Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Neither and Both

From Mr. Pratap Bhanu Mehta, President of the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi - here is a view on how developments such as the recent Women's Reservation Bill in the Parliament of India are taking the nation in a new and uncharted direction:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/our-wonderful-quotocracy/590788/0

He may or may not be off-target on his 'quotocracy' thesis but the trend is here with us and needs to be understood. As he points out, the question is one of identity but not as one sees oneself, instead how others (read - governments) identify citizens.

We could adopt a hardcore view of individual equality under all circumstances and blindfold ourselves to the disparities. Or we could open our eyes only to see through the tinted glasses of discrimination and subliminality. Either positions are heavily fortified and come with irrefutable arguments. In attempting to solve such a Dharmasankat (moral quandary): India has chosen neither and both.

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