The story throws up interesting questions. Firstly, why should angels meddle in the affairs of humans? If we assume that angels do exist and that they have supernatural powers, are they supposed to exercise those powers in pursuit of what they consider to be good and correct behaviour? Are people to be punished for every misdemeanor and rewarded for every good deed done?
In the instant story, why have the angels taken offence to not being treated well by a rich man? Could not the family have been having a bad day? Were they inherently evil? Do you punish every person likewise or do you leave it to the whims and fancies of passing angels?
I personally think the actions of the angels were rather strange. By hiding the gold, the rich man lost nothing. As he was not aware of the hidden gold, its theoretical loss is of no concern. But more importantly, it was the supposedly good poor man who was hit hardest for doing good. Why was his cow killed in lieu of his wife? Why not a stray dog or mouse? And what prevented the angel from shifting the gold from the rich man’s basement to the poor man’s hut? The tale is a lot of poppycock, if you ask me.
Perhaps this is an attempt to keep the poor in their place by insinuating that their lot has been pre ordained. An old Christian Hymn brings this out rather forcefully… ( From the Hymn ‘All things Bright and Beautiful’).
The rich man in his castle
The poor man at his gate
He made them high and lowly
Each to his own estate.
It serves the interest of certain classes to see that the current social order is perpetuated, much like the caste system in India. But things will change, despite the attempts by some to rope in the angels on their side. And yes, things aren’t always what they seem.
Two traveling angels
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, 'Things aren't always what they seem.'
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night’s rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.
'Things aren't always what they seem,' the older angel replied. 'When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall... Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead.
Things aren’t always what they seem.' [][]
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Callous Times of India
I append below an interesting mail I received from one of my friends. I am quite inured to the insensitivity shown by the press and others on some of the issues which are important to the Armed Forces. However, this issue shows utter callousness on the part of the Times of India. Headlining a war memorial ceremony as “Blowing Your Trumpet’, is an insult not only to the Armed Forces but to the people of this country. I wonder how the concerned editors allowed this to go through. And if it was a genuine mistake, why is the paper so chary of publishing an apology? While the incident took place a few months ago, I think it needs to be highlighted. Knowledge is a weapon too.
To,
The Editor
The Times of India (Delhi Edition)
Sir,
The Times of India on July 6, 2009 carried a photograph of Indian Army band performing at Drass War Memorial to mark ten years of the capture of Tiger Hill by the Indian Army during Kargil War. This ceremony like any other function of similar nature reminds the countrymen of the supreme sacrifices made and hardships undergone by the soldiers who fought in a particular battle or operation. It is a very
solemn occasion evocative of the unrivalled gallantry, patriotism, professional competence, discipline and spirit of comradeship displayed by the officers and jawans of the Armed Forces while defending the country's borders, its integrity, honour and pride. It epitomises the ultimate in commitment and sense of duty.
However, the words "BLOWING THEIR TRUMPET" in red block capitals under the photograph of the Army band performing at the War Memorial trivialises the ceremony--it is morbidly derisive, demonically insensitive and insidiously mocking. Overall, in a very bad taste.
Use of such a phrase on your part has greatly disturbed and anguished the serving military personnel and lakhs of veterans. There are many amongst us who have lost a near and dear one, a friend, a colleague, a relation or an acquaintance in the Kargil War. (The country too has lost gallant heroes who will never come back home.) Many veterans, their comrades-in- arms and others have sent letters to you to protest against the utter insensitivity and callousness shown by The Times of India towards the Armed Forces personnel of the country.
In this context particular mention may be made of the letter (copy appended below) sent to you by Lt Gen S K Bahri on July 6. However, this letter too like many others has not been carried in The Times of India. One wonders why. This in spite of the fact that the letter eminently meets all the parameters: it is well written, cogent, concise, polite and specifically relates to the material published in your newspaper.
In The Times of India, there has been continued and consistent black-out of events/news highlighting the legitimate achievements of the Armed Forces or presenting their version of the story even as you go out of the way to display in bold capital headlines any real or perceived omissions or errors on their part. We frequently come across write-ups, cartoons etc. in a manner calculated to ridicule the military personnel or project them in a dubious light.
Be it Army/Navy/Air Force Day or a military exercise/show/ celebration; an ex-Servicemen' s rally or relief/assistance rendered during man-made/natural calamity; President of India's visit/address to the Armed Forces officers/jawans or a Passing out Parade in any of the Defence academies; India's Vice-President' s unveiling of a martyr's statue or Defence Investiture Ceremony presided over by the President of India in Delhi; presentation of colours to a unit or any of the Chiefs' press conference-- these events and many others are mostly ignored by The Times of India.
(Some of the above-mentioned instances have been brought to your notice from time to time over the past three-and-a- half years and would be available in your archives. Should you, however, so desire we can send copies of these communications to you again for your ready reference.) Your browser may not
support display of this image.
All this in spite of the fact that a statement has duly been made on your behalf that your newspaper (to quote the exact words) "has always kept the armed forces in high esteem and has always highlighted the gallantry work of our soldiers with pride ... has great deal of respect for the Armed forces of the country ... has always respected and saluted the spirit and sacrifice of armed forces for our country ... "
What a sham!
We can go on and on ... but we must stop here for now. Just a thing or two before we sign off:
Sitting in an ivory tower, Sir, you keep on pontifically advising every Tom,Dick and Harry--also every Jane, Jennifer and Josephine--about what to do and what not to do. Only day before you had in an editorial advised the political class in India "to take a cue" from the President of another country for solving problems. Wow!
Collaterally, may we also make bold, Sir, to suggest to you to look inwards and "take a cue" from the media in other countries. But then if you do so, how will your newspaper be able to accommodate a host of sex-related stories, scandals, errant behaviour and nude photographs as is the recurring feature at present?
It is nauseating to see certain pictures and stories in your newspaper. It happens routinely. Even yesterday, on the front page there is the "enlightening" story and sketch of a woman who had got stone-drunk at a party ... not knowing what happened to her subsequently ... then taking pills ... and bleeding in spite of them ... going and seeing the doctor ...
Shucks!
How remarkable a scenario and how superb the performance of the lady! But, above all, the credit for making this incident unique and blown out of all proportions should go to you and you alone. There are "juicy" anecdotes galore of this nature along with candid pictures from other countries, especially from the West, reported almost daily in The Times of India. Your browser may not support display of this image.
Yet, there is no space for a letter from a Lt General, a very respected and senior veteran of Indian Army, in your newspaper!
How shameful! What a servile mindset is being displayed by The Times of India!! Are we a vassal state?
Perhaps there are more serious issues involved here than considerations of just space or money. Right?
And look at the space--half a page and more--the reputed newspapers abroad allot for readers' views. That is real active democracy about which you never tire of lecturing others from rooftops but feel most diffident and chary to adhere to yourself in spite of your periodic hypes and campaigns and claims of largest circulation of English newspapers in the world. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, Sir.
In case it is found not feasible for you to carry Lt Gen S K Bahri's letter in The Times of India and/or offer an apology during the next few days, we the veterans, our comrades-in- arms and others may, in our discretion, consider taking recourse to a line of action as deemed appropriate for redress of the deep hurt caused, injustice done and insult inflicted on the Armed Forces fraternity and citizens at large because of the abrasive uncalled-for comments made by your newspaper in contravention of the laid down norms of journalistic ethics and propriety.
Why are you feeling so jittery, Sir? Is the armour of your reputation and high-profile status so fragile? Why are you so miserably lacking in confidence and courage, unable to confront an odd--and justifiable- -barb from a short solitary letter from one of your readers? Your helplessness is as pitiable as it is perplexing!
Lastly, a word of advice, caution or request--call it whatever you will: Please desist from denigrating or caricaturing Armed Forces and their personnel, serving or retired. It does not behove you--and we do not like it.
Do give us a chance to continue respecting you.
Warm regards. And, have a nice day, Sir....
Sincerely,
SC Kapoor
Wing Commander (retd)
E-145, Sector 21
Noida-201 301
Mob: 9810515424
From: Satish Kumar Bahri
Subject: BLOWING THEIR TRUMPET
To: "Times Of India"
Date: Monday, 6 July, 2009, 9:24 AM
Dear Sir,
I refer to the distasteful caption given to a photograph of Army bagpipers playing at the Drass War Memorial on the 10th anniversary of the Kargil war. I believe your caption writer either is bereft of any knowledge of the English language or does not know the difference between a War Memorial or his elbow. Would request an apology be published post haste clarifying the meaning of "Blowing Their Trumpet" and homage being paid at a War Memorial which commemorates the heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the Nation. I would also like Capital letters to be used when you refer to a specific monument like the Drass War Memorial. Good English you know.......
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India
Tele +91 11 26102171, Mob +91 981000 2800
To,
The Editor
The Times of India (Delhi Edition)
Sir,
The Times of India on July 6, 2009 carried a photograph of Indian Army band performing at Drass War Memorial to mark ten years of the capture of Tiger Hill by the Indian Army during Kargil War. This ceremony like any other function of similar nature reminds the countrymen of the supreme sacrifices made and hardships undergone by the soldiers who fought in a particular battle or operation. It is a very
solemn occasion evocative of the unrivalled gallantry, patriotism, professional competence, discipline and spirit of comradeship displayed by the officers and jawans of the Armed Forces while defending the country's borders, its integrity, honour and pride. It epitomises the ultimate in commitment and sense of duty.
However, the words "BLOWING THEIR TRUMPET" in red block capitals under the photograph of the Army band performing at the War Memorial trivialises the ceremony--it is morbidly derisive, demonically insensitive and insidiously mocking. Overall, in a very bad taste.
Use of such a phrase on your part has greatly disturbed and anguished the serving military personnel and lakhs of veterans. There are many amongst us who have lost a near and dear one, a friend, a colleague, a relation or an acquaintance in the Kargil War. (The country too has lost gallant heroes who will never come back home.) Many veterans, their comrades-in- arms and others have sent letters to you to protest against the utter insensitivity and callousness shown by The Times of India towards the Armed Forces personnel of the country.
In this context particular mention may be made of the letter (copy appended below) sent to you by Lt Gen S K Bahri on July 6. However, this letter too like many others has not been carried in The Times of India. One wonders why. This in spite of the fact that the letter eminently meets all the parameters: it is well written, cogent, concise, polite and specifically relates to the material published in your newspaper.
In The Times of India, there has been continued and consistent black-out of events/news highlighting the legitimate achievements of the Armed Forces or presenting their version of the story even as you go out of the way to display in bold capital headlines any real or perceived omissions or errors on their part. We frequently come across write-ups, cartoons etc. in a manner calculated to ridicule the military personnel or project them in a dubious light.
Be it Army/Navy/Air Force Day or a military exercise/show/ celebration; an ex-Servicemen' s rally or relief/assistance rendered during man-made/natural calamity; President of India's visit/address to the Armed Forces officers/jawans or a Passing out Parade in any of the Defence academies; India's Vice-President' s unveiling of a martyr's statue or Defence Investiture Ceremony presided over by the President of India in Delhi; presentation of colours to a unit or any of the Chiefs' press conference-- these events and many others are mostly ignored by The Times of India.
(Some of the above-mentioned instances have been brought to your notice from time to time over the past three-and-a- half years and would be available in your archives. Should you, however, so desire we can send copies of these communications to you again for your ready reference.) Your browser may not
support display of this image.
All this in spite of the fact that a statement has duly been made on your behalf that your newspaper (to quote the exact words) "has always kept the armed forces in high esteem and has always highlighted the gallantry work of our soldiers with pride ... has great deal of respect for the Armed forces of the country ... has always respected and saluted the spirit and sacrifice of armed forces for our country ... "
What a sham!
We can go on and on ... but we must stop here for now. Just a thing or two before we sign off:
Sitting in an ivory tower, Sir, you keep on pontifically advising every Tom,Dick and Harry--also every Jane, Jennifer and Josephine--about what to do and what not to do. Only day before you had in an editorial advised the political class in India "to take a cue" from the President of another country for solving problems. Wow!
Collaterally, may we also make bold, Sir, to suggest to you to look inwards and "take a cue" from the media in other countries. But then if you do so, how will your newspaper be able to accommodate a host of sex-related stories, scandals, errant behaviour and nude photographs as is the recurring feature at present?
It is nauseating to see certain pictures and stories in your newspaper. It happens routinely. Even yesterday, on the front page there is the "enlightening" story and sketch of a woman who had got stone-drunk at a party ... not knowing what happened to her subsequently ... then taking pills ... and bleeding in spite of them ... going and seeing the doctor ...
Shucks!
How remarkable a scenario and how superb the performance of the lady! But, above all, the credit for making this incident unique and blown out of all proportions should go to you and you alone. There are "juicy" anecdotes galore of this nature along with candid pictures from other countries, especially from the West, reported almost daily in The Times of India. Your browser may not support display of this image.
Yet, there is no space for a letter from a Lt General, a very respected and senior veteran of Indian Army, in your newspaper!
How shameful! What a servile mindset is being displayed by The Times of India!! Are we a vassal state?
Perhaps there are more serious issues involved here than considerations of just space or money. Right?
And look at the space--half a page and more--the reputed newspapers abroad allot for readers' views. That is real active democracy about which you never tire of lecturing others from rooftops but feel most diffident and chary to adhere to yourself in spite of your periodic hypes and campaigns and claims of largest circulation of English newspapers in the world. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, Sir.
In case it is found not feasible for you to carry Lt Gen S K Bahri's letter in The Times of India and/or offer an apology during the next few days, we the veterans, our comrades-in- arms and others may, in our discretion, consider taking recourse to a line of action as deemed appropriate for redress of the deep hurt caused, injustice done and insult inflicted on the Armed Forces fraternity and citizens at large because of the abrasive uncalled-for comments made by your newspaper in contravention of the laid down norms of journalistic ethics and propriety.
Why are you feeling so jittery, Sir? Is the armour of your reputation and high-profile status so fragile? Why are you so miserably lacking in confidence and courage, unable to confront an odd--and justifiable- -barb from a short solitary letter from one of your readers? Your helplessness is as pitiable as it is perplexing!
Lastly, a word of advice, caution or request--call it whatever you will: Please desist from denigrating or caricaturing Armed Forces and their personnel, serving or retired. It does not behove you--and we do not like it.
Do give us a chance to continue respecting you.
Warm regards. And, have a nice day, Sir....
Sincerely,
SC Kapoor
Wing Commander (retd)
E-145, Sector 21
Noida-201 301
Mob: 9810515424
From: Satish Kumar Bahri
Subject: BLOWING THEIR TRUMPET
To: "Times Of India"
Date: Monday, 6 July, 2009, 9:24 AM
Dear Sir,
I refer to the distasteful caption given to a photograph of Army bagpipers playing at the Drass War Memorial on the 10th anniversary of the Kargil war. I believe your caption writer either is bereft of any knowledge of the English language or does not know the difference between a War Memorial or his elbow. Would request an apology be published post haste clarifying the meaning of "Blowing Their Trumpet" and homage being paid at a War Memorial which commemorates the heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the Nation. I would also like Capital letters to be used when you refer to a specific monument like the Drass War Memorial. Good English you know.......
Satish
Lt Gen SK Bahri (Retd)
E 403 Som Vihar Apts, RK Puram
New Delhi 110022 - India
Tele +91 11 26102171, Mob +91 981000 2800
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