The Report is very disappointing in all sense and it is a step for remake of Pakistan Part-2. There are lots of facts and figures on which the report has been prepared are baseless. I am not here to criticize this report but I would like to draw some basic flaw of this report:

1. A point in the report states that Muslims are very less in number in the government jobs. An answer to this may be drawn out as follow: Almost 95% of the elite Muslim group who were largely dependent on Jobs left India at the time of partition and those who were left are mostly rural and they are self-employed and self service providers. A great majority of them, under the influence of powerful mullahs, kept away from modern education and, in consequence, modern jobs and professions. Thus, the figures for Muslim percentage in government jobs practically started from a zero base. This point should have been mentioned in the report’s overall analysis. Its omission is a serious statistical error. It is same case as that of small numbers of Hindus that stayed backed in Pakistan.

2. The Sachar committee report totally ignored the fact that there is a large number of Muslims who are self-employed people, tradesmen and service providers and who do not feel the need to secure a government job. Also, the social and economic position of a community does not necessarily depend on the jobs that its members hold in the government or the organized sector. If that had been the case, I am afraid the position of Parsees, to take one example, would be extremely backward.

3. Another area where it has gone completely wrong is in creating an impression that India’s entire educational and economic system has gone out of its way to exclude Muslims. Whereas, in actual fact, we have all gone out of our way to give placement to them wherever they merit selection. There are indeed, some very serious errors, on the statistical front.

4. According to Prof. Imtiaz Hussain, who thrashed the report on the ground that the report has ignored the status of Muslims in terms of jobs held in all the South Indian states and others like Gujarat and West Bengal. He pointed out that the Muslims in this states are in much better condition than reported in the Sachar Report. He questioned the statistics presented by the Sachar Committee in relation to the Census data which shows that the Muslims are better off in several states.

5. Muslim Scholar Prof. A.R. Hashim, also criticized the report saying that the report has compared the Muslim Community with Hindu community, after removing the Schedule Caste and Tribes from the Hindu Community. Removing this bulk of Peoples who are in terms of Data will give an obvious statistical error.

6. The Chief Minister of West-Bengal Mr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya had also criticized this report. He said the report totally ignored the Muslim peasantry who benefited from the state’s land reforms programme. Also, our business organizations are still dominated by the caste system. Consequently, a company dominated by banias generally looks out for banias. In that process too Muslims and minorities suffer as much as people belonging to other Hindu castes. This need not necessarily be an anti-Muslim bias.

7. Justice Sachar has clearly ignored the fact that Muslims are doing well in many areas. Like take the example of Azim Premji, chairman of Wipro, the richest corporate Indian, Habib Rahman, chairman ITC Hotels, Habil Khorakiwala of Wockhardt, the Cipla group, Israt Hussain, a top associate of Ratan Tata, and many others.

8. The Sachar Committee didn’t taken into account the glass workers of Ferozabad, brass manufacturers and traders of Moradabad, the textile operators of Bhiwandi, the carpet makers of Kashmir and the Zari workers of Varanasi. Sadly, these people do not find any mention in the Sachar Report which chose to concentrate only on certain levels of government jobs and worked out the position of Muslims only on that account.

9. The Committee has not taken into account the overwhelming eminent position occupied by Muslims in Bollywood, including the fact that almost 50 per cent of top actors and actresses are Muslims, if not more.

It remains a mystery why the government had not assign this work to its own minority affairs divisions or at least to National Minorities Commission, instead why they have chosen a third party for this analysis. It is also a big mystery that why did the government accepted the Sachar Committee Report without discussing it in Parliament or at least an informal debate.

Government and Indian National cannot be at a large basis be accused by the Sachar Committee report as a whole. Indian Muslims occupy a pride of place in our democracy, and Gujarat (2002) and Babri Masjid (1992) are exceptions, not the rule.

Summarizing the whole discussion only one point can be drawn and that is Sachar Committee has failed both in analysis and conclusions.

It was pertinent to mention that some three days before Army took control of the Mingora city, however, the security situation get worst in passing three days despite betterment. Five police men were gunned down in last three days by unknown miscreants while the traffic system was also in dilapidated condition in the city, most terrible traffic jam was observed in Mingora after the army had taken control of the city.

Meanwhile, in Cabal area of swat security forces lifted the curfew after one month; whole area was presenting a devastating look after one month intense operation against militants in the area. 40 persons including 30 militants, four troops and six citizens were killed in one month long operation in Cabal, while scores of houses and shops were also destroyed due to heavy bombardment in the area.-SANA

He said that the government has ensured gender equality in all walks of life to allow women to play their role in socio-economic development of the society and to stand shoulder to shoulder with men to bring prosperity in the country. Shaukat Tarin urged the Population Census Organization to provide detailed and credible data on women.

In this regard, he said it should be difficult for our women especially in rural areas to answer certain questions to male enumerators related to fertility, mortality, education and economic activity which make it necessary to take this reality into account whilst planning the field enumeration activities.

He strongly recommended that deployment of women as field enumeration staff would be imperative to improve quality of women data on all aspects. The Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance said that the Population and Housing data as it plays an essential role in public administration.

“The results of a census are used as a critical reference to ensure equity in distribution of resources, government services and political representation”, he remarked. Establishing a public consensus on priorities would be almost impossible to achieve if it were not built on census counts.

A wide range of other users including the corporate sector, academia, civil society and individuals make use of census outputs”, he added. He urged the Population Census Organization (PCO) to add household income to their agenda as well as this would help us to make necessary interventions as and when necessary.

Shaukat Tarin said that there is a great need to manifest the necessity of accurate census information amongst the people living coast to coast from the smallest village to the largest city for national economic development. By this way, he said people can be apprised of characteristics and utility of the census, specially such campaign is essential for rural areas so that they could share their role in the process of national development.-SANA

Rotary members were happy to see the state of the art facilities at the hospital. They were also informed that once a patient enters the hospital system, no one knows

whether the patient is paying own expenses or someone else has sponsored the treatment expenses. Later, a seminar was held in which District Governor Nominee Shehzad Ahmed informed the participants about different funding opportunities available through The Rotary Foundation for humanitarian projects. He made an announcement that he would formally promote the hospital during his tenure in 2010-11 and invited Rotarians to carry out service projects in the hospital. He thanked the hospital management for arranging the visit and the seminar. Dr. Faisal Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of Shaukat Khanum Hospital, presented an overview of the hospital and informed that treatment of about 70% patients is fully or partially sponsored by donations.

He appreciated efforts of Rotary members and offered his full support for carrying out joint humanitarian projects in the hospital. The seminar ended with a question and answer session, where the participants showed their keen interest by asking pertinent questions. Rotarians expressed their desire to work together with the hospital management for carrying out service projects in the hospital. President Aslam Chaudhry, Raheela Malik, Dr. Rizwan Vohra, SEI Parvez and other notable Rotarians participated in the visit and seminar.-Press Pakistan

He said that each new literary effort leaves him even more convinced that Urdu literature in general and poetry in particular was not only maintaining its position but actually gaining stature and following. He said that poetry to him is a balance between one’s innate ability to feel, observe and create verse, and the technical craft that can be learnt, honed and polished. “A good verse has to strike a perfect balance between beauty of thought and a technically sound craftsmanship in its expression,” he added.

He urged all new writers to continue to work hard on the craftsmanship of writing. Shabnam Shakil, a renowned poetess while commenting on ‘Kiyun’ termed Sharjeel’s verse as “immensely mature both in thought and style of expression”, especially for someone whose very first collection of poetry has come out.

She also appreciated the author’s command over the Urdu language, especially the strong Persian and Arabic flavor in it. Meanwhile, the author, Sharjeel, regaled the audience with lighthearted tales of the hardships faced by first-time authors in getting their works published.

He hoped that poetry fans across the border and second generation of Pakistani Diaspora allover the world who can understand but cannot read Urdu will find the website a useful platform for remaining in touch with their roots back home. The event was attended by poetry lovers of the twin-cities.-SANA

This year has witnessed a decrease in the amount of land cultivated for growing poppies, a cut in opium production and a slashing of prices, yet the Taliban are able to raise hundreds of millions of dollars from the drugs trade. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report showed a 19 per cent decrease in opium cultivation to 157,000 hectares, down from a record harvest of 193,000 in 2007, and said that production also dropped by six per cent to 7,700 tons.

At the same time prices have fallen by some 20 per cent, resulting in an overall drop in value of opium to farmers by more than a quarter in the last year, from $1 billion to $730 million. The export value of opium, morphine and heroin for Afghan traffickers is also down from $4 billion in 2007 to $3.4 billion in 2008.

The size of the country’s opium problem is shrinking as one million fewer people were involved in cultivation this year and the area of arable land used to grow poppies has dropped from 2.5 per cent to 2.1 per cent, according to the UNODC Afghanistan Opium Survey 2008.

Despite reduced cultivation, production and prices, the Taliban and other anti-government forces are able to make huge profits from the drugs business by imposing a 10 per cent charge on economic activity.

Opium farming may have generated $50 to $70 million of such income this year, in addition to a further $200 to $400 million of income in forced levies on drug processing and trafficking “With so much drug-related revenue, it is not surprising that the insurgent’s war machine has proven so resilient, despite the heavy pounding by Afghan and allied forces,” said UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa.

Mr. Costa suggested that ongoing efforts by the Taliban to manipulate the opium market may result in less opium in 2009. “Since they are hoarding opium, they have the most to gain from lower cultivation. This would drive up prices, and result in a re-evaluation of their stocks,” he said.

It is important to keep downward pressure on both opium production and prices, said Mr. Costa while calling for “greater and faster international development assistance, including food aid to urban areas, to prevent a humanitarian disaster and to consolidate gains that have resulted in 18 out of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces becoming opium free.”

“If the Taliban can disrupt the market so can NATO. Drug production and trafficking would be slowed by destroying high value targets like drug markets, labs and convoys, which the Afghan army, backed by NATO, are starting to do.” Mr. Costa also noted that international efforts have been stepped up to stem the flow into Afghanistan of precursor chemicals, which are needed to produce heroin.

“These measures are meant to hit organized crime and insurgency in order to cut the Afghan drug economy’s umbilical cord to the world, breaking the link between opium farmers in Afghanistan and heroin addicts in Europe,” said Mr. Costa. “The downward trend in Afghanistan’s opium economy would gain speed with more honest government, more security and more development assistance.”-UN News Service

The raid was conducted by officials of the Directorate General Intelligence and Investigation of the FBR following a tip-off about an attempt to smuggle a massive quantity of drugs from Peshawar to Punjab by truck No RIH-1396. The officials set up a picket close to Ring Road Peshawar and tried to intercept the truck when it approached them.

However, the driver of the truck sped away. The officials chased the truck and found it abandoned on the GT Road with the driver having escaped. The officials searched the truck and recovered 350 kgs of foreign origin charas and 22 kgs of foreign origin opium.-SANA

She said that violence against women and harassment at work place was one major issue that perturb many the world over. She said that the new democratic government in Pakistan was committed to women empowerment and protection of women’s rights and was making legislation to protect women from domestic violence and harassment at workplace.

She said that November 25 holds a special significance for women around the globe since it is dedicated to the memory of three sisters of the Dominican Republic, who opposed a dictator and sacrificed their lives.

The heroic tale of the three sisters has a sticking similarity to the gallant struggle of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who lived for her people and laid her life for their freedom and emancipation, she added.

She said that Benazir Income support Programme was also important for the empowerment of women in the rural areas. Acting President said that the creation of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus with an objective to protect rights and status of Pakistani women, is a milestone in the history of women rights in Pakistan. She said that through this Caucus, the 76-Women MNAs will endeavor to protect women rights and make their voice heard louder and clear in the corridors of power.

Acting President said that as the Patron of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, I feel the tremendous responsibility to seek a just and secure environment for the women of Pakistan, enabling them to contribute to their fullest for the development and progress of the country.

She said that for this noble cause, I seek cooperation of all segments of the society to work jointly and make Pakistan a great nation. Earlier, the she signed the UNIFEM card “Saying No to Violence against Women” and launched the 16-days campaign organized by UNIFEM to commemorate the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women.

Meanwhile, Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National assembly, Senator Raza Rabbani, Mrs. Farzana Raja, Sardar Izrar Tareen, Mrs. Rukhsana Bungash, Mrs. Nuzhat Sadiq also signed the UNIFEM cards.-SANA

He said that according to the Asian Development Bank, 85% of women in Pakistan have experienced violence at some time in their lives, which mars all aspects of their well-being. “Although our message touches every one, but its focus is the rural or semi urban population which needs to be mobilised to undo those taboos and customs which promote anti women attitudes”, he added.

There will be more then 24,000 events arranged by the change makers themselves. It is expected that about 500,000 people will be directly or indirectly touched by these events in Pakistan. The objective is mass awareness and engagement on the issue of violence against women.

The 1,000 events per district are a part of Oxfam’s nation wide campaign called ‘We Can End Violence Against Women” campaign, which was initiated in 2005. ‘

We Can’ campaign is about change in the attitudes and beliefs of a critical mass of ordinary people through simple and small actions in their daily lives to end violence against women. Currently, there are 144,000 volunteer change makers engaged with the campaign in 1,036 union councils, 90 tehsils in 29 districts of Pakistan.

The target is to reach 700,000 change makers by the year 2011. Change makers represent all strata of the society; they are students, teachers, lawyers, farmers, housewives, clergy, police, media, traders, policy makers and many others.

The campaign is steered by 400 national allies, while Oxfam supports their initiatives and participates as an alliance member. This campaign is a regional level initiative and these 1,000 events are being launched simultaneously in six South Asian Countries. Across the region, the campaign has engaged over 1.2 million change makers through 1,800 alliance members.

Explaining the strategy Dr. Farhat Sheikh, Oxfam Programme Manger said that the strategy is not to isolate the perpetrators, but to engage them. She added, “If the Domestic Violence Bill gets approved by the parliament, it will play a significant role in protecting those who experience domestic violence”.-SANA

“Being a father of two daughters and the masses’ representative I hope you can relies the situation through which Dr. Aaffia is passing”, Qazi writes to the President. He said the role of the secret agencies was “cheapest” in her case as a citizen could not be handed over to any other country beyond judicial process.

He urged the government to uncover those faces who were involved in Dr. Aaffia’s case as they sold the nation’s daughter for the dollars and she had to under go from the miserable period of her life that marked by physical and mental torture, repeatedly rapping and separation from the children.

He expressed his feared that she was kept in Chronic Depressive Psychosis in order to deprive her of the memory on the name of psychological treatment. He also demanded of the government to take steps for the recovery of her other children.-SANA

The Federal Minister informed the visiting delegation that PPP government is committed to the uplift and empowerment of religious minorities and want to bring them into the main stream of the country. Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti said that the government attaches its high priority to promote inter-faith harmony and dialogue among the different religions.

The Minister informed the delegation that the present government is taking all necessary measures to create a culture of tolerance, human equality and establishment of an egalitarian society in the country.

He said that the address of President of Asif Ali Zardari at inter- religion conference at the UN General Assembly in New York highly speaks of Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen the efforts of the international community for the promotion of inter-faith harmony.

Shahbaz Bhatti said that the government is taking revolutionary and concrete steps to address the issues and problems being faced by the minorities. He also informed the delegation that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has recently announced 5% quota in all government jobs and representation of minorities in the Senate of Pakistan.

He informed the delegates that the government is celebrating religious festivals of minorities at the national level. He further informed that the government is introducing legislative reforms to protect basic rights of women.

Members of the visiting German Parliament, Mr. Johannes Pflug appreciated the initiatives taken by the government for the protection of rights of minorities and women. He also said that Germany will extend its cooperation in the education sector. Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan Dr. Michael Koch and First Secretary/Head of Cultural Section of German Embassy Ms. Katharina Lack and other senior officials of Ministry of Minorities Affairs were also present during the meeting.-SANA

Local District Police Officer stated, “lady was killed in very brutal manner. She was almost beheaded”, he cited Legal Medical Report. Former Minister and deputy of Okara Sayed Sajjad Hyder told,”it was the case of poverty and illitracy”.

A human rights activist and former Law Minister Iqbal Hyder announced, “we will press the government to enforce Women’s Protection and Empowerment Law in letter and spirit”.

Residents of Okara said after killing his wife Muhammad farooq made an attempt to set his house on fire to eliminate evidence but law enforcing agencies timely arrested him.

Courtesy : Arab News

One does not understand Singh’s definition of ‘cultural nationalism’ but he has been an inconsistent president of a party which claims to be truly “nationalistic.” Is he the same Singh who sung the “terrorist” song immediately after the so-called ‘encounter’ at Batla House? Why did he sing a different song after the arrest of Sadhvi? Is it because of the difference in religious affiliation of those who were killed at Batla House? Or did ‘acquaintance’ prompt him to defend Sadhvi? The widely-circulated picture of Singh with Sadhvi does not incriminate him but as we say in journalism: A picture speaks a thousand words.

One must note that like the accused of the Batla house, Sadhvi remains an accused and not a “terrorist.” A terrorist tag can only be accorded by a court of law.

Sadhvi has created so much confusion within the BJP. Initially, BJP disowned her when it was revealed that she was once a part of its student-wing, Akhil Bharthiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). BJP changed its official policy the moment Uma Bharati joined the strange enigma of Sadhvi. Uma Bharati was merely a political trap; Singh easily succumbed to it. After all, Singh and Bharati share the same saffron soul with varying degrees.

BJP’s state of no-acceptance no-rejection of Sadhvi makes its case ambivalent.

A president of a nationalist political party should always stick to one song on a one theme no matter whoever may be the target audience.

BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad thought Singh’s song was not enough and decided to write the whole script. His utterance was a good example of hysteria’s triumph over common sense. “Why this lead (the alleged involvement of Students Islamic Movement of India in Malegaon 2006 cemetery blast) has not been followed in the 2008 blast?” Prasad asked.

Mr. Ravi Shankar should at least know that the motorcycle used in the blast was registered in the name of Sadhvi.

L.K. Advani, who has responded cautiously to Sadhvi episode, must take notice of his party’s official ignorance.

Meanwhile the response of the saffron Hindutva groups has been highly intolerant. The rabid display of the ‘majoritarian nationalism’ or to put it more precisely ‘mobocracy’ went unnoticed in the mainstream media. Thousands of the saffron souls protested outside a Nasik court on November 3 where the accused were brought for the trial. They carried placards, chanted highly provocative slogans and openly defended Sadhvi and other army men allegedly involved in the Malegaon blast.

India, being a civilised democracy, gives a right to defend an accused. I am glad that Indian Muslims have never ever done such a protest outside a court. Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, did not witness any such protest when Bali bomb blasts’ Muslim bombers were executed on the order of the country’s highest court.

Nathuram Godse is dead but his legacy of hatred still thrives on. Himani Savarkar, Godse’s niece and president of Abhinav Bharat – the organization allegedly behind the Malegaon blast – has advocated an eye for an eye theory. “If we can have bullet for bullet, why not blast for blast?” she has asked. She has even advocated that Indian Muslims should go and find a Muslim country to live!

Post-Independent India was infected with caste and communal riots. Now the bomb blast is an easy and alternative way to infect the body of India. It has begun to bleed with sickening regularity. Do we Indians realise that the war is no longer across the border? It is being fought within. China and Pakistan are not our biggest enemies. Our biggest enemies are fellow Indians who are striking at will wearing the cloak of anonymity.

Sadhvi episode has highlighted one crucial fact in Indian context: Terrorism is not a Muslim specialty. The bomb blasts in mosques in the Marathwada region (Nanded, Parbhani, Purna, Jalna etc.) were indeed carried out by Hindutva fanatics but government and intelligence agencies ignored it lest they antagonise the majority community. Army men’s involvement in the Malegaon blast should not come as a surprise. Our intelligence agencies do have people who share the right-wing ideology. Those who have followed the Nanded 2006 blast will agree that the role of India’s Criminal Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been highly controversial and biased.

Initially ATS suspected that SIMI was the behind the Malegaon blast. The ATS knew it from the day one that the killer motorcycle belonged to Sadhvi but yet they continued their combing operations in Muslim areas of Malegaon! The sudden ‘right-turn’ in the investigation was a result of Muslim resentment across the state of Maharashtra. Dozens of Muslim corporators belonging to Congress-NCP had sent their resignations directly to chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and home miniter R.R. Patil.

With elections round the corner, a dual-theory is being propagated by political pundits. Batla encounter was carried out to pacify Hindus and Malegaon arrests were made to “appease” the Muslims! Congress is being accused of playing a dual game.

A murmur has begun to develop in Muslim mohallas that Congress is indulging in a psychological war of perception management. Is Congress playing a game with Muslim sub-consciousness? We can’t say with certainty. But at the same time it can’t be ruled out. There is at least one reason to suspect. ATS is yet to apply the draconian MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) although they have slapped it on Malegaon blast accused of 2006. It is still being “considered.”

Quite a Muslim question: Are there two set of different laws for two different communities? That’s a question which Vilasrao Deshmukh needs to answer.

The Muslim vote will depend upon his answer and not mere lip-service as his government has been doing for the last 9 years. Sri Krishna Commission report is just the tip of an iceberg. The iceberg of genuine Muslim issues may sink Vilasrao’s political boat.

This time ‘nine days wonder’ trick will not save Congress-NCP government.

A question worth-debating: Can Muslims of Maharashtra sing a different song?

I remembered the day when a fierce riot broke out in our college related to the issue regarding beating and insulting one of our fellow comrade, Comrade Asif Ali Peerzaada. He was beaten by the opponents so severely that as a General Secretary of the Union I was not able to sit back. I along with my fellow comrades started a riot in or college and we started to blow down the windows and set fire at corridor. Police approached and they arrested me along with eight other members. The police van took us to the police station and we reached there by 8:00 PM. I don’t know the reason but the police separated me and my friends. They kept me in a separate cell along with an inmate. The police were laughing at me after putting me in the cell and their caricature was really bothering me.

The cell was hardly 10 feet by 7 feet dark room with full of mosquitoes and bad odors. In that cell along with me there was another inmate who was sitting in one corner of the room and was continuously staring at me. His eyes were really bothering me, so to make myself comfortable I sat on the other corner of the cell. I continually kept a watch on that mysterious person; he was still staring at me with red eyes. The man was in his early forties wearing a dirty shirt and torned pajamas. His hair has turned almost white and he had not shaven for long time. He was smoking a biri and was staring at me. I was very much afraid of him and I was cursing myself from the bottom of my heart that why I had joined the politics. Time was flying by when suddenly that mysterious person came to me and sat beside me. Trust me my heart almost stopped beating. He suddenly started to laugh at me. Then he asked me in Bengali that what I have done…is it a murder or a rape? I felt really ashamed that now everyone is thinking that I am a hard core criminal. I told him angrily that I have got arrested on a minor issue regarding college and will be released by tomorrow morning. He offered me a Biri and I also took it since I was very tired and need some puffs.

Puffing the Biri, I asked that person his name. He told me his name as Rabi Das and he is from Barasat, a distant place from Kolkata. He also told me that he is a regular visitor in Lock Up since he is a professional criminal. He is having hundreds of theft charges, pick pocketing and extortions. But this time he is in Lock Up for a murder charge. His trial will be tomorrow. To make a point clear to readers, this is India and anything is possible a political minor can also be kept with murderers. I asked him whether he had really murdered. He shouted with joy and replied “Yes… I have murdered a devil.” Then he started crying. I soothed him and then he started his very extraordinary and sad story.

I referred the person as Rabi Da (Da means brother in Bengali). Rabi Da don’t know when and where he born. But when he opened his eyes he was in a dustbin. He was an orphan. A well to do scavenger found him and surrendered him to e station. The police done their duties by sending the baby to an abusive orphanage. Rabi Da recalled his childhood how he was beaten severely with belts and sticks how he was given electric shocks for not doing works how his soft skin was tortured with cigarette burns and how they kept him hungry day after days. His small little hands were used for cleaning the floors. He had never known what is mothers love what is a family what are festivals and what is love.

When Rabi Da was 11 years old he along with one of his inmates ran away from this abusive world and yeas they were really successful to ran. After running away from the orphanage they make up their minds that they will work hard and earn and live peacefully. They started to work in a tea stall. Time was flying peacefully when suddenly god smiled on their happiness. Rabi Da’s friend suddenly died at the age of 12 due to cholera. Rabi Da broke up and left alone. He asked his master to pay some rupees so that he can at least cremate the body of his friend. But the shop owner refused to pay the amount and instead he instructed to throw the body in “Shamsan Ghat”. Rabi Da was crying and was thinking what to do next. Then, he quickly stealed some money, but was caught and fired from job and his friend’s body was thrown in dustbin.

After this incidence Rabi Da left that place and he moved to a distant place. To earn he started Pick pocketing at the age of 14. Then on mastering on this art he started extortion and robbery. Rabi Da told me that he is having severe hatrism for those rude persons who has no heart and treat little Childrens as dogs. He started extorting riches and started earning. By the age of 20 he was a hard core criminal. He told me that by the age of 25 he has visited jail at least five times. He started taking alcohol and marijuana to sooth his pains.

A time came when Rabi Da also started to dream a normal life. A woman came to his life, and he dream to marry her and be settled. But here also god played his game. The woman was actually playing with him and she looted everything from him and ran away leaving him alone in distress. From this stage a hatrism developed in him for women and Rabi Da started visiting brothels and believed that it is the only place a woman can deserve, although I don’t agree with his view but I kept listening him.

I was listening to him minutely when suddenly a police shouted and my concentration broke. I looked at the watch; it was 3:30 AM. He offered me another biri ad we started puffing and he continued his story.

I asked Rabi Da whether he believes in God or not. He laughed and told me “Yes it is there. But you know he is my biggest enemy, if I have a chance to meet him or her I will take my revenge.” I was thinking whether he was correct or not. What has god given to him? No parents No Family No love! No one has ever cared about him, but in spite of being so untouched he had a big heart.

One day he pick pocketed a person. After stealing he ran to a safe distance and opened the purse. He found five five hundred rupees note, a card mentioning his name and address and a letter addressed to his sister. The letter was actually a suicidal note. In the letter that person had mentioned that he is going to suicide since he has no desire to live. He is leaving this money for his sister. That person has asked his sister to get a new sari on her birthday with this money. After reading this letter Rabi Da hurried his way to the spot where he had pick pocketed but it’s of no use. The person was not there. He tried to find him but failed. He was left with no other choice other than to go that place. So he moved to that person’s house by looking at the address in the card. But when he reached that place it was so late. The person had already committed suicide and his sister was crying holding her brother bitterly. There were police, relatives and friends. Rabi Da know, that if he returned the Purse he can be arrested, but this great man without any fear returned the purse and proudly went to jail. In this way Rabi Da entered left and reentered the jail. Everyone knows him including police, lawyers and judges. After saying this Rabi Da paused for a moment.

I asked Rabi Da whom he murdered. He stared at me and told me that he had murdered a father of a baby girl. I got red after hearing this and shouted upon him “why you have done so?” He smiled at me and replied that day he was drunken and was walking through road in mid night when suddenly he noticed a person throwing something wrapped in blanket in dust bin. He chased that person and found that he was throwing a 2 day old baby girl in dustbin. Rabi Da asked him why he is doing so. The man replied since he doesn’t want a girl. Rabi Da started to bargain and this bargain ended up in killing of the person by thrashing. People gathered and took him to police station.

I didn’t ask him why he had done so because I can understand his pain. One day he was also thrown in dustbin. Rabi Da was laughing bitterly madly and then started crying. I hold him in my arms I was feeling heaven to give love to someone who had so much pain.

Our conversation was so long that when it ended I saw the day light. My mother was standing outside with lawyer. Her face was red. Lawyer was talking to police. When suddenly a police came and released me. When I was leaving the cell Rabi Da told me not to do any misdeeds again since I have a bright future. His eyes were saying “Don’t leave me brother alone” but his mouth was saying “Best of Luck for your future.” I was leaving the cell forever but Rabi Da was entering the cell forever, since today morning he is having his trial.

I reached home my mother shouted upon me and even slapped me. I was felling sad not for my mom but for Rabi Da. I left politics and joined Engineering College. I topped. But in spite of so many happiness I never forget Rabi Da. One day I decided to meet him. I went to central Jail. But, sadly he was no more. Rabi Da expired only a month ago.

I thought yes, Thanks god for being so good to a son of yours. Rally Thanks! I accept and testify your presence. You could do anything you like.

In the darkness of hatrism and negligence our children are just going to be like Rabi Da. My request to the readers is to try to love children and orphans who has no one other than you. Try to look at their innocent eyes, whether they are girl boy or anything. Give love to every child and if possible stop throwing them in dustbin and also stop abusing them. By spreading love, joy and creating smile in their faces you are actually worshiping your god. It has more goodness than to visit Kashi or Kaba. Instead of visiting temples or Mosques or Church go to an orphanage and spread love, education and humanism which is the biggest religion.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed led the delegation of the Pakistan senators and the meeting lasted two-and-half-an-hour. he has demanded of the U.S. government to immediately release Dr. Aafia Siddique. Talking to a private TV channel, after his meeting with Ms Siddique in Texas, he said that she was completely fit physically and mentally and her morale was high.

He was of the view that the US government needed to release her as they have not proved allegations against her. He said all allegations leveled against her in the past five years are false and concocted. It’s pertinent to mention here that on courts’ order she was referred to the psychological department for check-up.

The Senators’ delegation was led by Mushahid Hussain Syed, they remained with Siddique for two and an half hour, during that meeting she seemed happy and normal and thanked the government of Pakistan and the members of the delegation for visiting her.-SANA

Those killed include Haji Habibullah, Madah Hussain, Abdur Rashid, Haji Ashiq, Ali Raza, Ashiq Hussain, Allah Nawaz, Ijaz Hussain, Abdur Rehman, Manzoor Hussain, Malik Haider, Zafar Nazim, Manzoor Rathi, Muzamil, Azmat Abbas and Mulazim Hussain. Bodies of other vicitms could not be identified yet. MS District Headquarters Hospital, Dr. Ehsan said that some 62 injured were brought to the hospital and all of them are being provided proper medical treatment.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday strongly condemned the suicide bomb blast at the residence of Member National Assembly Rasheed Akbar Khan Nawani in Bhakkar, injuring the MNA and killing many others. President Zardari in a message expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives and condoled with the families of victims. He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed souls in peace and grant recovery to the injured ones. He said such heinous incidents cannot deter the government’s resolve to fight against terrorism.

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the suicide blast, that caused loss of lives and injuries. The PM expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their dear ones in this unfortunate incident. He sympathized with the scores of people who suffered injuries including Rashid Akbar Khan Nawani. The Prime Minister announced Rs. 300,000 each as compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and Rs. 100,000 for each injured in the sad incident.

Prime Minister Gilani said that such heinous crimes are against humanity which cannot weaken the government’s resolve to fight this menace. He asked the Punjab government to initiate immediate inquiry into this cowardly act and bring the perpetrators to book. The Prime Minister directed the local hospital authorities to provide all possible medical facilities to the injured till their full recovery.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman strongly condemned bomb blast in Bhakkar. In a statement the minister said that the government was fully committed to root out terrorism from the country. Sherry Rehman extended heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who lost lives in Bhakkar blast. -APP

Whether or not they are true, U.S. officials fear perceptions that Hamid Karzai is protecting his brother are intensifying opposition to their anti-Taliban efforts, the newspaper said. “I am not a drug dealer, I never was and I never will be,” Ahmed Wali Karzai told the Times. Nevertheless, assertions that he has interfered with drug shipment interdictions haven’t helped Hamid Karzai’s beleaguered government, whose alleged corruption is one of the biggest recruitment tools for Taliban insurgents financing their movement from the heroin trade, the newspaper said.

“What appears to be a fairly common Afghan public perception of corruption inside their government is a tremendously corrosive element working against establishing long-term confidence in that government—a very serious matter,” Lt. Gen. David W. Barno, a retired coalition forces commander, told the Times. “That could be problematic strategically for the United States.”
Input from agencies

Durga Puja is widely celebrated in all over India. But it takes the greatest form in West-Bengal and Tripura where a five day Holiday is observed. In north India Durga Puja is referred as Navratri. Navratri is the celebration of 9 nights dedicated to nine forms of Durga. Each night is dedicated to each form.

The nine forms of Devi Durga are as follows:

1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamaata
6. Kaatyayani
7. Kaalratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidaatri

Navratri is widely celebrated in Punjab, Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and some states in South India.

In Bengal and Tripura Navratri is not celebrated widely but in place of Navratri Durga Puja is celebrated. Durga Puja starts from Mahalaya (Devi’r Agomon). The First day is known as Prothoma, Second day is known as Dwitiya, Third day is known as Tritiya, Fourth day is known as Chaturthi, Fifth day is known as Maha Panchami, Sixth day is known as Maha Soshthi, Seventh day is known as Maha Saptami, Eight day is known Maha Ashthami, Ninth day is known as Maha Navmi. The Tenth day marks the end of the festival and is known as Vijya Dashami. The Eleventh day is celebrated by Fasting usually kept by married women with Children and is known as Ekadoshi.

Durga Puja is not only the greatest festival of Bengalis but also it marks the culture of Bengal. Durga Puja apart from India is celebrated widely in Nepal and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh according to 2007 census there were 27000 Puja held over. Alone in Dhaka there is 470 Puja Pandals. The prominence of Durga Puja increased gradually during the British Raj in Bengal. After the Hindu reformists resemble Durga with India, she had become an icon for the Indian independence movement. On the first quarter of 20th Century, the tradition of Baroyari or Community Puja was popularized due to this. After independence, Durga Puja became one of the largest celebrated festivals in the whole world.

Durga Puja includes the worships of Shiva, Lakhshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati, Kartikeya and Mahishasura also. Modern tradition have come to include the display of decorated Pandals and artistically depicted idols of Durga, exchange of Bijoya Greetings and publication of Puja Annuals.

Durga Puja is known by various names in Bengal like Akal Bodhon (Untimely Awakening of Durga), Sharodiya Puja (autumnal worship), Sharodotsab (festival of autumn), Baro Puja (Grand Puja), Maayer Puja (Mother’s Puja) or just by Puja or Pujo. In East Bengal (Bangladesh) it is known as Bhagabati Pujo.

Durga Puja:
Durga Puja is the largest festival celebrated by not only the Hindus but also by Muslims and Christians. The word Puja means Worship and Durga Puja means worship of Devi Durga. It is generally celebrated in the month of Ashwin which is the sixth month according to the Bengali calendar. However due to Lunatic systems it may be celebrated in the month of Kartik. According to the Gregorian calendar it is celebrated in the month of September or October. Since it is celebrated in the Kaal (Time) of Shorot (autumn) it is also known as Sharodiya. The main Puja starts from Maha Saptami and continues till Maha Dashami. The Puja starts with bathing of Kola Bou (Banana tree) in the dawn of Maha Saptami. Kola Bou is considered as wife of Lord Ganesha. In Maha Saptami people use to give Tilaks or Photas in there important places like main door and almirahs.The traditional dhunuchi Naach is observed in Maha Ashthami.

During Ashthami Bhog (Khichri) is prepared in Various Pandals and whole area enjoys them. It’s a really good experience to have Bhogs with known and unknown people. It is said during this 9 days the peak time actually Devi Durga appears is in the Time which is called Sandhi Khon (Sandhi Puja). Durga Puja is also incomplete without Dhak (Dhols or Drums). The Dhakis (People who play Drums) usually comes from far villages from Bengal usually from a place called Basirhat. At the end day of celebration Vijaya Dashami is observed. Married Women plays with Sindurs and is also known as sindoor khela (Play with Sindur). After this Mother is worshipped for the last time and then the idol is immersed in the Ganga. The people can be seen crying and crying since the mother has gone and she will come only after next year.

There are many sayings regarding the Puja. According to Krittibas Ramayana, Rama invokes the goddess Durga in his battle against Ravana. Although she was traditionally worshipped in the spring, due to contingencies of battle, Rama had to invoke her in the autumn akaal bodhan. Today it is this Rama’s date for the Puja that has gained ascendancy, although the spring Puja, known as Basanti Puja [One of the oldest ’sabeki’ Basanti Puja held every year at spring in Barddhaman Pal Bari is also present in the Hindu almanac.

According to Bengali culture sayings Mahishasura started to kill Devtas and he continued his misdeeds. Devtas began to think how to get rid of this demon. They went to Brahma who advised them to go to Shiva. When Devtas gone to Mahadeva (Shiva) he was busy in his Tapasayas (Meditations). The Devtas started shouting “Trahi Maang …Trahi Mang” (Save us…Save us). Shiva waked up and he created Devi Durga a woman who is the ultimate source of power. She was awakened untimely so this festival is also known as Akalbodhon. Durga was given Astra-Shastra (Weapons) by Devtas like Brahma, Shiva, Narayana, Vishwakarma, Barun Dev etc. With these weapons she went to the battle field and successfully killed the demon. At the time of his death Mahishasura repented and cried a lot. Mother forgives him and he is blessed by her blessings. From here started the acceptance of truth that every woman is the ultimate source of power. They are forms of Durga.

This incident took place in Mahalaya and in Mahalaya Devi Mantras is enchanted in the Dawn. It is usually enchanted by Famous artist Binoy Krishno Bhadra. It’s a great experience to listen to these Mantras that starts from 4 AM in Mahalaya. It is known as “Agomonir Aohan” (Welcoming of Mother)

Durga Puja marks the coming of Durga at her Father’s house Himalaya. It has a saying that Uma (Another Name of Durga) takes a break from her family life and with the permission of her Husband Shiva she comes to her father’s home along with her children Lakhshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati, Kartikeya. It is said that she first comes and stays for a day in the house of a Bagdi (a backward class) and have her breakfast there. The breakfast includes “Panta Bhat” (A rice preparation). After having her breakfast she moves to different places.

The Pujas are held over a ten-day period, which is traditionally viewed as the coming of the married daughter, Durga, to her father, Himalaya’s home. It is the most important festival in Bengal, and Bengalis celebrate with new clothes and other gifts, which are worn on the evenings when the family goes out to see the ‘Pandals’ (temporary structures set up to venerate the goddess). Although it is a Hindu festival, religion takes a backseat on these five days: Durga Puja in Bengal is a carnival, where people from all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs, participate and enjoy themselves to the hilt.

History of Durga Puja:
According to some sayings Puja was first celebrated by the Maharaja of Taherpur in Bangladesh. Some says Raja Sool has started or other says it is started by Sasanka. Various literatures exist regarding Durga in the Bengali language and its early forms, including Avnirnaya (11th century), Durgabhaktitarangini by Vidyapati (14th century), etc. In the medieval period Durga Puja was popular in Bengal and records says that it is being held in the courts of Rajshahi (16th century) and Nadia district (18th century). In the 18th century, however, that the worship of Durga came to its peak among the elite society of Bengal, Zamindars. The most Prominent Pujas were conducted by the landed zamindars and jagirdars, enriched by British rule, including Raja Nabakrishna Deb, of Shobhabajar, who initiated an elaborate Puja at his residence. Many of these old Pujas exist to this day. Today, the culture of Durga Puja has shifted from the princely houses to Sarbojanin (literally, “involving all”) forms. The first such Puja was held Guptipara - it was called barowari (baro meaning twelve and yar meaning friends).

The mood starts off with the Mahishasuramardini’ – a famous radio programme that has been popular with the community since the 1950s. Earlier it used to be conducted live, later a recorded version began to be broadcast. Bengalis traditionally wake up at 4 in the morning on Mahalaya day to listen to the enchanting voice of the late Birendra Krishna Bhadra and the late Pankaj Kumar Mullick on All India Radio. As they recite hymns from the scriptures from the Devi Mahatmyam or Chandi.

During the Puja week, the entire state of West Bengal as well as in large societies of Bengalis everywhere, life comes to a complete standstill. In traffic circles, playgrounds, ponds, wherever space is available — elaborate structures called Pandals ‘are set up, many with nearly a year’s worth of planning behind them. The word Pandal means a temporary structure, made of bamboo and cloth, which is used as a temporary temple for the purpose of the Puja. While some of the Pandal are simple structures, others are often elaborate works of art with themes that rely heavily on history, current affairs and sometimes pure imagination.

Somewhere inside these complex edifices is a stage on which Durga reigns, standing on her lion mount, wielding ten weapons in her ten hands. This is the religious center of the festivities, and the crowds gather to offer flower worship or pushpanjali on the mornings, of the sixth to ninth days of the waxing moon fortnight known as Devi Pakshya (lit. Devi = goddess; Pakshya = period; Devi Pakshya meaning the period of the goddess). Ritual drummers – Dhakis, carrying large leather-strung Dhak –– show off their skills during ritual dance worships called aarati. On the tenth day, Durga the mother returns to her husband, Shiva, ritualized through her immersion into the waters ––

Bishorjon also known as Bhaashan and Niranjan. Today’s Puja, however, goes far beyond religion. In fact, visiting the Pandals recent years, one can only say that Durgapuja is the largest outdoor art festival on earth. In the 1990s, a preponderance of architectural models came up on the Pandal exteriors, but today the art motif extends to elaborate interiors, executed by trained artists, with consistent stylistic elements, carefully executed and bearing the name of the artist. The sculpture of the idol itself has evolved. The worship always depicts Durga with her four children, and occasionally two attendant deities and some banana-tree figures. In the olden days, all five idols would be depicted in a single frame, traditionally called pata. Since the 1980s however, the trend is to depict each idol separately. At the end of six days, the idol is taken for immersion in a procession amid loud chants of ‘Bolo Durga mai-ki jai’ (glory be to Mother Durga’) and ‘aashchhe bochhor abar hobe’ (’it will happen again next year’) and drumbeats to the river or other water body. It is cast in the waters symbolic of the departure of the deity to her home with her husband in the Himalayas. After this, in a tradition called Vijaya Dashami, families visits each other and sweetmeats are offered to visitors (Dashami is literally “tenth day” and Vijay is “victory”). Durga Puja is also a festivity of Good (Ma Durga) winning over the evil (Mahishasura the demon). It is a worship of power of Good which always wins over the bad.

Creation of Sarbojanin Puja:
Initially the Puja was organized by rich families since they had the money to organize the festival. During the late 19th and early 20th century, a middle class, in Calcutta, wished to celebrate the Puja. They created the community or Sarbojanin Pujas.

These Pujas are organized by a committee which represents a locality or neighborhood. They collect funds called “chaanda” through door-to-door subscriptions, lotteries, concerts etc. These funds are pooled and used for the expenses of Pandal construction, idol construction, ceremonies etc. The balance of the fund is generally donated to a charitable cause, as decided by the committee. Corporate sponsorships of the Pujas have gained momentum since the late 1990s. Major Pujas in Calcutta and in major metro areas such as Delhi and Chennai now derive almost all of their funds from corporate sponsorships. Community fund drives have become a formality.

Despite the resources used to organize a Puja, entry of visitors into the Pandal is generally free. A few Puja conducted in Gurgaon by wealthy Bengalis charge a fee. Pujas in Calcutta and elsewhere experiment with innovative concepts every year. Communities have created prizes for Best Pandal, Best Puja, and other categories. When you do Puja you get blessed.

Idol Creation:
The entire process of creation of the idols from the collection of clay to the ornamentation is a holy process, supervised by rites and other rituals. On the Hindu date of Akshaya Tritiya when the Ratha Yatra is held, clay for the idols is collected from the banks of a river, preferably the Ganges. After the required rites, the clay is transported from which the idols are fashioned. An important event is ‘Chakkhu Daan’, literally donation of the eyes. Starting with Devi Durga, the eyes of the idols are painted on Mahalaya or the first day of the Pujas. Before painting on the eyes, the artisans fast for a day and eat only vegetarian food.

Many Pujas in and around Calcutta buy their idols from Kumartuli (also Kumortuli), an artisans’ town in north Calcutta.

Celebration in Kolkata:
Apart from whole of the Bengal (including Bangladesh) and Tripura special incidences take place in Kolkata. This festival is the greatest festival in this city. The season the winds the water the sky says “yes mother is coming”. The whole city is decorated with lights. Crore of rupees are spent on Pandals. The Pandals are a temporary structures used for keeping the idols of Durga. People spend crore of money on this Pandals and their decorations are really worth to see. People from far apart even from US, UK, Europe etc come to Kolkata to see these decorations. During the Pujas the roads are full of Panipuri walas, Bhel Puri Walas and lots and lots of stalls are launched. Some of the famous landmark Puja include: Telengana Bagan, Irritolla Sarbojonin, Iritolla Sitola Madir, Mohammed Ali Park Pujo, Santosh Mitra Square, Sealdah Lebo Park, Forward Club, Mudiyali, are very few to name.

People wear new clothes and this Puja shopping starts before a month of Pujas. Children have real fun and Bengali Babu continues with their Addas (Gossips). Sweets are distributed. Some of the famous Puja sweets include “Rossogolla”, “Chom Chom”, “Kheer Kodom”, “Malai Chop”, “Parijat”, “Gulab Papri”, “Choclate sondesh”, etc are very few names and the list continues. Some of famous sweet makers in Kolkata are Nabin Chandra Moira, Balaram, Sen Mahasay, Nakur, Satyanarayan etc.

In traditional Bengali family women wear Red Bordered white sari (Lal Pere Sari) with lots of Jwellery and with An Arti Thali she along with her Husband and Children goes for the Pushpanjali (Worship with Flowers –Pushp). With a long red Sindur on her head and traditional Sankha Pola (A type of Bangles usually from Dhaka, married women wears) she looks beautiful. She cooks for the whole family with lots of delicious dishes.

Celebration in Dhaka and other places in Bangladesh:
In Dhaka, according to 2007 census there were 947 Pujas held in this year it has rises up to 1200. It’s a very big festival for everyone in Dhaka. People from all religions come to Goddess Durga for her blessings. One of the biggest Puja is held in Dhakeshwari Mandir Complex. Another Puja is held in Telengi para, one in Buriganga, one in Naba Krishna Halder Street to name a few.

In Chittagong (ChottoGram) Devi Chotteshwari, Chatgan Kali Bari, Raja Bhudev Sarkar Er Pujo (Raja Bhudev Sarkar’s Puja) is very important.

In Jessore Durga is worshipped as Maa Joshoreshwari. In Narayangunj there are more than 1300 Puja held. Overall in all Bangladesh it is celebrated with great zeal. Muslims and Christians even pray to Durga for her blessings. In Bangladesh there is even an official holiday in Vijaya Dashami.

Celebration outside India or Bangladesh:

Durga Puja is organized by communities comprising of Indians in the US, Europe and Australia. Although Pandals are not constructed, the idols are flown in from Kumartuli in Bengal. The desire by the Diasporas peoples to keep in touch with their cultural ties has led to a boom in religious tourism, as well as learning from priests or purohits versed in the rites. Also recently, the immersion of the Durga idol has been allowed in the Thames river for the festival which is held in London. In the United States the Puja are often hosted during weekends with very few exceptions. The Puja weekends are time for Bengal friends and family to gather together to spend the weekend savoring Bengali culture. Cultural programs are Helds; there is food; stalls selling ethnic clothes/Jwellery/books/music/dvds - there is a general atmosphere of festivity.

Environmental Impact:
There are lots of controversies regarding the immersion of Durga idols in Ganga. According to Ramapati Kumar, a toxics campaigner for Greenpeace “Commercialization of Hindu festivals like Durga Puja in the last quarter of 20th century have become a major environmental concern as devout Hindus want bigger and brighter idols and are no longer happy with the ones made from eco-friendly materials”

Environmentalists say the idols are often made from non-biodegradable materials such as plastic, cement and plaster of Paris, and are painted using toxic dyes. This can be really harmfull to drinking waters.

Some specific cultures related to Puja:
Durga Puja is one of the most important events in the Bengali society’s calendar. Many Bengali films, albums and books are released to coincide with the Puja. The West Bengal government gives a fortnight of holidays for the Pujas. This time is used in various ways. Many people travel in India or abroad. Gatherings of friends called “Aadda” in Bengali is common in many homes and restaurants. A lot of shopping is done, and retailers cash in on this opportunity with special offers.

Visiting Pandals with friends and family, talking and sampling the food sold near them is known as Pandal Hopping. Young people embrace this activity. TV and Radio channels telecast Puja celebrations. Many Bengali channels devote whole days to the Pujas.

Bengali and Oriya weekly magazines bring out special issues for the Puja known as “Pujobaarshiki” or “Sharadiya Sankhya”. These contain the works of many writers both established and upcoming and are thus much bigger than the regular issues. Some notable examples are Anandamela and Shuktara.

Durga Puja marks the beginning of new life in every Bengalis heart. It gives us a moral that women are the form of Durga or Shakti. They are not for the desires of men. It is always to be remembered that a women has saved this world from the Demon Mahishasura.

Durga Puja is such a festival that every Bengali apart from their religion really enjoys this time with their family and friends. Muslims of Bengal also worships Maa Durga. An example of it is Kazi Nazrul Islam who is one of the greatest poets of Bengal. He has written lots of Shyama Sangeet (Songs dedicated to Durga) in Bengali. Some of his famous song dedicated to Durga are: “Bol Re Jaba Bol”,” amar Mayer paa e joba hoye oth re fute mon”,”Bol re joba bol kon sadhanae peli re tui Shyama ma er charan tol”..to name a few.

It is my request to the readers that they if possible visit any part of Bengal (Including Bangladesh and Tripura) to see how this celebration occurs. It is my challenge to all states in India “Celebrate an occasion like we celebrate”. So, whether you are Hindu or Muslim or Christian or any one even Atheist you are always welcome in Maa’s Court. Happy Durga Puja to all!!!

From Bhikku chowk I rushed towards Noor hospital like a madman searching for sanity. Police bullets seem to have an ingrained bias against Muslims. Bullets chase Muslims till death. As I entered the hospital to inquire about the injured, I could hear the gunshots being fired outside (in Mushawerat chowk). With each shot, I trembled with rage and fear. Each shot increased my heartbeats. The palpitation was so seismic that I feared that my heart would jump out and leave me dead. On one hand Dr. Saeed Faizee, Dr. Sohail and Dr. Faisal continuously worked to restore the faith of Muslim community, outside the naked dance of official bias was at play. Where was the humanity of the people?

The scene at Faran hospital – where the majority of the injured (58) were brought – was chaotic. Curios onlookers and some family members of the injured were caught in the mêlée outside the Faran hospital. As I entered the hospital the smell of fresh blood became unbearable. It is still in my head. The injured were being treated by Dr. Saeed Farani and his dedicated team of doctors. The entire hospital was in collective mourning. The cry of a toddler will haunt me for the rest of my life. It could have been my nephew or anybody else’s. A bared burnt back of a bearded old man almost brought me to the brink of cry. But then the call of my métier restrained me. I made sure that tears didn’t spill out of my eyes. In the operation theatre, I saw an open surgery being performed on one of the injured. The ruptured veins of his left foot were a terrible sight to behold. I could stop there while beholding the sanguine scene or gently pass out. The sight of the three dead bodies neatly lined one after another froze my soul. I felt as if I was in the awesome presence of death. As I clicked their pictures, a thought crossed my mind: Is it fair for a journalist to take pictures of the victims mowed down by flying balls, nails and bullets? It was a call of the conscience. In the spilt of a second, I decided to go ahead. I thought I was Muslim as well as a journalist. The job of a journalist is not to write but to communicate. The Muslim in me thought that I must communicate to the world that my own community has been hit in its own backyard. Not once, but twice.

When the guns fell silent, I returned to Bhikku chowk at 3am. Uninformed media persons were orchestrating the official line that the bomb blast site is below the building where Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) once had its office. But nobody bothered to say that the bomb blast site is rather in front of a Police chowky as well. These are matters of perception.

Why was Bhikku chowk chosen for the blast site? Bhikku chowk represents a strong Muslim identity where Muslims from all diverse sects and walks of life gather for a cup of tea or socializing after traweeh prayers in Ramadan. The attack was on Muslim identity. Why can’t the security agencies accept that there is in essence a turf-war going on between communalists of different faiths in the form of bomb blasts? It is unfortunate that in this war Police often seem to be on the side of the majority community. It is a bitter truth albeit uncomfortable.

Next day, home minister RR Patil uttered the usual platitude of repeated bombings of recent past. “It was an attack on national integration.” I am sorry, Mr. Patil. Bhikku chowk is not the place for bridging the gulf that has divided two communities. It is a traditional Muslim ghetto. The attack was on Malegaon’s Muslim identity and not on national integration. There were eyebrows raised when I bluntly asked him ‘How many people have died in the police firing.’ He paused for a moment; Nikhil Gupta, Nasik SP, bent and whispered something. “Nobody has died in the police firing. Police had fired 58 rounds in the air so no one was injured,” Patil claimed. This goes against the public perception and a doctor’s claim in Malegaon. According to Dr. Saeed Farani at least 3 persons have been injured in the police firing. The actual figure is obviously higher but nobody is willing to say because the town is reeling under fear.

Each Muslim mother in Malegaon is praying lest her son becomes a “suspect.” Things will never be the same in this forsaken corner of Maharashtra but this much is certain: Indian Muslims will not allow India to become another Pakistan.