Category: Justice

0 Breaking out of Apathy

May 9, 2013
drsavi
· 2013 · Blogging · Justice · Sikhs

It’s been a while since I posted to my blog and there are a number of reasons.
However, let us first return to why I’ve bothered to write anything in the past. My motivation has not been driven on ego although the very nature of a blogs presence sitting on the public web is in itself a public stance of exhibitionalism. Instead, I consider my personal confidence as a way of contributing to making a difference based on my experiences & desire to standup for truth & the themes of my life comments/ commentary. My faith also ingrains me to fight for the defenceless.

Back to the reasons for not writing or updating my web journal. Firstly, apathy & seeing life pass me by. I’ve tried to reduce some of my interests based on general mental fatigue. Over a month ago I finished a 10 month work assignment with a very large technology company. The job title was grand yet I felt there was so much more could help with. Sadly, the organisations focus was inward looking, probably reflective of our economic climate, coupled with elements of management protectionism and a ‘play it safe’ attitude. Like most firms some of the people were dedicated whilst others control orientated. The latter lead to enter deep modes of soul searching and not acting as my true self. My change of behaviour or point of negative inflection occurred in November 2012. It was fifteen minutes of subsersive comments made by another person in what I believed was conducted to dampen my enthusiasm and contain my position. Maybe I read too much into what was said as I should have just carried on. NB I still did my work and achieved project success but my normal style of delivering effective business projects had been tampered with. Instead of being funky, friendly, collaborative and relishing in the joy of others all of this had to be tempered down. My spirit still encouraged me to contribute to best practice through developing a shared knowledge centre and even a 36 page handover document!

Currently, I’m working on an amazing project that will impact the lives of many in the area of blood & organ donation. I also hope it will give me complementary bandwidth to contribute more content online. It’s early days but I’m amazed by the donors from all walks of life and centre staff that work so hard. We should be grateful to all the teams that are involved.

Secondly, shock, driven by recent events. The Sajjan Kumar acquittal & Professor Bhulller death sentence announcements suggest contradictions & inconsistencies. I wonder if my little blog will inspire myself or others to communicate more, especially as the mainstream western press are playing a convenient game of ignorance. In the case of the 1984 pogroms when thousands died its now almost 29 years and strangely no one has been found guilty?

Now I’m making a commitmenht to communicate more and to step out of the shadows & create compelling media that will hope to penetrate the barriers of denial. As I’ve said in the past, ‘if we don’t create media and expose the truth, somebody else will do it for us’…

2 Why Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word for Mr Cameron

February 21, 2013
drsavi
· 2013 · Ethics · Justice · Media Watch · Sikhs

By quite co-incidence Venky Vembu has published a similar post. Even I was thinking of that Elton John classic for my title of this piece. Venky’s excellent article entitled: ‘shinde-to-cameron why sorry seems to be the hardest word‘ suggests:

A heartfelt “sorry”, it would appear, is just about the hardest word in the English lexicon for politicians to unburden themselves of.

This is in reference to David Cameron’s visit to India this week. He has visited the Golden Temple and just outside one of the four entrances is the famous park called Jallianwala Bagh. NB The Indianoil advert is quite inappropriate!

On Sunday 13th April 1919 my Grandfather was one of thousands attending a public meeting. Luckily he survived but thousands didn’t as they were shot at by Brigadier-General Reginald E.H. Dyer. The background is that Dyer heard about the meeting of 15,000 to 20,000 people including women, children and the elderly at Jallianwala Bagh, Dyer went with fifty riflemen to a raised bank and ordered them to shoot at the crowd. Dyer continued the firing until the ammunition supply was almost exhausted. The crowd ran for cover but all they could find were deep wells. Their deaths were horrific, egged on by malice in the hearts of those who commanded.

On 13 March 1940, at Caxton Hall in London, Udham Singh, an Indian independence activist from Sunam who had witnessed the events in Amritsar and was himself wounded, shot and killed Michael O’Dwyer, the British Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab at the time of the massacre, who had approved Dyer’s action and was believed to be the main planner. (Dyer himself had died in 1927).

In years to come more would die at new country borders as the British divided up India.

Cameron acknowledgement of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as a “deeply shameful event” fell short of a formal apology. Later he even justified why an apology would not work?!

Politics is littered with half and full apologies. However, I believe that it is never too late to express regret, portray genuine empathy and seek both truth and reconciliation. For example, in South Africa the Truth and Reconciliation tribunals was based on the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No 34 of 1995 (pdf).

Interestingly, the Labour party under Gordon Brown issued an apology to Australians back in 2009/10.

Gordon Brown is to offer a formal apology to tens of thousands of British children forcibly sent to Commonwealth countries during the last century, many of whom faced abuse and a regime of unpaid labour rather than the better life they were promised.

On the outlook there appears to be a difference in approach that cannot be attributed to the severity of the deed. There are no degrees of measure to what constitutes enough damage to warrant regret, regardless of the perpetrator. Mr Cameron needs to realise that part of accepting the role of a leader in society or a political party, he is compelled to accept its legacy and heritage.

If I was cynical I would suggest that recent statements are made in the context of trading concessions. Everyone smiles yet behind the mask as there are millions of Dollars at stake for new agreements! Sky News suggested that the UK will ‘just have to join the queue’ as other state heads visit India to secure contracts.

We need to recognise that the UK has a rich connection with India. The word ‘rich’ is stronger than most people realise. For example, through spices, The East India Company, railways, buildings, bridges, hill stations, army connections, maharaja politics, births, land line/border distortions and diamond acquisitions (!) The legacy and record of the British Commonwealth and other colonialists is nothing to be proud of. What has been left behind by many of these powers is a tangled infrastructure that constrains or constricts progression. This is further perpetuated by political stooges and a fear to change for the better. India may be succeeding in answering your call centre queries but can it solve its problems in society given its prehistoric police systems, cast hangups and inequality – the latter also brought out in recent crimes against women.

India needs to be bolder in asking the UK why it has fallen short of a full apology. It deserves more than token poses. Sorry is probably the hardest word because it is an admittance of the British intent to damage and leave alone, i.e: as true revelations are incomplete and hidden.

Image below, The Jallianwala Bagh memorial

1 Damini’s death in India is a reminder of the tragedy of sexual violence in India

December 31, 2012
drsavi
· 2012 · Ethics · Justice

(Image source)

I read this recently from the India Today publication.

The death of the Delhi gang-rape victim ‘Damini’ in Singapore on Saturday “is a sobering reminder of the vast tragedy of sexual violence in India”, Human Rights Watch said. The death of the 23-year-old “follows the suicide of a 17-year-old after police failed to act on her complaint of rape”, said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director of Human Rights Watch. “This is not an isolated incident,” Ganguly said in a statement.
“The outrage now should lead to law reform that criminalises all forms of sexual assault, strengthen mechanisms for implementation and accountability, so that victims are not blamed, humiliated or suffering silently.” “It is much harder, but ultimately more effective, to revamp the response of police, doctors, forensic specialists, prosecutors, and judges to sexual violence,” she said, adding “Victims deserve an effective, coordinated response to sexual assault.”

Interestingly, there is also talk of a mass public protest in the form of a NO SHOW! at the up and coming Republic day celebrations on 26th January 2013..

India, the land of wonder and a place that the west seem to epitomize as a place of mysticism and spirit has a dark side. It is a side that is centered on deep rooted ways to get things done aka corruption and a history people not paying their taxes (Money helps to put order in place and is difficult with only 2.8% of the population paying their taxes) ! The result is a survivalist fueled based economy, a gulf of polarised people (rich and poor together with rich Vs poor), exploitation and the removal of essential liberties.

I’m currently reading a book that was inspired by an accidental arrest by police in Northern India. I also recently saw a video submitted to my Facebook timeline of a police officer in Delhi punching a driver who appeared to be simply trying to report damage to his car. In 1984 thousands of victims of rape, murderer and burning of members of Delhi’s Sikh community was witnessed, yet no justice continues to be the consistent theme. Do you see a pattern emerging here? It is not what you do, it is who you know that keeps society going. It is also too easy to be critical from afar!

In the case of rape and sexual exploitation, I agree with Human Rights Watch’s suggestion. There is a strategy that is also need to prevent this kind of violence against women. Its about the basic right of equality and defense. Equality in the context of accepting women with the same respect. Defense, from a perspective of assuring safe places to walk, reliably policed, with sufficient surveillance. Potential perpetrators need to be reviewed / profiled (inc: safe guards) with complaints taken seriously. Respect extends to managing rape cases, gathering evidence and faster prosecutions.

In about 1499 when the world offered low to no status or respect to women, Guru Nanak sought to improve the respect of women by spreading this message: “From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married. Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come. When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound. So why call her bad? From her, kings are born. From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all. O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman.” (page 473). In so doing, he promoted women’s rights and equality. This was stated back in the 15th Century and over 500 years later we are still seeing a level of brutality that is so sad and terrible.

If people are to protest, please don’t water cannon or tear gas them! At the moment all I can see is remorse fueled statements from Politicians. Little or no solutions are being offered as a beacon of light to help fight rape cases that continue. Folks, here are a few suggestions from yours truly:

Consolidate all rape crimes to a central bureau and conduct research on typical behaviours
Report police abuses to an independent panel with published findings & name names!
Develop a new code of conduct for multidisciplinary teams that have to manage any rape that occurs
Politicians – start a campaign or build into law greater equality for women
Listen to Human Rights organisations and develop new strategies to protect women in both vulnerable situations (domestic) and in public areas
Police – If you see suspicious vehicles (pick-up transits with darkened windows) – ask why!
Pass laws to communicate the seriousness of sexual violence.
Invest in local centres to make it easier for women or men to have safe houses.

Social change has to be lead by people with the vision to follow through with 2 strategies. Firstly, immediate emergency actions and bills and secondly, through a sustained campaign that roots out corruption and instils discipline to stop abuse.

Send your suggestions to the politicians and law makers and hope they won’t just ignore it and wait for Damini’s news to be old news. Remember, every day there are cases of this type that are premeditated and often opportunist. Be on-guard and report to multiple places & share online if you see someone being abused.
The time to demand action is now. Act with actions n mind. Make the news something that will activate change.

0 Oak Creek Shootings – The role of media to help us all

August 9, 2012
drsavi
· 2012 · BBC · Interfaith · Justice · Media · Media Watch · Political comment

It has been a few days now of what could be described as limited media coverage, from a UK perspective of the Oak Creek Shooting that resulted in 7 deaths by a shooter that entered a place of worship.

On Monday night, traditionally peak news viewing time the BBC presented less than 20seconds of coverage before launching into the latest round-up of Olympic GB wins. NB earlier in the day its website did feature some online inches.

Globally the feeling in the Sikh community is visibly one of shock and dismay. The killing of 7 people inside a place of worship by a ex army solider adds to the continuing debate of why guns are so widely available.

I’ve watched and monitored from the sidelines, viewing Facebook messages of support and prayer for those who have been affected. I’ve tuned into twitterfeeds that have linked to CNN and videos of people trying to communicate who Sikhs are. Valerie Kaur’s piece provided a retrospective on how her grandfather had emigrated to the US over a century ago – It is an inspiring piece. I also read a post by Naujawani suggesting that the reason for the low media pick-up on the story is due to the lack of integration in today’s society. My reaction is that it takes two to tango and that it is not through lack of trying, although I agree that more could be done to subtly communicate the values that we share.

I too share the dismay of the families who one day went to seek a meditative environment but were left with a nightmare that will never truly fade. They will continue to find answers as to why it happened and unfortunately relive the seconds, minutes and hours of each death. This morning I saw some amazing Twitpics of the NYC candlelight vigil held on Wednesday night, showing we can unite to share in grief but also offer hope.We pray for them, their spirit will live on.

Why has there been poor reporting about this tragedy?
I really want to understand why the press coverage has been so poor. Sure, in the US we’ve seen CNN cover the issue but correct me if I’m wrong, its not made it to a global news platform. I really don’t want to go down the path of suggesting that its a race thing or even that one life is considered more important than others. I hark back to a 45 minute presentation by veteran anchor man, Jon Snow of Channel 4 news. He suggested that its not about the background of the person presenting the news but its about who gives the go ahead for featured editorials. I think we all know what is the background of the latter club is.

My conclusion is that it is down to pure ignorance nothing more. Not just about who Sikhs are but the wider issue of gun control/ownership, identifying potential threats, creating a more caring society and the potential to generate mutual respect through creative and positive media content.

A call for Media take-over
Positive Media is the easiest weapon against perpetrators of hate driven individuals and groups.
Although social media allows us to giggle at each other, we need to stop being passive and become a tidal wave or flood of information. As I’ve said in the past and continue to repeat:

Unless we create media of our own, somebody else will tell our story.

The truth will prevail.
We can also all have access to a free blog that life-streams our thoughts and for those who don’t want to be tracked online, they can contribute to local newsletters and press. Its all about communicating the good in all, for example: art, literature, history, heritage, values, global contribution and our values in defending the defenseless.

I’ve set up a citizen journalist site:
http://sikhwithin.crowdmap.com
– Here, anyone in the world can send in a story. We need to challenge the current media obsession with trival stories and get them to rely on people bringing the true issues to bare. The 21st century has given us tools to help us communicate, mobilize and take action.

Whatever method, we all have a part to play to tell the world that there are good people out there and there are people in need of help before they become evil. Humanitarian stories will create a positive and respective image for all.

0 Kirpan issue in Woolwich

July 18, 2012
drsavi
· 2012 · Anti-Fascism · Justice · Media · Media Appearances · Sikhs · Trust

About a month ago I was asked to host/anchor a special show on how a lady was disrespected whilst casually driving her mother about town. The officers should have known better, especially as they have been trained and had over 10 years of service. Maybe they were just being mischievous! This is unacceptable in a country where Sikhs have resided and connected with for over 150 years!

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