Experiences of Japanese Learning

As an IFS officer, each officer is assigned a foreign language (determined based on merit-cum-choice based system, wherein we give our choices for the languages offered in that year and its assigned based on UPSC rank). I was assigned Japanese and I preferred it over some of the other languages as I had interest in Japanese due to significant bilateral economic, technological and strategic relationship between India and Japan. I also had keen interest in Japanese technology, culture and social values personally.

 

However I never imagined and also not realized that I will have to learn a foreign language (speaking, reading and writing) at the age of 30 and that too as a father of about a year old baby son. I also did not realize the seriousness and level of difficulty till it actually started.

 

But anyway it started, and is currently going on. Now that my son is able to speak, so he sees me off by saying “Bye Bye Papa! Papa going to school !” in his cute voice. When there are exams, I tell him that I have exam and if I do not perform well teacher will scold me, which he understand superficially because while repeating “Papa ka exam hai, Papa ko padhna hai (Papa have to study)”, he keeps on creating all possible & usual ruckus.

 

Through school I happen to learn many other things apart from Japanese, the ways of working of Japanese people, parts of customs and culture of Japan etc. I got chance to interact with many other nationalities particularly from Taiwan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Britain etc. Sometimes I used to be oldest guy in the class but sometimes we have a class with person as aged as about 50 years. Japanese is a language with three scripts (Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji) written at the same time. But main pain is Kanji – which are pictographic symbols of Chinese origin having inherent meaning and different meaning when combined with other Kanjis. To master Japanese one has to master about 2000 Kanji. And our objective in the course of about 1.5 year is to learn about 1500 Kanjis. On top of that the pronunciation of Kanji changes depending upon how it adjoins with other Kanji. As if it was not enough, Japanese has a complex grammar depending upon one is speaking in casual situation, with friends or in a formal environment (with a person above oneself or below oneself). In a nut shell its COMPLICATED.

 

However its fun to learn something new. I feel now that it is never too late to learn something new even if its difficult and so complicated. The process of learning new language opens mind and is a good brain exercise (especially when language is Japanese !! HaHa) Doing mistakes, committing blunders during classes, after classes but still keep trying to make oneself better – after all that is what is life! The biggest motivation to learn language is able to talk with local people and getting appreciation by seeing smile and sometimes ‘pleasant shock’ in their expression. It immediately connects with people. So learning is FUN and INTERESTING.

 

Till now journey has been very good, I have passed Level 3 (N3) exam of Japanese language proficiency Test (JLPT – which has 5 levels with 1 being most difficult indicating mastery over language and N5 being the lowest) in a year. This certification even though has no meaning professionally for me but gave me confidence to move further and continue the journey till its logical end. The period of language training is like an academic break with a balance between work and life, with relaxed days in between, to studying even during weekends for the coming tests (as the school is very strict in measuring performance regularly and get one repeated if one doesn’t perform as per minimum high standard). [I do hope that more and more Indians learn Japanese as the bilateral relationship between our countries is at very high level and there is need to promote more people-to-people exchange. By learning Japanese this process can be faster and there are lots of opportunities in Japan to work and learn. In recent visit of PM Abe to India, there was special stress on promoting learning of Japanese in India with aim of training more than 1000 Japanese teachers.]

 

As many people had asked me about experience of foreign service abroad, I would like to add that experience of language training is also a training ground for many such future assignments. In this posting we get exposed to different culture, environment, customs and country for the first time. And language training soothes this process and we get assimilated better and adjust faster. Obviously we can’t expect to learn each and every language where get posted in the course of our job but the experience of this will be helpful to overcome those difficulties.

पितृत्व का सुख

 

उन छोटे से हाथों को माला की तरह डाल कर,
वो गोदी में भर कर रोने से चुप करा देना,
उस मासूम को मुस्काते सीख देख मुस्काना,
और फिर उन किलकारियों पर असीम आनंद की अनुभूति करना,
यही पितृत्व का सुख है ।

उसके निर्रथक शब्द-ध्वनियों का मतलब निकालना,
तो कभी दबे हुए अन्दर के नर्तक का जाग जाना,
उसके नित्य- क्रिया-कलापों का ही अत्यधिक महत्वपूर्ण हो जाना,
तो उनके हरेक नखरों को सर-आँखों लेना,
यही तो पितृत्व का सुख है ।

माली को जो सुख पुष्प-माला को बनाने में है,
कृषक का जो आनंद अपनी लहलहाती धरा को देख है,
भक्त का जो भाव भगवान के दृश्य को है,
उससे ज्यादा वात्सल्य तो मातृ -पितृ के प्रेम में है ।

इन्ही बाल लीलाओ का लालच ,
तो माँ यशोदा औ’ नन्द दाऊ भी ना त्याग पाये थे,
उन्ही बाल क्रीड़ाओं को देख हृदय आह्लादित है,
और अपने उत्तरदायित्व के प्रति आशान्वित है ।

Meeting with Pat Farmer

Had op to meet with @patfarmerrunner an eminent Aus long distance runner off to #spiritofindiarun @kartikmurali pic.twitter.com/JqeIiVb4i6

— GAURAV GUPTA IFS (@gauravg85) January 21, 2016

Some sample answers

As many people have been asking for model answers. I am posting some answers prepared by me for modern History. They are indicative and need not be followed as actual and might be in points format and hence not in detail. These were prepared before the examination and are my personal views based on understanding at that particular time, and as I am in service I would like to say that they do not represent the views and opinion of government in any form, nor there is any endorsement of any sort implied here.

Best Wishes

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IAS History Mains 2004

Paper II

1. Comment on any THREE of the following statements in about 200 words each:

(a)`The Treaty of Salbai’ (1782) was neither honourable to the English nor advantageous to their interests.’

1. The Treaty of Salbai was signed between the British and the Maratha after the first Anglo-Maratha war. The British interfered in the matters of Marathas backing Ragunath Rao for Peshvaship.
2. They had to wage war against Hyderabad and Mysore also at the same time.
3. The treaty caused the British to made peace with the Marathas for 20 years, to leave cause of Ragunath Rao, had to return territories won back to the Marathas and Maratha supremacy was proved but enabled them to consolidate their power exerting pressure on Mysore and Hyderabad.

(b) `The object of the Act (Regulating) was good, but system that it established was imperfect.’

1. Through the Regulating Act (1773) the British government declared its sovereignty and authority over the Company. Overall administrative powers were given to Governor-General of Bengal who had to exercise it through executive council of 4.
2. The defects were – not effective control and authority of administrative affairs – continued corruption; confrontations between executive council and Governor-General. Confrontations between different presidencies – Bombay, Madras and Bengal – no clear power division.

(c) `Permanent Settlement disappointed many expectations and introduced the results that were not anticipated.’

1. Permanent settlement brought by Cornwalis aimed at – a) brining stability to finances of the Company, b) creating supporting zamindari (aristocratic) class, c) expecting improvement in productivity and investment.
2. But rates were fixed very high to maximize the extraction. Thus Zamindars started to default one by one. No remission was allowed even during famine etc, it proved to be highly oppressive. No real property rights were given so no investments were made.

(d) `We are therefore unable to advise the British Government that the power which at present resides in British hands should be handed over to two entirely separate sovereign states.’

1. The statement was made by Cabinet Mission. Cabinet Mission did not supported the idea of partition citing practical, geographical and administrative difficulties and hardships to people, especially in Punjab and Bengal – which have significant predominantly non-Muslim population and significant Muslims remaining in rest of the India.
2. Therefore Cabinet suggested federal government with weak centre having control over Defence, Foreign Affairs and Communications.
3. Discuss the causes that led to the `economic drain’ in Bengal following the Battle of Plassey.
4. Following the Battle of Plassey the British placed Mir Jafar as Nawab of Bengal and got from him big bounty as war compensation and bribes for officials. Clive and others amassed huge wealth.
5. The British now became unstoppable in their corrupt trade practices. They did not pay any taxes for official and as well as personal trade (misuse of dastak and farmaan), compelled local sellers to sell them cheap and eliminated other competitors. They got zamindari of Burduan, Midinapore and Chittagong.
6. After the Battle of Buxar (1764) they became real master and established ‘dual government’ with real control but no responsibility. They got ‘Diwani’ of Bengal, Bihar and Odissa and right to appoint ‘Naib Subehdar’ thus controlling law and order and justice along with revenue collection rights.
7. The Company ordered that Bengal should take care of expenses of other two presidencies. Soon British Government also pitched in and demanded annual tribute of “40,000 sterling ponds”.
8. Examine the impact of British rule on Indian Society in the 19^th Century.

Scope: Impact on Society –Rise of New Landlordism, Impact by social reform movements, emergence of modern educated middle class, Destruction of artisans and crafts, emergence of new classes – industrialists and workers, communalism (Important process to describe – Industrialization, Urbanization, Westernization, Modernization, Secularization)

1. Permanent settlement created new class of landlords with large estates very loyal to the British Government. With changes in administration and Judiciary moneylenders became land magnates.
2. Social reform movements made a impact on urban class, made them more politically aware, critical to anti-rational, backward customs and rituals. Educated urban class was influenced by ideas of rationalism, humanism and nationalism.
3. Destruction of artisans and crafts due to cheap British goods, no more demand as nobility is replaced by British officials who preferred British goods. This led to expansion of agriculture based economy.
4. In the later quarter of 19^th century some cotton, jute, sugar mills were established and gradually two new social classes emerged – industrialists/capitalists and workers. They were modern, secular in their outlook driven by economic interests.
5. Hindu reformist movement became revivalist with discoveries of ancient India and as Muslims lagged behind in education and modernization – these factors gave rise to communalism.
6. Analyse Indian foreign policy of Non-Alignment between 1947 and 1964.
7. JL Nehru is considered architect of ‘modern India’ and chief contributor to its foreign policy. Although he was as much influenced by “Socialism” as by “Gandhian principles”, he committed to neither while framing foreign policy.
8. Foreign policy characterized by two major ideological aspects – independence of foreign policy (i.e. no commitment to any political-economic ideology) & faith on honesty and goodwill.
9. The first policy led to the policy of non-alignment based on economic needs of country, healthy pragmatism.
10. It was seen by both the super powers as international opportunism and was accused of ‘neutralism’. Yet India maintained good relations with both USA and Soviet Union. USA helped in the fields of S&T, education, food aid etc. The relationship with Soviet Union was closer with cooperation in diplomatic and strategic areas also.
11. Newly independent nations from Asia and Africa such as Egypt, Indonesia, and Yugoslavia also joined the Non-Alignment Movement.
12. NAM opposed colonialism, imperialism, economic hegemony of super powers and capitalist forces. It mobilized support for independence of various colonies. It proved to be potent forum outside the purview of cold war politics.

IAS History Mains 2005

1. Comment on any THREE of the following statements in about 200 words each:

(a) `Upon the whole, then, I conclude that the treaty of Bassein was wise, just and a politic measure.’

1. The Treaty of Bassein (1803) was signed when Peshva Baji Rao II fled to British protection after having been defeated by Holkar. He ceded his territory in lieu of subsidiary force.
2. The treaty was significant as it led to dissolution of confederacy of Maratha and usurpation of Peshwa’s territory in western India. The treaty was not acceptable to leading chiefs and hence followed by 2^nd Anglo-Maratha war.

(b) `Whatever might have been its original character it (Rebellion of 1857) soon became a symbol of challenge to the mighty British power in India.’

1. Details of the Great Revolt of 1857 were suppressed by the British by all means. But the stories of courage of Rani Laxmi Bai, Tantya Tope, Kunwar Singh, General Bakht Khan and unnamed sepoys were remembered and passed on.
2. These stories became source of inspiration and symbol of local resistance to the British rule. Veer Savarkar first wrote about the 1857 revolt as India’s first freedom struggle movement. It became source of inspiration for revolutionaries.

(c) `The impact of government on the people meant essentially the impact of government on the village.’

The most devastating impact of the British government policies was felt in Indian villages –

1. Self-sufficient village economy was destroyed with promotion of cash crops by force and other means.
2. British administrative and judicial system dismantled panchayat system of self-governance.
3. Artisans, weavers, potters etc lose their jobs due to cheap British goods and pressure of agriculture increased.
4. Due to commercialization of land, influence of moneylenders and oppressive taxation, many peasants lose their lands and became landless laborers. It also caused less acreage as they had to sell their lands.

2. Examine the essential principles of the Subsidiary Alliance system. How far did it contribute in making the British Company the supreme sovereign authority in India?
3. It was introduced by Lord Wellesley. It was the most important tool by which the British expanded their influence and authority. Principles of Subsidiary Alliance System –
   1. Control of foreign policy of subordinate state (by ensuring that any war and peace is to be declared with their consent, placing a British representative in their court, no recruitment of any foreign expert);
   2. Control of their security and Defense – by stationing a permanent British Army on the expenses of State as subsidy, no right to maintain its own army.
4. With this native states became mere titular heads. Even though they promised they will not interfere in day to day administration, they did more often than not and these states could not do anything about it.
5. They lost all qualities of sovereignty as they could not protect themselves, depended on British Army and for all types of foreign policy related decisions.
6. The subsidy or compensation rates were fixed high and many states had to cede territories in place of cash maintenance fee.

 

2. Trace the development of the famine policy of the British in India between 1876 and 1921. Did it provide relief to the people?

2. Indian climate is characterized by monsoon, in which weather pattern followed monsoon winds which were very uncertain, and unreliable. Most of the year, the climate remain dry. Traditional agriculture practices thus kept aside food stocks, fodder etc at village level to reduce its impact. Also Hindu kings and Mughals had liberal taxation policy in the times of crisis to keep their authority legitimate and just.
3. In view of fierce opposition and rebellions such as Deccan riots etc they had to reduce and remit the revenue demands in famine stricken areas in view of more political movements. But over all oppressive taxation continued which exacerbated the famine conditions. They did not attempted to change food policy, introduce improvements in agriculture and large amount of expenditure was on military, Police and state machinery to maintain the British rule.
4. The British were influenced by thoughts of Malthus on population growth, who taught recruits at Hailebury College, and justified the famines as ‘positive check’ on population growth and did nothing. Moreover there were never shortage of food, infact large surplus food was being exported during periods of famine. The British refused to interfere in the matter on the pretext of ‘free market’.
5. Development of Railway made matters worse and now market fluctuations impacted whole country and worsened the situation instead of helping it. Moreover on the name of “Famine Relief Camps” the British used cheap labour for construction of railways at much lower wage levels.
6. Some irrigation works were done but only some limited areas and only to promote commercial cash crops – sugar, jute, cotton and indigo etc.

All this exposed the British policies. The population of India remained constant at 220 million despite great growth in whole Europe at this juncture. Between 1870 – 1920, 10% population declined and crop area declined by 12%.

4. Analyse the factors responsible for the Civil Disobedience movement (1930-31). How far were its aims realized in the Government of India Act of 1935?

Factors responsible for the Civil Disobedience movement –

1. Charged political atmosphere due to no representation in Simon Commission and attempt to put joint political structure in the form of Constitution through Nehru Report
2. Influx of young leadership in the Congress Party – JL Nehru, Subhash which asked for ‘complete independence’ (Lahore declaration in 1929). In 1930 Congress party declared January 26 as independence day to be celebrated every year.
3. Undercurrents of socialism, revolutionary movements became strong. In 1920s workers movement also became important by trade unions. Trade unions henceforth played important part in national movement.

Civil Disobedience movement was finally started with Dandi March in 1930 and spread like fire. Finally it was taken back with Gandhi-Irwin pact and the Congress Party agreed to participate in Round Table Conference. Meanwhile Conservative came back to power in England and round table ended in failure.

Nonetheless the British Government introduced reforms in the form of Government of India Act. It introduced autonomy in provinces, proposed federal structure if all the states agree to it, introduced diarchy at the Centre but Governor General remained keystone with many discretionary powers with no responsibility to legislature. Even in provinces Governors were given certain discretionary powers.

No dominion status was offered. Congress Party expressed disappointment. Even other parties rejected it.

IAS History Mains 2006

1.Comment on any THREE of the following statements in about 200 words each:

(a) `Neither Alexander the Great nor Napoleon could have won the empire of India by starting from Pondichery as a base and contending with a power which held Bengal and the command of the Sea.

1. Several reasons can be considered for failure of the French against the English such as – weak leadership compared to Clive and others, inferiority in sea, weak support from home country and lack of political ambition.
2. But the most important reason was they did not have a territory such as Bengal which provided great wealth, material support, military support and men to wage effective war. So the battle of Plassey proved in 1757 to be decisive  for the French.

(b)`A self-sufficient village, based on agriculture carried on with the primitive plough and bullock power, and handicrafts by means of simple instruments, was a basic feature of Pre-British Indian economy.’

1. During medieval times Indian society became inward and decadent. It did not keep abreast with developments around the world in 17^th and 18^th century except few instances such as scientific developments.
2. Indian economy was essentially agriculture based and self sufficient. Though there were many developments in this field such as – horticulture, fruits, use of ‘Persian wheel’ for irrigation, canals were dig – yet tools and instruments remained traditional. However it was not the case that agriculture was much advanced in Europe a that time.

(c)`So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them.’

1. Swami Vivekananda aroused the spirits of nationalism in Indian youth and educated class and asked them to stand for poor, deprived and to render social service. Because unless there will be hunger and ignorance India cannot take its own place in world.
2. He established “Ram Krishna Ashram” in 1897 as social service and spiritual organization which would work for humanity. His teachings were based on Human development.  At Kanyakumari  in 1893 he took resolve to make aware masses and arouse nationalism.

(d) `I felt that if we did not accept partition, India would be split into many bits and would be completely ruined.’

1. After 1946 the conditions in the country had become very unstable – politically, socially and economically. Politically Muslim league took obstructionist approach by putting road blocks in the functioning of government being part of Executive Council of Viceroy (Cabinet).
2. Socially it announced direct action in August 1946 resulting in widespread communal violence. Patel mentioned that there was no security to life and property in the country. Law and order was shattered, the economic life of country was paralyzed.
3. Also there was danger that Princely states will claim independence under the device of Lapse of Paramount as declared by the British. Therefore Patel observed in 1948 at BHU that acceptance of partition was essential political decision.

 

1. Examine the circumstances which led to the Third Mysore War. Could Cornwallis have avoided it?
2. In the second Anglo-Mysore war (1782-1784), no side was victorious. In 1782 Tipu succeeded Hyder Ali and inherited strong hatred against the British and resolve to push them out from ‘Hindustan’.
3. After the Treat of Mangalore in 1784, Tipu kept on working in his plan. He sent emissary to Sultan of Turkey for help against the British forces. He also sought military, supporting and strategic help from French and encouraged relations with the French court.
4. The kingdom of Travancore had been target of Tipu for conquest, and it was ally of the British at Madras. Tipu also tried to make alliance against the British of Muslim rulers of south.
5. Thus it was not long before Cornwallis had to take step to reign in Tipu. This culminated in Third Mysore war (1789-1792) in which Tipu was defeated badly.

 

 

3. What do you mean by the commercialization of Indian agriculture? Discuss its results.

Commercialization of agriculture should be seen as process of capitalism imposed by the British on Indian economy with objective of protecting interest of mother country – to serve commercial interests of British traders, to provide raw material to Industries of Britain, to export goods required for British market and to protect British investments. Commercialization of Indian agriculture involved –

1. Encouraging cash crops by legitimate and illegitimate means; providing state support to British planters who made oppressive demands – example Indigo revolt and its background (1856-57), Deccan Revolt due to decline in cotton prices (1875)
2. Making land a alienable, saleable and mortgageable property – against traditional land rights, if land revenue was not paid the land of farmer was auctioned off; no traditional protection against traps of moneylenders due to costly and alien justice system.
3. Increased Monetization – all land revenue was to be paid in cash currency. This made peasants more dependable on market forces. Increased integration due to railways, road connectivity also increased vulnerability of peasants against market forces.
4. Various plantations with foreign capital emerged – Tea plantations in Assam; labour were drawn from Bihar, Bengal etc. Large forests were converted into plantations.

 

1. Account for the emergence of the left-wing within the Congress. How far did it influence the programme and Policy of the Congress?

Scope: Root of leftism in India, Congress not as ideology but national forum, congress having all elements for same cause, socialism rose in 1920s especially among youth leaders, grouping within congress – Congress Socialist Party, impact on agenda of the Congress, splinter groups after independence, socialist outlook of constitution and economic policies of independent India.

 

1. Inspired by Bolschevik Revolution in 1917 and Rise of Soviet Union
2. Congress was national forum to achieve freedom from colonial yoke. It has various elements – capitalist class, peasant leaders, workers, middle class, intellectual class, upper castes etc. The balancing act was provided by democratic organization structure, and leadership of Gandhiji.
3. Rise of socialism and worker movements, trade unions. Subhash and Nehru rose. New leaders such JP Narayan, Acharya Narendra Deva.
4. JP Narayan, Narendra Dev formed CSP, associated with peasants, Kisan Mahasabha
5. Its members rejected the anti-rational mysticism of Gandhi and highly sympathetic attitude of Communist Party towards Soviet Union and its sectarian attitude towards the Congress Party.
6. CSP included various strands of Marxist thought. Some were advocate of peaceful struggle for socialism and communism (Fabianism/Democratic Socialism) based on non-violence (Acharya Narendra Dev) while some were advocate of armed struggle and sabotage for independence and implementing its programme (Jai Prakash Narayan).
7. Congress manifesto of 1936, Resolution of Faizpur 1937, Economic agenda prepared by committee appointed by Subhash for planning
8. Impact on DPSP in constitution, socialist and central planning adopted by Nehru, many elements broke away after independence such as JP Narayan, Rajagopalachari broke away while several remained within congress continuing its characteristic of diverse yet conflicting interests.

 

IAS History Mains 2007

1. Comment on any three of the following statements in about 200 words each:  20×3=60

(a) “The Revolt of 1857 seemed to call the very presence of the British into question. What it did not do was reverse these changes.”

 

1. The revolt of 1857 was a feudal revolt and revivalist against new political and administrative force established by the British. The British did not gave due respect to nobles, previous kings and did not adhere to treaties. Their land revenue system was highly oppressive and had no sympathy for farmers in the times of calamities.
2. It was also a reaction of people against attempts of the British interfering in their social, religious and moral life – such as activities of Christian missionary, sea faring for soldiers, use of skin in bullets, laws passed to regulate sati, widow remarriage etc. It was also war for pride, against racial inequality.
3. But it did not present any alternate political system, ideology, economic system as opposed to feudal system which was also not less oppressive.

(b)  “Of the evils which corroded Indian society in the nineteenth century were probably those stunted its womanhood.”

 

1. Women in India had been subordinated to men and severally opposed irrespective of religion, class and caste. The condition of upper class women was in this regard worse than that of peasant women.
2. There were many social evils prevailed which made position of women inferior – sati, widow etc.
3. They were not given property rights in patriarchal system and not given education. They had no personal identity and depended on man for whole life.

(c)  “At Karachi in 1931, the Congress defined what Swaraj would mean for the masses.”

1. At Karachi session of congress in 1931 the Congress defined first time what the Swaraj would mean for common man. Before this all party forum tried to draft constitution under the chairmanship of Moti Lal Nehru – this formed the basis of Karachi resolution.
2. In the resolution the Congress gave following principles to be included in any constitution acceptable to it – Freedom of speech, belief, religion; Equality before law and equal protection against law; Freedom to make union, association; Right to form trade union and strike; Universal suffrage; Land reforms and reforms in land tenancy and tenure protection; No capital punishment; No discrimination in employment, trade and profession on the basis of religion, caste, and sex; Religious neutrality of State; Freedom of Movement; various economic objectives to protect peasants, Indian industries etc.

(d) “There is no other instance in the history of mankind of a poet and Philosopher working such a miracle in shaping the destiny of his people.”(A Tribal to M.Iqbal)

1. Mohammad Iqbal was a great and popular poet and also a eminent Muslim philosopher who was responsible to guide the political ideology of Muslims.
2. He studied Law and Philosophy in London and became member of London branch of Muslim League. He called for pan-Islamism and criticized prevalent Muslim politicians for their factionist attitude and lack of mass support.
3. He was of the opinion that secularism would influence badly Islamic culture, religion and society and in Hindu-majority democratic political system would overshadow Muslim rights, heritage and culture.
4. He influenced greatly thoughts of Jinnah later and in 1930 propounded the theory of two-nation but he did not speak of partition as such.

 

1. Examine the major factors shaping the British land-revenue policy in India. How it affected Indian society ?  60

Three Main strands of British land revenue policy –

1. Permanent Settlement – Where (Bengal, Bihar and Odisha); Who(Lord Cornwalis); What factors (Financial stability, Political stability and predictability); Effect (Initial impacts and long term impact)
2. Ryotwari Settlement – Where (Western India – Maharashtra, Gujrat, South India); who (Munro and Reed); Factors behind (Absence of large landlords, Utilitarian principles – private property, individualism, management and maximization of revenue by revision); Effect (land became commercial asset and peasants were oppressed a lot by a very big feudal lord)
3. Mahalwari Settlement – Where (Ganga Valley, Central India, North-West); Factors behind (absence of large Jagirdar, existing zamindari system, introduction of concept private property and land commodification)

IRS[C&CE] Vs IRS [IT]

Reproducing a article shared by a friend which can be a good article about comparing IRS[C&CE] and IRS[IT].

(via neutralviews.blogspot.in)

A comparative study of IRS[C&CE] Vs IRS [IT]

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Numerous candidates face difficulties in filling the preference of services due to lack of knowledge. Neutral views is publishing a write up by one of the IRS officer to clear the air on this issue.
“In CSE-08, Rank-78 has opted for IRS[IT], Rank-140,160 for IRS[C&Ce]…these examples reflect a break with tradition maturing of the things in CS. With globalisation, not only the role of services has undergone a paradigm shift but the people’s choices and priorities have also changed considerably. Now a days, more and more candidates are opting for central services especially IRS [C&CE] and IRS[IT] over others.This is a healthy trend. The role of revenue services is bound to increase in future.
Still a large number of aspirants are not informed of the full scope of various services and hence are in dilemma over the selection of services. They frequently heed to advice of coaching institutes which themselves are not fully aware of various services.
One of the biggest dilemma has been deciding between IRS [C&CE] and IRS[IT], both have Ministry of Finance as cadre controlling authority. IRS[C&CE] used to be the clear choice in the 1990’s but the situation has changed recently. Due to the greater visibility of IRS[IT] people are now going for IT without being aware of the full scope of IRS[C&CE] whose role has changed considerably and scope broadened post globalization and with the addition of service tax to its kitty.
Here I will like to place facts before the candidates so that they can decide easily according to their personal preference.
IRS [C&CE] administer and collects central excise,customs,service tax and narcotics of government of India. Few people are aware of the fact that service tax is administered by IRS [C&CE].
The advantages are :
[1] Service tax is the future of Govt of India’s revenue. It is the fastest growing tax of the world [Services contributes 55% of India’s GDP and it is bound to increase in future]. Currently it is contributing 65000 Cr and it is slated to contribute 20 lakh Cr by 2020.
[2] Like IAS, IRS[C&CE] offers greatest diversity of job profile. One gets to administer taxes. Besides, there is a role of this service in :
[a] homeland security
[b] preventing narcoterrorism
[c]regulating narcotics
[d] facilitation of trade in customs
[e] checking serious frauds through DRI,DGCI which are totally manned by IRS[C&CE]
[f] Deputation in CBI,RAW and IB, UPSC [Ms Praveen Talha]
[g] one IRS[C&CE]officer in every SEZ
[h] intellectual property rights
[i] guardians of economic frontiers
[j] check on fake currency
[k] administration of various acts related to other ministries e.g. Arms Act,Antiquity Act,etc.
[3]getting administrative power at quite an early age, IRS [C&CE] officer just after probation are in charge of a division as assistant commissioner [AC].
[4] AC/DC[ deputy comms.] are the cutting edge of this department.
[5] The biggest attraction of IRS[C&CE] is its very cool training and numerous attachments. We have as many as 19 attachments [field training outside academy]..maximum for any service. We are attached with CBN,DGCEI,NPA,NADT,Parliament,Army,Coast guard,NIPFP,Navy,Forest academy,various customs houses,excise and service tax commissionerate. This gives you an excellent opportunity to tour whole of India along with acquisition of knowledge.
[6] There is a great feeling of esprit-De-corps in this service. Probationers are treated as guests when they visit various commissionerate and senior officials try their best to make them comfortable.
IRS [C&CE] has advantages over IRS[IT] as follows:
[1] cool and easy training along with numerous attachment.
[2] Service tax is going to be the king of all taxes
[3]Great diversity of job
[4] administrative power at an early age
[5] uniform service with a huge subordinate staff [in IT no subordinate staff at entry level]
[6] Dealing with high profile corporations with sophisticated client base.
[7] good working environment with spacious offices
[8] wide area of jurisdictions e.g. Merrut chief commissionerate of IRS [C&CE] covers entire UP and Uttarakhand.

 

राष्ट्रभाषा – स्वरूप, चुनौतियाँ और संभावनायें (National Language – Nature, Challenges and Options)

(This article is contributed by my wife, with inputs which we discussed together.)

सारांश

भाषा मानव सभ्यता का अभिन्न अंग है और राष्ट्र को एक पहचान देती है।  राष्ट्रभाषा राजनैतिक, आर्थिक एवं  सामाजिक दृष्टि से राष्ट्र को सुदृढ़ बनाती है और उसकी एकता एवं अखण्डता को अक्षुष्ण रखने में सहायता करती है।

परंतु, भारत में जो कि विविधताओं का देश है, उसमें एक राष्ट्रभाषा एक जटिल मुद्दा है।  राष्ट्रभाषा के रूप में हिन्दी के समक्ष कई चुनौतियाँ हैं, इसलिए भारतीय संविधान राष्ट्र भाषा नहीं अपितु राजकीय भाषाओं की बात करता है और हिन्दी को राष्ट्रभाषा के रूप में स्थापित करने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करता है।

कुछ आधुनिक तकनीकि, संचार माध्यमों एवं नये साहित्य से हिन्दी के राष्ट्रभाषा के रूप में स्थापित होने के नए आयाम खुले हैं जो वास्तविकता में भविष्य में हमें एक राष्ट्रभाषा दे सकते हैं।

परिचय

भाषा मानव सभ्यता में एक महत्वपूर्ण स्थान रखती है। यह अपने विचारों, चिंतन, आवश्यकताओं एवं भावों को शब्दों में परिवर्तित करने का साधन है जो एक सामाजिक जीवन जीने के लिए अत्यंत आवश्यक है। भाषा के माध्यम से मानव ने सामाजिक जीवन की शुरुआत की और इससे “मानव-सभ्यता” के विभिन्न चरणों का आरंभ हुआ।

इस तरह से भाषा मानव-जीवन का अभिन्न अंग हो गई।  जन्म के बाद व्यक्ति अपनी मातृभाषा को अपने परिवार एवं समुदाय के द्वारा प्राकृतिक रूप से सीखता है और इस तरह से भाषा उसकी पहचान का एक अभिन्न अंग बन जाती है।  यह भाषा व्यक्ति को उसके परिवार, समुदाय, समाज एवं कई मायनों में उसके राष्ट्र की पहचान से जोड़ती है।  प्रत्येक भाषा का एक इतिहास होता है जो उस देश एवं देशवासियों के सामाजिक, राजनीतिक एवं आर्थिक इतिहास से जुड़ा हुआ होता है जैसे कि – वर्तमान भारतीय भाषाओं का विकास प्राचीन आर्यन संस्कृत एवं द्रविण तमिल-ब्राह्मी से हुआ है जिनके मध्य भी परस्पर आदान-प्रदान हुआ जो विविधता में भी एकता का परिचायक है।

राष्ट्रभाषा एवं उसकी महत्ता

आधुनिक राष्ट्र-राज्य में भाषा एक महत्वपूर्ण सूत्र है जो उस राष्ट्र के लोगों को एक सूत्र में जोड़ता है।  एक राष्ट्रभाषा एकता को बढ़ाती है, देशवासियों के मध्य विचारों के आदान-प्रदान, को प्रोत्साहित करती है और समुचित आर्थिक विकास एवं सुचारू राज-व्यवस्थता के लिए भी जरूरी होती है।  19 वीं शताब्दी से राष्ट्रभाषा ने एक राजनैतिक विचारधारा का स्वरूप धारण कर लिया  और संपूर्ण विश्व में राष्ट्रभाषा के आधार पर आधुनिक राष्ट्र-राज्यों का गठन होने लगा। यूरोप इसका एक उदाहरण है जहाँ 19वी शताब्दी में बड़े-बड़े मध्यकालीन साम्राज्य आँस्ट्रो-हंगेरियन साम्राज्य, तुर्क साम्राज्य कई आधुनिक राष्ट्रराज्यों में तब्दील हो गये और यह प्रक्रिया आज तक कई देशों में जारी है जहाँ एक से अधिक भाषायें बोली जाती हैं।

डा. अंबेडकर ने भी एक राष्ट्रभाषा की महत्ता को भारत के परिप्रेक्ष्य में समझा और कहा कि – “स्वतंत्र राष्ट्रीयता और स्वतंत्र राज्य के बीच में एक सकरी सड़क ही होती है।  भाषा के आधार पर राज्यों का विभाजन उचित तो है किंतु यही भाषा उनको एक स्वतंत्र राज्य में विकसित करने में सक्षम है।”

संक्षेप में राष्ट्रभाषा के निम्नलिखित फायदे होते हैं:-

• यह देश को एक पहचान देती है।
• यह देश को एक सूत्र में पिरोने में मदद करती है।
• यह सुचारू राज-व्यवस्थता को चलाने में मदद करती है।
• राष्ट्रभाषा देशव्यापी विचारों के आदान-प्रदान में सहायक होती है।
• एक भाषा आर्थिक रूप से भी लाभकारी होती है क्योंकि इससे अंतर्देशीय व्यापार में सहायता होती है और विदेशी व्यापारियों को केवल एक ही भाषा सीखनी पड़ती है।
• एक राष्ट्रभाषा सामाजिक एवं राजनीतिक समरसता को बढ़ाती है।

किंतु राष्ट्रभाषा ही केवल राष्ट्रीय एकता के लिए जरूरी नहीं है और भारत इसका एक उदाहरण है।

राष्ट्रभाषा भारत के परिप्रेक्ष्य में :-

भारत एक राष्ट्र-राज्य नहीं अपितु राज्य-राष्ट्र है अर्थात् इसमें कई सारी राष्ट्रीयतायें मिलकर भारतीय राष्ट्रीयता का समन्वय करती हैं, ऐसा इसलिए क्योंकि भारत विविध धर्मों, पंथों, भाषाओं, रीति-रिवाजों इत्यादि का अदभुद संगम है।  भारत की एकता का कारण ऐतिहासिक, धार्मिक, आत्मिक समरूपता में है जहाँ उसने हर धर्म, पंथ, समुदाय को अपना कर अपनी संस्कृति में ढाल लिया और साथ में विभिन्न समुदायों, भाषाओं को पनपने व विकसित होने का अवसर भी दिया।  भारतीय संस्कृति को कुछ शब्दों में व्यक्त करना हो तो हम कह सकते हैं “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्”।  भारत में जहाँ हर कोई  भारतीय है तो वहीं गुजराती, तमिल, कन्नड़ इत्यादि भी हैं इसलिए स्वाधीनता के पश्चात्, जब 1956 में भाषीय राज्य गठित किये गये तो इस कदम ने भारतीयता को सुद्ढ़ ही किया जैसा कि अब तक का अनुभव बताता है।  इसलिए राष्ट्रभाषा का मुद्दा भारत राष्ट्र के संदर्भ में एक महत्वपूर्ण किंतु जटिल मुद्दा है ।  भारत में कुल 22 भाषाओं को राजकीय दर्जा प्राप्त है जबकि 2011 जनगणना के अनुसार भारत में 1635 भाषायें हैं और जो 10,000 या अधिक जनसंख्या के समुदाय द्वारा बोलीं जातीं हैं।  अधिकतर भाषाएँ दो भाषा – परिवारों से संबंधित हैं –

• भारतीय आर्य भाषा समूह – हिन्दी, उड़िया, गुजराती, मराठी इत्यादि।
• द्रविण भाषा समूह – कन्नड़, तेलुगु, तमिल, मलयालम आदि।

कुछ भाषायें जो उत्तर-पूर्व व केन्द्रीय भारत के कुछ कबीलों में बोलीं जातीं हैं, वे अन्य भाषा समूहों से संबंधित हैं।  अतः राष्ट्रभाषा का दर्जा एवं उसका निष्पादन एक जटिल मुद्दा है जिसका स्वयं का एक इतिहास है। राष्ट्रभाषा के स्वरूप, उसकी चुनौतियों व संभावनाओं को समझने के लिए इसका अध्ययन आवश्यक है ।

भारत में राष्ट्रभाषा का ऐतिहासिक विकास एवं संवैधानिक स्थिति

स्वतंत्रता प्राप्त करने के पश्चात् विभाजन की स्मृतियों, ब्रिटिश राज के समय में अंग्रेजी के प्रभुत्व एवं भारत के इतिहास में कई सारे राज्यों के होने व उनमें परस्पर ईर्ष्या व संघर्ष की स्मृतियों के कारण भारत के संविधान निर्माताओं की मुख्य चिंता भारत की संप्रभुत्ता, एकता एवं अखण्डता को सुरक्षित रखना और उसकी लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था को सुचारू रूप से चलाना था।  अतः राष्ट्रभाषा का होना जरूरी समझा गया और उसके लिये कई सारे विकल्पों को सुझाया गया।  सबसे मजबूत पक्ष  “हिन्दी” का था जो सर्वाधिक जनसंख्या द्वारा बोली जाने वाली भाषा थी। वहीं नेहरू जी व गांधी जी “हिन्दुस्तानी” को राष्ट्रभाषा का दर्जा देना चाहते थे जो हिन्दी व उर्दू का अदभुद संगम थी व सामान्य बोलचाल की भाषा थी। वहीं कुछ लोग अंग्रेजी को, तो कुछ संस्कृत को राष्ट्रभाषा बनाना चाहते थे। दक्षिणी राज्यों व अन्य राज्यों ने इसका पुरजोर विरोध किय़ा जिसके कई राजनैतिक,सामाजिक एवं आर्थिक कारण थे। अन्ततः इसका अस्थाय़ी समाधान य़ह निकाला गय़ा कि “हिन्दी, अंग्रेजी” को राजकीय भाषा का दर्जा दिया गया  एवं त्रिभाषीय शिक्षा व्यवस्था को प्रोत्साहन देने की बात की गयी।  राज्यों को अपनी मातृभाषा को राजकीय भाषा घोषित करने की स्वायत्तता दी गयी।  भारत सरकार एवं राज्यों की सरकार के बीच संचार के लिए हिन्दी एवं अंग्रेजी का उपयोग सुनिश्चित किया गया।

यह व्यवस्था 1952 – 65 के बीच अस्थायी रूप से संविधान में भी किंतु 1960 के दशक में दक्षिणी राज्यों में व्यापक एवं हिंसक हिन्दी विरोधी प्रदर्शनों के बाद इंदिरा गांधी ने इसे स्थायी व्यवस्था में परिवर्तित कर दिया।  फिर भी संविधान (धारा 351 के अनुसार) यह आदेश देता है कि हिन्दी की स्वीकार्यता का निरंतर प्रयास किया जाये और उसको सरल एवं हर क्षेत्र में उपयोग करने के लिए विकसित किया जाये ताकि वह समय आने पर राष्ट्र भाषा का दर्जा प्राप्त कर सके।

 हिन्दी के समक्ष राष्ट्रभाषा के रूप में चुनौतियाँ –

वर्तमान परिप्रेक्ष्य में हिन्दी अभी भी राष्ट्रभाषा के दर्जे से बहुत दूर है और इसके समक्ष कई चुनौतियाँ हैं जिसके पहले की हिन्दी एक राष्ट्रभाषा बन सके।

हिन्दी को तकनीकी भाषा के रूप में उपयोग करने में कठिनता-

भारतीय भाषाओं, हिन्दी के अलावा भी, को तकनीकी क्षेत्रों में उपयोग करने में अनुपयुक्त देखा गया है जो कि एक चुनौती है क्योंकि तकनीकि विकास मुख्यतः पश्चिमी देशों में हुआ

है अतः पश्चिमी भाषाओं के शब्द ही मुख्यतः विज्ञान एवं तकनीकि के क्षेत्र में प्रयोग किये जाते हैं।  उनका भारतीयकरण व हिन्दी अनुवाद कठिनता को बढ़ाये बिना एक बड़ी चुनौती है।

बढ़ती हुई क्लिष्टता –

स्वतंत्रता के पश्चात्, हिन्दी को शुद्ध करने एवं संपूर्ण भाषा बनाने के उत्साह में उसका संस्कृतीकरण आरंभ हो गया।  कई सामान्य उपयोग के शब्द जो विभिन्न लोक भाषाओं, अन्य भाषाओं, उर्दू के लिये गये थे, उनका तिरस्कार किया जाने लगा, जिससे हिन्दी की कठिनता बढ़ती गई और वह सामान्य लोगों की जनभाषा से दूर होती गयी। इसका लाभ अंग्रेजी ने उठाया।

अंग्रेजी भाषा की चुनौती –

वैश्वीकरण के इस दौर में अंग्रेजी का प्रभाव बढ़ता जा रहा है।  यह एक तकनीकी भाषा के रूप में विश्व की सभी भाषाओं को चुनौती दे रही है। इसके अलावा भारत की राजकीय भाषा, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय एवं मध्यस्थ भाषा के रूप में भी इसका उपयोग बढ़ता जा रहा है।  आर्थिक विकास की आवश्यकताओं के कारण अंग्रेजी की मांग बढ़ रही है क्योंकि उभरते हुए नये सेवा-उद्योग अंग्रेजी का भरपूर उपयोग कर रहे हैं।

अन्य क्षेत्रीय भाषाओं की भावनाओं का असर

जब भी हिन्दी को राष्ट्रभाषा का दर्जा देने की कोशिश की गयी उसका व्यापक राजनैतिक विरोध किया गया क्योंकि क्षेत्रीय भाषा एक संवेदनशील मुद्दा है और लोगों की भावनाओं से जुड़ा हुआ है।  हिन्दी को राष्ट्रभाषा बनाने के लिये इसकी स्वीकार्यता को बढ़ाना होगा।

हिन्दी के समक्ष राष्ट्रभाषा के रूप में संभावनायें –

इन सब चुनौतियों के बावजूद कई सारी परिस्थितियाँ हैं,जो हिन्दी को एक राष्ट्रभाषा के रूप में आगे भी बढ़ा रही हैं।

मीडिया एवं फिल्मों द्वारा प्रोत्साहन –

देशव्यापी इलैक्ट्रानिक मीडिया के विस्तार ने हिन्दी को देश के कोने-कोने में आसानी से पहुँचा दिया है और उसकी व्यक्तिगत स्वीकार्यता को बढ़ाने का काम किया है। बालीवुड़ फिल्मों की बढ़ती हुई लोकप्रियता ने हिन्दी को लोकप्रिय बनाने में एक महत्वपूर्ण योगदान किया है।  हिन्दी फिल्में आजकल दक्षिणी राज्यों में भी काफी लोकप्रिय होती जा रही हैं, जो अब दक्षिणी संस्कृति, भाषाओं, कलाकारों एवं कहानियों को साथ में अपना रही हैं जिससे इनकी स्वीकार्यता बढ़ रही है।

इंटर्नेट तकनीकि द्वारा प्रोत्साहन –

यू.टी.एफ. एनकोडिंग के उपयोग से हिन्दी एवं अन्य क्षेत्रीय भाषायें आसानी से इंटरनेट में अधिकाधिक उपयोग में लायीं जा रहीं हैं। इसकी वजह से कंप्यूटरों एवं नवीनतम स्मार्ट मोबाइलों में भी हिन्दी का उपयोग बढ़ रहा है और युवा वर्ग हिन्दी को एक नये रूप में उपयोग कर रहा है। ब्लाँग, फेसबुक, ट्वीटर इत्यादि इंटरनेट द्वारा दिये गये ऐसे उपकरण हैं जो हिन्दी के उपयोग को नये कलेवर से प्रोत्साहित कर रहे हैं। फेसबुक, गूगल आदि कंपनियाँ भारतीय उपभोक्ताओं में अपनी पैठ बढाने के लिये कई सारी सेवायें हिन्दी सहित अन्य क्षेत्रीय भाषाओं में प्रदान कर रहीं हैं।

आर्थिक विकास द्वारा प्रोत्साहन –

देश का युवा अब राजीतिक मुद्दों से ऊपर उठकर रोजगार एवं  आर्थिक विकास को अधिक प्राथमिकता देता है।  दक्षिणी राज्यों में इस वजह से हिन्दी को अधिक स्वीकार्यता मिल रही है क्योंकि हिन्दी देश की सबसे ज्यादा बोली जाने वाली भाषा है। हाल ही में यह पाया गया कि चेन्नई में छात्र हिन्दी विषय की माँग कर रहें हैं। कई दक्षिणी राज्यों में हिन्दी को तीसरी भाषा के रूपमें पढ़ाया जा रहा है जिसके लिए छात्रों में विशेष उत्साह रहता है।

निष्कर्षः-

हिन्दी को राष्ट्रभाषा के स्वरूप में अपनाने के लिए जहाँ कई चुनौतियाँ हैं तो वहीं कई अच्छी संभावनायें भी हैं। जरूरत है कि हिन्दी की स्वीकार्यता को बढ़ाया जाये इसके लिए निम्नलिखित कदम उठाये जा सकते हैं –

• कोई भी भाषा स्थिर नहीं रह सकती है। निरंतर प्रगति एवं विकास ही भाषा को स्वस्थ एवं जीवित रखती है और उसके लिये अन्य भाषाओं, संस्कृतियों से आदान-प्रदान अत्यंत आवश्यक है। इसलिए हिन्दी को अपने शब्दकोश को अंग्रेजी, कन्नड़, तमिल आदि क्षेत्रीय भाषाओं की सहायता से विस्तारित करना चाहिये जैसे आक्सफोर्ड का शब्दकोश लोकप्रिय लोक शब्दों को अपनाता है चाहें वह किसी भी भाषा के क्यों न हों। इससे हिन्दी की कठिनता को कम करने व इसका प्रयोग नयें क्षेत्रों व भू-भागों में बढ़ावा देने में सहायता मिलेगी।
• जहाँ हम हिन्दी को राष्ट्रभाषा के रूप में देखना चाहते हैं, वहीं हमें क्षेत्रीय भाषाओं को भी समान बढ़ावा देना चाहिए। यह एक चिंताजनक विषय है कि संविधान द्वारा अनुमोदित “त्रिभाषीय सूत्र” अधिकांश हिन्दी भाषीय राज्यों व अन्य राज्यों में ढंग से लागू नहीं किया जा रहा है। अधिकाधिक हिन्दी भाषियों को अन्य क्षेत्रीय भाषाओं जैसे कि कन्नड, गुजराती, तमिल आदि भाषाओं को सीखना चाहिए। इसके लिये शिक्षा प्रणाली में व्यापक सुधार कर त्रिभाषीय सूत्र को कड़े रूप से लागू करने की आवश्यकता है।
• हिन्दी को विज्ञान-तकनीकी, इंटरनेट के नये साधनोंसे प्रोत्साहित करने की जरूरत है।  जिससे इसके उपयोग करने में युवा वर्ग को आगे लाया जा सके ।  “हिंगलिश” को एक तिरस्कार की दृष्टि से नहीं परंतु एक अवसर के रूप में देखना चाहिये जो हिन्दी को सरल बनाती है, उसको उपयोगी बनाती है वहीं दूसरे ओर युवा वर्ग को आकर्षित भी करती है।  हिंगलिश-हिन्दी एवं अंग्रेजी की मिश्रित भाषा अगर देवनागरी लिपि में उपयोग की जाये तो यह कोई बुराई नहीं बल्कि यह एक नये साहित्य एवं रचनात्मकता को जन्म देगी।

अंततः हमें यह समझना चाहिये कि राष्ट्रभाषा लोगों पर थोपने से नहीं हो सकती बल्कि एक जन-आंदोलन के रूप में स्वयं ही उत्पन्न होनी चाहिये।  अगर हम हिन्दी को एक सरल, उपयोगी प्रगतिवादी, लोकप्रिय, लचीली एवं निरंतर अपने आपको एक नए कलेवर के रूप में गढ़ने वाली भाषा के रूप में ढाल सकें तो आशा है कि वह जल्द ही राष्ट्रभाषा के रूप में सभी को स्वीकार्य होगी।

आतंकवाद का ज़हर

आतंकवाद का ज़हर
————————

यह कविता वर्तमान विश्व के समक्ष आतंकवाद रुपी खतरे के परिप्रेक्ष्य में लिखी गयी है । आज विश्व के समक्ष आई ० एस ० और अल -कायदा जैसे संगठनो से एक बड़ी चुनौती है, जिसका सामना  करना विश्व -शान्ति  के लिए अत्यंत आवश्यक है ।

” विश्व पटल पर आज फिर से हैं बदल छाए ,
भय है कि मानवता पर सूर्य -ग्रहण न लग जाये ।

आग की लपटें जल रही हैं ; लीबिया , सीरिया और ईराक में ,
पर इन लपटों की आँच को , हम महसूस कर रहे सम्पूर्ण संसार में ।

आतंकवाद के इस वीभत्स पंजे ने , कई मुल्कों को आज जकड़ लिया है ,
जो कभी प्राचीन सभ्यताओं के श्रोत थे , भयावह विनाश ने उनको चहुंओर से घेर लिया है ।

क्यों धर्म के नाम पर दरिंदगी करने वालों को ,शर्म नहीं आती ?
क्यों इस वीभत्सता को देख कर विश्व की सशक्त्त आवाज नहीं उठती ?

आवाहन है विश्व शक्तियों औ’ मानवता के प्रतिनिधियों को ,
कि मिलकर करें इस भुजंग का सामना ।
नहीं है इसका कोई धर्म , जाति या सम्प्रदाय ,न ही है इंसानियत से वास्ता,
“सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः” – यही हमारी कामना । “

नोट : यह कविता LBSNAA में आयोजित कविता रचना प्रतियोगिता के लिए चुनी गयी, हिंदी दिवस के उपलक्ष्य पर ।

 

Map Question Strategy: History Optional

Importance
• Very Important question – 60 marks/20 locations
• Objective and to-the-point answer
• Highly scoring gives edge over other optionals such as Psychology, Political Science etc
• If you have prepared well then would save time for other questions

1. Strategy is to divide the time domain into various phases

2. One should be aware of different names for same time phase (Indus Valley Civilization also known as Chalcolithic period/Copper Age and Bronze Age) as sometimes UPSC may ask in a round-about way.

3. Make your reference maps with great accuracy so that you may revise it later.

• Pre-historic
  • Paleolithic
  • Mesolithic
  • Neolithic
• Harappan Civilization/Bronze Age
• Mahajanpada Period (Later Vedic Age)
• Mauryan Period
• Early Ancient Historical period
• Gupta Age

 

Remembering and Practice Tips –

• Always practice on blank map (as this is what you will get in the exam)
• Take reference from –
  • International and national boundaries
  • Key inflection points on the boundary
  • Key Rivers
  • Tropical line, longitude and latitude referencing
  • Key locations – such as capitals of state
  • But Don’t depend too much on reference cities and rivers – as they are not given in the exam

 

• Make short notes about those locations at one place for those locations behind the map, which would help you in remembering key features of that.
• Give more importance to pre-historic, early historic, ancient, early medieval and medieval sites in decreasing order.

Sample Map: Mauryan Era sites

• You can differentiate between different types of edicts during Mauryan era using different symbols.
• Idea is to have clarity on the map to revise it later so use extended lines wherever required to write its name etc.

Journey So Far…..

Date: 24-08-2014

So I am sitting in Go Air flight heading towards New Delhi, all set to begin an entirely new phase of life tomorrow. I will miss Bangalore where I spent about 7 years till now…….its weather, people, food, new friends which I made etc etc. I will miss my friends and their growing family and may not be able to celebrate various key events of their and my life with them together and even going to miss even smaller things – like b’day celebrations etc. But we will be touch and keep on meeting whenever we can. I will miss the baby we raised together – AIS, but I know it’s in safe hands.

Till now I was known as technoprenure, a graduate from IIT Kanpur, one of the seven founders of Aurora Integrated Systems and now I will be joining “Indian Foreign Service”. Now I am going to be part of the system to which a lot of blame has been hurled upon for many things!!

The journey till now has been terrific. Initial years of start-up we lived on bare minimum as our batch mates were earning lakh per month. We continued our struggle and cling to our passions. Some were passionate about value addition to society, some were passionate about technology while some were about the success over the horizon. But we worked hard, toiled hard together despite highs and lows. We lived in a 2 small room apartment with 7 guys ….we also lived together in home-cum-office where we slept working and woke up working! But we did it, we developed product, we showed it to the world.

Then again something started to bother me….my childhood dream to become civil servant…..my disenchantment with private sector…..and most importantly the feeling that I developed that if we can do such things without much system’s support then if the system become supportive, catalytic to change/development/progress/innovation/entrepreneurial ecosystem then how much more can be done. Also experience with some officers gave me realization that at the end of the day individuals matter —- if there is individual effort, initiative and proactive action then even in bureaucracy things can be done by good officers. I wanted new type of challenge in life! Well “dimag ki chull” is very bad thing, if it ignites then it’s very hard to suppress itJ .

I am fortunate to the GOD that I got support of my wife, my friends who said that please go ahead …..do it if you want to, my brother and parents who all supported even during my failure and believed in me. This journey was also equally magnificent. Preparation phase teach one the true essence of life, its philosophy and it also makes you aware about whatever happening around you, in the society and in the world. There is sense of focus, determination and purpose in life during this time. And you learn much beyond the results, formal knowledge and statistics.

Now there is new realization! I will be joining Indian Foreign Services and will be representing the nation at international arena. Its altogether different type of challenge where we will have to work in a complex global setting. Issues such as terrorism, environment, climate change, challenges thrown by globalization and regional economic dynamism makes diplomacy challenging. Your actions, speech and frame of mind is not only going to impact few people, groups, parts of society but two or more nations is just frightening !! I hope the qualities like efficiency, sincerity, dedication to the larger cause, and passion to work for the country would sail me through and I would be able to perform my duties to the best of my calibre and on the lines of expectations. My start-up stint would always help me, motivate me and encourage me to do better, faster and in an innovative style. And I hope after training due to start from tomorrow would make the more suitable person to do the job!

So FSI (Foreign Services Institute), here I come! Where I am expecting to meet new friends from IFS 2014 batch, our All India Services batch mates of 89^th Foundation course at Mussoorie, and many more who may not join this year but are exceptional and great human beings!! So life continues and its good.

चलो मसूरी चलें हम

चलो मसूरी चलें हम 

कुछ के कई वर्षों के हुए सपने पूरे ,

तो कुछ की कई वर्षों की मेहनत रंग लाई ,

हम सभी अपने सपनों को पूरा करने चलें हम ,

चलो मसूरी चलें हम ।

इन सपनों में सपनों का भारत भी है ,

कुछ कर गुजरने का जज़्बा भी है ,

अपने को “कर्मवीर” बनाने चलें हम ,

चलो मसूरी चलें हम ।

शपथ लें कि अंदर आकर ,

अंदर को परिवर्तित के जो विचार संजोये थे ,

उन आदर्शों व विचारों को सहेज रखें हम ,

चलो मसूरी चलें हम ।

PS: “Mussoorie” term is used as a symbol of aim in this poem as it symbolizes in a way the aim and aspiration of all people who qualified for CSE and have a role to play in building nation and hence dedicated to all.

English Translation

—————————–

For some its realization of many year’s dream,

to some its completion of their hard work,

Lets move forward to complete our dreams,

Lets go to Mussoorie.

Within this dream, there is dream of modern India,

we also have motivation to make difference,

Lets make ourselves dutiful persons,

Lets go to Mussoorie.

Lets take pledge that after coming within system,

the ideas we had about changing the system,

we will keep those values and thoughts alive,

Lets go to Mussoorie !!