Who is under threat from the Jihadis!!

Raw Swarup mentions in one of his books that is Islam a religion which was formed in a fevered state of mind or was it begotten in a tranquil setting. And did the subjugated (where they?) people of Arabia had suddenly found a Symbol to enshrine in their banner similar to that of the Cross to fight the Byzantine and Persian rulers. No matter what it spread fairly quickly unlike the religions of the east in India and China which went through years of evolution, metamorphosis even if some of the religion like Shaivism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, Jainism was propounded and expanded by warrior kings and conquerors. This evolution and metamorphosis were more so the result of the meditating rishis, travelling monks, debating hermits and acharyas who helped fine tune the essence of these religions. There were Shaiv's and Vaishnav's who lived under Buddhists kings and same was also true for vice versa. The straw that broke the camel's back was its inability to suddenly counter the torrent of the imperial Islamic conqueror who only knew the way of the sword. And o even centuries it lives in the collective consciousness of today's population about the cloth it can adorn (and which it sometime does)) in today's modern world which can harken it back to the Middle Ages.

The Jihadis and Islamists who are subset of today's Islamic world form a seemingly threat which has constantly questioned whether the democratic society of today can accommodate its medieval principles which don't seem to be quelled even with basic arguments. But are they only a threat to non-Islamic people of our society. It is s a no brainer that majority of the Islamic people would want peace, basic income, work for economic growth, look after their family just like any ordinary person. Music and Movies which may be looked down upon and liable to be banned by mainstream Jihadist mindsets is a proof of the fact that how Islam can embody art and prove a creative progressive outlet for the people at large. But then when something untoward happens why majority of this progressive section of Muslim society is silent barring a few exceptions. In fact, they are the most afraid of the radical elements than anyone else as being a co-religionist they will have to face the wrath of the mullahs and madrasa bred jihadist who may be quick to point out their nonconformity to the practices of the book and be branded anti religion or even slandered with blasphemous comments. In fact, there are Muslim actors who clandestinely or some openly worship Hindu gods but don't talk about it often in public as the same may irk their radical co-religionist. Hence their silence in certain situations where they may feel the urge to speak against but may not because incurring the wrath of a segment is understandable and the society at large should also acknowledge this.

A breakaway thought

Why the ruling dispensation still glorifies MK Gandhi when he is actually an antithesis to their ideology. For long MK Gandhi was the prime idea under which Congress tried to unite India realizing the Nehruvian ideology was in wane Post the 1962 fiasco and more so after 1975. At max he was relegated to second fiddle and also an uncle figure to the future generation of kids which was celebrated on Nov 14. A balancing act was thus required rather an altogether total shift as MK Gandhi's assassination constantly comes into discussion whenever the Sangh folks try to glorify him. The Sangh realizes the anathema of Godse which is like a monkey on their back. So, a total shift from the MK Gandhi is out of question. Hence, they have to rally under a more hardline figure like Sardar Patel and literally make his aura SkyHigh. Future generations will be curious and get attached to the stories of Sardar Patel wresting control of dominions and making one truly Unified India which would then occupy greater bragging rights than the independence itself. But still, you have Oct 2 being celebrated as National holiday, which will make MK Gandhi better remembered. Hence the move towards creating that one unified of Indian culture i.e. Ram. In coming days Ram will occupy much greater significance as a cultural and moral progenitor of our continuing civilization. The civilizational continuity will occupy much greater significance than independence movements as ours is a civilization (maybe barring Judaism) that maybe holds remnants of its purest form despite churning out offshoots like adavaitism, shaivism, vaishnavism, jainism, buddhism, Sikhism among others. And for that someone like Lord Ram could be a guiding beacon. And more so even MK Gandhi had famous last lines 'Hey Ram' when he was felled by the assassins bullet.

Cognitive diversity in countries

 Cognitive diversity in organizations is stated as key for success. A project containing a Project Manager from South India, an engineer from East India, a Salesman from North india and similar will do much better than having people from one stated or province working in a project. 

There is laso case in the point of cicket teams of Inda and Pakistan / Sri Lnaka/ Bnagladesh all get brackedted ina a monchromaic hue of either a Punjab-Patha or Sinhalese or Bengali

The analogy of alloys like brass and their varying compositions can indeed be applied to nations with diverse religious and demographic populations in the context of achieving stability and harmony. Just as the properties of brass change with the composition of its constituent metals, the stability and functionality of a nation can be influenced by the diversity and balance of its population. Here’s how this analogy can be applied:

1. Diversity as Strength:

   • Alloys: A balanced composition of metals like copper and zinc in brass can enhance desirable properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, and workability.
   • Nations: A balanced diversity of religious and demographic groups can strengthen a society by bringing in a wide range of perspectives, skills, and cultural practices. This diversity can enhance innovation, resilience, and problem-solving capabilities.

2. Excessive Concentration:

   • Alloys: If the zinc content in brass exceeds a certain percentage, the alloy may become more brittle and lose some of its desirable properties.
   • Nations: If one group becomes overwhelmingly dominant to the exclusion or marginalization of others, it can lead to social instability, discrimination, and conflict. Balance and inclusivity are crucial for maintaining social cohesion.

3. Integration and Interaction:

   • Alloys: The interaction between copper and zinc atoms in brass creates a material with unique properties that neither metal possesses on its own.
   • Nations: The integration and positive interaction between different religious and demographic groups can create a rich, dynamic culture and a more robust and adaptable society. Policies that promote inclusion, equity, and mutual respect are essential for harnessing the benefits of diversity.

4. Adaptation to Changing Conditions:

   • Alloys: Different compositions of brass can be tailored for specific applications, showing how adaptability is key to functionality.
   • Nations: Societies that are adaptable and can accommodate changing demographics, economic conditions, and social dynamics are more likely to thrive. This involves flexible governance, inclusive policies, and active efforts to address the needs and concerns of all groups.

5. Challenges and Maintenance:

   • Alloys: Maintaining the right composition and processing conditions is crucial to ensure the desired properties of brass.
   • Nations: Similarly, maintaining social harmony in a diverse nation requires ongoing effort, including dialogue, conflict resolution mechanisms, and policies that promote fairness and justice. Addressing grievances and ensuring that all groups feel valued and heard is essential.

In summary, just as the properties of brass depend on a balanced and well-integrated composition of metals, the stability and prosperity of a nation depend on how well it manages and integrates its diverse religious and demographic populations. Emphasizing inclusivity, equity, and mutual respect can lead to a stronger, more cohesive society

Software System Designs

 Always feel pushed by Software being at fault whenever there is an issue with the Application. Enterprises have to realize that software and software ecosystem have emergent properties which get reflected in time due to increasing interactions of software, hardware and usage and other operational aspects. Nothing can be fixated to software alone.

What we should project

My boss at Charlie company, asked me to share a storyline for a possible investor/Aquisition pitch. His idea was more for projecting what the company can do. I used the CV-SHV (Customer Value, Shareholder value matrix used in our ISB BMI course). He felt it was too drab and MBA Ish and very well so.

Somehow, it's a plain simple story line which you want to project. It was just one client engagement weaved into a story. You start the company with these 3 people. You get a consulting project for Digital transformation for 2 months. Slowly you exhibit value, and the project expands from 3 to 7 to 20. You add new accounts within the client. In that process you also build technical muscle. There are also those small interactions which happen which lead from one to another e.g. the B2B was shot in the dark, would have happened if were not in Mobility. Also, the way contracts are designed. Sometimes embedding one word makes a difference. But then there is also the market base assets. The client has seen you and knows you that if you are around, you are adding value. It can happen if you are invested in one client. 

Then once you have built the tech capabilities you know which the capabilities are to be productized. You productize those capabilities. But the story is all about how one leads to the other. e.g. LWP at alpha, then CDP type at Tango1 , then CDP engagement at Tango 2 with finally a CDP deployment, white labeled DMP in alpha2.

Why we were defensive ?

Indian empires throughout the ancient and medieval ages were fiercely territorial. And when I say this, I am not talking about the Indo-Greeks, Sakas, Kushans or the early Islamic invaders. They were not inherently Indian and were in fact aggressors on our land which was foreign to them.

To have an expansionary strategy needs to have the will power of the empire, desire of the rulers, a compelling reason which necessitates the development of an aggressive outlook. The Islamic horde came from the Central Asia which was a region of constant strife due to scarcity of resources. This compelled likes of Ghurid , Ghaznavid and later even Babar to look towards India to conquer it for its abundant resources and wealth. The later set up the Mughal empire which ruled India for about 200 years. 

But the fact remains why none of the empires which established in India like the Maurya's, Guptas and later the Mughals did not opt for an expansionary strategy like the European empires. The fact of the matter remains that they were well entrenched in Mutiple aspects. The most important aspect is the subcontinents Geography. There were sea and ocean on the three sides, Himalayas to the North to Northeast. Though there was the Khyber Pass through which the invaders descended in the Northwest. Yet it became absorbed once Mughals established their hegemony with the Baloch areas and Western Afghanistan becoming buffer areas between the Persian empire and the Mughals. This Geography forced the rulers to be less expansive in their approach. But yet, even European empires had to cover oceans to reach new shores like the Spanish Empire did to the Americas. So next comes the point that there enough resources to be satisfied with. India was already an export driven economy for a long time. There was abundance of natural resources and food as well. Also, the local empires were busy organizing their feudatories and vassals within the Indian Geographic realm to keep the supply lines and trade revenue intact. There was enough to focus on home than to look outside. Even the navies of Marathas were mostly coastal navies who were there to keep check on the pirates looting the ships in the coastal areas.

But yet there have been instances in the past when we had to adopt and expansionary shift. Cholas raided the Southeast Asian ports of hostile Sri Vijayan empire to establish and secure their supply routes to China. This was not a colonial ambition and was purely for economic reasons. It's no wonder that we had healthy trade relations with the rulers there which is pretty much visible in the cultural sphere even today. 

We could have been very well aggressive or offensive by choice, but the unique mix of factors allowed the various Indian rulers adopt a mindset which was pretty much in sync with securing and growing what was already there. Even come to think of it, Mughals who were contemporary of Ottomans in Turkey never felt the need to colonize Africa or push their Armies through Burma and Southeast Asia or adopt a Naval strategy to look for new colonies.

If Islam - Christianity has problem then so has Hindusim

Yes Hinduism does have problem. It has a problem in positioning itself. Hinduism is construct which was given represent people of this land who were of Non Abrahamic faith. Jainism , Sikhism , Buddhism were fuether classifications done in addition to Hinduism. 

So it thus became a religion in the same class as Islam and Christianity and Judaism. 

But why adhere to this construct which came from the West ( Yes Arabia is to the west of our country) . Sanatan Dharma which has become more prominent in todays time is something which Hindus today try to refer to when talking about Hinduism and its Non religious nature. If all the talks of religion and devotion can be assimilated together. then best way to look at thia will be in form of the pyramid with Sanata Dharm on top of it. 

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If there is any issue in Hindu society e.g. caste discrimantion there are n number of liberals or individuals who will go to all extent (even ignoring the facts or not applying juresprudence) to support the victim. Do we have an equivalent in the Islamic society. Zilch ? Even triple talaq was movement mostly championed by Right Wing Hindus. Is there any moderate face in Islam who is willing to campaign against Madrassa ayatem. Zilch. We can also take case of Nupur Sharma. If we accept that she apologies for whatever she said (or whatever tone she said), then why she needs to move with 24 hrs security. The moderates in Islam may say that she need not move with security and its her or states choice to provide her the secruity. If indeed there are such voices then what is the gaurantee that she will be able to raom freely when mere people who shared her post were killed mercilessly .