Remembering Braj Kachru, my Indian American grandfather.

His occasional visits to India were about conversations & questions, about attempting to know us more. As we sat across each other once, I spoke in detail about my college days and he enquired about my ambitions. 

"What is journalism for you ?", he asked.

"A bridge between two voices", I remarked, softly.

He smiled and moved away.

Went to my mother and secretly told her, "she gave a sensible answer. She will be fine."

His verdict remains a blessing. His questions still ring in my head. 

Braj Kachru (in spectacles) at my parent's wedding. New Delhi, India. 1976

**
The second son of Damodar Das Kachru (Laal Saab) and Tarawati Kachru from Srinagar, Kashmir, Braj B Kachru was to make his parents very proud.

The eldest brother Dayakrishan Kachru (Gashkak), Arundati Kachru kaul (Bengashi),  Satyawati Kachru Dhar (Bentathi) welcomed the youngest of four siblings in 1932, Braj Bihari Kachru.

Braj Kachru was the brother of my maternal grandmother (Bentathi). So, technically, a far-fetched relation. But the joke amongst us siblings is that we are a close-knit family of 200 members. 

We are family, we are adversaries, we are friends. But never 'cousins'. Or so we feel.

Braj Kachru (centre) at a Kashmiri wedding in Delhi, India. 1976 (His sister & my Grandmother to his left)

***

Boitoth (Dear brother) as he was lovingly called, was our phirangi relative. One of the first who shifted to USA to study further, at a time when nobody usually even imagined. Almost everyone was still residing in Kashmir or Delhi. He went on to make a reputed career in the world of linguistics, in Asian English and Spoken Kashmiri, beating all odds and challenges. 

He found his blessed companion in Prof Yamuna Kachru, and explored avenues professionally but also maintained ties with people back home. Sending occasional photographs of children and letters of well-being.

I was fascinated by both of them. They intrigued me. For being great individuals, yet so down-to-earth.

The curious mind in me often asked Yamuna Nani how she met Boi toth, how did they fall in love, did he propose, did their parents oppose? She remarked, " You have too naive notions of love. We met while studying, enjoyed each other's company and got married."

 I choose to believe there was more and she won't tell that to a grand daughter. So, I let it be.

In an era of arranged alliances , Yamuna and Braj fought all differences and made for an exceptional couple. Much in love, much renowned for their collective contribution at universities world over. Until she left for heaven. And he started to turn frail.

***

Many moons ago, I remember a knock on the door of my house. There stood a young woman who introduced herself as my older sister. As Amita Kachru & I began to (awkwardly) interact , watching over us was her father Braj. A minute or two later, he intervened, asking (forcing) us to give each other a hug , exclaiming , "that's how it is supposed to be." We laughed and moved on to have many more interactions as Boitoth always expected of us to stay in touch. We still do. And distance isn't a barrier.

As uncle of the Bride, escorting her out as she leaves for her new home. New Delhi, India.

Yamuna and Braj Kachru at my home in New Delhi, India for Shivratri festival, 2011

***

The last time I spoke to him was when I invited him for my wedding this February. Six months ago. His voice was frail, I am not sure if he remembered me much but he asked if I am enjoying my work. He added to my mother that he would love to come but age and health have chosen not to permit him. He wished us well.

I would like to believe he lived his full life in 84 years. His purpose was solved. He epitomised everything for me- An exceptional career, a loving marriage, a Good human being. 

Yet, I feel so much of what I could not learn for lack of time.

As he leaves the mortal world to join his beloved , I imagine them to be sitting together engrossed in a pile of books. Happy and reading. Content that they inspired many who will remember them for years to come.

when raashid alvi volunteered to contest against BJP's Narendra Modi for lok sabha elections 2014

http://www.timesnow.tv/Ready-to-challenge-Modi/videoshow/4451148.cms

He survived the bullets but not the fear aimed at him.

I am no expert on Maoist violence but as a young reporter trying to venture into such spaces, I realise that naxal (maoist, as spoken in hindi) influence would not see a conclusion soon because as a country we have not been able to work toward a solution...with the belief that using state force is the best option.

As left wing extremism escalates in Bihar, the poor and the innocent are often caught in the crossfire. Loss of life is the biggest, and most easily forgotten, sacrifice this country is making.

I managed to speak to some passengers onboard the intercity express that was attacked by Maoists on 13 June 2013 in Bihar's Jamui district. Revelations of survivors are significant and raises several questions about the scenario's idealism.

http://www.timesnow.tv/Maoists-attack-train-in-Bihar/videoshow/4429730.cms

Between the claims of Red extremists and security forces... the poor and the helpless brave the bullet. Whose bullet that is, we shall never know.

***claims made by injured passengers, survivors

1. Firing went on for one hour and primarily targeted at Railway Police Force jawans and their ammunition.
2. 20-25 were women (female Maoist cadre) and many were teenagers, children.
3. The attackers were over 100 in number
4. Passengers had no space to flee so lay beneath/under their compartment berths and witnessed other passengers being shot in the head.


...P.S- In all this mayhem, I applaud the work done by doctors at local government hospitals especially  in lakhisarai and other districts in Bihar. They rushed in their emergency units and tried their best to provide basic aid, while simultaneously trying to manage hassled survivors and curious onlookers...

Forests vs Coal Mining in Central India.

Below is the ground report from central India on forests vs coal mining.
http://www.timesnow.tv/Exclusive-Forests-vs-Coal-mining/videoshow/4393440.cms


Almost ten hours away from the city of Varanasi, Singrauli district on the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border in central India faces a bleak future. Famous for natural reserves in its forests, especially coal, villagers cry hoarse about possible displacement if corporate companies venture in.


If the state and central government were to approve of more coal mining projects, to generate electricity, massive forest area would be put on the line.


The forest includes around 62 villages, possibly 70,000 people. While people of few villages would be completely displaced, if the mining begins, others would have to stay in the buffer zone.

Settlements near Mahan Coal Forest in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh.

I travelled with my videojournalist to investigate the concerns of villagers. It was a risk to reveal identities of villagers because they fear the authorities at coal companies, would not spare them.


In this exclusive news report from the forest, I speak to Hindi film actor Abhay Deol and Greenpeace India campaigner Priya Pillai as they narrate their experience, views and possible solutions.


Abhay Deol said, "The cycle of displacement of villagers is very sad. We all need progress but at what cost are we planning to achieve that progress?" He expressed optimism and said, "The Indian government is very efficient and would listen to people if we tell them about the kind of progress we want."


**What remains to be seen now is how would the government take up this matter. It was an experience that shall stay with me. I can understand the plans of government to generate power but rehabilitation of villagers and risk to the flora, fauna remains a concern foremost.**


For more background on the issue, here are some attached news reports
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-09/news/29755770_1_coal-mine-coalfield-forest-advisory-committee

US apologises for Kalam frisking incident

http://www.timesnow.tv/US-apologises-for-Kalam-frisking-incident/videoshow/4388877.cms

The US has apologised to former President A P J Abdul Kalam who was twice subjected to frisking at New York airport by American security officials who even took his jacket and shoes to check for explosives, an incident that left India fuming. 

"We deeply regret the inconvenience that resulted for him (Kalam) as a result of the September 29 incident involving the security screening at JFK Airport in New York," a statement from the US Embassy here said, noting that it had the utmost respect for Kalam. 

80-year-old Kalam was frisked in New York on September 29 before boarding an Air India flight. 

Sources said that even after Kalam had taken his seat in the aircraft, the US security personnel forced the crew to open the door and took away the jacket and boots of the former president to check for explosives since they had forgotten to do so before his boarding. The items were later returned to Kalam. 

Outraged at the frisking incident, India today threatened retaliatory action against US dignitaries unless such 
"unacceptable" practices were stopped. 

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna spoke to Indian Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao and directed her to take up the matter in writing at the "highest level" with Washington. 

In its damage control exercise, the US came out with a written apology to Kalam and the Indian government, saying "appropriate procedure for expedited screening of dignitaries had not been followed". 

They also said that US was actively working to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. 

The US said that subsequent to the frisking incident, US Charge d' Affaires here Peter Burleigh personally hand delivered a letter from the US Transportation Security Administrator to Kalam and a similar letter was delivered to the government of India regretting the incident. 

Maintaining that it "deeply values and appreciates" the strong relationship and partnership with India, the US said, "We are confident that despite this regrettable incident, we will continue working closely with India in the many areas of our strategic partnership". 

MEA officials said Krishna has sought a detailed report from its mission on the incident which they said was 
"unacceptable". 

They further said that if this continues, there is a possibility of reciprocating as per diplomatic norms. 

Sources close to Kalam said he doesn't give much thought to such incidents and never complains about them. 

However, this time, his office informed the External Affairs ministry about the incident after he returned home. This is not the first time that Kalam has been frisked by US aviation officials. 

Kalam was frisked by officials of US airliner Continental Airlines in April, 2009 despite his name featuring in the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's list of people exempt from security checks in India. 

A detailed report on the latest incident was prepared by Air India's Director (Security) S Mathur and sent to the Civil Aviation Ministry which in turn forwarded it to the External Affairs Ministry in October. 

"As the incident happened on American soil, I have been informed that US security agencies are investigating it. Such incidents should not happen," Civil Aviation Secretary Nasim Zaidi said. 

An External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said officials of both the countries were working on ways to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future, including preparing a common list of VIPs. 

BJP asked the government to take up the issue with the US saying this "cannot be tolerated". 

"The way former President Kalam was treated was an insult to him. Government must take it up with the US," BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain told reporters. 

Hussain said "such incidents are not happening for the first time. There are many such incidents. This cannot be tolerated."

Kalam not exempted from security screening: US 

India and the US are planning to hold talks on appropriate mechanisms for security screening of dignitaries in the backdrop of frisking of A P J Abdul Kalam at a New York airport with Washington informing New Delhi that the former President was not exempted from security checks. 

In a response to Kalam's frisking at JFK airport, official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said it had immediately lodged a protest over the incident after which the US wrote to the former President regretting the episode and assured Indian government that it was taking corrective steps to prevent such events. 

Noting that Kalam was a regular visitor to USA and was returning home on September 29 by an Air India flight from New York, he said US authorities have explained that under existing US regulation, former President Abdul Kalam does not fall into the category of persons exempt from security screening. 

"However, US authorities extended usual courtesies to him at the airport, including escort and private screening," he said. 

After former President Kalam had entered the aircraft, US Transport Security Agency (TSA) agents requested Air India staff for President Kalam's jacket and shoes, reportedly as these had not been checked according to the prescribed procedure during the private screening, the spokesperson said. 

Air India staff then sought the consent of Kalam, who had by then removed his jacket and shoes and settled in his seat, to hand them over to TSA authorities, he said, adding these personal belongings of former President Kalam were returned shortly thereafter.

BJP's internal feud peaks? (over appointment of a general secretary)

He is someone that Narendra Modi has kept at arms length for a long time, fellow RSS Pracharak and BJP General Secretary Sanjay Joshi. Joshi, after an infamous exit from the party in 2005, has made a comeback two months back. Sources say this is enough to make Modi unhappy for he does not want his old detractor back on his home turf.
http://www.timesnow.tv/BJPs-internal-feud-peaks/videoshow/4388513.cms

Trinamool MPs meet Indian PM, not much headway over price hike.

More than 20 Members of Parliament met the Indian Prime Minister on November 08, 2011 to inform him about the concerns of a common man, hit by inflation. The PM informed them about global economics in the case but did not really promise any action in future. The government had its way, and Mamata Banerjee did not get the leverage she was hoping for.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/Trinamool-MPs-meet-PM-over-petrol-prices/videoshow/10656408.cms

With Navika Kumar in Delhi and Shamvit in Kolkata, my report from Delhi for Times Now.