Monday, October 17, 2016

India’s Bane – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri

India’s Bane – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri

Major General Mrinal Suman

Choosing a career for one’s children is always a challenging responsibility. Medical, engineering and business management are generally the most favoured vocations. A few years ago, a chance meeting with an elderly co-passenger in an airport lounge proved to be quite enlightening (pun intended). According to him, only the ignorant ask their progeny to pursue such professions. “There are only three worthwhile professions in India – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri,” he declared loudly. 

Noticing attentive listeners, he carried on, “Let me explain. In case your son can put in one-time effort to pass a few papers of the civil services examination, he is best suited for Babugiri. Let him become a bureaucrat and rule the roost. Power, prestige, privileges and wealth are assured for life. He will also get a rich man’s daughter in marriage. It will be a dream job with no responsibility and no accountability. Raj karega.”  

“If your son is useless in studies, encourage him to become a Baba – a God-man, Swami, Guru or Sant. Dressed appropriately with flowing robes and garlands, he should master the art of addressing public gatherings with half-closed eyes. What he mutters is irrelevant. In case he dreads public speaking, he should proclaim himself to be a Mauni Baba (the one who has taken a vow of silence). Soon, he will own ashrams with hundreds of acres of land. It is by far the most lucrative profession and requires no investment”, he added.
    
Encouraged by the captive audience, he continued, “Finally, if your son is good-for-nothing; keeps company with hoodlums; and remains on the wrong side of the law, he is ideally suited for Netagiri. To start with, he should append himself to an upcoming political leader. Ideology and loyalty matter little. Remember, all top Netas started at the bottom, doing errands for their mentors. Even a tenth failed person can become a Minister, with police providing protection rather than filing cases. It is a highly rewarding career – a petty corporator earns enough to sustain next seven generations.” 
  
His parting shots were prophetic, “Unfortunately, all the three professions are growing like malignant tumours and devouring the vitals of India’s body-politic.” His choice of the term malignant tumours appeared inappropriate at that time. However, today one realises that no other taxonomy could have delineated their destructive character and disposition so very aptly.

Many feel that it is incorrect to club Babagiri with the other two professions. For, people follow Babas of their own free will. There is no compulsion or coercion. In many cases, Babas do provide much needed solace to the disconsolate and hope to the depressed. To that an extent, they do fulfil a social necessity.

On the other hand, Babus and Netas belong to a very distinct self-serving genre. As they have many attributes in common, they are natural allies and readily join hands to further their own interests in an unabashed manner.

Babus and Netas:Scroungers in Tandem

It was in 1985 that the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, at a public rally at Kalahandi,  acknowledged the fact that only 17 paise reached the common man for every rupee spent by the government, hinting that the unholy Neta-Babu nexus devoured the bulk. 

A few years ago, some bureaucrats were ordered by the then Defence Minister Fernandes to visit forward areas to get a feel of the ground conditions. At a social gathering soon after the above incident, a few service officers were eulogizing Fernandes for ‘sorting out the bureaucrats’. Overhearing their conversation, a senior retired bureaucrat told them that their euphoria was misplaced. “Politicians need funds and only Babus can help. Hence, both are always hand in glove and thrive in tandem. Soon Fernandes will be singing Babus’ tunes,” he added candidly.

Netas and Babus have many other traits in common as well. Here are some.

**Unabashed Selfishness

Sadly, India’s Netas and Babus do not suffer from any pangs of public morality and scruples. Demonstrating extreme narcissism, they flaunt their arrogance and selfishness with unconcerned abandon.

Netas keep voting higher privileges, perks and allowances for themselves. They have granted pension to themselves for five years of shouting, screaming and sloganeering in the house. They defy rules openly and decline to vacate government houses. They want subsidised canteen food when millions of their constituents cannot get two square meals a day. Some shamelessness!

Babus suffer from similar affliction. They can stoop to any level to protect their self-interests without any qualms. Every pay commission is manned by their hand-picked protégé who readily connive to promote their interests. It is done in such a blatant manner that one wonders if Indian Babus ever realise the depravity to which their selfishness sinks. But then, it is too much to expect such soul-searching from a self-serving cadre.

Perhaps, the biggest scam in Independent India’s history pertains to the sanction of Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU). One always thought that the pay was related to the job being performed. But Babus have overturned the age-old connotation. They have contrived a subterfuge through which they get pay for a higher appointment without getting selected for the same or performing corresponding functions. Some cheek!  

NFU defies all logic and is unmistakably contrajuris. Knowing the collusion between Babus and Netas, acceptance of such a dishonest proposal by the government was only to be expected. However, what is really surprising is that no one has gone to the Supreme Court against this unabashed loot nor has the Court considered it necessary to take up the issue suo moto.

**Refusal to Quit Gracefully

Fading away gracefully is not a trait that most Netas and Babus can be accused of suffering from. They, by their very nature, are ‘lingerers’ and hate the sight of an exit door. They get so addicted to power, importance and privileges that they refuse to quit gracefully. Whereas most employees are considered past their productive age by the time they turn 60-65 years. Netas and Babus want to continue to occupy some office or the other till they kick the bucket, a la ‘chair to cemetery’ syndrome. In the process, they make a spectacle of themselves with senile behaviour and tottering gait. After becoming electorally irrelevant, most Netas seek residence in a Raj Bhavan. Death in harness assures state funeral.

Similarly, Babus dread loss of power, recognition and perks that they had got so used to during their long innings. Every retiring bureaucrat undertakes a highly systematic exercise regarding his future prospects. Extension of service is generally the preferred option. Other avenues include governorship, missions abroad, job in UPSC/CEC/CAG/CIC and other such establishments. In case none of the above measures work, many functionaries initiate proposals for the constitution of expert committees and regulatory commissions to create suitable slots for themselves. They cannot live without office, staff, telephone, car and other perks.

**Chameleon-like Traits

Their capability to change colours can put even a chameleon to shame. It is a common sight to see Netas going around seeking votes with folded hands and making tall promises before elections. For photo-shoots, they visit poor villagers’ huts and squat on the floor for meals (although meals and bottled water are specially brought for them).  Once elected, their personality undergoes a total transformation: servants of the public become rulers of the country. Pre-election promises are brazenly dismissed as election jhumlas.

Babus are ‘survivors’ by nature and swim with the tide. Netas come and go while the Babus go on forever. While interacting with their political masters, they become the most servile, docile and obedient human being. They bravely face worst degrading treatment without a whimper of protest. However, when dealing with the public, their persona undergoes a total make-over. They consider themselves to be the dispenser of favors; and hence behave in a haughty, pretentious, condescending, pompous and supercilious manner.

Finally

It is commonly said that cinema reflects the society at large. Of late, villainy has become the exclusive domain of Netas and Babus. They are shown as the most unscrupulous and scheming individuals. The moment a character in ‘khadi’ and white cap appears on the screen, the audience recognises him as the chief villain. Misusing his ministerial position, he patronises all unlawful activities in collusion with corrupt Babus.

Undoubtedly, both Netas and Babus enjoy a very poor public standing. People consider them to be the fountainhead of inefficiency, corruption and illegal activities in the country. Every survey carried out by different agencies shows Netas and Babus to be at the bottom of peoples’ choice for probity, loyalty and selflessness. Many amongst the present crop of Netas started as petty ruffians and today command wealth worth hundreds of crores of rupees. In no other profession can so much be amassed in so short a time.


Netagiri and Babugiri have rightly come to be identified with everything depraved and decadent. People are aware of the abysmal character of India’s Netas and Babus but cannot free themselves of their stranglehold. However, what is more worrisome is the fact that both Netas and Babus have become too thick-skinned to bother about public perception. As self-aggrandisement continues to rule unabated, they are becoming more audacious, brazen and fearless in their deviousness. And, that is India’s tragedy.***** 

India’s Bane – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri

India’s Bane – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri

Major General Mrinal Suman

Choosing a career for one’s children is always a challenging responsibility. Medical, engineering and business management are generally the most favoured vocations. A few years ago, a chance meeting with an elderly co-passenger in an airport lounge proved to be quite enlightening (pun intended). According to him, only the ignorant ask their progeny to pursue such professions. “There are only three worthwhile professions in India – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri,” he declared loudly. 

Noticing attentive listeners, he carried on, “Let me explain. In case your son can put in one-time effort to pass a few papers of the civil services examination, he is best suited for Babugiri. Let him become a bureaucrat and rule the roost. Power, prestige, privileges and wealth are assured for life. He will also get a rich man’s daughter in marriage. It will be a dream job with no responsibility and no accountability. Raj karega.”  

“If your son is useless in studies, encourage him to become a Baba – a God-man, Swami, Guru or Sant. Dressed appropriately with flowing robes and garlands, he should master the art of addressing public gatherings with half-closed eyes. What he mutters is irrelevant. In case he dreads public speaking, he should proclaim himself to be a Mauni Baba (the one who has taken a vow of silence). Soon, he will own ashrams with hundreds of acres of land. It is by far the most lucrative profession and requires no investment”, he added.
    
Encouraged by the captive audience, he continued, “Finally, if your son is good-for-nothing; keeps company with hoodlums; and remains on the wrong side of the law, he is ideally suited for Netagiri. To start with, he should append himself to an upcoming political leader. Ideology and loyalty matter little. Remember, all top Netas started at the bottom, doing errands for their mentors. Even a tenth failed person can become a Minister, with police providing protection rather than filing cases. It is a highly rewarding career – a petty corporator earns enough to sustain next seven generations.” 
  
His parting shots were prophetic, “Unfortunately, all the three professions are growing like malignant tumours and devouring the vitals of India’s body-politic.” His choice of the term malignant tumours appeared inappropriate at that time. However, today one realises that no other taxonomy could have delineated their destructive character and disposition so very aptly.

Many feel that it is incorrect to club Babagiri with the other two professions. For, people follow Babas of their own free will. There is no compulsion or coercion. In many cases, Babas do provide much needed solace to the disconsolate and hope to the depressed. To that an extent, they do fulfil a social necessity.

On the other hand, Babus and Netas belong to a very distinct self-serving genre. As they have many attributes in common, they are natural allies and readily join hands to further their own interests in an unabashed manner.  

Babus and Netas: Scroungers in Tandem

It was in 1985 that the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, at a public rally at Kalahandi,  acknowledged the fact that only 17 paise reached the common man for every rupee spent by the government, hinting that the unholy Neta-Babu nexus devoured the bulk. 

A few years ago, some bureaucrats were ordered by the then Defence Minister Fernandes to visit forward areas to get a feel of the ground conditions. At a social gathering soon after the above incident, a few service officers were eulogizing Fernandes for ‘sorting out the bureaucrats’. Overhearing their conversation, a senior retired bureaucrat told them that their euphoria was misplaced. “Politicians need funds and only Babus can help. Hence, both are always hand in glove and thrive in tandem. Soon Fernandes will be singing Babus’ tunes,” he added candidly.

Netas and Babus have many other traits in common as well. Here are some.

**Unabashed Selfishness

Sadly, India’s Netas and Babus do not suffer from any pangs of public morality and scruples. Demonstrating extreme narcissism, they flaunt their arrogance and selfishness with unconcerned abandon.

Netas keep voting higher privileges, perks and allowances for themselves. They have granted pension to themselves for five years of shouting, screaming and sloganeering in the house. They defy rules openly and decline to vacate government houses. They want subsidised canteen food when millions of their constituents cannot get two square meals a day. Some shamelessness!

Babus suffer from similar affliction. They can stoop to any level to protect their self-interests without any qualms. Every pay commission is manned by their hand-picked protégé who readily connive to promote their interests. It is done in such a blatant manner that one wonders if Indian Babus ever realise the depravity to which their selfishness sinks. But then, it is too much to expect such soul-searching from a self-serving cadre.

Perhaps, the biggest scam in Independent India’s history pertains to the sanction of Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU). One always thought that the pay was related to the job being performed. But Babus have overturned the age-old connotation. They have contrived a subterfuge through which they get pay for a higher appointment without getting selected for the same or performing corresponding functions. Some cheek!  

NFU defies all logic and is unmistakably contrajuris. Knowing the collusion between Babus and Netas, acceptance of such a dishonest proposal by the government was only to be expected. However, what is really surprising is that no one has gone to the Supreme Court against this unabashed loot nor has the Court considered it necessary to take up the issue suo moto.

**Refusal to Quit Gracefully

Fading away gracefully is not a trait that most Netas and Babus can be accused of suffering from. They, by their very nature, are ‘lingerers’ and hate the sight of an exit door. They get so addicted to power, importance and privileges that they refuse to quit gracefully. Whereas most employees are considered past their productive age by the time they turn 60-65 years. Netas and Babus want to continue to occupy some office or the other till they kick the bucket, a la ‘chair to cemetery’ syndrome. In the process, they make a spectacle of themselves with senile behaviour and tottering gait. After becoming electorally irrelevant, most Netas seek residence in a Raj Bhavan. Death in harness assures state funeral.

Similarly, Babus dread loss of power, recognition and perks that they had got so used to during their long innings. Every retiring bureaucrat undertakes a highly systematic exercise regarding his future prospects. Extension of service is generally the preferred option. Other avenues include governorship, missions abroad, job in UPSC/CEC/CAG/CIC and other such establishments. In case none of the above measures work, many functionaries initiate proposals for the constitution of expert committees and regulatory commissions to create suitable slots for themselves. They cannot live without office, staff, telephone, car and other perks.

**Chameleon-like Traits

Their capability to change colours can put even a chameleon to shame. It is a common sight to see Netas going around seeking votes with folded hands and making tall promises before elections. For photo-shoots, they visit poor villagers’ huts and squat on the floor for meals (although meals and bottled water are specially brought for them).  Once elected, their personality undergoes a total transformation: servants of the public become rulers of the country. Pre-election promises are brazenly dismissed as election jhumlas.

Babus are ‘survivors’ by nature and swim with the tide. Netas come and go while the Babus go on forever. While interacting with their political masters, they become the most servile, docile and obedient human being. They bravely face worst degrading treatment without a whimper of protest. However, when dealing with the public, their persona undergoes a total make-over. They consider themselves to be the dispenser of favors; and hence behave in a haughty, pretentious, condescending, pompous and supercilious manner.

Finally

It is commonly said that cinema reflects the society at large. Of late, villainy has become the exclusive domain of Netas and Babus. They are shown as the most unscrupulous and scheming individuals. The moment a character in ‘khadi’ and white cap appears on the screen, the audience recognises him as the chief villain. Misusing his ministerial position, he patronises all unlawful activities in collusion with corrupt Babus.

Undoubtedly, both Netas and Babus enjoy a very poor public standing. People consider them to be the fountainhead of inefficiency, corruption and illegal activities in the country. Every survey carried out by different agencies shows Netas and Babus to be at the bottom of peoples’ choice for probity, loyalty and selflessness. Many amongst the present crop of Netas started as petty ruffians and today command wealth worth hundreds of crores of rupees. In no other profession can so much be amassed in so short a time.


Netagiri and Babugiri have rightly come to be identified with everything depraved and decadent. People are aware of the abysmal character of India’s Netas and Babus but cannot free themselves of their stranglehold. However, what is more worrisome is the fact that both Netas and Babus have become too thick-skinned to bother about public perception. As self-aggrandisement continues to rule unabated, they are becoming more audacious, brazen and fearless in their deviousness. And, that is India’s tragedy.***** 

India’s Bane – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri

India’s Bane – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri

Major General Mrinal Suman

Choosing a career for one’s children is always a challenging responsibility. Medical, engineering and business management are generally the most favoured vocations. A few years ago, a chance meeting with an elderly co-passenger in an airport lounge proved to be quite enlightening (pun intended). According to him, only the ignorant ask their progeny to pursue such professions. “There are only three worthwhile professions in India – Babugiri, Babagiri and Netagiri,” he declared loudly. 

Noticing attentive listeners, he carried on, “Let me explain. In case your son can put in one-time effort to pass a few papers of the civil services examination, he is best suited for Babugiri. Let him become a bureaucrat and rule the roost. Power, prestige, privileges and wealth are assured for life. He will also get a rich man’s daughter in marriage. It will be a dream job with no responsibility and no accountability. Raj karega.”  

“If your son is useless in studies, encourage him to become a Baba – a God-man, Swami, Guru or Sant. Dressed appropriately with flowing robes and garlands, he should master the art of addressing public gatherings with half-closed eyes. What he mutters is irrelevant. In case he dreads public speaking, he should proclaim himself to be a Mauni Baba (the one who has taken a vow of silence). Soon, he will own ashrams with hundreds of acres of land. It is by far the most lucrative profession and requires no investment”, he added.
    
Encouraged by the captive audience, he continued, “Finally, if your son is good-for-nothing; keeps company with hoodlums; and remains on the wrong side of the law, he is ideally suited for Netagiri. To start with, he should append himself to an upcoming political leader. Ideology and loyalty matter little. Remember, all top Netas started at the bottom, doing errands for their mentors. Even a tenth failed person can become a Minister, with police providing protection rather than filing cases. It is a highly rewarding career – a petty corporator earns enough to sustain next seven generations.” 
  
His parting shots were prophetic, “Unfortunately, all the three professions are growing like malignant tumours and devouring the vitals of India’s body-politic.” His choice of the term malignant tumours appeared inappropriate at that time. However, today one realises that no other taxonomy could have delineated their destructive character and disposition so very aptly.
Many feel that it is incorrect to club Babagiri with the other two professions. For, people follow Babas of their own free will. There is no compulsion or coercion. In many cases, Babas do provide much needed solace to the disconsolate and hope to the depressed. To that an extent, they do fulfil a social necessity.

On the other hand, Babus and Netas belong to a very distinct self-serving genre. As they have many attributes in common, they are natural allies and readily join hands to further their own interests in an unabashed manner.  

Babus and Netas: Scroungers in Tandem

It was in 1985 that the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, at a public rally at Kalahandi,  acknowledged the fact that only 17 paise reached the common man for every rupee spent by the government, hinting that the unholy Neta-Babu nexus devoured the bulk. 

A few years ago, some bureaucrats were ordered by the then Defence Minister Fernandes to visit forward areas to get a feel of the ground conditions. At a social gathering soon after the above incident, a few service officers were eulogizing Fernandes for ‘sorting out the bureaucrats’. Overhearing their conversation, a senior retired bureaucrat told them that their euphoria was misplaced. “Politicians need funds and only Babus can help. Hence, both are always hand in glove and thrive in tandem. Soon Fernandes will be singing Babus’ tunes,” he added candidly.

Netas and Babus have many other traits in common as well. Here are some.

**Unabashed Selfishness

Sadly, India’s Netas and Babus do not suffer from any pangs of public morality and scruples. Demonstrating extreme narcissism, they flaunt their arrogance and selfishness with unconcerned abandon.

Netas keep voting higher privileges, perks and allowances for themselves. They have granted pension to themselves for five years of shouting, screaming and sloganeering in the house. They defy rules openly and decline to vacate government houses. They want subsidised canteen food when millions of their constituents cannot get two square meals a day. Some shamelessness!

Babus suffer from similar affliction. They can stoop to any level to protect their self-interests without any qualms. Every pay commission is manned by their hand-picked protégé who readily connive to promote their interests. It is done in such a blatant manner that one wonders if Indian Babus ever realise the depravity to which their selfishness sinks. But then, it is too much to expect such soul-searching from a self-serving cadre.

Perhaps, the biggest scam in Independent India’s history pertains to the sanction of Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU). One always thought that the pay was related to the job being performed. But Babus have overturned the age-old connotation. They have contrived a subterfuge through which they get pay for a higher appointment without getting selected for the same or performing corresponding functions. Some cheek!  

NFU defies all logic and is unmistakably contrajuris. Knowing the collusion between Babus and Netas, acceptance of such a dishonest proposal by the government was only to be expected. However, what is really surprising is that no one has gone to the Supreme Court against this unabashed loot nor has the Court considered it necessary to take up the issue suo moto.

**Refusal to Quit Gracefully

Fading away gracefully is not a trait that most Netas and Babus can be accused of suffering from. They, by their very nature, are ‘lingerers’ and hate the sight of an exit door. They get so addicted to power, importance and privileges that they refuse to quit gracefully. Whereas most employees are considered past their productive age by the time they turn 60-65 years. Netas and Babus want to continue to occupy some office or the other till they kick the bucket, a la ‘chair to cemetery’ syndrome. In the process, they make a spectacle of themselves with senile behaviour and tottering gait. After becoming electorally irrelevant, most Netas seek residence in a Raj Bhavan. Death in harness assures state funeral.

Similarly, Babus dread loss of power, recognition and perks that they had got so used to during their long innings. Every retiring bureaucrat undertakes a highly systematic exercise regarding his future prospects. Extension of service is generally the preferred option. Other avenues include governorship, missions abroad, job in UPSC/CEC/CAG/CIC and other such establishments. In case none of the above measures work, many functionaries initiate proposals for the constitution of expert committees and regulatory commissions to create suitable slots for themselves. They cannot live without office, staff, telephone, car and other perks.

**Chameleon-like Traits

Their capability to change colours can put even a chameleon to shame. It is a common sight to see Netas going around seeking votes with folded hands and making tall promises before elections. For photo-shoots, they visit poor villagers’ huts and squat on the floor for meals (although meals and bottled water are specially brought for them).  Once elected, their personality undergoes a total transformation: servants of the public become rulers of the country. Pre-election promises are brazenly dismissed as election jhumlas.

Babus are ‘survivors’ by nature and swim with the tide. Netas come and go while the Babus go on forever. While interacting with their political masters, they become the most servile, docile and obedient human being. They bravely face worst degrading treatment without a whimper of protest. However, when dealing with the public, their persona undergoes a total make-over. They consider themselves to be the dispenser of favors; and hence behave in a haughty, pretentious, condescending, pompous and supercilious manner.

Finally

It is commonly said that cinema reflects the society at large. Of late, villainy has become the exclusive domain of Netas and Babus. They are shown as the most unscrupulous and scheming individuals. The moment a character in ‘khadi’ and white cap appears on the screen, the audience recognises him as the chief villain. Misusing his ministerial position, he patronises all unlawful activities in collusion with corrupt Babus.

Undoubtedly, both Netas and Babus enjoy a very poor public standing. People consider them to be the fountainhead of inefficiency, corruption and illegal activities in the country. Every survey carried out by different agencies shows Netas and Babus to be at the bottom of peoples’ choice for probity, loyalty and selflessness. Many amongst the present crop of Netas started as petty ruffians and today command wealth worth hundreds of crores of rupees. In no other profession can so much be amassed in so short a time.


Netagiri and Babugiri have rightly come to be identified with everything depraved and decadent. People are aware of the abysmal character of India’s Netas and Babus but cannot free themselves of their stranglehold. However, what is more worrisome is the fact that both Netas and Babus have become too thick-skinned to bother about public perception. As self-aggrandisement continues to rule unabated, they are becoming more audacious, brazen and fearless in their deviousness. And, that is India’s tragedy.***** 

Friday, October 7, 2016

Tibet: a Narrative of Cultural Holocaust

Major General Mrinal Suman

Tibet continues to be an enigma to all visitors. My two visits have been no different. One sees massive Chinese investment in road and railway infrastructure. Modern skyscrapers are coming up at a frenetic pace to house migrants from the mainland. Yet, Tibet presents a sight of a state under foreign siege. A deceptive calm hides the underlying tension. There is no cheer in the air.

The story of Tibet is a saga of world’s apathy and indifference to cultural genocide of Tibetan Buddhism. Brutal decimation of an ancient, rich and peace-loving culture by ruthless China has been ignored nonchalantly.


China annexed Tibet in 1950. Although the estimates vary considerably, it is believed that up to one million Tibetan natives have been killed by the Chinese to suppress their demand for freedom. As the Tibetans are highly religious by nature, the Chinese have methodically targeted their places of worship and learning with a vengeance. Over 6,000 monasteries have been destroyed or ransacked. Damage done to Tibet’s relics, heritage and architecture has been truly horrendous; and beyond redemption.
  

Chinese Flag over Potala Palace, Lhasa

Tibet has been amalgamated in China as Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). It is autonomous only in name; the Chinese government exercises total and unbridled control. The locals have no say. Even though TAR has an ethnic Tibetan as the Chairman, he is only a titular figure. He is subordinate to the Branch Secretary of the Communist Party of China (the real power wielder) and he is always from the Chinese mainland. Wu Yingjie, a hard-nosed Han Chinese from the Eastern region of China is the current appointee.

There is minimal interaction between the Chinese and the natives. The Chinese behave like the rulers and treat the natives with disdain. The Hans from the mainland China occupy all senior government posts and are running prosperous businesses.  They enjoy a much higher standard of living and strut around like rulers, demonstrating all the trappings of an occupation force. 


On the other hand, the Tibetans are treated with suspicion and have been condemned to menial jobs. Their condition is worse than that of the slaves of the olden days. All janitors, sweepers, load carriers and labourers are Tibetans. Some manage public toilets to make a living. Many peddle in local stones and other produce. It is sad to see a once-proud community degraded to the status of bonded labour. Poverty continues to afflict most. 

Chinese Sense of Insecurity

Despite 66 years of occupation, China has not been able to crush the Tibetan spirit for independence. On the contrary, grave atrocities committed through political and religious repression have strengthened their resolve further. The Tibetans abhor the Chinese and the Chinese know it. The Chinese sense of insecurity is evident from the fact that google, facebook, whatsapp and such other social media have been banned in Tibet. Here are some other indicators:-

a)   At Taklakot, foreigners are asked to disembark from the bus and spread out their luggage on the roadside for inspection. Policemen rummage through each item to ensure that no material relating to the Dalai Lama is smuggled into Tibet. Printed material is closely examined. Worse, visitors are asked to show all pictures stored on their cameras and cell-phones.     
b)  Every street and building in Tibet is embellished with innumerable Chinese flags, as if to constantly remind the locals that Tibet is under the Chinese rule. Similarly, billboards read ‘Welcome to China’s Tibet’. 

Road Embellished with Chinese Flags, Shigatse


c)    Every house is mandated to fly the Chinese flag on the roof top; and its height must be more than that of the Tibetan prayer flags that traditionally adorn all houses. Non-compliance is construed as an act of defiance of the state authority and is dealt with harshly. Punishment may include imprisonment for anti-national proclivity.



 Chinese Flag atop a Residential House 

d)   Tibetans are denied passports. They can visit the Chinese mainland but cannot travel abroad. They are captives in their own country. China does not want them to interact with the world, lest their atrocities get exposed. 
e) Foreign visitors are not welcome in Tibet. Every tourist bus is accompanied by a policeman during travel in Tibet. He ensures that the permitted route is diligently followed. No deviations are allowed. Contact with the locals is discouraged. Military areas, police posts and even armed guards cannot be photographed. Yes, Tibet is a police state.
f) Local authorities regulate the number of monks that a monastery can accommodate. Monks need official permission to visit other monasteries in large numbers. Armed soldiers invariably accompany them to monitor their activities.


Although the Tibetans are wary of expressing their views openly, they never fail to express their gratitude to India for giving asylum to their temporal head and millions of other Tibetan refugees. A middle aged vendor woman shoved a handful of walnuts in our hand, as if to say ‘thank you’.
The Panchen Lama: a Chinese Lackey
Traditionally, the Panchen Lama is considered second to the Dalai Lama in hierarchy and plays a critical role in selecting the next Dalai Lama.
After the escape of the current Dalai Lama to India in 1959, Panchen Lama Choekyi Gyaltsen sided with the communist China and supported suppression of the 1959 rebellion. However, by 1962, he was a disillusioned man and accused China of smothering Tibetan culture. He was imprisoned in 1964 and subsequently kept under house arrest. He died suddenly under mysterious circumstances at Shigatse in 1989. He was only 51 years old. Locals are convinced that he was poisoned by the Chinese.  
A boy named Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was chosen to be the next Panchen Lama by the Dalai Lama and the then-incumbent abbot of Shigatse’s Tashilhunpo Monastery. However, the boy went missing soon after his nomination and is untraced to date. It is alleged that he is still being held in captivity at an unknown location in China. In his place, the Chinese government conspired to select Gyaincain Norbu (son of two Communist Party members) as the 11th Panchen Lama. Most Tibetans do not recognise Norbu as the Panchen Lama and consider him to be a stooge of the Chinese.  


Although the Panchen Lama traditionally lived in his official seat at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Norbu has chosen to reside in Beijing. Hatred for him amongst the Tibetans is so intense that whenever he visits Shigatse, the city is converted into a police fortress to ensure his security. Locals are coerced to send two persons per family to attend his public addresses and are even paid money for the same. Non-attendance is viewed seriously and can even invite police action. 
The Chinese Malevolence
China has been adopting a three pronged approach to ensure total integration of Tibet – demographic offensive, obliteration of Tibetan identity and undermining the standing of the Dalai Lama.
Tibetan population consists of three broad ethnic groups – nomads, agriculturists and urban dwellers. Whereas the demographic make-up of the first two groups remains largely undisturbed, it is the third ethnic group that is undergoing a worrisome change with the massive influx of Chinese migrants. The Chinese government considers demographic swamping to be the ultimate solution. It is feared that the Han population will overwhelm the locals in the next two decades.
As the Chinese consider the knowledge of Mandarin to be essential for building national cohesion, the Tibetans are compelled to learn Mandarin. As a result, the local Tibetan language is being allowed to die.
Secondly, having failed to crush the ethnic pride of the Tibetans, China has been systematically targeting symbols of Tibetan uniqueness. Recent demolitions at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy and Jhada Gon Palden Khachoe Nunnery are symptomatic of the Chinese efforts to subvert the local culture. Larung Gar is said to be the biggest Tibetan Buddhist institute (academy and monastery) in the world and is keeping the Buddhist knowledge alive. Under the garb of decongesting, it is attempting to curtail its influence. 

Monastery with Chinese Flag

Finally, as regards the Dalai Lama, the Chinese government suffers from an acute phobia. It has forbidden referring to him as His Holiness. However, for the Tibetans, His Holiness the Dalai Lama continues to be the supreme head. They hold him in great esteem. When told that we were from India, a young hotel boy told us that his sole ambition in life was to visit India to pay respects to His Holiness. With moist eyes, he rued his helplessness to acquire a passport. 
Having failed to win over the 80 year old Dalai Lama, China is waiting for his demise to install a pro-China boy as the next Dalai Lama. It has already started manoeuvring itself to be in a position to have its say. Support of the lackey Panchen Lama will help considerably.
As per the past track record of China, if the followers of the current Dalai Lama select a boy living in Tibet, he will be eliminated by China and replaced by a loyalist boy. With the support of a pliable Dalai Lama, China will tighten its grip over the religious and spiritual facets of the Tibetan culture further. That shall prove to be the final and fatal blow. A rich culture will soon get wiped out and lost forever. Ominous signs are already discernible. The world must hang its head in shame for being a mute spectator to the ‘cultural holocaust’ in Tibet.*****