Year: 2016

Salman Khan acquitted in Chinkara poaching case- No one killed the animal

By Priyanka


Just like how no-one killed the people sleeping on the pavement of Bandra, nobody seems to have killed the mute Blackbuck in Rajasthan too. Since the court verdict has come in the favour of Salman Khan, now he can breath easy by giving out the message that celebrities indeed are above the law.
Salman Khan will always remember the year 2015-16 as the golden years of his life. This is not just because he had the most successful movies in these years, but, all the long-pending cases against him concluded in his favour.
The Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur has acquitted Salman Khan in two cases of poaching Chinkara. This has come as a surprise for many as the ruling has overturned a lower court verdict in the case which was pending for the past 17-years. The actor had challenged the lower court’s orders that had handed him one and five years’ imprisonment in the two cases. The High Court on May 13, reserved the decision after completing the hearing in the matter.

The actor had spent eight days in the Jodhpur central jail in 2006 after being found guilty. But, the ruling has clearly acquitted him in the case.  The verdict has come as a huge relief after he the court gave a verdict in his favour, last year, in the hit-and-run case.
Chinkaras, or Indian gazelles, are a protected species and hunting these animals is banned. Moreover, in Rajasthan it is one of the revered species and the local tribes in the area were up in the arms when Salman was found shooting the animal. This was in the year 1998, when Salman and seven others from the film fraternity including  Neelam, Tabu and Saif Ali Khan were accused of killing a blackbuck and a chinkara in two separate incidents. One of the animals was killed at Bhawad on the outskirts of Jodhpur on September 26, 1998, and the other at Ghoda Farms on September 28, 1998. At that time, all these actors were shooting for Sooraj Barjatya’s family drama, ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’.
The actor was shooting for the film Hum Saath Saath Hain at that time. Two cases against Khan – black-buck hunting and possessing illegal arms – are still being heard by trial courts in the state. But, with this verdict it is clear now that Salman is now a free man.

Swechha- an honest attempt to save Yamuna river  

By LokMarg


Projetcs
Director Vimlendu Jha says, “We have been working as non-profitable organization for the betterment of pitiable state of Yamuna in the capital since 10 years. We started with our first campaign, ‘We for Yamuna’, it was an awareness campaign about the dying river. In its early days, in year 2000, we got amazing response from the youth of Delhi. The much better thing was chief minister announced, a 5 days ‘Shramdaan’ a voluntary clean-up drive of river at eight different locations after our initiative.”
What makes Swechha different from other NGOs, “We have three cross cutting core areas- environment and education, youth and civil society and active citizenship that sets us apart from the rest of other NGOs,” adds Vimlendu. In last 10 years Swechha has tied up with 60 leading schools all over India for different environment issues. Vimlendu says, “We are advocating coexistence of both development and environment and that is thing what we are trying to tell the young generation.”
Challenges
“In earlier days when most of us were undergraduate students came together to take a solid action on pitiable condition of Yamuna. We were just amateur activist’s group and didn’t know what to do and how. One day, we were sitting near Dilli Haat and decided to form a youth led group later we finalized the name ‘Swechha’. We did street plays, pamphlet distribution, awareness campaigns and lots of other odd jobs to promote the cause and issue.” Vimlendu recalls. He told that since team of volunteers visiting authorities for assistance, they had to encounter rowdy people.
Plans
Swechha is opposed the encroachments of the Yamuna bank with concrete structures. Now, they are planning to work as pressure group to compel government to formulate policies against encroachment of river. They have also started a volunteer driven community programme called ‘Pagdandi’ that focuses on human contribution to save environment. On world environment day, volunteers organize cyclthon to spread awareness about clean energy and save environment.

Urdu Ghazal For The Modern Age: Lucknow’s ‘Pure’ Poet

By LokMarg

By Vikas Datta 

Urdu Ghazal History

Every poetic tradition has one great exponent, traditionally and popularly embodying and representing its identity and characteristics. Most are historic figures, though relatively new, or revived languages may see those from the recent past or even contemporary times. As vital but considerably less-celebrated or even remembered are those who enable the tradition to survive and flourish by facilitating its transition from its ‘golden age’ to the modern era. Like this Lucknow poet did for Urdu.

Allama Syed Ali Naqi Zaidi past history & Bio-

In his time, Allama Syed Ali Naqi Zaidi “Safi Lakhnavi” (1862-1950) was among the standard-bearers of ‘Dabistan-e-Lakhnau’ (the Lucknow School of Poetry), was termed “Lissan-ul-Qaum”, or the prominent spokesman of the people, and still figures on the syllabus of Urdu literature courses in universities but has virtually disappeared from popular consciousness. It is a sad fate for one who not only enriched Urdu poetry but also took it forward, with one of his most famous couplets well announcing his intention: “Ghazal usne chheri, mujhe saaz dena/Zara umre rafta ko awaz dena”.

Born in a prominent Syed family of Lucknow, Safi was the son of Syed Fazal Husain, who had been a tutor to Prince Suleiman Qader Bahadur, son of Avadh’s penultimate ruler, Nawab Amjad Ali Shah. Educated both in Persian and Arabic, he then went for a modern education in Canning College (later the Lucknow University) and subsequently, worked in the provincial Revenue Department.

Poetry was a leisure activity, but an old and abiding pastime, since he was composing since the age of 13. According to most accounts, he never even had an ‘ustad’ (guide) while some others hold Ali Mian Kamil guided his early attempts but later in life, Safi always disavowed having ever been his ‘shagird’ (protege).

In his own time, Safi however himself had plenty of ‘shagirds’, prominent ones being Mirza Hadi Ruswa (the author of “Umrao Jan Ada”), Mirza Muhammad Hadi “Aziz Lakhnavi” and Nawab Jafar Ali Khan “Asr Lakhnavi”. His prominent works, besides his diwan, are “Aghosh-i-Madar”, and “Tanzeem-ul-Hayat”. As a poet, Safi belongs to Urdu’s ‘Neo-Classical’ tradition and his verse, characterised by the simple, common language he always used, blended tradition and modern sensibilities but was reformist in tenor.

He was adept in all forms of poetry – ‘masnvis’, ‘qasidas’, ‘marsiyas’, ‘qitas’ and ‘ruba’is” – but it is in the realm of ghazals that he became most famous and continues to be held in high regard. And, in the form, he could cover a lot of ground, both old and new, but with his own distinct and innovative approach.

Be it that old staple – coquetry in love and its fateful consequences, he turns them on their head by the unexpected way of narration as in: “Janaza rok kar mera voh is andaaz mein bole/Gali ham ne kahi thi, tum to duniya chore jaate ho”, or maybe: “Meri laash ke sarhane voh khade yeh keh rahe hai/Aesi neendein na aati agar intezar karta”.

He could do the same with the uncertainties or challenges of love: “Ghair ki bazm mein darkaar hai saghir ke liye/Gardishen kam na padhen mere muqaddar ke liye”, the impatience it engenders: “Dekhe baghair haal ye hai iztirab ka/Kya jaane kya ho parda jo uthe naqab ka” or for that matter, its healing power: “Kya poochte ho dard kahan se kahan nahi/Rakha tha tumne haath jahan par vahan nahi”.

But it was not always love for Safi, who could also envisage when sentiments and appearances fade – or even the power of poetic description: “Kal hamne aine mein rukh ki jhurriyan dekha kiye/Karvaan-e-umr-e-rafte ka nishan dekha kiye”, or “Khatam ho jaate jo husn-o-ishq ke naaz-o-ada/Shayri bhi khatam ho jaati nabuwwat ki tarah”. And even in the first stirrings of love, he could also project life’s inevitable and uncomfortable result.

Take the ghazal that begins “Dard-e-aghaz-e-mohabbat ka ab anjaam nahi/Zindagi kya agar maut ka paigham nahi”, and then – in his version of a much-rendered but most-ignored advice, tells us: “Yehi jannat hai jo haasil ho sukun-e-khaatir/Aur dozakh yehi duniya agar aram nahi” and and ends: “Shayar-goi ke liye bas vahi mouzun hai ‘Safi’/Jis ko juz fikr-e-sukhan aur koi kaam nahi”.

He also made his own nature clear in his verse: “‘Safi’ rehte hain jaan-o-dil fida karne pe amada/Magar us vaqt jab insan ko insan dekh lete hai”. His final years didn’t see him lead a very pleasant life, being much disturbed by the attacks on Urdu and the climate of polarisation and hate being created. But he once said: “Hasti ko mita de jo sada mehr-o-wafa mein/Ta hashr voh be nam-o-nishaan ho nahi sakta”, and we must not let his word be untrue.

Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in

Air pollution reducing life expectancy of Chinese

By LokMarg


By Gaurav Sharma

Worsening air pollution has reduced the average life expectancy in China by over two years, said a report released here this week.

The report, launched by the International Energy Agency, also stated that outdoor pollution could be the cause of as many as one million premature deaths while air pollution was claiming a total 1.2 million lives every year in the country.

“Average life expectancy in China is reduced by almost 25 months because of poor air quality,” said the report released on Monday.

The report pointed out that nearly half of China’s population was living in areas where air quality targets were still not met.

It warned that deaths due to outdoor air pollution and household air pollution could soar up to 1.5 million and 1 million, respectively, if air quality does not improve.

“Growth in energy demand has gone hand-in-hand with economic transformation and social development, but there has been a high cost for the environment,” observed the 266-page report.

It lamented that “only 8 of the 74 major Chinese cities that are currently subject to air quality monitoring met the national standard for clean air in 2014”.

Air pollution is one of the biggest problems in China. Unchecked growth of industries and factories over the past two decades has led to massive pollution in the country.

Beijing is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Its neighbouring province Hebei, which accounts for 25 percent of China’s steel production, is heavily polluted.

In 2015, China issued 97,000 administrative orders, shutting down 20,000 polluting plants and recovered $654 billion in fines — an increase of 34 percent over 2014.

IS JAITLEY BEING PUSHED? WHY IS MODI SOFT ON SWAMY

By LokMarg


He then went on to lampoon Jaitely by commenting that Indian leaders dressed in western attire, when they go abroad, looked like ‘waiters’. He made the statement on a day when suit-clad photographs of Jaitely, who was abroad, were published in the newspapers. A fuming Jaitely cut short his China visit and is believed to have met Modi to seek justice.

It is well known that Swamy enjoys proximity to top leadership of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) and the organisation was behind his nomination for the Upper House. That’s why observers are looking at the controversy as a tussle between Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on the one side and the RSS on the other. A similar tussle between RSS and former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was witnessed during his tenure at the top job. Though the BJP and its leaders follow the ideology of the RSS, and in fact have their roots in RSS, there has always been a turf war between the two when the BJP is in power.
Swamy had woven his way close to the RSS leadership by constantly hammering at the political rivals Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Robert Vadra. He had been levelling wild allegations against them. It had suited the RSS and the BJP.
Swamy’s latest attack on Jaitely and his finance ministry was obviously not an isolated or unintended diatribe. It was a well thought out plan intended to provoke Jaitely as well as Modi.
Swamy’s proximity to Nagpur also explains why Modi had been rather mild in his criticism and had refrained from naming him. He merely called the comments as inappropriate and a “publicity stunt”. He added that “anyone who believes he is bigger than the system is wrong” evidently sending a message to Swamy.
He also took his party MP, again without naming him, to task for suggesting that Raghuram Rajan was not patriotic. “Rajan’s patriotism is no less than any of ours…..those who speak such language are doing great injustice to him” he said and declared that he appreciated the contributions made by the outgoing RBI governor. Though the rap to Swamy was considered too mild, it appears to have placated Jaitely and had silenced Swamy for a while but Swamy is not the one to lie low for long. Humiliating people has been his forte. Given his reputation as a rabble rouser he is likely to prove a thorn in the flesh of the Modi Government. Watch this space for more news emanating from him.

RSS has sought to distance itself from the perception that it was backing Swamy on the issue. A senior RSS leader, who declined to be named, told a newspaper (TOI) that “RSS will communicate directly with the government on any issue. We don’t need a proxy for any purpose”.
Swamy tweeted on Wednesday : ” I have said before and saying now : Come hell or high water I stand by Modi. I admire his spine. No foreign power can buckle him” (sic)

FDI reforms welcome but investors need confidence

By IANS India


By Vipin Pubby
The sweeping overhaul of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms across nine key sectors on the heels of the controversial announcement of the departure of charismatic RBI governor Raghuram Rajan has sent out conflicting signals on the economic front. Although the reforms may have been in the works for some time, the timing appears to aim at the damage control as a fallout of Rajan’s exit and contain any adverse impact on investor confidence from his departure.
Modi government has repeatedly proved that it is second to none as far as the perception game is involved. Thus whether it creates a grand event out of Modi’s address at the Madison Square and later in addressing the US Congress or attracts focus of attention when interacting with the Chinese premier or his Pakistan counterpart or even putting India’s stamp on the International Day of Yoga, the government had been striking the right chords at the right time.
The first set of FDI relaxations had come shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had lost the prestigious Bihar elections and these did well to draw the world’s attention away from the humiliating defeat. The second set comes two days after Rajan announced, evidently after getting the signals from the government, that he would not seek extension of his term as had been the norm with his predecessors.
Rajan, a no-nonsense economist, who spoke his mind and took his own decisions, was a thorough professional. There were indications of differences between him and the government on certain key issues. His attempt to clean the banks of bad loans and holding on to high interest rates may have ruffled a few feathers but on the surface the government had been giving him enough elbow room. Some of his comments, like Indian economy compared to one-eyed King in the land of the blind, also drew ire of certain elements. The first indications about his imminent exit came from the maverick Subramanian Swamy, the outspoken Rajya Sabha MP, who demanded his ouster because he was “anti national”. His loss would be felt although there are several other professionals who may prove to be equally and even better than him if given a free hand.
The timing should, however, not take away entirely the significance of the announcement regarding FDI reforms. Perhaps the most direct impact on the consumers in the country would be felt by the relaxations in the retail sector. Though companies with 100 per cent FDI could open single brand stores, there was the clause that made it mandatory for them to source 30 per cent of the merchandise from India. Under the relaxed norms there is no need to disclose sourcing for first three years for products with cutting edge technology. This would enable companies like Apple to open its own signature stores.
Similarly in the food sector FDI in multi-brand food retail was prohibited but now FDI upto 100 per cent would be allowed in retail trading enabling foreign giants like Tesco and Walmart to set up dedicated foot retail stores if the items are made in India.
However, it is the in the sectors of defence, aviation and pharma that major investments are expected. Domestic airlines can now sell cent per cent to foreign investors although the cap of 49 per cent stays on foreign airlines. This could boost competition and services. In defence, the condition of access to state-of-the-art technology has been done away with while in pharma no government approval would be required for upto 74 per cent of FDI with the possibility of a sharp increase in foreign investment in the sector.
The nine key sectors had been relatively laggards in attracting FDI and together accounted for only 11 per cent of the total FDI received by India.
The BJP, when it was in the opposition, had opposed relaxations in norms and had alleged that these were a result of capitulation before the west. Times have now changed and world is a much smaller place. Even the thinking in the Left, which had been opposed to relaxations in FDI, has undergone a change. Though the usual noises over the decisions are expected, the reforms were long due and would open more avenues for foreign investment.
The government has claimed that with these relaxations, India now is “the most open economy in the world” to FDI. Although the government’s first such list of reforms in November 2015 had evoked good response, the economists are preferring to wait for the response from investors especially in view of the ouster of Rajan. The investors would like to look for stability and professionalism in handling economic issues. The appointment of the new RBI governor would be watched with keen interest.
At the same time the government shall have to ensure growth in the employment sector. Unfortunately, there has been no significant improvement in generation of employment opportunities since the Modi government took over. Although the latest relaxation of norms is expected to result in more employment opportunities, much would depend on the kind of response that the MNCs give to the new norms. The country still lags behind in the rankings for ease to do business. For that the government needs to take practical steps to create a hassle free and efficient system of governance which would effectively cut down red tape and hold authorities accountable for their actions and non actions.]]>

KABBADI AS OLYMPICS SPORT

ARE DRUGS HOLDING BACK KABBADI AS OLYMPICS SPORT? – Ranjit Singh

By LokMarg



Kabbadi has come a long way from the villages of Punjab to become an international sport. It is played in several states in India. It is the national sport of Bangladesh  and Nepal.  It is now being played in over fifteen countries. But it is still a long way to become an Olympics game. One of the main reasons is the abuse of drugs by players from the state which often leads on Kabbadi, Punjab.

The Olympics Governing Body has told the Kabbadi lobby that they need to be played with unitary rules in 75 countries before they can be considered for the Olympics. There are attempts to spread the game around the world in order to make a serious bid.

It is enthusiastically played in India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Iran, Korea, Argentina, Canada, U.K, Italy, China, Trinidad and Tobago, and Australia. In UK England, Scotland and Wales have their own teams.

But one of the issues holding back a serious bid to become an Olympics game is the extent of drugs being used in the game. There is apprehension that too many players may fail the strict drugs test to qualify at Olympics. Enthusiasm for the game is sullied by the reputation it has achieved as a drug infested game.

In the last ten years there are numerous examples of doping. In March 2010, 13 members of the Indian national team were dropped because they tested positive to banned drugs. The incident both shocked and shamed the country.

But soon after, in November 2011, BBC reported that 18 out of some 45 players had tested positive to banned drugs at the World Kabbadi tournament. The players were from various countries including the US, Australia, Canada, the UK, Norway, Italy, Argentina, Spain and Germany.

In January 2014, several players from outside India failed to turn up for the annual Kabbadi tournaments. Jagdish Bholla, a cop turned drug lord, had given the names of several players doubling as ‘mules’ who smuggle drugs. These players were put on the watch list, to be arrested as soon they landed in Punjab.
The latest scandal in Kabbadi was Amritpal Singh Matta, a police officer and renowned international player in Kabbadi. He admitted to taking drugs since 2008 but blames the police force, in which he works. He blatantly claims that he started taking drugs from within the police stations. He has been suspended from duty.

These are only some of the reported cases. But when 25% of a team is tested positive for prohibited drugs, the game needs serious cleaning up. And when players are accused of being drug mules, the game naturally comes under the scanner. Its chances of gaining status at the Olympics is almost zero.
Drugs have taken over the lives of Punjabis. They are everywhere. Not only in Punjab, but almost everywhere around the world where Punjabis go, drugs seem to find a foothold. Both the regional and national Government need to come with a comprehensive programme to address them. While drugs have taken many lives in India, their widespread prevalence in the Kabbadi players of India is enough to take strong action to eradicate drugs from South Asia.

THE UGLY KHAP DIKTAT: RAPE ORDER FOR TWO SISTERS..

By LokMarg



It’s horrifying, it’s shameful, it’s ugly! A Khap Panchayat (a village council) of Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh in India recently gave orders to rape of two sisters when their elder brother eloped with a married woman belonging to a higher caste. This unelected village council ordered that a woman, 23, and her sister, 15, should be raped and paraded naked with their faces blackened in the villages.

The Khap reportedly consists of an upper caste male members who belong to rich Zamindar community of the village. The horrifying orders made by the Khap members have come across as a shocked and has evoked severe criticism from the media, social activists and other members of the country. The khap diktat caused global outrage and criticism. The village council has now denied ever giving the orders of rape as a punishment for the sisters.

As soon this decision passed, both sisters and their family, from reported to be from a poor family belonging to a Dalit caste that the village believes to be inferior, fled the village. The family is rumoured to be hiding in New Delhi. In an interview to the Daily Mail UK, one of the sisters named Meenakshi described her plight. “I can’t sleep, I’m very scared. How will we ever return home or to our village? If we ever return they will harm us or rape us. If not today then in the future. Jats never forget and they will not forget this humiliation. They want their revenge,” said Meenakshi, in the interview to Daily Mail.

The Case

This family is living in a secrete place in New Delhi. It all started when the villagers learnt about Ravi Kumar (25), elder brother of the two sisters, being in a relationship with Krishna (21) a girl from Jat community. When families of this couple found this case, they tried their level best to keep the two apart. Relatives asked them to end the relationship as soon possible as they would never be allowed to be together.

Sibling of Ravi, Sumit Kumar (28) who live in Delhi said, “’It’s shameful that people still living in caste system. I am still in shock that the Khap panchayat could be so disgusting. I knew it was going to be bad, I knew our family would be in trouble but I never expected this. The situation is getting worse and I do not see any hope.”

When police asked village council about their order they denied saying, “We have not ordered naked parade order but we are not agreeing with this marriage.”
Amnesty International, whose online petition to save the two women was signed by more than 250,000 people, said they would not withdraw their petition despite the latest developments. “We will continue to push for protection for the family including both sisters. Our concern is their safety and rights.” Amnesty India women’s-rights campaigner Gopika Bakshi said.

In Court Supreme Court of India has ruled that these village councils are illegal and citizens are not bound to follow their decisions. The family has appealed to the Supreme Court for protection and Sumit has written to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Human Rights Commission, Schedule Caste Commission, but, no one has come forward to help him yet.

Police has earlier sent Ravi into prison in case of forceful marriage, but, he was soon freed on bail. “These cases happen often in rural India. After media attention local politicians have come forward but still the family are in danger. But these cases would not happen in this country if the police act appropriately and did their job. The government officials have a duty to stop such atrocities,” said Rahul Tyagi, Ravi’s lawyer. “No one has seen the girl from May 2015, so we are trying to ensure her safety and trying to produce her before the court,” added Ravi

Caste Case

The case has once again confirmed the regressive mindset and casteism prevalent in the rural India. Despite the constitutional changes, several villages are yet to change their mentality. According to the figures presented at the International Dalit Conference in Canada in 2003, nearly 90 per cent of all poor Indians and 95 per cent of all illiterate Indians fall in the community that is considered as backward by the peer villagers.

THE VOICE OF THE FACELESS – Surela Mukherjee

By LokMarg


However, in the aftermath of the tragic Nirbhaya case, acid attack was made a non-bail able offence, with the punishment ranging from ten years in jail up to life imprisonment. But the question remains – did it actually bring relief? There are many laws in the country but the lack of proper and effective implementation is the real problem. Here is a reality check that describes the condition of acid attack victims in India:
A report by Acid Survivors Trust International (London based Charity organization) reveals that there have been 1,500 acid attacks worldwide. These attacks have been done by family members or jilted lovers. The victims report that they are ostracized by the society and the pain that they have to go through can’t be expressed in words. They say that they have to fight the pain physically first and then emotionally and financially.Many are left blind and deaf.

Laxmi, a brave acid attack survivor who volunteers for NGO ‘Stop Acid Attacks’ asks, ‘where is the law?’ Sonali Mukherjee who also works for this NGO was attacked while she was asleep; the acid burned and disfigured her face. Her attackers were released after serving three years in prison. India has no official statistics to show the number of attacks, but to get to hear them often in the media. Which itself is a proof that there is no law to protect women and if any women tries to protect themselves then they will be attacked in the cruelest way possible.

Supreme Court of India passed a law that prohibits the sale of acids unless the seller makes a record of the buyers. According to this law the victims have to be paid $1,400 (Rs 88955.23). The victims should be paid at least third of their compensation within fifteen days of the attack. Here again there is no implementation of the law regarding the sale of acids that are used as household and industrial cleaners, since it is available at throwaway prices and nobody questions the intent of its purchase.

India Real Time (an online digital news portal by Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones) reports that the Supreme Court has given the State authorities a three months deadline to implement the new rules regarding the sale of acids that are used for the attacks.Supreme Court has instructed Indian states and Union territories to issue licenses to the retailers who sell acids. Shops have to keep a record of the buyer’s address and the quantity sold. Photo-identification will be required to purchase acids that will soon be categorized under poison.
Those below 18 years will not be allowed to purchase acids like hydrochloric, sulphuric and nitric acids. These acids burn flesh and are available just at twenty rupees. A register or logbook should be there to control the over the counter sale of acids in the first place. Retailers have to report the amount of acid stocked to the police, if they fail to do so then the undeclared stock will be confiscated and the shop owners will be charged 50,000 rupees. Strict laws and punishments can only prevent the menace of acid attacks.
As per recent reports there are about 35 acid attack victims in Delhi and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken a decision to give them government jobs based on their qualifications and work experience.Those who are visually impaired and face problems to move around  will be hired as per their convenience. The Kejriwal government has instructed the services department to consider the applications by acid attack victim survivors on priority basis. These positions may be permanent or contractual. A committee will be formed to look into their needs. This decision comes as a result of representation by acid attack victims who are looking out for government jobs.

The Supreme Court has also directed private hospitals to provide free of cost treatment to the acid attack victims. The treatment covers costly plastic and corrective surgeries. A social justice bench headed by Madan B. Lokur and U.U Lalit states that hospitals should also provide free medicine, food and other facilities to the acid attack victims.

Alok Dixit, the founder of the NGO ‘Stop Acid Attacks’ said that these new rules shouldn’t be taken as a victory sign unless they are implemented and enforced properly. He is sure that the States and Union Territories will buy more time to control the sale of acids. Then there is corruption which acts as a hindrance to law enforcement in the country. He doubts that government can control acid attacks within three months. However, he welcomes the change in the law that is targeted towards the acid attack victims. In maximum cases women are the victims of acid attacks and the acid is generally thrown on the face to disfigure or maim them. Laxmi who was attacked in 2005 reports that these laws are not implemented since the proposals for attackers to compensate the victim was completely ignored.

There are brave women who despite being attacked don’t feel ashamed to face the society. After all it is not their fault. Another reason why acid attack goes unabated is that most women under these kinds of stress find it difficult to speak for them. It is high time that government comes forward to protect these victims against the remorseless attackers. Such cowardice and heinous crimes can only be curbed by spreading awareness. The Indian government has to understand that the victims are the citizens of the state who enjoy same rights as any other citizen.

MY CROSS DRESSER REALITY: INTERVIEW WITH SONIYA RAO

By LokMarg


A contemporary activists, Soniya Roa, is 34-year-old works as Interior Designer at the post of Project valuation and project leader. She lives a simple life, has gone through miseries in her own life, and has fought the stereotypes and prejudices in the society around her. A Cross Dresser and Gay, herself, she understands the emotional turmoil we individuals go through and is dedicated to eradicate the social inequities in the society.

In pushing against the stereotype and the gender conformity established by society, they become a piece of mockery – in movies and in public. They are denied education, employment and a right to live and are driven to begging and prostitution. The common man insults them or in the most suave cases walks away from them or moves seats in stations, trains, buses and even on the streets. With the great Indian mind set of un-touchability, Cross Dressers are perceived as one amongst them. Even the self-describing “liberal”, “open-minded” educated person wants to “stay away” from the Transfolks. Today she being educated and working at recognised post, she still faces many trauma given in-and-by society.

LokMarg: When and how did your journey as Cross Dresser started?
Soniya: I was 10-year-old when I started loving all things which girls do. I loved wearing dresses and behaved more like a girl. Though I looked like a boy but felt very much like a girl inside. My mannerisms were distinctly feminine and I felt I was more drawn towards “girly” interests and was uncomfortable with boys. As days passed I could figure myself different than my body appearance. It’s been a very emotional journey, I have been raised by my mother, and during my last year of graduation, I confessed her about how I feel but she didn’t accepted me. And I hope one day she will accept me as I am.

LokMarg: How much time did you take for yourself to accept the truth that you feel for same sex?
Soniya: It took me two years to accept the fact….it was not at all easy. Ten years ago there wasn’t so much awareness in India about transgender even among professionals. Moreover, being gay that time was much more of crime or an object to made fun, there were no social media or counselling as such to go and talk about your sexual orientation.

Lokmarg: When was your first public appeal as Cross Dresser? And what reaction you got?
Soniya: During my 12th grade, I met few Transgender (Hijra’s) and with their help, I went out dressed for the first time. Talking about my first experience, it was very bad as people on the street started making fun. They have different image for us, more than human they think we are only for physical use. Since then I realised that my journey might not be so easy in this society where people have limited mind-set. When I confessed to few of my close friends, their reaction was heart-breaking and till today they don’t talk to me.

Lokmarg: What today’s society say?
Soniya: It is sure changing for better in some states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. However, many states of India still are not safe places for transgender people to live. So far, I have got very mixed reactions while some were to heart-touching and behaved sensitive towards me. In some places where I got for make-up or cosmetic shopping, they treat me in much respected manner, while some salesmen they speak in double slang language. Place like Kerala, where it has 100 per cent literacy but has 0 per cent tolerance when it comes to accepting transgender people and allowing them to live a dignified life. India still has a long way to go in recognizing Cross Dresser people’s rights. I believe, it will happen for sure in the coming years.

Lokmarg: What do you want to say about BJP Govt over LGBT rights? Do you hope anything?
Soniya: In the Indian constitution, the fundamental rights under part III are enforceable human rights guaranteed to all citizens of this country, whether men, women or transgender people. We, transgender people, however are discriminated in the society because of our gender identity. Only legal recognition can assure our rights. The state has to come up with policies that protect transgender people and initiate measures to empower us. On that line, I have been sensitizing the judiciary of this country for a better understanding of transgender people’s lives, the issues and problems we face in the society. Talking about BJP, I first hoped for ‘Ache Din’ but by their flip-flop reactions, I have felt the hopes. They never been positive towards LGBT rights.

Lokmarg: What do you think Is the biggest misconception people carry about Cross Dresser/ LGBT community?
Soniya: Most of the people think that being a member of LGBT community is crime, they feel it’s some kind of health or mental issue. I feel there is a need of sensitization programs for lesbian and gay community members. The more we inform and educate one another of our grievances, backgrounds and struggles…the easier it would be to work towards the betterment of sexual minorities as a collective, in this country.

LokMarg: How it feels to hide yourself in public?
Soniya: It gives lot of pain. Imagine the feel of being a blind, it’s the same one from LGBT feels when they are not open.

LokMarg: What would you recommend to all transgender women struggling with gender dysphoria?
Soniya: Be courageous, be with hope, don’t fear, and don’t rush. Most transgender women want to transition immediately. It is a whole new life and an identity. Take counselling and go for surgery only if it is necessary. Don’t take self-medication, consult with doctors, and consult with friends. Most importantly, make sure you have a career and savings for a new life post-surgery. Hold to people who truly love you and be thankful to them.