Political bickering in Varanasi

                                                               I asked a holy-man one night,
                                                               (who was a kaaldarshi)  
                                                               this land is in a sorry state
                                                               goodness and virtues left the land
                                                              father fights son , brother fights brother
                                                             unity and harmony are nowhere
                                                              Kaliyuga is on rampant 
                                                             why then qayamat is not occurring
                                                             who is preventing qayamat's final blow
                                                             holy-man pointed towards Kashi (Varanasi)
                                                             and said with a smile,
                                                            the divine painter does not wnat
                                                             his most beautiful creation destroyed
                                                            Kashi (Varanasi) enriches the humanity with
                                                             its colour and liveliness
                                                          ( Mirza Ghalib in Masnavi Chiragh- i- Dair- Temple Lamps)
                                                          
                                                             Even if great Ghalib had not penned these eulogy of Kashi (Varanasi) we Banarasis know by conviction and experience that our city is the cause of the creation and if the creation still survives it is because of this land. 
                                                          But in these days, in the midst of election fever the Banarasiness  is experiencing severe strains. The city appears to be , literally, a battleground, where all types of methods are being used to score a political point.  Arvind Kejriwal, an outsider, cautioning the people against another outsider , Narendra Modi. Argument is that if nation is to be saved then Modi should be defeated here. Modi supporters were retaliating with words and muscle power. Wherever Kejriwal goes, Modi supporters are there to jeer him. And it often results in Police intervention.
                                                      Paid or unpaid workers ,in large numbers , have landed in Varanasi from outside, specially from Delhi. Their presence is not being criticised but, certainly, it is creating problem. Local workers of different parties know each other by face and know how to interact. Outsiders behave like an adviser .
                                                     Controversial Aap leader Somnath Bharati was physically assaulted in Assi locality last week and an FIR was registered against Professor Kaushal Kishore Mishra, Head Of the Department , Banaras Hindu University and some BJP workers. Prof. Mishra said he and Mr Bharati were taking part in a TV debate when Aap leader used objectionable language against Narendra Modi. Aap leader denies the allegation.
                                                 Banarasis would all be happy that outsiders, candidates and their supporters, shall  leave the city at the earliest. We don't need saviour of the city , The city is in fact saviour of the universe. Don't vitiate the atmosphere.



                                                              
                                                          
                                                             
                                                        

                                                          

                     Broom Caps Hit the Street and In Strength

Varanasi April 27. Lull is broken and broom caps hit the street and in strength. 60 hours after Narendra Modi's road show Arvind Kejriwal demonstrated his determination and zeal to take on BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate. And the venue was most appropriate- the Lanka locality, near Banaras Hindu University.

                            About 10 thousand  strong and attentive crowd cheered Kejriwal intermittently  though there was also jeer shouts of Modi, Modi from a short distance. BHU students, young boys and girls, were part of the crowd and left the venue only after listening  farewell slogan of Bharat Nata Ki Jai.

                            I heard two students standing nearby. One broom capped asked his friend about elections- reply was Agli Baar Modi Sarkar. The sentiments of youths are divided in such a way that Kejriwal himself get amused when he read a question sent by an audience. Aap leader reading the chit said with a smile- one Vijay Sonkar says that he is a Modi supporter; who he should vote for? Aap leader said he had put his case before the people, now do what ever your conscious tells you.    

                           It is still a hazy scenario in Varanasi; as Kejriwal moves in Muslim localities, people are appeared inclined towards his narratives. Muslims appreciate Kejriwal's frontal attack  on Modi, who is still a nightmare for minority community. Polarization of Muslims in favour of Kejriwal will drastically change the election calculations; it will fetch about 100000 + votes to Kejriwal, enough to challenge formidable Modi. Modi is still a favourite but it will not be a walk over as road show analysts are predicting.

 Narendra Modi's Ganga Jamuni Tehjeeb : An Unexplained  Rhetoric 

Varanasi April 26. Narendra Modi boast of his home work and research. So,  supporters and detractors alike, curious to know what did he mean when he said in the holy city , that he swear by Ganga Jamuni Tehjeeb  (GJT) of the country.

                            For many decades, and even in this election debates, GJT remains a catch word for Indian intelligentsia, specially the liberal secular warriors. For Sangh Parivar GJT is an anathema as the Parivar believes in Hindu culture. One wonders whether Modi did a proper research or home work before uttering these words.

                        A lady reporter was struggling with words to translate GJT  in English. I helped her suggesting Composite culture of the country. The Hindu reporter missing the meaning by miles,  used word etiquette while Times of India was nearer to meaning chose, communal harmony.

                       Sangh Parivar's guiding light, M. S. Golwalkar (Guruji), who was product of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) , dealt with the question in following manner :- Answering the question, “May not the development of Hindu culture hinder the evolution of a composite culture?” Guruji said, “It need not. Firstly, a composite culture, if any, cannot grow on weak and deficient constituents. Secondly, the basic culture of the country, while absorbing elements of other cultures, retains its identity and name.” ( S Gurumurthy )
                       Times of India , in its editorial, commented on  Modi's Ganga Jamuni Tehjeeb thesis - " Victory in Varanasi is imperative for the narrative that Modi will uphold a syncretic Hindu heritage. Hopefully, this can trump hate-mongering HIndutva in BJP's identity."
                      As one understands  the phrase,  Ganga stands for Hindus and Jamuna (Yamuna) for Muslims and confluence of these two religious/ cultural traditions results into GJT. And this syncretic culture is in consonance with the Mainstream of the Indian nation, as envisioned by national leaders. But the Mainstream calls for   common rules and standards for all the citizens  and this is not acceptable to certain groups.

         Lull in Varanasi : Nrendra Modi's Road Show Effect

Varanasi April 26. Suddenly there is lull in the holy city, hopefully temporarily. Nrendra Modi's road show unnerved and unsettled many. In the last 36 hours the show is being debated more in Delhi than in Varanasi. Certainly the Varanasi event was the most significant happening of  2014 Lok Sabha elections. Why? why show of strength by a political party in a single constituency should effect the entire country? This shows power and magic of Varanasi- as the  mover and shaker of the country.

                                                                      In 19th and 20th century , to mention only recent centuries, the city led the Indian renaissance, the city was virtually birthplace of Theosophical Society and Orientalism. Annie Besant and Madan Mohan Malaviya were instrumental in development of national education in the country through Central Hindu School (1898) and Banaras Hindu Univercity (1916). Annie Besant later guided national politics for about 20 years and Mahamana played important role in preventing the derailment of national movement.

                                                                     After a gap of several decades Varanasi is about to regain the pivotal role of shaping a new India as a world power , materially and spiritually. Presence of Modi and Kejriwal in the election fray only testifies this reality.And there is something non human element in all these development. Modi and Kejriwal both saying that they are the chosen ones. And the chosen ones chose Varanasi to fulfill God given task.

                                                                    Coming back to profane, the city appears t in mood of relaxation. Road show's tiredness , and for some, its after-shocks, took a toll. Modi's rivals are taking stock of the situation afresh -resetting their strategies. In next few days it will become clear  who will have an upper hand and establish himself as a  main challenger to Modi. Modi in the meantime is touring all over the country, to be in the city only in the last leg of elections- perhaps in early May. By that time Kejriwal and Congress candidate Ajay Rai will have to demonstrate before the voters- who is formidable enough to take on Modi.

 

Modi in Kashi : Unprecedented; awesome and yes, intimidating 

Vatanasi April 24. Seeing is not believing. The scene witnessed in the holy city today is really historic and unprecedented .Nrendra Modi would  not have seen such a crowd or jajba if his whole months' long campaign.Lord Shiva might have opened third eye, not to incinerate but to bless this new arrival.

                                    Enthusiasm touching frenzy has also an element of intimidation. It  resembles Ayodhya movement but at that time there was no individual to be supported and appeal was all religious/communal.

                                   The crowd surpassed the numbers seen in any past political gathering.At the height of his political career even Atal Bihari Vajpayee could not able to gather such a support. From southern end     ( Banaras Hindu University) to northern end (district headquarter) the city was on its toes to welcome a political aspirant. The city was flooded with the posters " Modi Aane Wala Hai". The slogan was intriguing; was it a simple information, a welcome note or a  warning. When he really arrived and left, same intriguing persisted. 

                                  The election outcome is all clear but two newly initiated ganas of Shiva, Modi and Kejriwalare are all set to engage in many duels in future. The city today saw opponents of Modi being       un-capped.but one thing is certain that Kejriwal is not here to be intimidated.Shiva, perhaps, is entrusting Modi a task and if he fails then the other gana is always there to carry out the same. 

                                 

Will Varanasi elect a Ronald Reagan or a Vladimir Putin ?

Varanasi, April 22. Will Varanasi elect a Ronald Reagan, committed to free market mayhem or iron fisted Vladimir Putin from " God's Own Constituency ". 

                            High priests of American think tanks and some political analysts are speculating. But Banarasis are empty headed of intellectual garbage and they have little knowledge or interest in Reagan or Putin.So, if  you will ask them about Reagan or Putin, dismissive answer will be " hoyi kehu".

                           Actually Banarasis have in hand more important leaders than Reagan or Putin. Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal both in a way  are potential Banarasis. They only need some training and refinement to be fully initiated in Banarasiness. A cursory look on history of the holy city would reveal that Banarasi psyche favours both the candidates- Modi and Kejriwal. The jham was only created by these outsiders posing a dilemma for Banarasis to choose one of them. 

                          Varanasi is holiest city of Hindus and survived the barbaric assaults of foreign invaders and hostile political establishment of Delhi over the centuries. In 10th or 11th century , the city was the prime pilgrimage centre and seat of learning;a thousand years later in 20th or 21st century, it is still true. The survival  instinct and phoenix character of the city is unique. 

                        At the same time Varanasi is egalitarian in metaphysical and temporal terms. Advaitin spirit is very deep rooted in Banarasis which enabled them to overcome brahmin- chandal, rich-poor and learned-illiterate duality. Varanasi is the birthplace of public protests.

                       First characteristic favours Modi and the other Kejriwal. In a sense both characteristics favour almost equally,both the candidates.

                       Even Kejriwal might not be aware that " jhaadu Movement" took place in year1790 in city. The (anti) sanitation movement erupted in the city when British officials introduced a "novelty" of public latrines prohibiting defecation in open places. Despite all the homilies of civilized world and Vidya Balan's campaign." jahan soch hai, vahan shauchalaya hai" Banrasis still not ready to give up their right to answer call of nature in the way which ever they like, preferably across the Ganga.

                     In sanitation movement citizens launched a massive protest with total closure of bazaars. British officer Jonathan Duncan tried to impress upon the people that the step is for public health . The citizens' objection was that it is none of the business of government to decide where to defecate. Latrines might be more convenient for womenfolk but for men any prohibition was uncalled for. Later the protest was called off; perhaps a middle way was worked out that people will gradually adapt to latrines and a ban on defecation in open will not be enforced strictly.

                   Banarasis will not argue with Vidya Balan about , " jahan soch, vahan shauchalaya" philosophy but they will certainly not allow any authority to determine their way of life. They also believe that Soch is in Varanasi while elsewhere it is only Shauchalaya. A few decades later the city witness historic House Tax movement in 1810-12, almost 200 years ago before the Anna Hazare's Jantar Mantar satyagraha. It was well recorded by Gandhian historian Dharmapal as first public protest in the world.

                  Survival in hostile environment and defiance are well ingrained in the Banarasi character and psyche.In a way both Modi and Kejriwal match this character and psyche. And these two human phenomenons are far more important to Banarasis than Reagan or Putin. ( continued)

Foreign Diplomats Land in God's Own Constituency (Varanasi)

Varanasi April 21. Foreign diplomats are on diplomatic pilgrimage to Varanasi to assess the mood of the voters.It is matter of debate whether UN charter and Vienna convention are applicable to Varanasi, a city resting on trident of Lord Shiva, so de facto, not part of the earth.. And  we Banarasis simply dismiss the so called de jure notion. Nevertheless since Vatanasi is like an ever expanding universe , they are all welcome. Adi Shankar proclaimed ,"Varanasi Medini". Even counter culture prophet Kabir declared, 

" sabai  bhumi Banarsi " ( All land, under the sky, is Varanasi)

                           I found foreign diplomats of more aware of the political dynamics of India than  many of media celebrities. I just mention assessment of a diplomat of the outcome of 2014 Lok Sabha elections:

                          1- Narendra Modi +(minimum seats)          220-230

                          2- Narendra Modi +( wave figure)              250-270

                          3- Hope- not  to depend on the support of nagging political parties 

                          The figures more or less match the opinion poll surveys.

    No More Good Morning from Tulsi Ghat of Varanasi

Assi (Varanasi). April 20. I feel sorry for the parents of Arvind Kejriwal- father Shri Govind Ram Kejriwal and mother Gita Devi.No more the proud parents will hear the sound of temple bells, no more they would watch the holy Ganga in such a close proximity.

                                       For Aap leaders it might not be a big deal to be deprived of  wishing the party cadres and supporters - suprabhatam, good morning from Tulsi Ghat of Banaras, but for the  old couple, it is certainly a huge disappointment. Finding a new accommodation, even more comfortable and spacious, is not a problem in Varanasi or for that matter in any other city of the country. But the money can not buy serenity of Tulsi Ghat and the guest house of Sankar Mochan , just on the left side of holy Ganga. Only time worn steps separates the guest house and holy Ganga.

                                     This morning Aap leaders had to vacate the guest house and  shift to other place. Mahant Professor Vishwambhar Nath Mishra was all courteous but insistent to impress upon the Aap leaders that they should shift to other place.There may be some valid reasons for his action; annual Sankat Mochan functions is to begin from Friday and artists from all over India have to be accommodated in the guest house, which is located about two kilometres away from the Sankat Mochan temple.

                                   The whole episode demonstrated that Aap leaders are thoroughly novice even in social relationship, leave alone political activism.This embarrassing situation could very well be averted if they would have applied common sense.Now in this election season the happening can easily be termed as " a rebuff to Aap leaders." Actually it was not a rebuff , neither a polite request.

                                 Presence of Aap leaders and hundred odd supporters in and around guest house became a nuisance and headache for the Mahant. More over n this politically volatile Assi locality , the recurring hostility between rival workers was a genuine cause of concern for the guest hose management.

                                According to insiders, Manish Sisodia, a few month ago had requested a member of Mahant family that they need an accommodation in Varanasi. The request was promptly accepted . At that time battle lineup of Varanasi Lok sabha seat was not drawn . A few people can easily be accommodated in this huge guest house. " As days passed the number swelled from a few guests  to a baarat," a family member said..

                                Then there is an apprehension of  political rassakashi engulfing the complex. The place where Goswami Tulsidas had composed Ramcharitmanas must not be a scene of political battle.

                               

Varanasi Events

                                      Twitter related to Varanasi                                                              Battleground- 2014 Elections

                                                        Just registered on twitter as Suphal Kumar@suphalkumar 

                                                        Intend to send tweets on latest happenings in Varanasi

  Varanasi- God's Own Constituency:Dilemma of Narendra Modi's prospective proposer

Keshav Paan Ki Dukan (Varanasi). April 19. Rajendra Chaurasia is in deep dharmasankat. Every second customer, before asking for a paan inquires, " ka guru kab jaat hauaa, parcha bhare," ( when are you going to propose name of Narendra Modi as a candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency).The BJP already gathered relevant information about Rajendra, needed in the filing of nomination papers of its Prime Ministerial candidate, though the announcement in this regard is still awaited.

                                                        A day before yesterday's bawal at his paan shop has unraveled the risk involved in jumping into political arena, however symbolic it might be. Then Yesterday Aap leaders again made it a point to visit his shop ignoring the potential dangers. This time it was something sentimental. Aap leader professor Anand Kumar, who was in the group, inquired whether he was really accompanying Modi on the day A. The Professor and Rajendra were class fellows in Banaras Hindu University.In student days they were active workers of Samajvadi Yuvjan Sabha (SYS). Anand Kumar reminded him of those days,    " tum samajvadi dil,dimag ke ho, Modi ka parcha kaise bharoge ( you are a socialist by nature and conviction, how can you be a part in Modi's nomination).

                                                   And then there is  another aspect of his dilemma. Rajendra's father late Gopalji, who actually gave the fame to " Keshav Paan Bhandar" was a supporter of  Communist Party of India (CPM). Actually this had more to do with personal relations than ideological commitment. Gopalji's Paan shop was earlier located at the entrance of Vishwanath gali, the lane which terminates at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. CPM's District office is located just across the main road on the first floor. Once I attended a Press Conference of then junior party leader Prakash Karat in this  office, It was a bizarre experience. In the office room there were old framed pictures of Marx and Lenin with slogans calling for world proletariat revolution. When I looked across the wide window,  the  entrance gate of Kashi Vishwanath temple was just metres away , with barefooted devotees chanting om namah shivay  moving towards the temple.

                                            In Varanasi, the city of contrasts and assimilation,  the CPM candidate Satya Narayan Singh won the 1967 Lok Sabha Elections. In latter days of life he used to sit   near the stairs of the building,watching movement of devotees..Both the Communist parties lost much of their support base in recent decades and the city is now considered a saffron stronghold, a safe seat for BJP.

                                           On my last visit home, during Holi festival in March, I found Rajendra very vocal and aggressive Modi Supporter. He openly chided anti Modi customers.His thousands of pieces of paan actually spread the Modi wave around the city.This time around he is much more cautious. His does not express his political preference openly.. Moreover, Arvind Kejriwal's persona impressed him a lot .He said to me, " bahut sidhe sadhe aadmi Hain". When kejriwal and Manish Sisodia visited his shop, he welcomed them and offered paan, he did not take money, " Aap hamare mehmaan hain". And when Modi supporters' seize detained Aap leaders for more than an hour, he again offered paan to them, without any asking.

                                      As a regular paan sitter, I feel Rajendra will vote and canvass for Modi, besides proposing his name. And  repeating a Modi phrase he would say, Yeh kashi ke samman aur asmita ka sawal hai", ( It is matter of honour and spirit of the holy city)

                                         

                                          

 Varanasi a danger zone of Indian democracy?  Kejriwal faced hostile Modi supporters :

Clash averted: Under police protection kejriwal left the scene: One youth injured, Another detained

Keshav Paan ki Dukan (Varanasi), April 17. This evening also, I was in the right place at the right time.It was an eye witness reporting opportunity, though with potential dangers. Almost about one hour, just behind the Aap leadership and in front of angry crowd I was watching the dance of Indian democracy. Fortunately it was not turned into a Tandava dance of Lord Shiva., in his  capital city -Varanasi.

Amid slogans and counter slogans for about one hour, Kejriwal was escorted safely to his SUV, with a few workers mounted on the either side of the vehicle , Aap leaders left the area. Police used mild force to clear the way and in ensuing stampede one youth sustained head injuries .Another youth was detained and was taken to police thana just 50 metres away from the scene of trouble. My News Agency samsakara did not permit me to use sensational words like Kejriwal rescued, though it was just that for any newspapermen.

Yesterday I was at the Pappu chai ki Dukan, where Arvind Kejriwal, along with his comrades Manish Sisodia and Sanjai Singh interacted with local people. The Dukan is a Modi stronghold, though the Modi supporters vacated the place in time to enable the guests to examine nerve of Banarasis. Today was quite different. When I reached at Keshav Paan ki Dukan, Rajendra , after offering a paan to me said, " Kejriwal is about to visit the spot." This world famous paan shop is an essential learning spot for any outsider. And , though belatedly , Kejriwal was expected to arrive here, and, yes I was there to do eyewitness reporting, a self professed charity for national and international media.

About half an hour later, around 8.30 PM, Kejriwal caravan was sighted . Through Sant Ravidas Gate, a group of about 100 Aap workers slowly approached us. I was sitting on the elevated shop just behind Rajendra ,who was busy m along with his brother and workers,  applying kathha and chuna on betel leaves . " Lo aa Gaya, Rajendra announced.

Instead of directly coming to shop he along with his supporters , climb down in the basement, where Jagadish Paan ki Dukan, Yadav Chai ki Dukan and Cafe at Home were located.. Rajendra was disappointed, though he knew that his shop can not be ignored. And if they ignore his shop , that will their own peril.

Moments later  we saw  a crowd of young students shouting some slogans. What is it? , who were they? we are just wondering, Lo Modi Brigade bhi aa gayi ( see Modi supporters also arrived, Rajendra said with amusement.

As Kejriwal was moving through basement corridors with his supporters, the crowd on the adjacent road swelled. There a deafening shout of Modi Modi. The protest is not a new thing for Kejriwal and his supporters, they actually enjoy it. Modi Modi shouts were retaliated with Kejriwal, Kejriwal. Just when heat was up Kejriwal came us to Kashav shop. There was a two feet wide corridor between Rajendra's paan chowki and railing. Rajendra welcomed Kejriwal and Manish Sidodia with folded hand. Kejriwal asked for a meetha paan and Manish added, " your shop is of world fame. Where ever in the world you go, people will mention paan of your shop. Rajendra was too worried about  the bawal just in front of his shop to acknowledge the compliments. Both Aap leaders recognized me, yesterday we met at the Pappu chai ki Dukan. In fact I was also present at Rail Bhavan venue, where Kejriwal sat on dharna, in the biting Delhi cold, just few day before the Republic Day, to press for his demand of removing some errant Delhi police officers..

Both Kejriwal and Manish somehow managed  to put kattha filled paan into their mouths safely. Kejriwal offered money, Rajendra politely refused, saying you are our guest.Then Aap leaders used the corridor as if it were manch of a public meeting, with their hands resting on the railing they waited to protest die down. As time passed the crowd only increased, the traffic on the road was halted. Police party accompanying Kejriwal were making frantic calls for reinforcement. No body came. Modi crowd became more hostile with Vapas Jao Vapas Jao ( go back, go back). Interestingly there was no way out for Aap leaders to leave the spot. Their way was blocked by slogan shouting protesters. Kejriwal remained composed though it was much more serious situation than a sudden slap or a few drops of ink.

As news spread TV warriors reached the scene; and as they focus cameras on crowd the slogans became more loud and threatening. Good clipping and good sound bite.Then innovative Aap mind worked and supporters brought some garlands. Kejriwal and Manish started throwing garlands, then flowers then pallets on the crowd. Nobody was ready to appreciate this gesture. It was like "pulgendava na maar, lagat karejava par chot. Flower pelting remained continued for a few minutes.In the meantime Rajendra again offered Paan to Kejriwal and Manish. Atypical Banarasi gesture.

A few more policemen arrived at the scene; Rajendra stood up with intention of downing the shutter. I stopped him, don't panic , nothing will happen. Actually was I was standing just behind his chowki, taking support of the shutter upside. It was a vantage position.

Kejriwal was not moving from his manch; waving hands towards crowd, throwing flying kisses. Really? Flying kisses? There was some silver lining too, when ever there was slogan of Bharat Mata Ki Jai or Vande Matram or Har Har Mahadev both sides join the roar, making it twice of decibel.

Then there was some activity on Police's part, A vehicle was brought. Police made a cordon around Kejriwal, pushed Modi supporter back and the hero was led to the vehicle. Road was blocked by protesters so, police made threatening posture, violently pushing people, using hands and batons, beat a few protesters. Amid stampede vehicle moved forward slowly.

When all was over I looked for my sandals which I removed for standing up inside the shop. No trace of sandals. Perhaps somebody used them in bawal . Barefooted I took a rickshaw, reached home and announced,my sandals came in the service of  the great Indian democracy.

How to capture Pappu Tea Shop (PTS) : An uphill Task for Arvind Kejriwal

Pappu chai ki Dukan ( Varanasi), April 17. Impossible fighter Arvind Kejriwal has an uphill task at hand- how to capture Pappu Tea Shop at the Assi crossing , a few hundred yards away from holy Ganga and his temporary camp in the guest house of Sankat Mochan Temple's Mahant.

Pappu Tea Shop is not an ordinary shop, it is as historic as the tea shop near Mehsana Railway station, where Bal Narendra served tea to customers. Famous Hindi novelist Kashi Nath Singh in his " Kashi Ka Assi"  immotalised Pappu Tea Shop where wide range of Banarasis , from professors to commoners, from enlightened ones to sheer lunatics spend hours and hours over a cup of tea, sometimes using civilized language.

In fact I have never been member of Assi nonsense club though occasionally  I visit the place to know something of vital importance.This evening I  happen to be there when I noticed a  crowd of  about hundred people jostling to move ahead where three gentlemen were sitting on a bench. Arvind Kejriwal flanked by Manish Sisodia and Sanjai Singh were answering queries of the curious people hailing from different classes , from doctors to professors of Banaras Hindu Univerity, IITians and regular Bhangedis.
 Curious to witness first hand interaction between Banarasis and Delhi heroes I somehow  managed to move ahead, negotiating the crowd and sat near the trimurti of AAP, Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Sanjai Singh.
 Then, many by many Banarasis are hurling questions on Kejriwal , mostly about his Delhi misadventure, fight against corruption and his tirade against Modi. Kejriwal was trying to explain the circumstances leading to his departure from Delhi government and his future plans including his Varanasi campaign. Suddenly a Banarasi moved ahead and started verbal pathrav( stone pelting ) - Your decision to quit the government was wrong and mindless act . Before the leader could say something Banarasi said,-" aapke salahkar moorkha hain"     ( your advisers are fools). Flanked by two advisers Kejriwal was taken aback and before he could manage his composure the Banarasi shouted- "aapke salahkar maha moorkha hain ( your advisers are  idiots). Kejriwal murmured few words,apparently saying -you may be right, it is your opinion, what can I say.
And soon it became clear that Banarasis are more trained in plain speaking than Kejriwal himself. Banarasi said, " aapko Middle School ka principal banaya gaya aur bajay iske ki aap yeh jimmedari nibhate aap bole mujhe university ka vice chancellor bana do " (you were appointed as a principal of a middle school and instead of performing your job you insisted that you should be appointed as Vice Chancellor of a university). A stumped Kejriwal was relieved when next person came forward. A student of BHU IT asked about his rational behind taking on formidable Narendra Modi in Varanasi and putting Kumar Vishwas against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. Kejriwal has a  ready made answer. Rahul and Modi are glue which keeps Congress and BJP remain cohesive. " Rahul haar gaya to Congress das tukade men bant jayegi, Congress khatm ho jayegi, ( If Rahul  was defeated the Congress party will be torn into ten pieces, party will be finished.). He continued, " agar Modi haar gaya to BJP ka bhi yahi Haal hoga. Modi ke baad kaun sanmbhal payega BJP ko- Rajnath? Sushma? Jaitley? ( A Modi defeat  in the same way will be fatal for BJP. Who would be able to manage the party- Rajnath? Sushma? Jaitley?)
On corruption, he said that there must be systemic changes to ensure that corrupt people  be booked immediately . If we have a pro people and efficient system then , " jo bharishtachar karega voh jail jayega salaa," It was comforting to hear word salaa from former Chief Minister of National capital state. And this Banarasi flavour offers some hope that he might be able to establish a rapport with native people. Kejriwal told young IITians that his brother was an alumni of BHU IT.
 Amid dhakkamukki, the dialogue ended followed by  cheers and slogan shouting by enthusiastic supporters, many of them from outside Varanasi; " Jo do seaton se ladata hai , voh kejriwal se darta hai", ( he who contests from two seats, is afraid of Kejriwal- an apprant reference to Modi's election bid from Vadodara and Varanasi) " Bhrishtachar ka ek hi kaal, Kejriwal, Kejriwal" (Kejriwal is a death messenger for corruption)
Then there is a deafening roar of Har Har Mahadev, with every one, including Kejriwal joining with raising their hands up in the sky - " Haraa  Haraa mahaadeeeeeeeeeeeeeva", "Haraa Haraa Mahaadeeeeeeeeeeva" ( peculiar Banrasi style of rendering the national slogan of the holy land.
 Kejriwal then entered the tea shop and was introduced to Pappu chaiwala. Perhaps chaiwala conveyed his good wishes.
 When I  return to my own Adda at Lanka's Keshav Paan Shop, I met one of the original Addewajs of Pappu Tea Shop, Dr Kaushal Kishre Mishra, Professor of Political Science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He  along with some other professors, teachers, students, bhangedis and lunatics spends his evening at PTS discussing metaphysical and materiel issues and , of course , latest rumour in the the town or manufacturing a new rumour for the next day.
Professor Mishra was my junior in the BHU and during my long journalistic stint in Varanasi he was a useful news source. Actually he proved to be the real nemesis for film producer Deepa Mehta, when her ambitious film Water was buried deep into the holy water of Ganga by Dr Mishra and his Vanar Sena. Water fiasco was a rare incident when local protest forced a resourceful celebrity to abandon her controversial project. And for detractors of Modi a precursor of coming events in Varanasi.
 Mishra said, " Kejriwal is trying to capture PTS as he was told that to win Varanasi, it is of strategic importance to capture this outpost. His chamachas ware hovering around PTS and trying to provoke us. Kejriwal was actually  disappointed that despite of his being in the holy city for more than 72 hours nobody slapped him or threw inks on him." " This time we would simply ignore him lest he get sanjivini of publicity, we deliberately left the shop for the guests ", he said.
He said that his group was there when  he was introduced to Kejriwal,   as Professor of Political Science in BHU. " I said no no, not a professor I am a chaparasi in the department."
Will Kejriwal capture PTS outpost? " NO chance, No chance"  Dr Mishra was confident. " Actually PTS's Pappu will be one of proposers when Modi files his nomination papers. Another potential proposers Keshav or Rajendra were busy in applying kattha and chuna on paans at their shop Keshav Paan Bhandaar , a few meters away from road, when one of the them cast a glance on us and shouted, Guru aawaa paan kha la. ( Guru have a Paan).

       Jashoda Ben on pilgrimage. Kashi (Varanasi) a destination?

         So now it is in public domain. Narendra Modi has a wife and pious lady is on a pilgrimage. She is planning to visit chaar dhaams, according to family members. Since Kashi ( Varanasi) is not part of the earth planet ,so it is not included in these dhaams. Still no pilgrimage is complete without a visit to Kashi.

Will Jashoda Ben visit Kashi? Banarasis are hoping that when Narendra modi file his nomination papers, the pious lady should be in the holy city to be part of a historical moment. There is no better place than Kashi where long separated souls should meet.

There is a heated controversy in the country about the marital status of Modi. Amidst all this Jashoda Ben is observing vrita and offering prayers to see Modi at the highest post of Indian democracy. In historical context there are few parallels of the life of Jashoda Ben.The most appropriate figure comes into mind is of Urmila, wife of Lakshman, who waited and waited for return of her husband who , though not cursed, underwent to banbaas along with his brother. Character of Urmila was immortalized by rashtrakavi Maithili Sharan Gupt in Saket. The poet also gave voice to Yashodhara, wife of Tathagata.

Lord Ram's Ashwamedha Yagna  was performed by placing a golden statue of Sita besides him, as required by the shastras. . Sita was abandoned by the lord. One has to accompany his wife in major life rituals- actually or symbolically.

Rajyarohana of Modi will be incomplete without Jashoda Ben. So say shastras.

              God's own constituency (7)

                          Varanasi Medini
                    (Varanasi is the whole earth)
                

                    Narendra modi's candidature from Varanasi is being interpreted in different ways- some are terming it as a political move to ensure maximum political mileage in terms of winning of Lok Sabha seats in all important Uttar Pradesh. Some analysts are describing it as re-emphasis  by Modi of his overt Hindutva agenda- holiest of holy cities has to be represented by none other than Modi.  Opponents of Modi are trying hard to emphasis that the holy city also has a strong secular tradition and its composite culture should not be overlooked.

                   Recently, I came across a very telling phrase- Varanasi Medini. Veer Savarkar, mentor of Hindutva proponents, concluded his famous treatise "HIndutva" with this phrase Varanasi Medini. 

Philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan quoted the Sanskrit shloka_ 

 Mata cha parvati devi pita devo maheshvarah.

 bandhavah shivabhaktas cha 

 svadesho bhuvanatrayam.

 udara-charitanam tu vasudhaiva kutumbakam

 Varanasi medini. 

 ( Varanasi Medini is a conception of universal welfare state and brotherhood where we look up on the whole world as our sacred home . Varanasi Medini is the dream of our seers - one earth, one family)

It is clear for Banarasis that the holy city is not exclusive, it belongs to every one. Moksha is well assured for every life form in Varanasi. Pandits, professionals, merchants, Chandals, cows, monkeys and donkeys and hopefully journalists- all are guaranteed moksha by virtue of living with in panchkoshi boundary of the city. So say the scriptures, and incorrigibly skeptical Banarasis fully believe in the scripture at least on this count. 

One of the celebrated Banarasis was Nazir Banarasi who embodied best of Banarasi characteristics. Here is brief profile of the great Urdu poet:-- 

             NAZIR BANARASI : POET OF THE SOIL 

             Late Nazir Banarasi was "benazir", an unparalleled symbol of India's composite culture. He was Born on November 25, 1909, in a well known Hakim   ( Unani medicine) family of Varanasi. 

            Nazir, who was trained in traditional hakimi by his father Noor Muhammad was destined to examine the Nabj (nerve) of the nation by his extraordinary sensitivity and creativity.As a talented teenager, he wrote his first poem which was appreciated by friends and elders.

           Nazir to his last moment was willing to do something to eliminate the virus of communalism from the body politic of the nation. He wrote:

           HInduon ko yakeen hai ki

           Musalman hai Nazir

           Kuchh Musalman hain jinhe shak hai

           Hindu to nahin

           ( Hindus believe that Nazir is a Muslim but there are some Muslims who suspect he is a Hindu)

           Nazir was proud of the common heritage of Hindus and Muslims and remained very much attached to  beauty and flavor of the eternal city. He said:

           Hamne namazen bhi padi hain aksar

           Ganga tere pani se vaju kar karke.

           Young Nazir came in contact with many  national leaders who motivated him to pen poems with nationalistic fervor. For many decades his presence was much sought and he invariably bagged huge applause from the audiences. 

           Be it " National Kavi Sammelan" at the Red Fort or a small gathering in towns, Nazir's shers and najms were appreciated by all. His poems, in simple language using common words, were easy to be memorized by the people. 

           In his personal life he was simple and  modest- an ideal Banarasi.He wrote:

           Main Banaras ka nivasi kashi nagari ka fakir

           Hind ka shair hun Shiva ki Rajdhani ka safir

           ( I belong to Banaras and basically a fakir of Kashi. I am a poet of India and an ambassador of Lord Shiva's capital to the world)

           Nazir was there to share every moment of joy and sorrow with the countrymen. During Chinese aggression in 1962, he called upon the countrymen to defend great Himalayas :

           Bachao jis tarah se Himalaya bachao

           Bachao vatan ka shivalaya bachao

           ( Defende the Himalayas by every means. Himalaya is the Shiva temple of the nation, defend it)

           Nazir lamented the death of Mahatma Gandhi in these words,:

           Mere Gandhi, zamin valon ne terei kadr jab kam ki

           utha kar le gaye tujhko zamin se asman vale

           ( Oh Gandhi, when people ignored you on earth, apostles from heaven took you away fro here)

            Nazir , a devout Muslim was in a sense a modern Raskhaan, the famous poet of Bhaktikal, who fascinated by the flute-reciting Krishna and Brijabhumi. Nazir used plenty of Hindi words and Hindu symbols for which he was criticized by fundamentalists.

 

                              God's Own Constituency (7)

                                                Issues in Varanasi election

    A modern saptarishi and a river's thousand names

Varanasi.

The Ganga has one thousand names ( sahasranama) all meaning purity and cleanliness but unlike the past it enters the third millennium with only one name -- pollution.

Daily, at the crack of dawn, one man takes a dip in the river reciting Gangasahasranam knowing fully well that the polluted water could be injurious to health. It only strengthens his resolve to work for making the river pollution free. He is Professor Veer Bhadra Misra, who has been tirelessly fighting to restore Ganga to its pristine purity.

He has been recently selected by the international news magazine Time as one of the ''Seven Heroes of Planet.''

He says ''I owe it all to mother Ganga.'' Prof Misra, who comes from the priestly class and is the mahant of the famous Sankatmochan temple in Varanasi, is a scientist by temper. He is a civil engineering professor at the Banaras Hindu University.

He has been named as one of the modern saptarishi (seven adepts) for his efforts to save the planet from environmental degradation.

It is perhaps for the first time that an international media organisation has prepared a list of top environmental activists on a global basis. ''In honouring me, they reminded the world community that cleaning of the Ganga should be a global concern. Ganga will inspire us to preserve all the fresh water bodies the world over'', Prof Misra said.

He had started his campaign to check the growing pollution in the river nearly two decades ago, much before environmental concerns became 'fashionable' among the elite. His efforts finally attracted the attention of the central government to Ganga's plight. The then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi launched the ambitious Ganga Action Plan in 1986.

Sitting in the living room of his house just a few yards from the river, Prof Mishra is busy attending telephone calls congratulating him for the award.

His only regret is that the first phase of the Ganga Action Plan has not achieved significant success. ''The only consolation is that the pollution has not increased from pre-plan levels,'' he says.

The professor had received the ''Global-500 roll of honour'' instituted by the United Nations Environment Agency at the Earth Summit at Rio de Janerio in 1992. He is also a member of an expert committee constituted by the central government to evaluate the work and progress of the Ganga Action Plan and for suggesting measures for improvement.

Prof Misra says that the pollution problem of the Ganga is vastly different from that of the rivers of developed countries where chemical pollution is the major challenge. Fortunately, pollution in the Ganga is mainly biological.

''If the developed countries can overcome the problem of chemical pollution in their rivers, we, in India, can certainly check biological pollution which is largely caused by municipal sewage and other human activities,'' he adds.

Prof Misra says much depends on the success of the Ganga Action Plan. ''If we succeed in making the Ganga pollution free, then this experience can be extended to the other rivers too.''

''We should fix a modest and feasible goal. As the anti-pollution measures require huge resources, we should not think of making the river pollution free in all its thousands of miles course. We should concentrate our efforts on special stretches where people gather in large numbers for bathing and other cultural or religious activities,'' he added.

He named six such stretches along the river-500 metre upstream and Downstream: Gangotri, Lakshman Jhula (Rishikesh) to Kankhal (Hardwar), Shukratal to Garhmukteshwar, Brahmavarta to Siddhanath (Kanpur), Shivkuti to Ranhaiyaghat (Allahabad) and Ramnagar to Adikeshavghat (Varanasi).

''These stretches, if polluted, would affect the health of a much larger number of people who gather there. Since these places are closely linked to the traditional beliefs of our countrymen, they should be preserved as symbols of sentiment and models for deification'', he adds.

The expert committee had expressed the view that technology adopted in the first phase of the Ganga Action Plan was not an ideal one. ''Over reliance on pumping of sewage should have been avoided and technical preference should be given to carriage of sewage by the force of gravity to the maximum extent possible,'' it had suggested.

Prof Misra feels that the oxidation technology pond with suitable retention time is capable of reducing various types of pollution.

( Mahantji passed away in 2013)

               God's Own Constituency (6)

                        Bhadohi celebrates Bandit Queen's Win

                        Varanasi May 12, 1996. From Chambal ravines to the Parliament Phoolan Devi has traversed an eventful road all in the  glare of high media blitz. By electing the former dacoit as their representative , electorate of Bhadohi- Mirzapur has given Phoolan the respectability and acceptability she craved for to shed off her past.

                             The towns and villages of Bhadohi-Mirzapur , spread on the either sides of Ganga, witnessed scene of prolonged festivity after Phoolan's win as people celebrated the march of "our woman in Parliament".

                            Born on July 15,1957 (?), in a small village of Mallah (boatman) community in Jalaun district, Phoolan who was once sought after by police, may have never dreamt that one day she will be in amid the august gathering in the Parliament. For that matter, she had seldom hoped that she would ever be able to come out of Chambal-Yamuna ravines or escape the bullets of rival dacoit gangs or the police.

                            Phoolan, the second daughter of Devi Deen and Bhola Devi in a family of four sisters and one brother, was married at an early age to a person many year older than her. This mismatched marriage brought an unending trauma to her- continuous displacement and exploitation, physical and mental- that finally sent Phoolan to Chambal-Yamuna ravines.

                            Phoolan was a major challenge for the police forces of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and used to strike ruthlessly on her rival gangs. According to police records on February 14, 1981, her gang was responsible for the murder of more than 15 people at Behmai village in Kanpur dehat district, apparently in a retaliation of humiliation heaped on her by village toughs.

                           Increasing police pressure and serious threat from rival gangs forced her to surrender before the then Chief Minister Arjun Singh on February 12, 1983. Phoolan placed her rifle before the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and bade farewell to arms. 

                           She spent 11 years in various jails, urging the government to fulfill her 27 demands which according to her were accepted by the government to make her surrender. Though until 1994 her appeal for release from jail went in vain, during this period she became one of the most sought after themes for writers and film makers.

                           Many books, including a biography of Phoolan by French author Irene Frain, were published and a film Bandit Queen made waves around the world. Phoolan, however, was unhappy over her depiction in the film which according to her was outrageous. 

                           Chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav withdrew all cases against Phoolan in 1994 paving way for her release. Ummed Singh, a social worker fro Delhi, came in contact with Phoolan, when she was still in Tihar jail and married her once she was out of jail. Taking a few lessons from her understanding of social conditions of the villages of Bundelkhand region, she organised the "Eklavya Sena"( named after the deserted pupil of Acharya Dronna of Mahabharat). The Sena has been engaged in highlighting the problems of the weaker sections.

                           Mulayam Singh Yadav selected Phoolan as the candidate fro Bhadohi-Mirzapur for 1996 elections with an eye on Mallah (boatmen) votes which are sizable in the gangetic belt. The strategy worked ensuring Phoolan's victory.

                           During electioneering , there were moment of caste tension in the constituency, especially when effort were made to bring a "Vidhwa Rath"(widow carriage), from Bahmai to Mirzapur. The Rath was stopped and Phoolan herself explained that she had no enmity with any caste.

                           Popularly known as "mullah ki beti" (daughter of a boatman) Phoolan has brought a sense of pride for the whole community.  Her expertise in swimming effortlessly enabled her to survive the bullets of police and rival gangs on many occasions.She is confident that now in the political stream too she will have a smooth sail. 

                            Fast Forward 

          March-April 1998: Phoolan was defeated in a Mid-Term poll

          October-   1999:  Phoolan reelected in a Mid term poll

          July 25-    2001: Phoolan was assassinated at her official residence in 

                             New Delhi. Nation mourned her death.

                     

                     

                            God's Own Constituency (5)

                                               Bandit Queen Begins Political journey

                                              Varanasi April 14 , 1996. She bade farewell to arms 13 years ago and now she has to explain in people's court why, in the first place, took up arms.

                                                Phoolan Devi yesterday's terror of Chambal ravines and today"s candidate from Mirzapur-Bhadohi constituency, is putting her case before the electorates in all humility with folded hands.

                                                Mirzapur, hemmed between two Kaval town Allahabad and Varanasi- is known globally for its thriving carpet industry which has recently been stigmatised by child labour. Phoolan is being greeted by curious crowds. The instant response of the village women towards Phoolan, moving around with heavy security cordon, is : She does not look like a dacoit, she is very much like us.

                                              However, she is finding that mass politics is as rough and tough as life in Chambal ravines. She has to contend with the sitting Bharatiya janata Party MP Virendra Singh, a former national level wrestler from Banaras hindu University , who is sparing no effort to put his rivals on the mat.

                                              The former dacoit and the pehalvan quite often engage in a verbal duel using rustic and at times, offensive language much to the amusement of the villagers and media persons.

                                             A total 61 candidates are in the fray in this constituency. But a triangular contest is emerging involving Phoolan, Virendra Singh and Ram Kishore Bind, Bahujan Samaj Party candidate and as former minister.Hiramani Singh(Congress) and Mata Prasad Dubey (Congress Tiwari) are among other contestants, Virendra Singh had won this seat in 1991 defeating veteran trade union leader and Janata Dal nominee Yusuf Beg by a margin of 20,000 votes.

                                            Phoolan started her high profile campaign by offering prayers to Vindhyavasini, the presiding deity at the famous Shakti Peetha Vindhyachal near her. She pleads in small and big gathering in the villages, " I am not a bon dacoit. We were forced to go to Chambal ravines"

                                            " I also did many good things. Suddenly she changes over to high pitch, I had looted only those who had robbed the poor villagers."

                                           Virendra Singh uses Phoolan's past to turn voters in his favour. " I will not let Mirzapur Bhadohi become another Chambal. Do you want to be represented in the parliament by a Behmai killer, he says with reference to the massacre Phoolan's gang had allegedly carried out in Behmai village in Uttar Pradesh.

                                           BSP candidate Ram Kishore Bind also challenges the claim of Phoolan as fighter for the Dalit cause. He seeks to know why Phoolan accepted the leadership of Mulayam Singh Yadav, who was instrumental in the assault on Mayawati." " Going to Chambal and killing people is no certificate for a genuine Dalit leader,"he added.

                                          The constituency has a substantial number of Muslims, Mallahs, Binds, Yadavs and Kurmis. One assembly constituency, Auria, has a large number of Brahmins.

                                           Toeing the political line of her mentor Mulayam Singh Yadav, Phoolan says,      " we will not allow communal forces to declare India a Hindu State. "We will force those people to leave the country who are making such threats to the minority community."

                                           Political observers believe that it is a clever move on the part of Mulayam Singh Yadav to field Phoolan who belongs to Mallah caste. She is expected to get support of a major chunk of voters from her caste besides Yadavs and Muslims , who constitute Mulayam's vote bank.

                                          Senior Congress leader Lokpati Tripathi says, " Caste based voting behaviour is not that simple. Mallahs and Binds are supposed to be from similar caste group but maintain a distance from each other in the matter of roti and beti ( not dining together and refraining from inter caste marriage). Even politically Mallah and Binds often take opposite sides.

                            God's own constituency (4)

                                Bandit Queen preceded Narendra Modi in Varanasi region

                                        After bandit queen Phoolan Devi's election debut in neighboring Bhadohi constituency in 1996, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Varanasi assumed an event of national or to some extent international interest with Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal as prime candidates. Varanasi is the nerve centre of the socio-political activities of the entire purvanchal belt extending from eastern Uttar Pradesh to western Bihar. Phoolan was from Chambal-Yamuna ravine region while Modi and Kejriwal are from Gujarat and Haryana / Delhi respectively. 

                                       Just after her release from jail Bandit Queen jumped into election fray in Bhadohi and won the elections. Bhadohi was part of erstwhile Varanasi princely state and about two decades ago carved out as a new district. As a correspondent of a national news agency I covered this high profile election, accompanying  the Bandit Queen, on a few Occasions,  in her election campaign. 

                                     When I first met Phoolan at Bhadohi on April 12, 1996, she appeared to me a vajra dehatin (pure rustic). With folded hands she was urging us (journalists) to help her in the election battle. When I last met her before her assassination, she was a changed person. An elegant, dignified woman and an astute politician.A woman in unkempt dhoti was turned into a lady in beautiful saree.

                                     In 1996 I was chasing her during her campaign on the plateau of the great Vindhyas, my taxi driver reminded me of a story of Bandit Ratnakar. One day, Ratnakar threw away his arms and took up a pen to become sage Valmiki an write the great epic of the mankind, the Ramayana. On April 20, 1996, after a tiresome day-long schedule, our car stopped near a small habitation. I inquired about the village. It was named 'Dasyupur' (village of a bandit). Village elders told me it was the home of bandit Ratnakar turned Valmiki. Each year, the villagers celebrate the anniversary of of Sage Valmiki here.

                                   Chasing a Bandit Queen in India, leads you to the Bandit prophet and you simply wonder whether it is 1996 AD or BC.

                                    A base profession called journalism becomes a way of salvation in Varanasi.

                                          Idea of Varanasi                                            

            Madonna's Shanti Mantra and Varanasi Pandits

                                                             Varanasi, May 10, 1998.  "" Material girl "" Madonna's quest for spiritualism by weaving in Sanskrit mantras into her songs has impressed the pandits of Varanasi, but they want her to learn a little more of the language before reciting the hymns.

                                                               The pop icon, in her latest album  "" Ray of light", had taken verses from "Yoga Taravali , a Sanskrit classic authored by Adi Shankara of Hatha Yoga. As Sanskrit scholars lay great emphasis on correct pronunciation of the "Deva Bhasha"(language of the gods), the pandits have been quick to notice a few errors in Madonna's rendering of "Shanti-Ashtangi"" as a single in the album.

                                                                 Some pandits are surprised why she should have chosen to labour on the Yoga Taravali, which in 19 verses defines the techniques of purifying the nerves for attaining  a vibrational unity with the ultimate reality. The text, according to them , in not in vogue even among Sanskrit scholars.

                                                                  The hymn recited by Madonna goes thus:

                                                                  Vande gurunam charnarvinde 

                                                                 Sandarshita swatma sukhavabodhe

                                                                 Nihashreyase jangalkayamane

                                                                Samsara halahala, moha shantih

                                                                ( I worship the lotus feet of the Guru, which are the source of eternal happiness and self-realisation and work like an antidote  to the lethal poison generated by worldly indulgence)

                                                                  But, there some consolation for Madonna. She is the not the only one to err in Sanskrit. Pandits of Varanasi recently detected not one but two mistakes in a verse recited by Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in his address to the nation.

                                                                   Acharya Vageesh Shastri, a Sanskrit professor, has sent a letter to Mr Vajpayee advising him to learn Sanskrit properly as he is heading India, the birthplace of the mother of most of the world languages. His contention is that Mr. Vajpayee recited the verse distorting the meaning of the shloka. " Two errors in a single shloka are too much, he says.

                                                                    Referring to Madonna, Shastri, who himself has written a commentary on Yoga Taravali , feels it is amazing that a pop singer has chosen a shloka from this text which is not popular among Sanskrit scholars.

                                                                    Some feminist scholars wonder why Madonna, a post modern feminist, has now turned around to tell the womenfolk about the glory of motherhood, beside practicing the most difficult of Yoga- pranayam, breath control.

                                                                    Is it yet another trick to market herself by using an esoteric text and yogic postures or a real urge to reinvent or transform herself, some of the scholars ask.

                                                                    Commenting on the mispronunciation , Dr. B. N. Chaturvedi, a Sanskrit scholar said , " how can "Shanti-Ashtangi" bring peace to Madonna and her audiences when she pronounces "Shaanti, Shaanti" as " Shantee Shantee"?

                                                                   It is one thing to make a mistake in ordinary conversation but quite another to chant a mantra incorrectly, the scholars say. A famous instance from the scriptures say that priests of the demon king Vritrasura had recited mantras in wrong manner at a ritual aimed at ensuring the victory of the demon against Deva king Indra. The backlash empowered Indra to demolish Vritrasura.

                                                                   Acharya Vageesh Shastri is somewhat kinder to Madonna saying it was but natural for a westerner to make mistakes while reciting Sanskrit alphabets like tha, ta, da and dha etc.

                                                                   He invited western learners including Madonna to come to Varanasi and improve their language skills.

                                                                   For sociologist, the album " Ray of Light" adds yet another dimension to the already complicated problem "The MP" (the Madonna Phenomenon or Madonna Paradigm).

                                                                    A scholar at the Women's Study Centre , Banaras Hindu University said her  songs gave new identities to sub cultural groups and legitimized the role of misfits in western societies.

                                                                     No wonder that Madonna instantly appeals to Africa-Americans, Hispanics, gays and lesbians, who form a major chunk of her audiences. Now she is attracting the Non-Resident Indians(NRIs) by using Indian symbols, yogic body postures and Indian philosophical fervour, he said.

                                                                     DR. A.K. Joshi, a sociologist, feels the Indian audiences will certainly be happy to see "Om" on Madonna's right palm and a "bandhan"(sacred thread) on her wrist.

                                                                     Her songs like " it does not matter whether you are black or white, a girl or boy" has distinct political message too. Madonna, like a political strategist, challenges the hegemonic dominant culture in the United States while giving an expression to the sentiments of the sub cultural groups, Dr. Joshi points out.

                                                                      Recent studies on feminism have noted that " the Madonna phenomenon" serves as a touchstone for theoretical discussion of the issues of morality, sexuality, gender relations, gay politics, multiculturalism, feminism, race, racism, pornography and capitalism.

                                                                      And above all, while the rest of the world is trying hard to discover " the real Madonna", the lady suddenly decides to undertake a spiritual journey-destination India.

                                                                       But for ordinary listeners or viewers it is sheer joy to see their idol chanting " Japo Harinam"( chant the God's name) or " Swastiman".

                                                                       "Ray of Light" might also encourage some copycats to misuse the Indian symbols for ensuring commercial success.