Frisking or grilling of Muslims is very common in India

Frisking or grilling of Muslims is very common in India. Though there are several instances in the past, let me narrate a recent instance of ‘suspicious eye’ on me just because I have a Muslim surname. Independence Day, August 15, 2009. 6 pm. The second gate of Raj Bhavan on Sardar Patel Road in Chennai. Vehicles belonging to mediapersons are asked for invite copies and media ID cards before being allowed in for the tea party hosted by Governor Surjit Singh Barnala on the occasion of I-day.
I was there at the gate a little while before six p.m. A person of the special branch inspects my invite and media ID. When he inspected my media ID, he spontaneously remarked ‘Oh’ and told his fellow special branch person something in a husky voice. He then asked me to register my name in the visitor’s notebook kept on a table beyond the entry point.
I waited to sign in the notebook as there were few people waiting to sign in the notebook. To my surprise, I noticed that all media persons head towards the party after showing the invite and ID to the two special branch guys. Even as I waited, I asked the second special branch guy why I alone should sign the register which is meant for occasional visitors to Raj Bhavan, especially the lower staff of the Raj Bhavan such as gardeners and others.
He apparently does not have an answer. A security person intervened and said, “They are special branch people; you cannot ask them such questions.” I argued back saying: “Why me when other media persons are allowed to go?” At moments of crisis, there is always an answer (I am a believer). One Sathyaseelan of DIPR (Department of Information and Public Relations) came to the rescue. He said, “Sir, you can go as you have shown your credentials.” I then asked the second SB (special branch) guy: “You wanted me to sign the register as I am a Muslim?” He smiled back. I went ahead for the party.
The tea party was good. But I could not stay there for long as I kept thinking that our country needs to change the way it treats its largest religious minority, the Muslims.

These pastors were left in the lurch by the Gospel Asia or BCI Church

Chennai, July 23: Over hundred pastors held protest against Believers Church of India (BCI) in suburban Padappai on Thursday. The pastors accused the Church of amassing wealth and letting them in the lurch. The pastors who had worked with the Church for more than a decade said they left the Church as it was “exploiting” them. However, BCI’s Tamil Nadu Diocesan secretary Mr Johny George refuted the charges leveled by the pastors.
Pastors from different parts of Tamil Nadu who were either sacked or left from the BCI assembled near the state headquarters of the BCI at Padappai and raised slogans against the Church. But the police removed the protestors from the venue and advised them to protest elsewhere. The protestors then went to the office of the Superintendent of Police and handed over complaints seeking action against the Church.
“Nearly 1,400 pastors worked for the BCI across the state for more than 10 years. But the church did not keep the promises it had given when we were inducted into the church. They stopped even the monthly support they provided without prior notice,” said Christu Paul Ravi, one of the pastors who was sacked by the church.
“We were given a lot of promises such as helping the education of our children. They did not keep the promises. When we asked them why they did not keep their promises, we were insulted and even threatened with false cases,” said Simion, a pastor from Theni who was sacked by the church.
However, BCI’s Tamil Nadu Diocesan secretary Mr Johny George told this journalist that the charges were baseless. “The Church has a Constitution. If anyone disobeys the Constitution, they would be dealt with seriously. We train thousands of pastors and don’t compel them to be with us,” he clarified.

A solution to y2k38 in sight?

Chennai, July 9: Harish Bharadwaj (27), a Chennai-born M.S student in software, has developed a software programme that will solve the y2k38 problem in computers, a problem similar to y2k which will occur before or in the year 2038. Times beyond 03:14:07 on January 19, 2038 will ‘wrap around’ and be stored as a negative number, which the systems would interpret as a date in 1901 rather than 2038.
Software application design giants including Microsoft had spent over 300 billion US dollars on solving the y2k problem when the computers faced the millennium roll-over problem in 2000. When the date became 01.01.00, the system thought it was January 1, 1900. Some patch works were created to upgrade the hardwares then to support four-digit years to tide over the crisis.
Popularly called time complexity management, IT giants have been trying to tackle this problem all these years. Chennai-based Harish Bharadwaj was discussing this problem with his mother Lakshmi who was a professor of mathematics then. After his graduation in computer engineering from UK, he dedicated more than four years on the subject and adopted a multi-disciplinary approach employing mathematics, geometry, astronomy, electronics and computer science to develop a programme.
The existing programming method is about dumping enormous data of Gregorian calendar and extracting year, month, date details. “The dumping of data fills the entire width or the memory size. I have developed a programme which takes into account the limitations of computers’ memory and helps systems run through one billion years with 13-digit fractional precision,” said Harish Bharadwaj demonstrating how the programme works to this journalist and a senior computer science professor in the city.
“If Harish’s work is recognized worldwide, it will not only solve the time complexity problem in the computers, it will also etch India’s name in the annals of world IT history,” said the professor from Anna University who first published Harish’s research paper in CSI Digest, a scientific journal run by Computer Society of India (CSI).


Existing ways of computing time

Dumps enormous data of Gregorian calendar and extracts year, month, date details.

Buffer overrun occurs as the dumped data exceeds memory size.

Cannot roll-over centuries, millenniums.

Harish’s way of computing time

Programmes the knowledge of Gregorian calendars with knowledge of planetary systems.

Applies method and logic drawn from traditional knowledge systems and helps years, centuries, millenniums to run over to the next time period without any problem.

Can run through centuries and millenniums for a billion years.

Tamil heroes refused to act in a film penned by 'Tamil Champion'

Chennai, July 5: Prominent young stars of Kollywood turned down the offer for a lead role in the film ‘Neeyindri Naanillai’ for which story and screenplay are penned by Chief minister M.Karunanidhi. Film director Ilavenil admits that the production team approached leading stars in the industry only to be told that they don’t have dates. “They are afraid of being stigmatized if they act in a movie scripted by chief minister,” the director told this journalist.
Chief minister M.Karunanidhi has been working on at least two film scripts currently. Fuelled by the moderate success of Uliyin Osai, his earlier film, at the box office, Mr Karunanidhi has embarked on two ambitious projects. One is Ponnar Sankar, a historical story in which actor Prashanth plays a dual role. Other story which will be filmed soon is ‘Neeyindri Naanillai’, a romantic story that is based on few characters from his novel Suruli Malai written in the 1950s.
The lead role of a forest officer is played by Telugu hero Uday Kiran. The female lead – a local woman - is played by award-winning Meera Jasmine. Another female role is played by actor Karthika. “We discussed the story with the chief minister quite early. But the search for a prominent actor to play the lead role took a while as many actors including Srikanth refused to act as the film would bring them a stigma,” said director Ilavenil, the favourite of the chief minister. He directed Uliyin Osai earlier.
“Many actors here are afraid of being sidelined in the industry if Ms Jayalalithaa returns to power next time,” said the director. However, agents of some of the actors approached by the production team (Nandini Arts) have a different take on the issue. “Many actors don’t want to get entangled in this project as they are not sure of how much control they will have over their role. They are also worried if the film will do well in the box office given the track record of the recent films penned by the chief minister,” said an agent of an actor who was contacted to play the lead role in the film.

An open letter to the Prime Minister of India

Peer Mohamed,
Guindy,
Chennai – 600 032
June 29, 2009

To
Hon’ble Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India,
New Delhi

Dear Mr Prime Minister,

It is an ordinary citizen’s open letter to the man who holds the highest office in the country.

I have been a journalist for ten years. I could see people of power in the media houses trying to treat me as a ‘second class worker’ denying me opportunities as the Indian Establishment does with its Muslim citizens and the poor.

The poor and the Muslims in the country don’t have proportionate space in its Army or in the police forces. They do belong here but are treated like untouchables when it comes to recruitment into the Army or the police forces.

I know of a Muslim boy – Jaffer Sadiq in Tamil Nadu who cleared all the tests for a police selection but not recruited as he is a Muslim. He had to go to the Judiciary (Madurai branch of the Madras High Court) to get a verdict in favour of his recruitment but to no avail.

And the country should be ashamed to fight its own poor with its security forces. The alienation of the poor and the Muslims of the nation should stop for its own good. Muslims and the poor are an equal partners in its struggle for freedom and later in its development process.

The situation obtaining today is the outcome of a historical neglect of the poor in south, north, centre, west and north-east of the country and that of the Muslims across the nation. Justice Rajinder Sachar has pointed out the results of the state’s discrimination on its Muslims.

Gujarats, Kandhamals and Nandigrams have forced the Muslims and the poor to create their own armies and fight injustices and police atrocities against them.

Sikhs had felt alienated in this country at one point of time. I think the government had made amends to correct the flaws as the Sikhs fought aggressively for their rights. Muslims and the poor are scattered across the country and do not have a unified leadership to fight aggressively for their cause.

Please don’t suppress the Muslims and the poor in the name of ‘terrorism.’ Their uprisings are genuine attempts to assert their space in the country of their birth. Please talk to them and understand their issues instead of treating them with suspicion and cruelty.

What is the representation of the largest minority in the country in its Army or its police forces? Can you please come out clean on this?

Affirmative action, Equal Opportunity should not be mere utterances. Such pronouncements should lead to ‘real’ action to make our democracy more inclusive.
Dear Prime Minister, give it a thought and let us free our country of discrimination against its own people. That will make our country a better place to live for everyone.

Sincerely Yours

Peer Mohamed

Holy Quran confirms latest studies in evolution

I am re-reading the Holy Quran after a small surgery I had recently. I came across the verse:

We made from water
Every Living thing. Will they
not then belive?
Chapter: 21, Verse: 30

A recent book Inner Fish by world-famous palaeontologist Neil Shubin suggests that our ancestors could be fish. The discovery of 375-million-year old fossil fish by Neil Shubin and his colleagues in Arctic led to this inspiring book.

The book scientifically explores the connection between anatomy of human and that of fish. It suggests the invasion of land by fish 375 million years ago.

I was reminded of Dr. Maurice Bucaille's famous book on The Quran and Modern Science which I read when I was in school.

A first of its kind exclusive interview with Balasingham Nadesan, Political Chief, LTTE

In an exclusive interview to this journalist, Mr B.Nadesan, Political Head, LTTE, talks about the need for an immediate ceasefire in Sri Lanka to thwart the worsening humanitarian crisis. LTTE thanks AIADMK supremo Ms Jayalalithaa for following in the footsteps of her mentor MGR in showing concern for Sri Lankan Tamils.

1. You offered to announce a ceasefire without preconditions. Is it because of the worsening humanitarian crisis or because of the losses suffered by the Tamil Tigers?

Yes, we are insisting for a ceasefire, because Sri Lanka keeps
accelerating its genocidal war. A ceasefire is needed to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis and for people to get essential relief supplies. From a politico-military point of view, we will never ask for a ceasefire if we are weak.

2. India offered humanitarian assistance to the war-hit Tamils. Is the assistance reaching the war-affected Tamils?

For our people it is all just a news. I can confirm you that Indian humanitarian assistance have not reached the people who are in real need. But, Peer, didn't a Sri Lankan minister recently say at the Lankan parliament that India has also been a major part of causing humanitarian catastrophe to Tamil people?...

I want to say, instead of sending humanitarian assistance, India can go one step further and do the real needful to prevent this humanitarian catastrophe from happening once and for all.

3. What is the real scene out there? Are you able to inflict equal damages to the Sri Lankan military?

Yes, we are continuously inflicting heavy damages to the advancing special formations of the Sri Lankan military. Therefore, we have confirmed information that, Sri Lanka has now brought inexperienced non-combatant army unites to the battle front. However, militarily speaking, yes, we have lost territories. But, I wouldn't give credit to the Sri Lankan military. It is the international
community’s lopsided policy towards the Tamils that has contributed to our current military setback.

4. Why is the International community not able to act and bring about a ceasefire?

I dont think they are not able to, Peer. The international community has wrongly characterized our struggle for political aspirations as “terrorism.” Moreover, India couldn't identify Tamils as their true friends in this island, and has drawn an unwise foreign policy right now. Consequence of these are, India and the
international community are strengthening the Sri Lankan military directly or indirectly, officially or unofficially and they are going along with this genocidal war on Tamils. Tamil people are appalled to see the international community and India are willing to complicit with Sri Lanka in annihilating the descendants of one of the oldest civilizations on this earth.

5. There was a proposal from India and the US to evacuate Tamils from their traditional dwellings to a military-controlled zone...

Already, Sri Lanka has been uprooting the Tamils from this island for the past 61 years under various guises: be it removal of citizenship, education and employment discrimination to state organized pogroms, race riots to now “war on terror.” Proposing an "evacuation" or asking for a “safe passage” for the civilians is like giving a nod to Sri Lanka’s ethnic cleansing agenda. The international community and India must stop any action towards the negation of the territoriality of Tamils by calling to continue with the uprooting of a reluctant Tamil populace under the guise of an “evacuation”.

Instead they should insist the Sri Lankan government to stop the war, give “safe passage” to independent monitors, aid workers and journalists to come here and see what the will of the people is; whether their choice is living on their land and make a livelihood with dignity and security or detention in internment camps run by the Sri Lankan military.

6. It has been an unprecedented information war with well-oiled propaganda machinery of the Lankan government working with international media to black out the story of the war-affected Tamil civilians.

Sri Lanka Government has barred independent journalists from visiting the areas of intensified conflict. BBC correspondent Christopher Morris who was on special assignment in Sri Lanka left recently following hostile allegations made against him by the Defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse. Even with Sinhala and English media in Colombo, Sri Lanka is enforcing a total blackout by way of intimidation and deaths with impunity. The Sinhala people too are kept in the dark of the humanitarian sufferings and enormous economic price tag that is waiting down the road.

7. Fourteen people have immolated themselves for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils. But it has not shaken the conscience of the world or the Lankan government.

First of all, on behalf of our nation, I salute all those who have sacrificed their lives for the Eelam Tamil people.

Neither we nor those who sacrificed their lives did expect a genocidal government to be shaken by any sacrifice. They actually sacrificed their lives asking India to act on behalf of the Eelam Tamils; but, India has not respected their sacrifices and acted accordingly.

The World, on the other hand, which still gives a ‘moral’ support to this genocidal war, sees this as happening in the ‘back yard’ of India and wants India to take the lead. As long as the Government of India fails to act properly, Sri Lanka will continue triumphantly and continue to transform Tamil land into a savage killing field.

8. MDMK chief Vaiko and CPI leader D.Pandian convinced AIADMK supremo
Ms. Jayalalithaa to take up Lankan Tamils' cause as a poll plank...

Our beloved legendary Chief Minister M.G.R whole heartedly stood with the Eelam Tamils at all times. He emphasized that Thamizhagam is not only the symbol in bringing all Tamils together but also supported India giving a decisive helping hand in bringing about an honorable life for the Eelam Tamils. We are now elated seeing his envision for Eelam Tamils being followed under the current AIADMK leader Ms.
Jayalalithaa, along with Mr. Vaiko and CPI leaders including D.Pandian in their steadfast support to Eelam Tamils' quest for freedom.

9. What does Indian elections mean for you?

Tamil people are deeply saddened to hear the recent admittance in the Sri Lankan parliament by Minister Nimal Siripala DeSilva that “India has played a major role” during Sri Lanka’s current military campaign on the Tamil land.

We urge the current and future Indian government(s), political leaders, policy makers, academics and the people of India to envision the future and clearly identify India’s true and permanent friends in her crucial southern flank. That is none other than the Tamils of Eelam. India must recognise the Tamil people’s struggle and support the creation of Tamil Eelam; because, Tamils are the natural allies of India - in spirit, culture, tradition and heritage.

Sri Lanka is hoodwinking India and will always entertain forces that are hostile to India within the shores of the island: that has been and is the history. India by going along with Sri Lanka thinking that it is in its best interests is only harming the peace, security and prosperity of the world’s largest democracy for the long run.

10. Is there any progress in your efforts to reach out to Barack Obama's administration and the international leadership?

Key members of President Obama’s administration and the United States legislative branch are beginning to see the cruelty of the Sri Lankan military onslaught and the civilian misery in the aftermath. Hopefully there will be action in the various judicial bodies as well in the near future to curb Sri Lankan atrocities.
President Rajapakse’s army continues to fire into the civilian areas despite Secretary of State Madame Hillary Clinton’s call to not fire into the people. Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative for UN, is supporting UN Security council briefing on Sri Lanka.

We urge the international leadership including Russia and China to do more and act fast to halt the genocidal war by Sri Lanka and help end the humanitarian catastrophe being faced by the Tamil civilians.

11. MDMK chief Vaiko said he was proud of associating himself with the LTTE when the Sri Lankan Army released pictures of Mr Vaiko with the LTTE leaders.

He is a great compassionate man. He has the in-depth understanding of our struggle, and is always an unconditional and unwavering supporter of the Eelam Tamil people. We are also proud to have him as our friend.

12. Renowned Lankan Tamil pop singer Maya Mathangi Arulpragasam has told American Media that the Lankan Tamils are being discriminated against by the government. Do you appreciate her words?

She is a child of our soil and a prominent young member of our vast Tamil diaspora around the world. We all are proud of her, whose support is a great source of strength to Eelam Tamils. The beauty of her humanitarian heart is that she chose to speak for the suffering people fearlessly, knowingly amidst the all powerful Sri Lanka propaganda machinery that demonizes anyone who speaks for the Tamils.

13. A.R.Rahman told the world to choose love over hate on the Oscars dais. Do you read that in the Lankan context?

He is a genius and we wish him well and success in his history making musical journey. As a Tamil, we all were proudly watching him receiving two Oscar awards, and listened to his speech about how he chose ‘love over hate’.

61 years ago our Tamil leaders had not asked for a separate state and chose "unity" and decided to stay with the Sinhalase as one country when British colonialism came to an end. You know how Sri Lanka has been treating the Tamils ever since, starting with the disfranchisement of hundreds of thousands of Tamils immediately after Britain left in 1948 to today’s “war on terror”. This is due to their refusal to cohabitate this island giving equality and dignity to all
the people.

14. Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited TNA parliamentarians, who support the LTTE for peace talks. How do you respond to that?

TNA has refused to meet anyone representing the Sri Lankan government until truce and unhindered humanitarian access is granted to the people of Vanni. No one would have forgotten that it is the same President Rajapakse who has been excluding TNA during his earlier so called peace initiatives.

We are certain that Sri Lanka President Mhinda Rajapkse has no intention to find a political solution for the ethnic conflict. The motive behind this invitation is monetary than exploring a political solution. Unprecedented military spending and also the global economic slowdown has put Sri Lanka to urgently look for financial assistance; international community is slowly stepping up pressure to find a
political solution and Sri Lanka once again wants to hoodwink them; Sri Lankan military campaign is now unexpectedly facing heavy resistance from us and Sri Lanka needs more time. You have to see this invitation in the back drop of these events, Peer.

15. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said, in his letter to Tamil Nadu chief minister M.Karunanidhi, that he has requested Sri Lanka to ensure devolution of power to Sri Lankan Tamils. How do you see this development?

I can assure you that both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi, know very well that Sri Lankan government will not devolve any political power to the Tamil people. That has been the history, and that is what happened to the India architected Provincial council solution as well. Prime Minister Singh should know that India's military-related assistance to the Sri Lankan government is in no way an incentive for the Colombo government to devolve any
political power to the the Tamils, but rather as we witness it would only continue to encourage it to impose its military power on Tamils.