover chemicals, materials and effluents can be reused in other processes. We need quantum leaps in energy efficiency and a shift from non-renewable to renewable sources, by applying the principle of de-carbonisation.

Some years ago, Robin Clarke of Biotechnic Research and Development in UK catalogued a thirty five point criteria for what he called a 'soft technology society'. These include. ecological soundness, low energy inputs, use of renewable and recyclable materials, craft industry orientation, integration with nature, democratic politics, decentralization, emphasis on agricultural diversity, community control, multi-disciplinarity, science and technology not dependent on specialist elites but performed by all, among others as the essential constituents of an ideal social system and as the criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of technology solutions. Some of the categories are possibly contradictory and some impracticably utopian but the overall approach they represent makes for- a coherent statement of an ideal society. With some modifications to reflect contemporary developments and some flexibility, such a criteria can serve as a measure for differentiating between 'good' and 'bad' technology, and for setting standards for scientific and technological capacity development.

Operation of Inoculation of the Smallpox

Dr. Kaushik had asked me about a reference on practicing of vaccination in India prior to its discovery by Dr. Jenner in 1796. While speaking in a Conference in 1998 I had quoted the following material as published in the 'Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century' by Dr. Dharampal, Impex India, Delhi, 1971, pp. 141-42.

Here follows one account of the operation of inoculation of the smallpox as performed here in Bengal taken from the concurring accounts of several B(r)hamans and physician of this part of India.

The operation of inoculation called by the natives tikah has been known in the kingdom of Bengall as near as I can learn, about 150 years and according to the Bhamanian records was first performed by one Dununtary a physician of Champanagar, a small town by the side of the Ganges about half way to Cossimbazar whose memory is now holden in great esteem as being thought the author of this operation, which secret, say they, he had immediately of God in a dream.

Their method of performing this operation is by taking a little of the pus (when the smallpox are come to maturity and are of a good kind) and dipping these in the point of a pretty large sharp needle. Therewith make several punctures in the hollow under the deltoid[2] muscle or sometimes in the forehead, after which they cover the part with a little paste made of boiled rice.

When they want the operation of the inoculated matter to be quick they give the patient a small bolus made of a little of the pus, and boiled rice immediately after the operation which is repeated the two following days at noon.

The place where the puncture were made commonly features and comes to small suppuration, and if not the operation has no effect and the person is still liable to have the smallpox but on the contrary if the punctures do suppurate and no feaver or eruption insues, then they are no longer subject to the injection.

The punctures blacken and dry up with the other pustules.

The feaver insues later or sooner, according to the age and strength of the person inoculated, but commonly the third or fourth days. They keep the patient under the coolest regimen they can think off before the feaver comes on the frequently use cold bathing.

If the eruption is suppressed they also use frequent cold bathing. At the same time they give warm medicine inwardly, but if they prove of the confluent kind, they use no cold bathing, but [keep] the patient very cooll and given cooling medicine.

I cannot say any thing of the success of this operation or of their method of cure in this disease, but I intend to inform myself perfectly when the time of this distemper returns which is in April and May.

[1] From Ro. Coult to Dr. Oliver Coult in 'An account of the disease of Bengall', (dated, Calcutta, February 10, 1731.)
[2] The other reading of this word from the original might possibly be 'delloid' : Editor.

Mangalore gives us a lesson!

On the request of some readers, here are my views on the Mangalore incident

Every society during its march of civilization evolves a set of values and code of societal behaviour. India as the oldest living civilization has over the aeons produced a culture which believes in respecting diverse views and behavioural patterns experienced during its interaction with other societies. However, as every society has a core culture and a value system, interactions with other societies may result in producing something which is not in conformity with the traditional value systems of the society.

People can express their indignation on what they dislike but violence and vandalism are completely unacceptable. It should be left to the better judgment of the people to accept or reject such behavioural patterns or values which have come through the interactions in a highly mobile and globalized world.

Violence or ban by the State do not produce any lasting effects. Instead, awareness about the consequences of such practices should be brought through dialogue and education.

I am fully confident that our culture has an inherent strength to separate evil from good and preserve the value system and the health of the society.

Mangalore incidents are an occasion to pause and ponder as to how we strike a balance between tradition and the emerging trends among the younger generation.

At the website launch at New Delhi on Saturday

Why I have chosen blog?

In Marshal Mc Luhan's parlance, "Time has ceased, space has vanished, and we all live in a time of all-at-once-ness". Luhan, through this adage, emitted the effect of media technologies, over three decades ago. And the profundity of this prophecy is now felt more intensely than ever before.

Though I have been a technology freak myself, I have begun to dwell on these lines, which look more like a benediction. Those of you who know me would recall the many technology-driven initiatives triggered during my stint as Union HRD Minister, the remarkable among them included setting up of IITs and launching of Simputers. I was also involved in two IT Task Forces. I can say my date with IT is old and deep.

Having found myself as a man of the masses for over four decades now, I have often wondered what could be the best way to be in sync with people. As I like traveling and meeting people, it has given me immense opportunities to fill my heart with rare and authentic experiences. But, still I think a major chunk of population has remained far away from me.

However, I don't repent, thanks to technology, today I am handed down with the alternative and the ceaseless power to stay tied with all of you seamlessly. And yes for this there is no mediator. Blog is the only tool that I have been keenly following for some time now and after having assessed the challenges associated with it – the toughest being regular here – I am finally committing myself to it.

Why do I do this contrary to the fact that coming weeks and months are going to be extremely hectic? Well, as I said it's challenging, but worthy of acceptance for a variety of reasons. And, finally it’s blog, which is interesting. It is timeless, seamless, limitless, space less.

Let me quickly delineate what I mean.

I can sit on my computer or Blackberry and jot down my thought as and when I want. The trigger is my thought and unlike other mediums of articulation, I do not have to depend on anyone except technology and my own spirit. Time does not hinder my ability to air my thoughts any time of the day or night.

It's constant. If you know my blog site, you do not need the assistance of any tool to read my thoughts. You can connect with me as and when you like it.

A blog site gives me the power to explore as much as I can. It enables me archive my thoughts and I or you can revisit them as and when I want, as many times as we want.

Blog knows no space. It also cuts across cultures and nationalities and provides me a medium to relate with a vast mass of people.

I have always kept technology in very high esteem. It really transforms us and our ways of thinking and provides us amazing power to connect and communicate.

I am so glad, it's all happening in my lifetime. As I sit back and muse on the transitions in the mass communication domain I feel lucky to have seen so many facets of it. From black & white television to colour, big newspapers to slim-sized and Berliners, All India Radio to a plethora of FM radio stations across the country, Postcards to Internet, Land phone to mobile telephony – the metamorphosis has been humongous and revolutionary.
I am also glad I have kept my spirits alive and have moved with technology as much as I could.

My blog is yet another tribute to this mega-transformation we have all witnessed.

Trust you will tune in and continue to provide your invaluable feedback. I also pin up hope that you will be able to pluck something from my mental horizon. And to top it all I hope an effective criss-crossing of thoughts, through this blog, will help synthesize a larger objective.

Posts soon

I shall begin posting from January 31, 2009, the day of Vasantpanchami. Will appreciate your feedback.