Nagasaki – A black page in the golden history

Today remembering Nagasaki atomic bombings on its 63rd anniversary I feel short of words. We use to read about this catastrophe in our history books but now actually visualizing that what would be the situation at that time seriously puts me in a panic situation.

Only because a country was proving too efficient in the skills of war, it was destroyed by the super powers reigning during World War II is highly disrespectable. Today more or less the same situation prevails but we are safe on the criteria that all countries are equally efficient and if one tries to follow the destructible path in order to gain supremacy then nobody can prevent us from havouc.

Those who killed many were never punished; those who were left were only sufferers of destiny because they were left to brood over their sadistic lives with no aim and nobody to confide in. `Lost lives in hell` that’s sound more of their gloomy way of structuring lives. Still they have the confidence to live for whatever they have got with them.

More than 60 years have passed but what about the families that were affected that time. People and families suffered badly. In wake of all this we still are not getting abreast of the fact that war is not the solution of all problems in fact it`s the beginning of collateral damage.

Whether the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki constituted a needless tragedy or a pragmatic military decision is still not clear. Those who made the decision, as well as most of the survivors, are long gone. The effects, though the lasting curse of radiation, the memory of the ghastly civilian casualties, the psychological impact of simply knowing that such a destructive force exists do remain. One can only hope that those who now wield the tools of Armageddon will remember the lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki for a long time to come and will ask for peace forever and ever…………….

Amen!!!!!!!!

Kishore Da--Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

Versatile singer and a man of different moods Kishore Kumar or otherwise called `Kishor Da` would have celebrated his 79th birthday today. An actor, playback singer and comedian Kishore Kumar still reign the industry`s heart and also those who still cherish his melodious voice. His voice was like a fresh air for all those who understood his vivacious creations. His artistic voice was like a mystic appeal that generated scores of waves for those interested in music and genuineness. The artist had always delivered his best be it his musical display or his artistic capabilities. He was surely a man who was ahead of his time.

He was born in Khandwa (MP), his father Kunjalal Ganguli was a pleader, an advocate and mother Gouri Devi was a simple housewife who belonged to a wealthy family.His was the voice that sang unforgettable numbers like the joyous 'Paanch rupaiya baara aana', the soulful 'Zindagi ka safar', the romantic 'Pal, pal dil ke pas' and the foot tapping 'Eena meena deeka' that has people doing the twist even 50 years later. Mere Sapno Ki Rani and Roop Tera Mastana, which became smash hits are one of many which we all humm in our private moments.

U can easily check his remix songs on any of the charts. Such was his profoundness for music that the scores are still relishable by the younger generation. Once music director Anu Malik regarded him by saying, "One can only copy him, none can innovate like him,"However, to call Kishore Kumar only a singer would be underestimating his talent. He was a multi-faceted personality who was at once a lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter. And in all these areas he has left his unique mark. He is an idle for all the music directors in our country today.

Noticeable fact: Anand originally was supposed to star Kishore Kumar and Mehmood but due to some misunderstandings between him and Hrishikesh Mukherjee due to which the idea was dropped and new stars Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan were casted.

Etymology:He has sung in many languages including Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya.He holds the record for most number of Filmfare Awards won for Best Male Playback Singer.His first film as an actor was Shikari (1946), first song Marne ki duayen kyon mangu for the film Ziddi (1948First filmfare as Male playback singer for Roop Tera Mastana.He was a genius when it came to singing be it roop tera mastana, Humein aur jeene ki, Saagar Kinare or the energetic Khaike Paan Banaras WalaAnd as one song sung by him, states itself….Chalte Chalte mere ye geet yaad rakhna……. Kabhi alvida na kehna-kabhi alvida na kehna

Kishore Kumar We wish you a Very Happy Birthday You live forever with us in your music.....................

Remembering CPI-M`s `Bhishma`-- Harikishen Singh `Surjeet`

An activist and a comrade

`An activist and a comrade`, these were the words, which my friends and I unanimously agreed upon while discussing Harikishen Singh alias `Surjeet` last month. While discussing, one of my friends called him `Bhishma` of India`s oldest political party CPI-M, which went well with his persona. A leader, a patriot and a kingmaker, `Surjeet` knew well what he wanted from life, whether it was his laudable contribution to coalition politics or his commitment to secularism. A member of the Communist Party of India, Surjeet`s life has been an open book and has set an example for all those who have the will and courage to face the pain and suffering that he suffered as he embarked on his political journey.

The veteran leader, who was recuperating at the Metro Hospital in Noida since July 25, breathed his last after `a cardiac arrest` on August 1 at the age of 92. His wife Pritam Kaur, two sons and a daughter survive him. The nonagenarian leader was cremated on Aug 3.

Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who was perhaps the most authoritative spokesman for the Left and democratic forces in the country, passed after a profound illness, leaving a vacuum in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI-M, which he had nourished to grow nationally. With his demise it seems as if an era has ended. He was popularly called as oldest comrade or comrade `Surjeet`. He was like a precious diamond among cluster of stones.

`Surjeet` - The veteran leader

Born to a Bassi Jat family in Bundala, Jalandhar district Harkishan Singh Surjeet (23 March 1916 – 1 August 2008) was a communist politician from Punjab, India. He was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) from 1992 to 2005 and was a member of the party`s Polit Bureau from 1964 to 2008.

He was a master in the art of backroom operation. Initially known as `London Tod Singh`, Surjeet made a sensational entry into the political scenario during Indian freedom movement. He was one of those who laid the foundation of Indian politics.

He started his political career in the national liberation movement in his early teens, as a follower of Bhagat Singh. In 1930, he joined the movement of Bhagat Singh, Naujawan Bharat Sabha. On the anniversary of the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Surjeet hoisted the Indian tricolour at the court in Hoshiarpur, an action during which he was shot two times. During the proceedings of the case he answered the judge by the name of ‘London Tod Singh’ (he was called by the same name in later years). In 1936, Surjeet joined the Communist Party of India.

In the pre-war years he started publishing Dukhi Duniya and Chingari. When India became independent and partitioned in 1947, Surjeet became the General Secretary of CPI in Punjab.

The seven and a half decades long political life of Harkishan Singh Surjeet began by playing the role of a revolutionary against the British rule and later emerging as a national leader of the Communist Party of India and the All India Kisan Sabha.

`Pappaji`--The pragmatic kingmaker & revolutionary

Like the legendary kingmaker `Bhishma` of the epic ‘Mahabharata’, Surjeet played the lead role in keeping BJP out of power in 1996 and his assistance to Congress helped them to be in power till now. Though today both CPI-M and Congress are sharing bitter relations but `Pappaji` has always been respected and admired for his leadership qualities. He played a crucial role in 1989, 1996 and 2004 in creating political formations and setting up of governments, which excluded the communal forces.

Surjeet`s stand for the country

His firm stance and leadership in fighting against Khalistani terrorism in Punjab and the sacrifice made by over 200 Communists in fighting extremism constitutes a glorious chapter in his life. From the late fifties, Surjeet was involved in tackling the problems of Jammu & Kashmir. He played a role in the evolution of the Assam Accord in the eighties. Imbued with deep anti-imperialism and the values of the nationalist movement, Surjeet looked at all issues of national unity from a democratic and secular standpoint.

Nation loses a dedicated activist in `Surjeet` Singh

As General Secretary of the CPI(M), he became the most authoritative spokesman for the Left and democratic forces in the country. He worked tirelessly for the defence of democratic and secular values and to see that India maintained its non-aligned and independent foreign policy. His views were sought and his advice heard with respect in political circles. After his death, the Party has lost an outstanding leader and the country an authoritative representative of the Left and secular tradition. His death was grieved throughout the country.
Hariskishen Singh Surjeet or our `Bhishma`would always be remembered as a man committed to the welfare of the downtrodden – a real angel for the poor and working class. His ideologies and principles will always be cherished.