Mt Erebus Disaster: The forgotten victims

Thakur Ranjit Singh

28 November, 2020 is 41st anniversary of that biggest peacetime disaster to hit New Zealand on 28 November, 1979 at 1.49pm.[This article was first written on 28 November, 2016 on 37th anniversary.It is being republished]. But why have we forgotten all of them. In fact I found the shrine of the DC crew of the disaster, accidently. And as mooted, there is no monument to honour those 237 passengers who perished with the 20 crew.

Air New Zealand DC 10 - the type of aircraft that went down.

As a part-time school bus driver, you have the fringe-benefit and privilege to see many parts of Auckland that a normal mortal Aucklander does not get to see. Hence one day some four years ago, after dropping my school charter at Butterfly Creek on Tom Pearce Drive near Auckland Airport, as usual, I proceeded on my habitual walk. I went along that street past Z Service Station, and roundabout towards aircraft viewing site, towards Puhinui Rd, facing Manukau. Something like a plaque caught my eyes, and I went down to have a look on a hidden slope of Tom Pearce Drive. I read, and was shocked to see it was a plaque in memory of crew of DC 10.

The plaque in memory of DC 10 Crew who perished in the disaster. But there is no monument to remember the 237 passengers who died in the disaster.

What a shame. I am sure many journalists and those reading this may have never have seen this. Please try to take time out to see the nondescript plaque in memory of crew of those who perished in flight TE 901.

The plaque in a hidden section of  Tom Pearce Drive at Auckland Airport

Here is for those who are new to this tragedy from Wikipedia.

Air New Zealand Flight 901 (TE-901) was a scheduled Air New Zealand Antarctic sightseeing flight that operated between 1977 and 1979. The flight would leave Auckland Airport in the morning and spend a few hours flying over the Antarctic continent, before returning to Auckland in the evening via Christchurch.

On 28 November 1979, the fourteenth flight of TE-901, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30, registration ZK-NZP, flew into Mount Erebus on Ross Island, Antarctica, killing all 237 passengers and 20 crew on board. It reportedly happened at 1.49 pm. The accident became known as the Mount Erebus disaster.

A part of the wreckage

Flight 901 would leave Auckland International Airport at 8:00 am for Antarctica, and arrive back at Christchurch International Airport at 7:00 pm after flying a total of 5,360 miles (8,630 km). The aircraft would make a 45-minute stop at Christchurch for refuelling and crew change, before flying the remaining 464 miles (747 km) to Auckland, arriving at 9:00 pm. Tickets for the November 1979 flights cost NZ$359 per person (equal to about NZ$1,386 in the first quarter of 2013).

While I will not delve in who was responsible for this disaster, people may Google and find volumes of theories on this. The initial investigation concluded the accident was caused by pilot error but public outcry led to the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the crash. The commission, presided over by Justice Peter Mahon QC, concluded that the accident was caused by a correction made to the coordinates of the flight path the night before the disaster, coupled with a failure to inform the flight crew of the change, with the result that the aircraft, instead of being directed by computer down McMurdo Sound (as the crew assumed), was re-routed into the path of Mount Erebus. In Justice Mahon's report, he accused Air New Zealand of presenting "an orchestrated litany of lies" and this charge in the end led to changes in senior management at the airline.

The accident is New Zealand's deadliest peacetime disaster.

The tail-piece in the wreckage with Air New Zealand logo

While many mainstream Kiwi journalists may have  forgotten this 40th anniversary of the disaster, this recent migrated Fiji-India Kiwi blogger remembers those who perished. I pray that the soul of those who lost their lives rest in eternal peace.

And their loved ones may get strength to proceed with life in memory of those loved ones they lost over three and half decades ago.

And we may be thankful that at last there may be something for the lost passengers next year to mark 40th Anniversary. NZ Herald of 16 November, 2018 reported this good news:

A proposal to build the National Erebus Memorial at the celebrated Parnell Rose Gardens will be submitted to the Waitemata Local Board next week. 

Next year [2019] marks the 40th anniversary of the Erebus disaster which saw Air New Zealand flight TE901 crash into Mt Erebus in Antarctica, killing all 257 people on board.

Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage will submit the proposal and hopes it will be established at Dove-Myer Robinson Park/Taurarua Pā in early 2020.

Latest: It has been agreed to erect the controversial memorial at Dove -Myer Robinson Park. Despite approval by a narrow margin at a recent Waitemata Local Board, objections to this choice still lingers on. 

However it seems like the accident, the memorial is also shrouded in mystery and controversy and has yet to see the light of day.

Like the ill-fated Flight Te 901, it appears to be in a "whiteout" situation.

[About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a post graduate with honours in Communication Studies from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), and runs his blog site FIJI PUNDIT. He is a media commentator, and a community worker]

Waitakere Diwali continues in its tradition of developing new leaders.

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Some leaders are rich, like USA’s Trump and New Zealand’s John Key, others are controversial like Presidents of Philippines and Zimbabwe, some others are deadly, like the ones in North Korea and some Middle Eastern countries, but yet some others are simple, humble, grassroots, common men (aam aadmi) and loveable ones like India’s Chai-Wala (tea-seller) or Waitakere’s (Auckland) Taxi-Wala (Taxi-driver).

President of WIA, Mahendra Sharma (right) helping the Chief Guest, Councillor Linda Cooper, to light up the Diya of Diwali at Waitakere Diwali Celebrations

Indeed India has its Narendra Modi- a Chai-Wala, and in answer, Waitakere has its Mahendra Sharma, a Taxi-Wala. Yes, this simple and humble person Mahendra Sharma, from the grassroots of the community is the new President of Waitakere Indian Association (WIA), which again held a very successful Diwali celebrations last month.

Initiating the first public Diwali celebrations in New Zealand in 2000, WIA has been continually celebrating it for the last 17 years. And in doing so, unlike other similar organisations, it has always granted opportunities to all its executives to gain leadership positions, and train as leaders. Unlike some other similar organisations where only rich, influential, professional or businessmen get to lead, WIA is a different ball-game. Everybody has equal chance, and this has allowed a taxi-driver, Mahendra Sharma, to be our President, leading WIA Diwali. We had other newcomers, Kajal Kumar, as the master of ceremonies (MC) and Hasmita Singh, WIA’s Secretary, as Diwali Project Manager. We are proud for a job well done.

On Sunday 23 October, 2016, WIA switched on to a new venue for its Diwali from Trusts Stadium to Te Pai Netball Centre, next door on Te Pai Road. Unlike some other Auckland Diwali, Sharma said that “WIA is mindful of the fact that Diwali needs to retain its theme, its respectability and dignity.” In following that policy, he said WIA has special dress codes and other restrictions and check and balances to have a mix of modern culture with tradition to ensure Diwali retains its light of wisdom, divinity and dignity. “This was reflected in the Ram Leela which was performed by artistes from Ayodhya, India,” he said.

In line with keeping the theme and tradition of Diwali, this "Ram Lila " item from performers from Ayodhya India added color to the celebrations.

The other point he homed in was that...”while other events have paid officials, our community workers give their time and expertise freely to the community.” This was in reference to Auckland Council and corporate-organised events where those organising are paid officials, while those at WIA are non-paid community volunteers –unsung heroes with a passion for community well-being.
Auckland Councillor Linda Cooper, Trusts Chairperson and Auckland Councillor, Ross Clow, Labour’s Phil Twyford, National’s Kanwaljit Bakshi and major sponsor, Robert Khan were the main speakers, among others. One surprise inclusion was Faiyaz Koya. He is a Fijian politician and Member of the Parliament of Fiji. He currently holds the portfolios Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism. Koya is the son of former National Federation Party leader Siddiq Koya. 

The VIP s: Labour Party's Housing and Transport spokesperson, Phil Twyford (second from right) busy discussing issues on  New Zealand's closer cooperation with Fiji's Minister of  Industry, Trade, Tourism, Faiyaz Koya ( second from left), while Radio Tarana's CEO, Robert Khan (extreme left) and NZ First List MP, Mahesh Bindra ( extreme right), are relishing the moment. 

All speakers shed light on the theme of Diwali, and appreciated the efforts of WIA in lighting the flame of culture, tradition and community spirit with their hallmark sole Diwali of West Auckland. Some of the speakers also paid tribute to Mrs Savitri Chand, wife of one of WIA’s founding stalwart, former Whau Local Board member and an active community worker, Ami Chand. She was fondly remembered by many present in the event as well. She had passed away earlier that week.

Fiji’s Minister Faiyaz Siddiq Koya was in Auckland with Fiji PM Frank Bainimarama’s delegation which was visiting New Zealand to promote relations with Fiji. He delivered a very inspiring speech which paid tribute to Fijians settled in NZ, their contributions, and an invitation to Fijian Diaspora to come to Fiji to visit and invest. 

The VIPs with Past WIA Presidents, L-R, Anand Naidu and Naveen Prakash, with National List MP, Knawakjit Singh Bakshi , in the centre.

Early in the day, in keeping with tradition, the event started with pooja (prayers) and hawan –offering in the holy fire by the priest, and blessing by Kaumatua, giving respect to the original settlers. 

Earlier in the evening, distinguished guests were treated to in the WIA tradition of vegetarian cocktail which was a time for networking with community leaders. This gave opportunity for leaders to freely mingle and share thoughts.

The craft stall

Like previous years, we had a galore of sumptuous Indian food stalls, many craft stalls and trade stalls promoting business. There were many thrilling stage items, and after the religious and traditional Ram Lila, the mood slowly changed into more Bollywood and thrilling music as the night progressed. This culminated in spectacular fireworks display, led by Nach da Punjab bhangra group, adding rhythmic vibration to the climax of Waitakere Diwali event.

The food stall

Overall, the event was a success at this new location, led by a team of newcomers for successfully pulling off this annual event, which has become an eagerly-anticipated calendar of West Auckland. And as the Chai Wala Modi has caused ripples in India, we expect our humble Taxi-Wala to continue leading WIA in its role as an icon of West Auckland.

And that is exactly what he has done, by attending Diwali in Parliament in Wellington on 10 November, 2016 with a team from WIA. This was organised by the Office of Ethnic Affairs in Wellington. This event was attended by other Indian community leaders throughout the country, with MPs and prominent people of the community. This recognition by the New Zealand government is very encouraging for all those who regard Diwali dearly and speaks volumes for a country which embraces diversity.

Diwali in Parliament: WIA was represented  in the event at NZ Parliament (Beehive) in Wellington. From Left- Nina Prasad, Sunita Sharma, Indian High Commisioner to NZ, Sanjiv Kohli, WIA Executive, Chandrika Prasad, WIA President, Pundit Mahendra Sharma, and guest Devendra Sharma.

As the dust settled at Te Pai Netball Centre in Auckland after the annual Waitakere Diwali, we can proudly looked back and give a big round of applause to the team which created many ‘Firsts”. It was the first Diwali event for the new President Mahendra Sharma, it was first MC duty for WIA Executive, Kajal Kumar, it was first event management for Diwali Event Manager, Hasmita Singh, it was the first time the event was held at the new location, it was first time the group from Ayodhya performed Ram Lila, and it was the first time, a Fijian Minister addressed the event. 

And to wrap it up, as a Chai-Wala is causing ripples and change in India, we also expect our Taxi-Wala President to bring in changes at WIA to make it a more-community focussed organisation, and continue doing what it does best –managing and organising annual Diwali ( and Holi) celebrations in West Auckland. And this story has been brought to you by yours truly (Thakur), another grassroots community advocate – the Bus- Wala (bus driver) journalist.

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is former long-time Secretary of WIA (2005- 2010) and a former Vice President. He runs his blog site FIJI PUNDIT and reports on community events passionately that other media have little passion to cover.]

Bainimarama Crackdown: Learning from History.

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Many will remember the 6pm news on 19 May, 2000, when George Speight and his goons had already kidnapped Fiji parliamentarians and held them captive (for 56 days).

Fiji One news clip showed People’s Coalition Government Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry cutting cake in his office, in the morning, celebrating the first anniversary of Labour’s rule. That was also a day when Chaudhry had allowed a Taukei movement march against the government. This was despite the caution, warning and advice against the march by police intelligence and advice of Home Affairs Minister, Uluinakauvadra to PM to Chaudhry. In his arrogance and upmanship, he ignored that intelligence, to his peril

Has Mahendra Chaudhry learnt from his folly and his wanting leadership? Here he is pictured just after being released from the goon, George Speight's captivity of 56 days from Parliament in June 2000. He had failed to listen to wise advice and gave the goons freedom that they did not deserve.

“There is no threat. It is mischief-making by opposition. We will allow the people their democratic rights to protest. We have things under control...” He said on TV, with his trademark sneer smile. But that smile was wiped away at the time of broadcast, as he was a guest of George Speight, held captive in Parliament.

His statement that things were under control turned out to be a wishful thinking. Nothing could be further from the truth. It was not mischief-making, but a group of rogue-soldiers hijacked and imprisoned the government by putting an assault on Fiji’s parliament. The intelligence were not mischief-making.

Do not grant freedom to those who do not understand its meaning. The march on 19 May, 2000, that resulted in demise of People's Coalition Chaudhry government. THIS MARCH SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ALLOWED. Chaudhry ignored advice of the Special Branch and police intelligence.

And the police were not ready. There was no Operational plan. The Police Commissioner, working in cahoots with the thugs, thought the military would back the nationalist Fijians, like Rabuka had done. Reportedly Isikia Savua was prepared to be sworn in as the alternative nationalist Prime Minister. However, he failed to read the mood of Military under Bainimarama. The Military refused to commit treason, and the rest is history - with a failed coup, Speight behind the bars, Savua being cleared by a Kangaroo court and the country suffering miserably for allowing democratic rights Fiji was not ready for.

And sixteen years after that, the country still has some laws protecting its democracy. The lofty slogans of human rights, democracy and freedom of speech need to be taken with a pinch of salt, as safeguarding democracy is paramount for any government.

Father Kevin Barr, speaking about fundamental problems of Fiji’s democracy had said before 2006:

“… by now we should have learnt that democracy measured by elections is not a panacea. Every coup exposes wounds that need to be healed and the deep underlying problems that need to be attended to. Before Fiji can gain stability and effectively return to some degree of democracy a number of serious issues need to be addressed and resolved.”

Suva was burnt on 19 May, 2000 because Fiji allowed a First World freedom in a Third World democracy.. And it fell.

Among others these issues were identified as the agenda of the extreme nationalists wanting a Fiji for Fijians, explosive mix of nationalists with the elements of Church, seeking to have a strong influence on the political and social scene, the conflicts and tensions within the Fijian chiefly families and confederacies and the culture of corruption, nepotism and cronyism. While the interim rule and the democratic rule have resolved most of the issues, there are still some which needs close attention.

When some political party leaders and trade unionists were recently arrested for questioning, and they cried for freedom under democracy, Frank Bainimarama retorted with a plausible reason.

When the leader of the country allowed freedom to march on 19 May, 2000, that resulted in looting of Suva. Bainimarama has learnt from this abuse on concept of democracy in a country still struggling to understand the true meaning of democracy and freedom.

“Anyone with more than a superficial knowledge of Fiji knows of the history of civil unrest at various stages of the country's development…” He further said that in 2000, our capital was trashed when police stood by while crowds looted central Suva and set fire to a number of buildings.

"And we are determined that such outrages will never happen again…”  He said it was the British who introduced the Public Order Act and this Act — with various amendments — continued to this day. And it was under this law that people were taken for questioning for breach of the law, when they failed to inform or notify the police.

These were some of the people detained for questioning on breach of laws on meetings. From left, Jone Dakavula, Dr Biman Prasad, Sitiveni Rabuka and deposed Prime Minister of 2000, Mahendra Chaudhry. As a PM in 2000, Chaudhry failed to protect democracy, and gave freedom to those who did not deserve the freedom that democracy allows. Bainimarama Government has become wiser to learn from Chaudhry's follies of 2000, and nip any dissent in the bud, which could develop into a threat to Fiji's fragile democracy.[Fiji Times photo]

He clarified that human rights of those detained for questioning were respected. Nobody was beaten, or manhandled, they were fed, had access to legal counsel, and through their own account in media, were well treated. As the law allowed, they were released within 48 hours, are free now, and an independent Director of Public Prosecutions will make a decision, and their case will be dealt with independently by the courts, whether to prosecute them. 

So, where is the problem? Why the outcry from New Zealand and Australia? We had people like NZ Foreign Affairs spokesperson, David Shearer, and career protestor, Keith Locke poking their nose into Fiji’s affairs without realising that Fiji is not a First World matured democracy, but a Third World fledgling one, still struggling to  stand-up properly. And what moral rights or media ethics do the black-banned NZ journalists (read Barbara Dreaver and Michael Field) have, to pass their blinkered opinionated news item, seething with conflict of interest.
Anyway, as Bainimarama had explained, all that have been done were done legally. It is surprising why New Zealand and Australia have double standards. Powerful economic allies, like China and Indonesia have atrocious human rights records, yet they sleep with them, while bullying weaker ones.

WHEN DEMOCRACY BECOMES ITS OWN WORST ENEMY: The type of freedom some thugs hiding behind the principle of freedom in democracy, do not deserve. SUCH PROTEST IN FIJI SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO TAKE PLACE UNDER GUISE OF FREEDOM TO PROTEST.

Unfortunately, New Zealand’s mainstream media does not have any Fijian journalists, well-versed in Fiji politics, to advise them of our turbulent coup culture. Fiji has been through hell because of past political instability, protected and nurtured behind freedom of speech. “Blood will flow", "Fiji for Fijians" “Indians get out" and all these utterances before previous coups were also freedom of expression that was allowed in folly and led to rape of democracy. It is the responsibility of government of the day to safeguard and protect democracy. Chaudhry government failed to do so by allowing too much of freedom to troublemakers. It is reassuring to see that Bainimarama government will take no excuse from human rights advocates and those asking for freedom of speech. Things applicable and relevant in First World democracies may not be necessarily so in a Third World Country, still struggling to teach people the concept of democracy, freedom and human rights. Bainimarama, or any Fijian government has obligation and duty to take necessary steps to protect democracy from those advocating First World freedom in a Third World Country, historically troubled by coups, racial divisions and divisive politics.
 

FIJI NO LONGER NEEDS THE BRAND OF DEMOCRACY THAT ALLOWS FREEDOM TO PROTEST THAT CANNIBALISES DEMOCRACY ITSELF. SUCH PROTESTS HAVE NO PLACE IN FIJI ANY MORE IN FUTURE. THANKS TO BAINIMARAMA FOR LEARNING FROM HISTORY.

Fiji is not a perfect democracy. I just saw movie “12 years a slave” and saw Alex Haley’s old “Roots’ and its new remake as well. America some centuries ago went through turmoil, which was a historical development. What Fiji is going through now is what America and Britain were some centuries ago - history in making. Our great-grandchildren would read how Fiji was raped under Western concept of Democracy, and how a home-grown solution, where elites and trouble-makers hiding behind the luxury of human-rights, were ‘whipped “in line to mould the new Fiji. Government in Fiji is right not to adopt a First World solution for a Third World problem. We need a home-grown one, and it is in making. Though not perfect, it is better than the borrowed Western concepts that failed us more than once. Hence, relevant laws need to be strengthened and retained to stop the repeat of 19 May, 2000, when George Speight and his goons danced on the effigy of democracy, hiding behind the shelters of freedom that the same democracy granted them.

WHEN THE GOONS HIJACK ED DEMOCRACY, AND TOOK - OVER PARLIAMENT, HIDING BEHIND THE FREEDOM THAT DEMOCRACY ALLOWED.

What we learn from history is that we do not learn anything from history. But seeing recent happenings in Fiji, we can be rest assured that Bainimarama has learnt from history. Unlike Chaudhry, he has been expedient to protect his government and democracy from those hiding behind luxuries that democracy provides. And, the most important lesson he learnt is to keep your friends close, but keep those from whom you feel threatened, closer. Indeed, you have no better Minister for Defence and National Security than Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.

If Mahendra Pal Chaudhry had been as astute politician and street-wise as he makes out to be, he would still be leading Fiji today. If he had brought into his fold Apisai Tora, had listened to some wise advice of his advisors, had abandoned his Trade unionist arrogance in favour of statesmanship, and had endeavoured to become the father of the nation rather than merely of his undeserving son, then Fiji’s fate may have been different today. 

Fiji is blessed to have a leader who has learnt from history. Unlike Mahendra Pal Chaudhry, Frank Bainimarama is by miles, a better guard of Fiji’s fragile democracy. 

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh was publisher of Fiji Daily Post newspaper during George Speight’s attempted putsch (coup). He saw Suva torched because too much freedom was granted to those who did not deserve it.] 

Maa Tujhe Salaam – a Salute to India on Independence Day 2016

Thakur Ranjit Singh, Auckland, New Zealand.

A salute to India on its 70th anniversary of independence -15 August, 2016.

On the night of 14 August, 1947, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, gave the historical, Tryst with Destiny speech”

“Long years ago we made a tryst (date) with destiny (fate), and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially.

At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. ”

Jai Hind-Hail India

I dedicate this article on behalf of Indian Diaspora in Auckland and also in memory of my Indian Girmitiya (indentured labourer) grandfather Bansi, to all the freedom fighters who were able to deliver this dream – a meeting with fate and cashing on the reality of an Independent India. 

I am a third generation Fijian (Indo Fijian).My grandfather Bansi, was displaced from Karouli, in Rajasthan and torn and tricked from his roots by British in 1915, to slave in Fiji to fill their coffer via sugar plantation, as an indentured (Girmitiya) labourer. I made a pilgrimage to his village some sixteen years ago.

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India (left) with father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. "Tryst with Destiny" was a speech made  to the Indian Constituent Assembly in The Parliament, on the eve of India's Independence, towards midnight on 14 August 1947.

As the Airbus 320 of Lufthansa Airlines glided towards Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, it was a milestone in my life. This was a flight from Frankfurt, Germany, around midnight of 20 October, 2003. Fate destined that I , together with my good wife were passengers on that flight. I was filled with emotions and unprecedented feelings of delight. I had pledged on the burning pyre of my father that one day I would visit my grandfather’s birthplace, to trace my roots, and also visit the places that we only read in Holy Scriptures. The land we looked upon with awe and reverence, and called Bharat Mata –mother India. As I stepped out, I knelt down there and picked some dust and anointed on my forehead. This was the earth where Ram and Krishn also treaded, and so did my Aja, Bansi. And the land we only knew from Bollywood, and little bit from my Girmitiya grandfather. This was his birthplace.

Bharat Mata - Mother India. Maa Tujhe Salaam- a salute to India on its 70th Anniversary of Independence.

I had good and exciting memorable times in tracing my roots to my lineage and the land of Prithviraj Chauhan, near Jaipur in a small town called Karouli in Rajasthan. I was saddened to see that the economic development and progress in India has failed to reach remote areas, as sections of the country is gripped in poverty, with deep division in the then leaders. Karouli is very close to Vrindavan, Mathura and Taj Mahal, and near stronghold of dacoits like Gabbar Singh of Sholay fame, near Chambal Valley. But those things some other day.

When the then Indian PM Indira Gandhi visited Fiji over three decades ago in 1981, she had good advice for descendants of indentured Indian labourers or girmitiyas as we are known there. She told us that Fiji was now our country, hence we belonged there. As a result, we owed allegiance, loyalty and love for our country, Fiji.

Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai - the country where River Ganges flows-India. The great country where  this author went in 2003 to trace his roots in Rajasthan. This Raj Kapoor movie gave world a lesson on how to treat your visitors- Atithi Deva Bhava - visitors are our Gods. This is a lesson world leaders need to learn from India.

When Fiji’s racist and ethno-nationalist deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase visited India some two decades ago, he failed to learn anything from Indian hospitality.  The uncrowned father of Indian movies, Raj Kapoor immortalized this aspect of Indian culture in his film, “Jis Desh Mein Ganga Baheti Hai” (the land where Ganges flows) with this song….”Mehmaan jo hamara hota hai, woh jaan se pyara hota hai, jyada ki nahin laalach humko thore mein gujara hota hai... hum us desh ke waasi hai jis desh mein Ganga baheti hai...” His song translates to say that we value our visitors more than our life; we do not lust or greed for much as we manage in little that we have... We hail from the land where the Ganges flows…. And from that land if Qarase had learnt that language of Indian love, he may still be ruling Fiji today. But he failed to do so at his peril. And as they say, the rest is history.

Nationalist leaders and others around the world should gain immensely from Indian history and the way of life. Ethnocentric Anglo Saxons, Europeans and other ignorant people who still regard India as a land of snake charmers and rope tricks need to see Akshay Kumar’s Bollywood movie Namastey London. (Greetings to London) They need to get a translation of episode where the protagonist Akshay Kumar, shuts up the great grandson of an English East Indian Company employee who was running down India and its people.

1. Namastey London: a scene from the movie where the protagonist, Akshay Kumar tells the true tales of real India to a grandson of an Englishman whose grandfather served in  India [Click on the (blue) link above to see that scene- strongly recommended-very inspiring for anybody who hates ethnocentrism.)

By clasping his hands, Akshay says that when we Indians greet each other in the tradition of five thousand year old civilization, we fold our hands close to heart in Namastey (greetings) because we believe that God resides in the heart of every human being. 

We come from a nation where we allow a lady of Catholic Religion (Sonia Gandhi) to step aside for a Sikh (Manmohan Singh) to be sworn as the Prime Minister by a Muslim President (Abdul Kalam) to govern a nation with over 80% Hindus (India)

English is spoken and read more widely in India than in England. India has 5,600 newspapers, 35,000 magazines and 21 major languages with combined readership of 120 million, many more than in England. We have reached the moon and back but yet many Anglo Saxons (Europeans) still feel that India has reached only as far as gourd flute of snake charmers. We have third largest pool in the world of doctors, scientists and engineers. All these are of the details of our intellectual might, now look at our physical might.

May be the English grandfather did not tell that we have the third largest army in the world, and even then Indians clasp their hands in humility because they do not believe that they are above or beneath any individual…..end of the lesson. 

So next time you are confronted by an ethnocentric individual who runs down your Bharat Mata , then you repeat the above to shut him. Some good movies, among others, to enlighten you and your children on pride of India are Manoj Kumar’s Shaheed, Upkar and Purab aur Paschim.

Purab aur Pachhim  (East and West)), Manoj Kumar's movie that tells an exemplary tale of Indian culture versus London Anglo Saxon culture. A pride in promoting our culture-very relevant to our westernised Indian Diaspora, especially teens who frown on things Indian.

But how true are those dreams and future that Jawaharlal Nehru uttered some 70 years ago to the date?

“The service of lndia means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over. And so we have to labour and to work and work…”

"You support me and be a good Indian, and I will make India number one..." NARENDRA MODI- The Lion of Gujarat - answer to our prayers for somebody to wrest back honour, dignity and respectability that Indian once commanded.

And that work shall continue. And we are proud that India today is in better hands than ever been so, under Narendra Modi. And shall we pray that he will be able to wrest back the dignity India once had. The economic development of the last 70 years has not trickled down to the common people. There is a lot more that needs to be done, where social justice is delivered to ALL Indians. 

A salute to India-Maa Tujhe Salaam

And as we raise the Tiranga, the tricolour flag of India, we pledge to emulate the dreams of our freedom fighters who brought independence to India.

Jai Hind (Hail India)

(About the Author: Thakur Ranjit Singh, based in Auckland, New Zealand, is a third generation Indo Fijian. He was born in Fiji Islands. His indentured grandfather, Bansi came as an indentured labourer to Fiji in 1915. Thakur runs his blog site, FIJI PUNDIT)

STOP THE HYPOCRISY OF RAKSCHA BANDHAN IF YOU CANNOT RESPECT ALL WOMEN

RAKSCHA BANDHAN IS ULTIMATELY ABOUT RESPECT BY MEN TOWARDS ALL WOMEN

Thakur Ranjit Singh

Many abused wives and other women would see the hypocrisy of Rakscha Bandhan when they see sisters tying Rakhi on the hands of wife-beating and women abusing men, seeking protection. How can such abusive brothers protect another woman? And how hypocrite is a dowry - demanding brother? 

 

We cannot continue to happily celebrate Rakscha Bandhan while our sisters get beaten up by their husbands and others behind closed doors in their own homes, without community taking any positive action. I have personal experience of a beaten sister by a brute husband.

India, while glorifying its Goddesses and Deities in real fact appear to treat our women as trash and lowly weak creatures in reality. India, with 80% Hindu population, is tainted as the worst country for a woman to be born into the country of Sita, Lakshmi, Radha, Gauri and Durga, while a European-dominated Canada is the best. 

 

This Hindu festival will have little relevance to the theme of brotherly-sisterly love and respect for women if all that the celebration involves is feel-good stage shows, singing, dancing and a platform for speeches by politicians as done by some.

 

And increasing commercialisation of Hindu festival by greedy businesses, including media, promoting sarees, gold, sweets, perfume and materialism, without message of love and respect for all women that Hindus in particular and India in general lack.

Rather than running with bruised egos, our community organisations need to really tackle the hard issues facing our community - the band of women beaters in our community.

A research by Massey University in Auckland shows that Indians in general and Hindus in particular are biggest abusers of women in Auckland from their sample in a women’s refuge. I believe that as a fact, as police statistics, Auckland Council feedback and Ministry of Social Development figures substantiate this. 

 

So, FIJI PUNDIT is giving you a shock treatment this Rakscha Bandhan because this once revered holy festival degenerates to a joke in commercial money-making festival, ego-boosting functions and materialism, without passing the real message – FOR INDIANS TO RESPECT ALL WOMEN - EVERYWHERE…EVERY-TIME.

 

Please read on for our shameful hypocrisy….

 

Krishn-Draupadi episode in Mahabharat where Lord Krishn saves honour of Draupadi, remains the hallmark of protection that brothers need to provide to sisters in times of need - care and respect ALL MEN should show towards ALL WOMEN, not only their sisters.

Many believe the concept of Rakscha Bandhan originated from Draupadi and Krishn. Once, when Krishna had hurt his finger while beheading Shishupal, (via Sudarshan Chakra), Draupadi immediately rushed to him.

She at once tore off her sari and bandaged Krishna’s finger. Krishna for this loving act had vowed to help Draupadi. For every thread which she had used to cover his wound, Lord Krishna promised to repay the cost of each thread. He had promised to help Draupadi by saying, “whenever you need me I’ll always be there.”  He repaid this debt during Draupadi Cheer Haran (disrobing), and in many other episodes of Mahabharat. 

Historically there is story of Rani Karnavati (grandmother of the legendary Maharana Pratap) of Chittorgarh and Mughal Emperor Humayun, whom Rani sent a Rakscha Bandhan. When Rani was attacked and defeated and died through mass suicide, Emperor Humayun defeated Bahadur Shah and restored kingdom to sons of Karnavati. This almost 5 century old history shows that brotherly-sisterly love through Rakscha Bandhan transcends religions: love of a Muslim brother to a Hindu sister - some 500 years ago.

Bollywood has been foremost in promoting brotherly-sisterly love. From Choti Bahen to Hare Rama Hare Krishna to current times, brotherly -sisterly love is shown as immortal in reel (film) life, but such respect for women seem to have been escaping India in real life.

Bollywood has glorified Brotherly-Sisterly love. The leading one is Dev Anand's "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" which immortalised this love with melodious song: "Phulo ka taro ka sab ka kehna hai...ek hazaron mein meri behna hai..."

The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. 'Rakscha Bandhan' or 'Rakhi' is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the ‘Rakhi’. 

We can extend this love to sibling love where one may not have brothers or sisters (sisters to sisters and brothers to brothers). This is similar to the Bandhan which a pundit or priest ties to your hand during Pooja, signifying that God is your protector. 

Bollywood has been instrumental in promoting and glorifying Rakhi festival. But has the "reel' glorification descended on "real" India and amongst Indians? 

This Hindu festival will have little relevance to the theme of brotherly-sisterly love and respect for women if all that the celebration involves is feel-good stage shows, singing, dancing and a platform for speeches by politicians. And this also provides an avenue for businesses to sell more sarees, gold, sweets, perfume etc. This also becomes a revenue source for media to promote such commercialisation.

Personally, I have no objections to brothers giving gifts to their sisters. But it comes with a condition that if you have to give your sister anything, FIRST gift her the promise to respect and protect ALL women - starting from your wife.

To the brothers, who has Rakhi tied to their hands, and who vow to protect their sisters, I have one question for you: You vow to protect your sister, but who protects my sister - your wife? This is especially relevant because Indians in general and Hindus in particular hold the relationship of a brother and sister in high esteem, together with respect for all women-theoretically in many cases. 

While your married sister is someone else’s wife, at the same time, your wife happens to be someone else’s sister. Hence there is a logical reason for reciprocity if one wants to protect sisters. What this means is that for your sister to be respected and protected, you need to do the same to your wife, and other women, who are somebody else’s sisters.

A brother's hand that extends towards a sister for tying of the bond of love is also used to bash other women who are somebody else's sisters.  That is why Rakscha Bandha should be a platform to promote love, respect and regard for ALL women. And this incidence of violence is higher among our people.

But is this happening? We reportedly have high incidents of family violence, (and atrocities) especially against women in India and amongst Indian migrants (read People of Indian Origin) to New Zealand and other countries. Therefore the Indian community glorifying Racha Bandhan festival to promote themselves are abusive towards media revealing out violent attitude to women.

That research by Massey University shows that Indians in general and Hindus in particular are biggest abusers of women in Auckland from their sample in a women’s refuge. I believe that as a fact. Hospital records, police statistics, Auckland Council concerns and Ministry of Social Development figures substantiate this. 

Through such concerns, in 2010, Waitakere Indian Association held a joint workshop with these organisations to tackle this problem. Rather than running with bruised egos, Hindu organisations need to really tackle the hard issue facing our community - the band of women beaters in our community.

Tragedy for Indians is that while they pledge to protect their own sisters, then why do they openly abuse sisters of others? If we took the theme of Raksha Bandhan to protect sisters, that translates to respect for ALL women. Then why are women so much abused and dishonoured in India generally by Indians? Are our festivals only a sham and show piece, without any meanings?

We appear to be too religious, but many lacking spirituality – we need to practice it in real life. Hindu religious organisations need to inculcate better respect for women within their community from “vyas gaddi” (religious pulpit) in practical terms and NOT in some abstract religious theory, not understood by many. 

The visiting Swamis from India need to speak more about relevance of religion to improve well being of migrants rather than abstract knowledge that is merely theoretical. We need to walk our talk of good deeds. We have too much religious activities, but little in practice in life.

During Rakhi, a sister should also seek protection of her Bhabhi-sister in law, who is also somebody's sister.

Therefore Rakscha Bandhan should be an occasion to pass a message to our community to address the issue about respect for women and stop family violence. This is because celebrations are good avenues for addressing social issues in the community, despite so called Hindu organizations disputing this. 

Therefore sisters, when you tie the sacred thread, Rakhi on your brothers’ hands, please ask them not only to vow to protect you, but your Bhabhis (sisters-in-law) – their wives as well, because they also are somebody’s sister.

Sisters always feel protected by gallant and brave men who fight for the nation, but show their cowardice in beating up and abusing women and children.

Therefore I plead to all brothers to accept this theme and slogan for all Rakscha Bandhan in future. Please take this pledge with all other men: I vow to protect your sister in my home, please pledge to protect mine in your home. And this way, we will use our culture to tackle this vice of family violence in our society.

We cannot continue to happily celebrate Rakscha Bandhan while our sisters get beaten up by their husbands behind closed doors in their own homes, without community taking any positive action.

This should be the gift all sisters should seek from their brothers: My brother, this hand is for protecting sisters in particular, and women in general. Please never use it with bad intent on any other sister.

Let us all join in the spirit of Rakscha Bandhan to respect all women, and introduce a social theme for betterment of our women. 

Happy Rakscha Bandhan to all.

[About the author: Thakur Ranjit Singh is a media commentator and runs blog site FIJI PUNDIT to pass social message to the community. He advocates change in community attitudes towards festivals we celebrate, to address issues in our communities. Otherwise the well-meaning festivals remain hollow, meaningless and degenerates into a fashion parade. E-mail: thakurjifj@gmail.com.]