Helpless Self-Help Books

An ambitious eagle in her comment over the last post asked the monkey’s eye view on self-help books and her opinion on people who read them. The monkey did some clanking over the laptop (yeah, we have internet in the tree-tops – have you ever wondered why the Wi-Fi symbol looks like a canopy? Ha!). After researching why these bipedal featherless apes, my distant cousins (a.k.a. Homo Sapiens) are reading self-help books, the monkey did come up with some observations.

Self-Help Books- An Irony?

Usually people write (including me) to convey their ideas to a larger public and so would be people who write self-help books. It is quite relatable being in a sense of loss of direction and all of us do look for someone to guide us. The monkey’s doubt pops out then- how can a man in mid-forties, sitting in his penthouse in Los Angeles be able to give his advice on how to lead a happy life to a confused teenager in Chennai? The monkey thinks that reading self-help books is an irony. As a matter of fact, reading a self-help book written by someone who is not familiar to your context and situation could even prove disastrous. Add to it, the oxymoronic situation where you want to help yourself, but you are asking for someone unknown fellow to guide you through things that s/he is remotely aware of. You know what, I don’t think even monkeys will do that and hence why would humans do it? Thought worth pondering?

A few hundred thousand years ago when the monkey’s ancestral aunt and her contemporary human-lady could remember the face of their mutual friend, a person among the humans came up with this advertisement – you want a land full of sweet fruits and orchards? Pray to the fire that’s burning the whole of our wilderness! The monkey’s ancestral aunt denied in a “hoo hoo” and the human lady said, “emm… zure (earlier word for sure)” – the last time monkey went to some “civilised world”, they still follow these rules for happiness in their own modified ways and as per her human friends – this practice is called religion! Whoa!

The monkey thinks self-help books are for people who are disillusioned (or mis-illusioned, or plainly illusioned). They bring in a belief that if you do “x” things in your life your “y” problems are going to be solved. They do not talk about the letters “a” to “w” while they talk about “x” and “y” – the way people generally think that the world is all sunshine and rainbow and forgets about the dark clouds. The monkey believes that humans have an ability to retrospectively look at their own lives and make course corrections if they feel so and that made them on the top of the nature’s pyramid.

Thoughts on people who read self-help books:

As mentioned earlier, a large number of humans are looking forward to self-help books as a silver bullet to all their problems. Well, what is human existence if there were no problems? What will prompt you to live? Now, the monkey does not have any grudge towards those reading these books, but only a sincere request to them – think for a second : What did you find different in the last self-help book you read other than something that would have popped in your common sense? If you are a lazy-cozy person and wondered about how to make your life better maybe the book would have suggested you to get up early and follow a schedule in your life. Well, the vocabulary might have been different and filled with verbose, but to the core it is mostly likely to have this message. Now, how different is it from common sense? All the monkey is asking you to try is – think, a power that most of the bipedal apes do not have.

P.S.:

1. Have I read self-help books? Yes, two in fact – Stephen R. Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” – it was a gift from a very dear person and I did read it; Mark Manson’s “The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck” – it was a brilliant read to be honest, or more of a self-reflection.

2. I’m sure you wouldn’t agree to all those the monkey has conveyed. Please feel free to post your opinions and suggestions in the comment box.

The Monkey is Alive

(Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/nLXOatvTaLo)

To return from the cobwebs of oblivion is no easy task when you are carrying dead-lift-heavy inertia within your hands. Writer’s block as many of my friends would like to call it, is indeed an issue for all of us, us those who aspire to write or even scribble. A rusty mind and an out of habit pair of hands are going to be your worst enemies to overcome this uncomfortable void. Too much for a comeback? The monkey profusely apologise to all the kind-hearted readers and do gracefully accept that it has been a long gap, enough for a human female to conceive and give birth, since there was a post on this blog.

So this post is going to be as short as it can get, an assurance to my beloved readers that the monkey was not kidnapped or faced trial for criticising the government in her last post. She will continue to express her monkey’s eye view as continuously as it is apely possible. She knows that a lot more topics have to be said, discussed and debated, a lot more to be perceived in the grey middle path, safely away from both white and dark.

          

            Adios till the next soon to come post!

            

P.S.: Do post your favourite topics to be discussed as comments. It would help me get out of this writer’s block.

I Don’t Want Money Anymore

The monkey has been busy running around to get an income certificate that says she is currently unemployed – or in abstract sense, is economically very weak, and thus the late post. However, in this post monkey is planning to take a closer look at the 103^rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 a.k.a. the EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) Bill which has enacted the provision for reservation of 10% vacancies practically in all walks of life in India – admissions to educational institutions, opportunities in government employment, promotions, and so on and on.

The monkey has decided to go a bit pragmatic here – it is the general election year and a populist measure by the ruling side was always expected before the announcement of election and thereby the enforcement of Moral Code of Conduct. But the ruling alliance has set the beginning for a yet fight for claim of “backwardness” and when translated to the ape-political  language, the same reads “vote-bank”. Thus, the monkey presumes that the same led to the passage of the bill, without much hue and cry in both the House of Commons ad House of States – no one wants to “hurt the feelings” of the “backward” right?

I assure you that this post is not going to throw tantrums that the monkey has been bearing in her heart – instead, the validity, plausibility and possible aftermaths of this historic passage. We will try to scrutinise the same in the context of  Constitutional provisions, laws of land and natural rights, as we have been doing, in the “middle-path”.

1. The Validity of the Act:

The Act is targeted to benefit the “economically weaker sections” among the “upper-castes” in India, who has been continuously demanding support in their cause, who were apparently in the vicious cycle of poverty in-spite of being born in an upper caste – a fault of not their own. However, the question arrives on the basis of Constitutional Provisions for reservations – or let us put a better term for it – affirmative actions. In the monkey’s limited knowledge, the Constitution of India provides for affirmative action based on Socially or Educationally backward classes and never, in purely economical terms. The Supreme Court of India, when it commence the hearings against the Act, filed as Public Interest Litigation – is going to have a nice time interpreting the inner meaning of the words written and re-written in the Constitution of India.

Also, we have to consider the fact the Hon. Supreme Court of India has capped the maximum reservation prevailing at a time at 50% of total available vacancies. However, as we know, the tug of war between “Sovereignty of Parliament” and “Judicial Supremacy” is yet to be finished. Our Constitution has given both of them enough loopholes to claim victory and place one’s hand over the other’s. We have seen the same being done in cases such are Maratha reservation in Maharashtra where reservations limits have already crossing 50% limits, circumventing the SC ruling by setting up a new class recognition.  

2. Plausibility of Enactment:

The Monkey, by no means intend to discredit the efficiency of the constitutional machinery in India- we have seen it time and again. However, the Act seems to be grossly ambiguous in its definition of “economically weaker section” – is it the BPL (Below Poverty Line)? Or is it the people who are not taxed (being “unable” to do so and thus exempted)? Will it be same for both Rural and Urban population? We still have no clue!

If the basis for defining the “economically weaker section” is the BPL identity, we might be facing another set of hue and cry regarding the already criticised BPL categorisation – an allegation that a lot of  truly deserving remain out of the limits and some taking undue advantages.

If the basis is going to be on those who are unable to pay taxes, we are looking at national financial crisis. A surprise for you if you are not aware, in India only around 3% of the total population is paying taxes – the 97% is either exempted or evading taxing – so, by definition of the Act, we are bringing in 10% reservation for 97% of population – a logic that is hard to be understood -either in terms of affirmative action or reservation.

It would be acknowledged by you that in India the Urban-Rural divide is a big fact to take note of – the standards of living vary greatly and thereby the definitions of economically weak is also set to differ greatly. Thus, it would necessitate that the Act be implemented in separate methods for either of them. Another chain reaction is going to be set then – a migration of large scale – people of our great nation fight to be called “backward” right? The migration could be either way – urbanisation or de-urbanisation. Also, within the urban areas, the disparities exist – the living standards of Guwahati vary from Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi an Chennai are miles apart, Bangalore and Bhubaneshwar are again incomparable. Administrative and Executive heads are apparently going to break their backs and scratching their heads. The larger question that would still remain unanswered is, are we looking at more regional biases, creating much deeper rifts and fissures between our “unified” nation?

3.The Aftermaths:

The monkey foresees a great time of debate ahead – one which might define the fault lines of the society in India, a new spicy topic for Indian and international sociologists. Historically we were trying to discard the notion that “You are inferior to me” – notion that has triggered a lot of class, caste and gender struggles, but hey, the new fancy is “I am backward!” – just for pure greed of opportunities. We might be looking forward to a society that is not having a morale to be economically secure, but that is trying to remain economically backward. This in its very thought is terrifying – a supposition that undermines the ideals of development.

Apart from the bigger aftermath that we discussed above, this Act might bring in a feeling of discontent among the middle class belonging to the General category. A discontent among the productive class is never a good trend speaking in strict terms of economy. The threat of lesser chances to achieve their aspirations looming around is going to be reflected in their response, sooner than expected.

It would rightly occur to you that the Monkey is against reservations in all modes, sorry, you are wrong. She supports upliftment, affirmative actions and positive discrimination – but not in the price of someone else’s cause. She would appreciate if the reservation policies are reviewed at the earliest, making strategic turn-points so as to ensure that the benefits reach the most deserving. We have already learnt from our past experiences that the trickle down doesn’t work as expected, a well-researched and guided political as well as judicial intervention needs to be made urgently. Populist measures need to be done away with and pragmatic methods to be brought in urgently.

Last time I heard, apes can’t be held captive, even if for contempt of court or under the National Security Act – so hopefully see you around in the next post. Adios.

Where does She Stand- In or Out?

The monkey has been inquisitive about the recent furore that has been happening in Kerala, my native, over Women’s Entry to Sabarimala. It has been (is still) the subject for most of the prime-time discussions in almost all news channels of State and as usual, the National media has also been turning their foci into the same, a bit late. We would today look into the quite intricate nature of this case and consider some valid arguments, both for and against the entry of women into Sabarimala. As promised in the prologue, we will try to look into the “grey areas” and not venture out much into the dark abyss of communal politics.

So let me get ready to be bashed!

Article 51 A (e) of the Constitution of India says, “to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women”. This, my dear friends is the 5^th among the Fundamental duties that a Citizen of India is supposed to do. Similarly, (h) of the same article would say “to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform”. However, our forefathers (the Constitution of India came into existence on 26^th of January, 1950 – almost 69 years ago!) left a great loophole here – The Fundamentals Duties of a Citizen cannot be enforced by writ petitions – i.e., if you are citizen of India and fail to comply what would be your “fundamental duties”, you cannot be taken for a ride by the executives; instead, the Constitution leaves it for the legislative to make appropriate laws to ensure that you follow it – democracy probably was supposed to be deliberately misspelled as “democrazy”.

To give a brief background, Lord Ayyappa’s deity at the Sabarimala Temple is  considered as celibate, and thereby does not “like” the presence of women in the menstruating age. Thus, a practice was developed over the years that women were not entering the shrine for a darshan in their menstruating age – which, defined by the local conventions is 10-50 years, and this practice, with time, became a hard and fast norm to be followed. However, a group of individuals argued that the same amount to “untouchability” in a manner and restricts their rights given under Art. 25 of the Constitution of India. The State government, presently led by the CPI(M) was/is keen to enact this verdict at the earliest – upholding their ideological values of an egalitarian society, where derogatory practices do not frequent. However, the right-wing groups and fringe elements associated with them, led by the BJP was in stark criticism of the same, and alleged that this move was meant for making political gains by making a communal split in the society and thrashing on the customs and traditions of the old-age society.

Initially the incidents were of protest marches and sloganeering, which turned into violent clashes when the news on 2^nd January, 2019 came that 2 women had offered the pilgrimage. The State was under large scale violence and clashes between the right-wing groups and left wing parties. A loss of close to INR 10 Crore has been reported for the public exchequer – apart from the loss in businesses transactions (if you are not aware, in Kerala there were more than 80 State-wide hartals in the year 2018! – let that sink in!)

What can we get from the monkey’s eye-view in this?

1. There should apparently be a clear demarcation between religion and governance. Being a multi-religious country, the Indian judicial mechanism will now have to entertain almost all religious debates – probably we have opened up a Pandora’s box.
2. Whatsoever the practices, traditions or cultural preferences are, should not be allowed to be a platform for any kind of discrimination. The monkey feels that in the year 2019, the need for rationalism is clearly evident. We have evicted/ made legislations against Sati, Child Marriage, Untouchability, the varna system and the subsequent restrictions in places of worship et al.
3. The choice of free-will should be made available to all the citizens of the country – this is still a great challenge in front of the Indian populace. Monkey quotes “your freedom ends at the tip of my nose”.
4. The need for a uniform civil code is greater than ever. Of course, the one-size fit for all might not work well in India, but we have experimented quite a few- and we have been successful at times. The legislative should probably speed up this process.

In short, we as a society should probably be more focussed to more towards a progressive (I do not suggest we leave behind our cultural values altogether) path, where inclusiveness, fraternity and tolerance is the key. The factions feeding on the fault-lines of communal disharmony should be kept away by deliberate efforts, which would be prerequisite for a new renaissance, an awakening that aims at some fundamental changes in the ideals of the society.

We should be investing more in the likes of Gagan-yaan, Chandrayan-2, NAVIC, Tejas; or clean energy, Solar Alliance, Hydro-power; or even better in better cities and villages. Let a society where peace and fraternity emerge within our lifespan. Adios!

PS: The Monkey does not believe in personification of God – prefers an “it” in place of a “he” or “she” to address “the God”. God, if exists, is apparently beyond the human comprehension, so the monkey - the lesser ape, does not even bother to think about the presence of God.

Give a Fish or Teach Fishing?

Image Credit: DDU-GKY, MoRD, GoI https://youtu.be/f4aXjRaXBG0

“Give the man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime”

- Chinese Proverb

The Monkey had been a bit occupied and hence the long break. Anyway, today we will try to have a global outlook and its impact specific for the monkey’s motherland, India.

The global community is looking at a structural economic change in the current decade, a paradigm shift from the earlier existed uni-centric, high-income country focussed policy discourse to more broad and inclusive approach that takes along the middle and low-income countries for a sustainable global development. The key factor in this change has been majorly because of the vast availability of human capital in middle and low income countries. The major lacunae that exist in these countries is that the engagement of the working-age population in formal sectors of employment has been paltry, thereby reducing the conversion of their capabilities and capacities to tangible results, at a bare minimum. This in-turn is a direct result of poor employability and lack of skilling of the job-seeking population as the needs of the industry is often not met by the unskilled and/or untrained job-seekers. If this trend continues, the results could be catastrophic, including that of large scale disguised unemployment, misuse and under-use of human capital, and at the worst- unemployment.

The need of the hour is skilling the job-seekers, especially the under-privileged and not-formally educated or drop-outs. The skilling process has to be an inclusive one, that matches the capabilities and aspirations of the job-seekers with that of the requirement of the industries. This would also require large-scale investments for increasing the access for skill development programs, widening the scope of these programs and ensure that even the most under-privileged has access to them. Along with these approaches, the skill development practices has to go hand-in-hand with increasing the employability of the job-seeker through soft-skill developments, training in use of technology and increasing the adaptability and retentivity of the aspirant.

The unique aspect of skill development is that we “teach the man to fish rather than giving him a fish”, making him more resilient to the global economic shocks and threats, which otherwise could affect him adversely. Ensuring that a person is skilled gives him an added advantage of availability of informed choices, better career progression and thereby a secured future, not just to him/her, but also his/her family. Also, the earlier male-dominated spheres of industrial work can now be extended to the empowered womenfolk, another advantage that skill development can provide. On similar notes, the emerging sector of service-oriented industries or the tertiary sector, demands a high level of skilling.

India, the country which I am a native of, has the second largest population in the world, more than 1.2 billion, out of which close to 50% are below the age of 25 and 65% below the age of 35 and the average age of an Indian is close to 29 years. These figures themselves gives a shout-out on how this country is brimming with human capital. However, it is to be noted that only 2.3% of the total workforce in India has received formal training for their job-roles, a very dismal figure indeed. It is assumable that if this situation continues we are looking forward to a waste of human capital of more than 600 million people, given the fact that the Indian youth is changing its mindset from farm-based revenue to industry based jobs. The risk that the country is handling is big and this is the right time for a well-calculated investment, which would result in inclusive development of the country, better economic and social prospectus for the citizens and economic growth for the nation as such.

The country has already set foot in the right direction and the government is apparently serious about it, citing the formation of a Ministry, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE),  engaging the private sector through the National Skill Development Corporation on a Public-Private-Partnership mode, and engaging its other Ministries including that of the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the heavy-weight Skill India campaign.

But a few years have passed since all these have happened. Are we heading due-north? The monkey doubts. The promises and expectations have been high as it would have been with any other campaign, but they are far from being delivered. The possible reasons for this is the lack of quality infrastructure, trained professionals to impart the skilling and at-times though very rare, administrative red-tapism. We probably need a few course corrections and the time has arrived to press the pedal, long-hard-and-steady. Along with training them, it emphasise should also be on ensuring proper Assessment and Certification for these trainees, adding value to their portfolio, an incredible tool for their career progression.

The monkey would conclude by saying that “It is important to teach them fishing, but equally important to give the right tool to fish”.

What is more worthy? Human Being or Being Human?

The God's Own Country

As a native of Kerala, what I missed last Saturday was the enthusiasm that every Mallu (slang for Keralite- native of Kerala, Kerala- A State in Southern most part of India a.k.a. “God’s Own Country”) used to have at least one day of the year. Yes, it was our most celebrated festival, Onam. A festival which is a big cohesive force in the social fabric of Kerala. Since my childhood I have always related Onam to prosperity, thanks to much quoted phrase in Malayalam - “Kaanam vittum Onam unnanam”, meaning “You should celebrate Onam even if you have to sell your property for it”. But last Saturday, for the first time in my 25 years of life so far (verified by my Appa who is 30 years elder to me) I saw an Onam that was not celebrated (even all official celebrations by the State government were cancelled) and the credit goes to the incessant downpours that ravaged the State a week ago.

So, as a couple of Internet searches would tell you, the State of Kerala (12 out of the total 14 Districts)  had faced the century’s worst flood- lives lost: 300+, displaced: close to 0.9 million, homes collapsed: close to 0.3 million, financial loss: ₹ 20,000+ Crores (+296 Million $), possible threat of epidemics and health threats. The State was not much focused by the national media, for reasons still unknown (not discussed even if known). However, the beings of God’s Own Country rose to the occasion with an unprecedented determination, covering all the three Rs of disaster management: Rescue, Relief and Rehabilitate.

Leaving aside all the political discussions that you might be well aware: The ruling Left Allies v/s the Opposition of Socialist Congress regarding the preparedness, the State government v/s the Central government regarding the scanty fund allocations, the local media v/s the national media regarding the poor initial coverage, ohh.. the list might not end as it has hit the minds of people; for those who have a home to run with these political discussions (TRPs you know- the more you shout in your channel, the more you get views. Eh?!). The monkey isn’t interested in them.

What the monkey is interested in is:

1. The true face of humanity: People from all walks of life came in together with a single objective: save those who are bearing the brunt of rains. You could see the Army, the Airforce, the Navy, the Paramilitary forces, bureaucrats, politicians, professionals, students and practically everyone joining their hands together. They together rescued people, gave them shelter and provisions and is still helping them to rebuild their lives.
2. The true face of governance: “Heroes are made, not born.” I feel that both the governments at Central and State level rose to the occasion, coordinating the rescue attempts, sending in troops where required, prioritising needs and providing relief. This was definitely a test of time for those in power, and I am of the opinion that they did succeed in winning hearts.
3. The true face of camaraderie and brotherhood: The people shed off their differences- of caste, creed, religion, sex, political opinions and what not. We could see people offering donations from Pakistan, the governments of UAE and Maldives, my other compatriots in India who might not be otherwise bothered about the tiny State in the bottom. Every one contributed (or are still contributing ) their parts to provide for the State they might be otherwise unaware about.

In a nutshell as the title suggests, what does it matter? Human Being or Being Human? The taxonomy of the word “Homo Sapiens” (the species that we belong to, the advanced apes) would mean literally in Latin as “Wise Men” (of course women too! No gender discrimination). Yes, the Kerala Floods have made a lot of us prove our belongingness to a specie, the Homo Sapiens, or the Wise Men. I hope the answer is now clear: Being Human matters rather than being a Human Being.

PS: Kerala is still miles away from getting on back on its own feet. But, it is the God's Own Country and Gods never appear themselves, they appear in people.

The Weird Name: The Monkey's Eye

PROLOGUE

The Monkey's Eye

The first thing that any blogger would be really concerned before even starting the creation of his/her  blog will be about the blog's name. Of course, what he/she is going to write in that html linked interactive page is more important, but let us accept this: Finding a group of words that suits your intention gives you utmost satisfaction. 

So, why did I choose this weird name- "The Monkey's Eye"? Let me tell you a story:

While doing my Post-Graduation in one of the least preferred subjects in one of the most preferred Institutions of India, my homeland, one of my professors (who later turned out to be my academic guide for thesis) asked us, a bunch of fresh minds that, which view we would prefer- The Bird's Eye view or The Worm's Eye view? We had people raising hands for both- which would mean that there were people who prefer the macroscopic view and the microscopic view- something I would say, is of the scale- Black and White. 

But some of us were hesitant to raise the hand, not because we were unsure which view we preferred, but only a genuine concern about the impression that we would make in the Professor if we raised hands for the one which he doesn't prefer.  He, a retired bureaucrat, did sense this dilemma, and gave us a third option- "The Monkey's Eye view". Surprisingly a majority of the class preferred this. Those who were initially preferring either of the former, also shifted to this view. Why? 

1. The monkey can look up when required and can look down when she is required to.
2. The monkey usually sits on the tree- she can see both upwards and downwards, practically simultaneously.
3. The monkey has mobility- she can climb down from the tree, feel the soil, walk around and climb back on the tree.
4. She can climb higher and higher- to the highest of trees and taste fruits from there
5. Her view is neither "White" nor "Black". It is "Grey".

In short, the monkey has mobility, freedom and all that comes with them!

So, this blog is going to be like the monkey's view; we will look at things at macroscopic level- as and when required; we will look at things at microscopic level- again, as and when required. And of course, we will talk about the grey parts, that the larger mass is missing to notice.

PS:

For all those inquisitive minds on my Subject and Institute: 

1. Subject: M.Tech. in Technology and Development, Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas (CTARA)
2. Institute: Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay