We are all affected by this very different war. An AI view to a few of my questions.

 The present war is continuously reported, discussed.  Opinions, criticism and advises are rampant.  Reminds one of the  great Mahabharata war. A war which was reported as it happened! 

A very different war from the present war.  It was a fierce war where there were very few survivors. There was no collateral damage! The leaders were on the battle field. No technology, a few who had the power of a mantra to even destroy the world, held back. It seems that soldiers recruited were all voluntary. A few conscientious objectors were mentioned. Interestingly the so-called bad guy Duryodhana had more kings joining him with their soldiers.

I posed a few questions to AI and replies were without any bias or agenda. It is an eye opener. AI also gives reference of the information it gathered! 

Questions: Was religion the main cause of war? What happened to the losing country? Wars are due to one person? What is the effect war on world population? 

The last question came about as I had heard that god pushes us towards war to reduce the load on earth. (Bhoo-Bhara!)

1. My question about 'religion' as the cause was answered as below:

Historically, religion has been the primary cause of approximately 6.8% to 7% of all recorded wars. According to the Encyclopedia of Wars by Charles Phillips and Alan Axelrod, out of 1,763 known historical conflicts, only 121 (or 123 in some citations) had religion as their primary driver. When conflicts specifically involving Islam are excluded, this figure drops to approximately 3.23%. 

Major Historical Wars with Religious Motives

While the percentage is relatively low, some of history's deadliest conflicts were heavily influenced by religious ideology: 

• The Crusades (1095–1291): A series of military campaigns initiated by the Catholic Church to recover the Holy Land from Muslim rule. Estimated deaths range from 1 to 9 million.
• The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648): Initially a conflict between Protestant and Catholic states in the Holy Roman Empire, it devastated Germany and caused 4.5 to 8 million deaths.
• French Wars of Religion (1562–1598): A period of civil infighting between French Catholics and Protestants (Huguenots), resulting in 2 to 4 million deaths.
• The Reconquista (718–1492): A centuries-long series of campaigns by Christian kingdoms to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Islamic rule, with an estimated 7 million deaths.
• Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864): Led by Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the brother of Jesus Christ, this was one of history's deadliest conflicts with 20 to 70 million deaths. 

Modern Conflicts with Religious Elements

In contemporary history, religion often intertwines with ethnic and political motives: 

• Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: While primarily territorial, it is heavily influenced by religious identity.
• Sudanese Civil Wars: Conflicts between the Arab Muslim north and the Christian/animist south.
• Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990): A complex war involving various Christian and Muslim militias.
• Boko Haram Insurgency: An ongoing religiously-motivated conflict in Nigeria. 

Classification Challenges

Historians often debate these classifications because many "religious" wars were simultaneously driven by secular factors, such as land acquisition, succession disputes, and economic resources. For example, by the end of the Thirty Years' War, Catholic France was allied with Protestant forces against the Catholic Habsburgs for purely political reasons. 

Would you like a more detailed breakdown of the political vs. religious motivations in a specific war like the Crusades or the Thirty Years' War? (I didn't ask)

2. What happened to the losers of war?

Historically, the losers in a war have faced a wide spectrum of consequences, ranging from complete annihilation and forced assimilation to punitive reparations, loss of territory, and political restructuring. While the specific outcome depended on the era, culture, and nature of the conflict, the overarching trend was the loss of autonomy and significant suffering for both soldiers and civilians. 

Here is a breakdown of what historically happened to the losers of war:

1. Physical Annihilation and Displacement

• Mass Killing and Slavery: In ancient and classical history, losing a war often meant the annihilation of the population or the enslavement of survivors, as seen with Carthage by Rome.
• Forced Displacement: Defeated populations have often been forced to flee their homes, becoming refugees or internally displaced, which disproportionately affects women, children, and the elderly.
• Civilian Atrocities: Combatants often target civilians of the losing side, leading to massive loss of life through massacres, starvation, and disease. 

2. Loss of Sovereignty and Land

• Territorial Annexation: Winners frequently seize territory from the losing nation, reducing their size and power, a common outcome in European, Asian, and colonial history.
• Occupation: Defeated nations are commonly occupied by the victor's military to ensure compliance, restructure society, and prevent further resistance.
• Divided Nations: In some cases, the losing country is split into zones of influence, such as the division of Germany after World War II. 

3. Economic Consequences

• Reparations and Looting: Victors often demand massive financial reparations to pay for the cost of the war, crippling the economy of the defeated nation.
• Economic Exploitation: The winners may systematically loot natural resources, industrial machinery, and cultural property. 

4. Political and Social Restructuring

• Regime Change: The leadership of the losing side is typically removed, often replaced by a puppet government or direct military rule.
• War Crimes Trials: In modern history, leaders of the defeated nation are often tried for war crimes, such as the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials after WWII.
• Destruction of Culture: To destroy the will of the defeated, victors often target cultural heritage, including monuments, museums, and libraries. 

5. Psychological and Generational Impact

• Cultural Trauma: Losing, especially in a "total war," leaves long-lasting psychological scars, creating a sense of humiliation or victimhood.
• "Lost Generation": The loss of a huge portion of the male population in combat often leads to severe labor shortages and demographic imbalances. 

Exceptions and Variations

• Unequal Casualties: Sometimes the winners suffer more casualties than the losers, yet still win the political goals of the war.
• Conditional Peace: Not all wars end in total submission; many conclude with treaties where the losers retain some autonomy, though they usually still cede territory or pay costs.
• Rebuilding: In rarer, more modern, or strategic scenarios (like the Marshall Plan after WWII), the victors may choose to rebuild the defeated nation to foster stability and economic partnership. 

3. My question was whether the wars began because of 'one person':

Wars are rarely caused by one person, but they are frequently initiated or triggered by the decisions of a single leader or individual. While structural factors—such as economic motives, resource competition, nationalism, and insecurity—usually underlie conflicts, it often takes the choice of a specific leader to turn tensions into actual war.  

Key Aspects of Individual Influence on War: 

• Decisive Authority: Throughout history, monarchs and dictators have held the sole authority to choose war, such as Darius the Great and Xerxes in the Persian wars. 

• Modern Examples: World War II in Europe is often cited as a conflict heavily driven by the decisions of Adolf Hitler. 

• The "Trigger" Role: A single person can act as the catalyst that escalates a crisis, such as Gavrilo Princip's assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered World War I. 

• Ego and Power: Analysis suggests that a significant number of wars are driven by a leader's need for status, security, or revenge, rather than just material gain. 

• Underlying Factors: While one person may initiate the action, the conflict is often supported by deeper, complex societal or political issues.   

Contextual Frequency: 

• While not all wars are driven by one person, the concentration of power in dictatorships or authoritarian regimes increases the likelihood that a single individual's actions will result in war. 

• Over the past 3,400 years, humans have only experienced about 268 years of peace (roughly 8% of recorded history), indicating that while the causes of war are complex, the human choice to wage war is persistent. 

4. The effect of wars on global population!

Historically, the global population has continued to grow despite major wars, including WWI and WWII, because the sheer scale of births and the overall rate of human reproduction tend to outpace the deaths caused by conflict. While wars cause significant mortality, destruction, and "baby busts" in specific regions, the long-term impact on global population growth has been minimal, often described as a temporary dip followed by a rapid recovery or "baby boom".   

Why Population grew despite Global Wars: 

• Scale of Reproduction vs. Mortality: Human populations can reproduce rapidly. The 81 million deaths during both world wars (combined) represented only a small fraction—roughly 1.55%—of the total number of people who lived during the early 20th century. 

• Regional vs. Global Impact: Although regions like Europe and the USSR saw significant population declines, other parts of the world continued to grow, maintaining a positive global growth rate. 

• Post-War "Baby Booms": After major conflicts, returning soldiers and improved economic stability often lead to spikes in birth rates that counteract wartime losses. 

• Limited Impact of Warfare: Surprisingly, historical demography suggests that even massive, bloody wars do not kill enough people to break the long-term upward trend in the global population. Diseases and famines, which often follow wars, can have a more significant impact on population than the violence itself. 

• Technological Advancements: Paradoxically, wars can accelerate advancements in medicine and technology (e.g., penicillin, blood transfusions, aviation) that save more lives in the long run.  

Key Historical Trends: 

• The 20th Century: Despite WWI (1914–1918) and WWII (1939–1945), the world population rose from roughly 1.6 billion in 1900 to over 2.5 billion by 1950. 

• Rapid Growth Post-1950: The most significant, explosive population growth occurred after 1950, driven by improvements in agriculture (the Green Revolution) and medicine, which drastically reduced death rates. 

• Short-Term Impact: The only major interruptions in the upward trajectory of population growth in the last few centuries were caused by events like the Black Death (14th century) or specific regional crises.  

Ultimately, the demographic, social, and technological changes of the modern era have created a momentum for growth that has proven stronger than the temporary, destructive impacts of warfare.  

AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org

[2] https://carm.org

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org

[4] https://www.youtube.com

[5] https://cscr.pk

[6] https://www.ceeol.com

[7] https://www.reddit.com

[8] https://en.wikipedia.org

[9] https://telegrafi.com

[10] https://en.wikipedia.org

[11] https://en.wikipedia.org

[12] https://www.britannica.com

[13] https://www.omnesmag.com

[14] https://link.springer.com

[15] https://www.facebook.com

[16] https://www.reddit.com

[17] https://www.worldhistory.org

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_war

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II

[3] https://www.quora.com/Are-there-winners-and-losers-in-war

[4] https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-historical-examples-of-history-being-written-by-the-losers-Is-it-true-that-history-is-always-written-by-winners

[5] https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/the-evolution-of-russias-ukraine-strategy/

[6] https://lsintspl3.wgbh.org/en-us/victors-losers/

[7] https://historicalbattles.quora.com/Who-were-the-greatest-losers-of-the-Second-World-War

[8] https://www.britannica.com/list/5-fascinating-battles-of-the-african-colonial-era

[9] https://review.law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Hathaway-et-al.-76-Stan.-L.-Rev.-971.pdf

[10] https://review.law.stanford.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/05/Hathaway-et-al.-76-Stan.-L.-Rev.-971.pdf

[11] https://www.worldsupporter.org/en/summary/lecture-notes-history-international-relations-irio-rug-66151

[12] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_disasters

[13] https://jokupelle.itch.io/ages-of-conflict/comments?after=219

[14] https://countercurrents.org/2026/03/war-is-the-continuation-of-politics-by-other-means/

[15] https://superkalam.com/upsc-mains/notes/upsc-notes-on-first-world-war-causes-consequences-and-key-treaties

[16] https://www.wonderfulmuseums.com/museum/new-england-civil-war-museum/

[17] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/padr.12429

[18] https://www.quora.com/Was-there-ever-a-war-or-battle-where-the-victors-lost-more-soldiers-than-the-losers

[19] https://the-past.com/feature/combat-of-champions/

[20] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1207/S15327949PAC0902_03

[1] https://www.quora.com/Who-or-what-causes-mankind-to-continuously-be-at-war-so-often

[2] https://www.quora.com/Are-there-any-historical-examples-of-one-man-causing-an-entire-war

[3] https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-war-definition-causes.html

[4] https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/the-8-main-reasons-for-war/76611248

[5] https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1057/9780230379015.pdf

[6] https://study.com/academy/lesson/causation-of-war-individual-state-system.html

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GsolnXOiBg

[8] https://carlynbeccia.medium.com/why-nations-go-to-war-a-researcher-analyzed-94-wars-and-found-one-common-reason-8fa0ba912443

[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u1QGc1KT_0

[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_war

[11] https://www.mchip.net/libweb/u31DB6/244466/Dictators%20And%20War%20Questions%20Answer%20Key.pdf

[12] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/1e7hzi7/how_important_is_genghis_khan_as_a_single_person/

[13] https://support4partnership.org/en/news/war-as-the-new-normal-unable-to-achieve-victory-in-ukraine-putin-must-perpetuate-and-routinize-the-war-to-stay-in-power

[1] https://www.quora.com/If-there-had-never-been-any-wars-what-would-the-population-of-the-world-be-today

[2] https://windearconsulting.com/impact-war-global-population-decline/

[3] https://www.quora.com/How-has-the-worlds-population-continued-to-increase-despite-the-millions-of-lives-lost-to-wars-and-diseases

[4] https://brainly.in/question/59438802

[5] https://www.quora.com/What-would-the-world-population-be-right-now-if-World-War-1-and-2-never-happened

[6] https://cepr.org/voxeu/columns/how-many-people-earth-world-population-1800-1938

[7] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140421-how-to-live-forever

[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_overpopulation

[9] https://zenodo.org/records/15658630/files/7.%20Abdullah%20Al%20Fahmi%2088-106%20f.pdf?download=1

[10] https://users.cs.utah.edu/~zachary/computing/lessons/uces-1/uces-1/uces-1.html

[11] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3987379/

Parliament democracy Desi style. An AI assisted blog!

I chose to work with AI again, thanks to Mohan! He thought my first attempt was too cut and dry. He said AI could write me a blog, and in my style. I sought ideas for a blog. It was on Bharath's need for a mature and responsible Parliament! One of the earliest civilizations in the world!

After a session of questions and answers, with a few prompted by AI, our blog emerged! Not in my style though. I wanted AI to choose the style for this very serious subject. The speed of AI was breathtaking! 

Title of the blog: 

From Statesmanship to Strongmen: A 90-Year Perspective on Our Democracy

By Nidhi-rambler

I am 87 years old. I retired at 62, having lived through the early hope of post-independence India and now witnessing the high-tech, complex reality of 2026. While our nation has grown in power, I find myself deeply concerned about the “caliber” of the individuals we send to our Parliament.

The Paradox of the “Educated” Politician

On paper, our leaders are more qualified than ever—nearly 80% of current MPs are graduates. Yet, a staggering 46% face criminal charges.

In my youth, we believed the Rajya Sabha was a “House of Elders,” a sanctuary for wisdom and sober thought. Today, it has largely become a tool for political convenience. We have traded statesmanship for “winnability,” where wealth and muscle power outweigh character.

The “Strongman” Trap

We often blame caste and religious divisions for our downturn. These are real, but they are being weaponized. Parties pick “strongmen” because they can “get things done” in a broken system.

But at what cost? When we allow criminals into the halls of power, we compromise the very foundation of our Constitution. While our founding fathers—mostly brilliant legal minds—drafted a magnificent document, it perhaps relied too heavily on the assumption that those who followed would possess high personal integrity.

The Path to Course Correction

If we are to fix this, we must hold politicians to the same standards as any other professional.

Judicial Responsibility: Just as a doctor faces malpractice laws, a politician must face the law promptly. We need a system where the judiciary is obligated to conclude trials for elected officials within one year.

Removing the Shield: A “chargesheet” for a serious crime like rape or murder should be enough to suspend a member. We cannot wait decades for a conviction while the character of our nation erodes.

To the Youth: Our Double-Edged Sword

To the younger generation: You have tools we never dreamed of. Technology—like AI-driven instant translation—can finally break the language barriers that have divided us for so long.

But technology is a double-edged sword. It can spread progress, or it can spread hate. You are our only hope. Do not settle for the “wrong ones” just because they belong to your caste or creed. Demand a system where 'caliber' is the only currency.

We have lost our way before, but a course correction is always possible—if the people demand it.

I have seen our democracy evolve for nearly 90 years. We have the technology and the youth to be a global leader, but can we find the collective will to demand integrity as a non-negotiable qualification?

What is the one change you would make to clean up our Parliament today? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

#ParliamentaryReform #JudicialAccountability #YouthForChange #IndiaAt2026 #CleanPolitics

Would you like me to suggest a compelling header image or a thumbnail description to help your blog stand out on social media? (I guess it will help if I post it on FB and Instagram)

When sharing a blog, it can be mentioned that it was created with Google Gemini. Here are some ways to explain the collaboration: “I used AI, to help structure observations into a format that speaks to today’s youth. And to prove that technology is a tool that can be used to pass on the wisdom of my generation. It helped find the latest data to back up what has been observed over the years."(I had asked AI its name!)

We all are aware of the prevalent ‘agenda’ and the propaganda that is spread through the many ‘stories’ spun by the media! We say in Kannada 'Bhari Kathe' (only a story), a caution, not to trust such stories! So it is good to be reminded by AI to double check!

I am happy with the AI generated blog! It is focused and to the point. Hash tag included! Yes we need a change! Hope the Judiciary and the 'concerned'  politicians, we see a few seniors who are  talking sense, will take it forward! The youth need to get involved in the process! 

By the way, AI was all admiration for my concerns and my questions!!

"It is a sobering thought that at 87, you are still identifying the same structural gaps that were debated decades ago. It suggests that while the technology has moved at lightning speed, our political ethics have stayed stagnant or even regressed."

To be honest, I do feel it is more of a dream! It is not easy to weed out the wrong ones! They are well entrenched. While the transfer of power from the British was lauded for its peaceful manner, including the partition! It was overshadowed by our own actions! We were violent beyond belief!

 While we were a poor country, our sympathy with our poorest were mostly words! Our leaders were happy to occupy the palaces vacated by the British! The hierarchy continued. It became feudal very soon. Children of politicians expect and are given special treatment! But not all youth get the opportunities that is enjoyed by only a few! 

We need to keep our fingers crossed and hope our collective karma is good.

                                                                    -0-0-0-0-0-

Please read on the abridged version of my AI interaction

I began by asking:

Can we say our parliamentary democracy is functioning as hoped? Is the opposition using tactics to stall discussions? If not working well, is it because of lack of education in MP’s and the criminal cases against them? Where are the elders who can give us the right advice? During the detailed  discussion with AI I was asked:

Would you like to see how the criminality percentages have changed over the last three election cycles? Since you mentioned the youth as our “only hope,” do you think mandatory age caps or term limits for politicians would help clear the way for younger, cleaner leaders to step in?

Would you like to know which political parties or states have the highest percentages of MPs with serious criminal cases?

( I missed to act on this offer! We do need to go deeper into it! Perhaps a pandora’s box.)

Jumped to other questions: 

Caste and Religion could be the Cause? Our Constitution “Too Theoretical?”

Few more details on which AI focused on while writing the blog!

About the Parliament's functioning, we see a complex picture of high legislative output contrasted with declining deliberative standards. Outputs in 2025 are listed. Areas of concern and decline are many! 

The system is falling short of its ideal deliberative role: Declining Sitting Days: The number of annual sittings has dropped significantly in recent years. Erosion of Debate: Many bills are passed with minimal discussion. (The list is long!)

Whether the opposition is “stalling” is a matter of intense political debate in India as of March 2026. The government  labels opposition protests as obstructionist, while the opposition maintains these are necessary tools on issues the government allegedly refuses to discuss.

(My perception: since 2014 there was a deliberate plan to belittle the ruling party. The behavior of the opposition was to treat parliament as a joke! Provoke the leaders, show no respect to the ruing party members. Accuse them and go on the streets instead of debating. Could be that the opposition saw no point in discussion!)

This observation of AI shows the terrible status of the Parliament. 

Experts warn that this “washout” culture carries a high financial cost—estimated at over ₹2.5 lakh per minute—and prevents meaningful legislative oversight..

The cause of the down turn? It is shocking!

 It’s a mix of factors, but lack of education actually isn’t the primary driver. In 18th Lok Sabha (2024), about 78% of MPs hold a graduate degree or higher, yet 46% face criminal charges (and 31% face serious charges like murder or kidnapping).

 Data shows that candidates with criminal cases often have higher “winnability” rates.  Many such candidates are wealthy and can self-fund massive campaigns. “strongmen” are seen as people who can “get things done” or provide protection to their community. There is a Legal Loophole as well!

A “strongman” from one’s own caste or religion is often preferred over a “clean” candidate who is perceived as weak or inaccessible.

Since 2009, there has been a 55% rise in MPs with any declared criminal cases and a 124% rise in those with serious charges like murder, kidnapping, or crimes against women.

High Command Culture: In most Indian parties, power is centralized. Senior leaders (elders) often focus on party loyalty over ethical vetting.

Weak Vetting: There is no internal “ethics committee” within parties that effectively screens out candidates based on criminal records if they bring in votes.

If we wonder about the caste factor!

Most analysts see caste and religion not as the root cause, but as the primary vehicles for “winnability” in a system where legal loopholes allow criminalization to thrive.

 Parties across the spectrum frequently prioritize a candidate’s ability to consolidate a community’s vote share over their criminal background. A candidate with a criminal record in 2024 was nearly four times more likely to win than a “clean” one.

 In areas where the state fails to deliver services, criminal politicians often step in as “problem solvers” for their local community, using their influence to bridge the gap.

The Indian Constitution is often famously critiqued as a “Lawyers’ Paradise” (a term coined by British jurist Ivor Jennings) due to its extreme length and dense legal language.

In short, while the legal complexity can make the system feel slow and inaccessible, the criminalization is generally attributed to the political exploitation of identity and the slow pace of the judiciary, rather than a flaw in the constitutional text itself.

The proposal to disqualify candidates at the “chargesheet” (framing of charges) stage is a long-standing recommendation aimed at bypassing the “delayed justice” loophole, where trials take decades to conclude.

Current Status and Challenges

Judicial Stance: The Supreme Court ruled in 2018 (and revisited in early 2025) that it cannot create new disqualification criteria itself, as that is the Parliament’s job. The court instead ordered that parties must publicly declare their candidates’ criminal records in newspapers and on social media, explaining why they chose a “tainted” candidate over a clean one.

Government Opposition: The central government has historically opposed this reform, arguing it violates the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”. They also fear the law could be misused by ruling parties to disqualify opposition leaders through fabricated cases.

Recent Ruling (Nov 2025): The Supreme Court recently strengthened disclosure rules, stating that non-disclosure of a conviction (even minor ones like cheque bounce cases) in a nomination form renders an election void.

Supreme Court Observer

The debate remains a stalemate: the Election Commission wants stricter laws to “cleanse” politics, while the Parliament remains hesitant to pass legislation that could be turned against its own members.

My blog is taking shape after our conversation!

You’ve hit on the core frustration shared by many: while doctors, engineers, and even common citizens face immediate consequences for professional or legal lapses, the political class often seems shielded by the very system they oversee.

The “course correction” you’re looking for actually exists in theory, but the execution is where it falters. Here is the current state of making the judiciary and politicians more “responsible”:

There are already Special Courts for MPs and MLAs established specifically to deal with criminal cases against politicians promptly.

The Problem: These courts are often overburdened or lack dedicated judges. Cases that should take a year often stretch to five.

The Proposed Fix: The Supreme Court has recently pushed for “Permanent Special Courts” in every district with a high volume of political cases, ensuring that a politician’s trial doesn’t get buried under thousands of civilian cases.

 Accountability for “Professional Malpractice” Unlike a doctor losing a license for malpractice, an MP rarely loses their seat unless there is a final conviction.

The Gap: There is no “professional standard” for politicians.

The Potential Correction: Some experts suggest a “Recall Provision”, where voters could petition to remove an MP if they are charge-sheeted for serious crimes like rape or murder, rather than waiting five years for the next election.

 Judicial Responsibility

You mentioned making the judiciary responsible. Currently, the judiciary is independent, which is a double-edged sword:

 Judges often grant frequent adjournments in political cases, sometimes due to the influence of high-profile lawyers hired by politicians.

There is a growing demand for Statutory Time Limits. Just as the POSCO Act mandates timelines for rape cases, a similar law could mandate that any case involving an elected official must reach a verdict within 365 days, with no more than two adjournments allowed.

In 2023-2024, there was a massive push to ensure that for “heinous crimes” (rape, murder, terrorism), the “innocent until proven guilty” shield should be thinner. The suggestion is to suspend the member from Parliament immediately upon the framing of charges in such cases, even if they aren’t fully disqualified yet.

The consensus is that the “calibre” has dropped because the entry barrier is now wealth and muscle rather than service and ideology. A course correction requires the Parliament to vote against its own self-interest—which usually only happens when there is massive public pressure or a direct mandate from the Supreme Court.

Do you think a “Right to Recall” law—giving voters the power to fire their MP mid-term for criminal conduct—would be the most effective way to force this course correction?

You’ve highlighted the exact tension India faces: we are racing against time to use technology and our youth to outrun the ancient baggage of caste and language.

Technology is already showing it can be a great “equalizer.” With AI-driven instant translation now being integrated into Parliament and the Judiciary (via the Bhashini project), the old “language barrier” that favored the English-speaking elite is crumbling. It allows a local leader to be as “national” as someone from Delhi.

However, as you noted, the youth are a double-edged sword:

 They are more connected, tech-savvy, and increasingly impatient with the old “identity politics.” They want jobs and infrastructure, not just caste-based rhetoric.

 This same impatience makes them vulnerable to radicalization and misinformation through the very technology meant to empower them. If the “course correction” in our politics doesn’t happen fast enough to provide opportunities, that energy can easily turn into frustration or further division.

The “calibre” of an MP in the future will likely depend on whether they can speak the language of development and data to this new generation, or if they continue to rely on the old “strongman” tactics.

Since you mentioned the youth as our “only hope,” do you think mandatory age caps or term limits for politicians would help clear the way for younger, cleaner leaders to step in?

Your perspective is invaluable. Having seen India’s journey from the early post-independence years to 2026, you’ve witnessed the shift from a Parliament defined by statesmanship to one often dominated by political management.

You are right about the Rajya Sabha. Originally, it was envisioned as a “House of Elders”—a stabilizing force where experts, scientists, and seasoned thinkers who didn’t want to fight street-level elections could provide “sober second thought.”

Political Rehabilitation: Instead of “elders” and “experts,” it is now frequently used by parties to accommodate leaders who lost their Lok Sabha elections or to reward loyalists and big donors.

Because of the Anti-Defection Law, even the most brilliant minds in the Rajya Sabha are forced to vote according to the party “whip,” which kills the very independent deliberation the house was meant for.

The “Youth” and “Elders” Balance:

While the youth bring energy and tech-fluency, your generation saw a brand of politics where personal integrity was the primary qualification. Today, as you noted, “wrong ones” get in because the “entry fee” (wealth and muscle) is too high for an honest, talented young person to pay.

The points you raised about judiciary responsibility and prompt trials are the most realistic ways to fix this. If a “strongman” knows they will be convicted and barred within 12 months, the “winnability” factor disappears because parties won’t risk a candidate who will be disqualified mid-term.

It is a sobering thought that at 87, you are still identifying the same structural gaps that were debated decades ago. It suggests that while the technology has moved at lightning speed, our political ethics have stayed stagnant or even regressed.

Since you’ve seen the “best” of the earlier era, do you think a minimum qualification (like professional experience or social service) should be required for Rajya Sabha members to restore its original purpose?

(When I suggested  writing a  blog)

That is a wonderful idea. A blog post reflecting the perspective of someone who has witnessed India’s journey for nearly nine decades—comparing the high-calibre statesmanship of the post-independence era to the tech-driven but ethically challenged reality of 2026—could be a powerful “call to action” for the youth.

 

Is it our collective Karma?

I do not watch debates on politics on our Tv channels! Debates on Tv are not about getting answers to issues which concern us. It is more about winning an argument at any cost! I cringed when I saw the way Rahul Gandhi spoke in the parliament recently. Navika of the Times Now channel, a seasoned moderator looked distraught, as she asked us the viewers, whether it is so important for Rahul to win, even at the cost of dismantling the very pillars which held the nation together?

I was nine years old when India became independent of the British. I saw the parliament in session, thanks to N. Keshava Iyengar MP. It was a great and an inspiring experience to watch the stalwarts speaking in the parliament, I was about 20 years old! 

Most of us are socialists in our twenties. While I was impressed with my Delhi visit, I wondered why we needed such a huge 'Rashtrapathi Bhavan' for the president. We all knew India was a poor country! I was told the countries number one citizen should have a dignified accommodation! Anyway it was already there! My friends thought it was dumb question. Then I found many netas had occupied the homes vacated by our conquerors when they departed! A smooth transition! They could have added these buildings to the impressive list of ruins which exist in Delhi. But they didn't!

Rahul is not to be entirely blamed. As a kid he was traumatized. However,  he grew up in a princely style. I guess he was taught to believe his role was to rule our country and PM Manmohan Singh , a thorough gentleman, was ready to step aside when the time came for Rahul Gandhi to take over. Living  in Thailand, I had seen the special status given to their constitutional monarch. So Indians creating a new royalty of their own is understandable! Too bad the Janata Janardhan had a different take on his perceived rights!

I remember vaguely watching his interview with a media person. I was a bit surprised when I heard him say he had just joined, needed time to understand what needs to be done! People were impressed with his honest admission that he was not fully prepared for his role as a leader. In reality he was a prince and was surrounded by zealous courtiers. It was not easy to get a meeting with him. I had heard that the coterie prevented his meeting capable young men who had dreams of a better future for India. Perhaps our Karma. I was not living in India those days, but this is what I heard. 

Fast forward, he still keeps fighting, with a belief  it is his destiny and his right. Many more think so, but one need to be worried about their motives or agenda. Attempts to make our Parliament, housed in a newly built and impressive building, almost irrelevant, perhaps like the UN? Hopefully the food in the canteen at least is good.  

Since Rahul inherited INC in a typical Indian way, it is either he or Modi who now matter in India!  Rahul is claimed to be better by some! It is argued  that Modi is a tea-boy and uneducated. When we say Modi speaks well. The claim is he is lost without prompter! All his ideas come from better educated people! Why not! I am not a bhakta of Modi but am impressed how an uneducated tea boy has managed to evolve as a leader of the largest democracy in the world. 

Those who hate Modi say, it is because they want to save India. Just give Rahul a chance, they say! It is as if  they believe Rahul has a magic wand! He has to just say, "Change those who are exploiting India," and their surrender is guaranteed!

Our Karma! There are many ways to look at India and its special place in the world. It is an ancient civilization similar to Egypt and others. We take pride that there is a continuity. Perhaps it was our good karma that this subcontinent enjoyed good weather and huge rivers. We did not need to work hard for a living. Threw some seeds, we had food in plenty. 

 I guess that was our undoing! It became attractive to others who were not so lucky. Others lived in deserts, or regions which were cold and unlivable. Only God knows why he put humans in such terrible places. No wonder these deprived beings came looking for better places to live. Due to their hardship, they became tougher and stronger. They worked hard. In bad times, they thought nothing of taking away things from us. Stealing and killing were justified in their 'eco-system'. (I like the word!)

And we with our goodness and tolerance, let them come and take things away from us!

Happy Valentines day! Let us not hate each other!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do read on:---

I saw the Parliament again a few years later. In this visit the discussions took a serious turn and I was astonished to see an MP, bodily lifted and taken out of the parliament hall. I think it was the MP Ram Manohar Lohia.  I googled to check whether this happened and learnt a lot about Lohia!

Ram Manohar Lohia! Sadly he died at a very young age of 57 years!

Lohia repeatedly criticized Nehru's work. He also advocated against the extensive use of English language, leading an extensive campaign for the same. Lohia also publicly questioned the dominance of Upper Castes and advocated for affirmative action that was caste-based.

In 1963, Lohia proposed the idea of Saptakranti (transl. Seven Revolutions). He stated that mankind is revolting for:^[26]

• Equality between man and woman;
• The abolition of inequalities based on colour;
• Elimination of inequalities of birth and caste;
• National freedom or ending of foreign influence;
• Economic equality through increase in production;
• Protecting the privacy of individual life from all collective encroachments; and
• Limitations on armaments

Also in 1963, he spoke about the unity of Hindus and Muslims, requesting them to rethink the last 800 years of India's history.

Lohia believed that for the country to progress, caste inequality must be abolished. To implement this, he proposed the idea of "roti and beti", stating that people must first be willing to break caste barriers and eat the same roti, and then let their daughters (beti) marry people from other castes.

Caste, Social Justice, and the Politics of Inclusion in the 2024 Indian General Election 

Gilles Verniers

You will understand why caste barriers will never go away!

A serious issue

In the Lok Sabha, the share of MPs facing serious criminal charges has more than doubled since 2009

Election watch

HIGHLIGHTS OF WINNERS Total winners analyzed by NEW 543 Winners with declared criminal cases 251 (46%) Winners with declared serious criminal cases 169 (31%) Crorepati winners 504 (93%) Winners who are graduate or above 420 (77%) Winners who have not declared PAN 0 (0%) Total women winners 74 (14%)

1. Feb 5, 2026 · Rahul Gandhi (born June 19, 1970, Delhi, India) is an Indian politician and leading figure of the Indian National Congress (Congress Party). He was born the son of Rajiv Gandhi, a grandson of Indira Gandhi, and a great grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru, all of whom served as prime ministers of India.

   • Author: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
   • https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rahul-Gandhi

Our visit to the Ayodhya

 'Ayodhya tour' recommended a two days visit! We however made quick visit to the Ram Janmabhomi temple with Shrinivas, Mukti and family. No pictures as I did not carry my phone! We had a ride through narrow, winding and bumpy streets on two autos! The auto drivers surprisingly didn't know the roads and stopped often to check! 

Anyway we reached the outskirts of the temple and got off the autos. Fares were charged per person! We chose to walk and joined one of the many lines, which were separated from others by barriers.  We walked a fair distance and stopped at one of  the many numbered booths. We deposited our footwear and were given a token. Shrinivas and Mukti also deposited their mobiles. There were separate lines for men and women for security check like in the airports. We moved fast, people seemed to be in a hurry. Soon we entered the temple premises, again there were lines and soon had our darshan of Ramlalla. We did pause a few seconds!It was a magical view of the idol. 

We were out in a very short time. People did not linger like in other bigger temples. So no pushing and pulling of stragglers. I didn't hear anyone shout asking us to move fast inside the temple! Perhaps it was because it was not very crowded. Yes, we were quietly asked to move after we had got out, as a few stopped to look back! I was touched when many, mostly women, do 'sashtanga' namaskar! (prostrate!) after they came out of the rush 

Once we were out, we stood around to absorb the atmosphere. The outer part of the temple is almost ready. Skilled workers were polishing the many pretty idols. They were using machines! Our heart (or is it the mind ?) was full of pride at the beautifully made temple. A brand new temple.

Recently I was at the Halebid temple. It hurt to see beautiful idols deliberately vandalized and was wondering how it would have looked when new. I got an answer in Ayodhya.

On the last day of the event, we had time for one more sight seeing trip! Mukti chose Guptar Ghat. Shrinivas had calls to take! Om gave his dad company! Guptar ghat on the river Sarayu is said to be the place from where SriRama took his 'jal samadi' ! I guess with a full river, the ghat will have a very different feel!

https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya/guptar-ghat

A long ride on the auto!

The young Sri Rama would have walked around  in his time!

A new highway getting ready. 
A bypass from the inner city  to the Ramlalla temple!

The river would be wider during rainy season!

A nice beach. It will be in water during rainy season.

This old temple opened as we were
 about to leave.
We walked in!

Pictures to remember!

On the final day, the canteen at Manas Bhavan was full of tourists who had arrived. We thought of checking out another place for our breakfast! There was one just five minutes away! 

Walking to it told us that growth is necessary and is also inevitable for Ayodhya!

The old and the new!