gunwanti

This is one movie that stands above all of Bollywood flicks during 2010.

The movie does raise interesting issues such as the devastation of partition that followed India's independence from the oppressive and tyrannical British. While Hindus and Sikhs fled from what is now known as Pakistan, Muslims - especially the one who were affluent enough to afford to travel - were also compelled to flee - amidst scores of killings on both sides.

Gandhiji had been frustrated with the verbal tirade between two of his followers: Muhammad Ali Jinnah (whose ancestors were Hindu Rajputs) and Jawaharlal Nehru. He had wanted Jinnah to become the first Prime Minister, but this move was opposed by Nehru - who openly stated that he would not even offer Jinnah the position of a 'chaprasi' in the new Indian cabinet.

An enraged Jinnah declared that he will become Prime Minister even if it meant to form another country. And thus began the formation of East and West Pakistan - and the subsequent devastation that followed.

Those Hindus and Sikhs, especially Sindhis, who fled from Karachi and other cities - were treated like refugees in their very own country.

Gandhiji attempted to bring back Muslim brothers and sisters by announcing that he was going to lead a foot-march to not only compensate but also enable people to return to their original homes and livelihoods.

It is not a secret that while Jinnah felt threatened by this movement, several Governors of the newly formed Pakistan openly indicated that they would return to India.

Shortly before the foot-march Gandhiji was shot dead by a right-winged Hindu.

His remains were placed in urns and immersed in Holy rivers and sites all over India.

It is not a secret that with the immersion of his remains - Truth and Righteousness were also subdued and have ultimately disappeared from India/Bharat/Hindustan.

Wealthy Maharajahs/Nawabs used their influence and became members of parliament, continued amassing wealth and ignoring the poor, and become tyrannical and oppressive themselves. Result: Rampart corruption in all walks of life, nepotism, favoritism, religious intolerance, violence, and terrorism continue unabated.

If not for this partition, a united India would now be a power to be reckoned with.

Funds and energy wasted on war, ammunition, defense, and counter-terrorism would have been used to improve the lives of embattled and impoverished citizens in all three countries - Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

It is never too late as they say 'Subah Ka Bhoola Shyam Ko Ghar Aaye - Toh Ushey Bhoola Nahin Kahetey".

On April 21, 2011, the Pakistani Supreme Court freed 5 more men accused in this incident. The ruling has left just one male suspect out of the 14 that were charged.

Initially a lower court acquitted 8.

Then during 2005 an appeals court acquitted 5 of the 6 remaining suspects.

This is another glaring example of Pakistan's justice system. It has a very low rate of convictions due to the authorities catering mainly to the rich and politically well-connected.

This can well be compared to the present state lack of enforcements of 'human rights' in 'developed' countries' like Canada.

Victims like Mai have lost faith in the 'justice' system' and are fearful of reprisals from the suspects and their supporters.

Kalyug indeed!!!

Although the Government of India projects a 9% growth, this progress is not spread evenly all over the country.

Since 1997, according to the Government's very own statistics, a total of 1,50,000 farmers and their respective families have committed suicide as they are unable to survive and repay loans to Zamindars.

Out of these 1,50,000, 20% of the above deaths are recorded in the state of Maharashtra.

During 2006, the Government did act and made provisions to forgive loans - but limited such forgivable loans to banking institutes only - and did not provide any relief to struggling farmers all over the country.

Corrupt and indolent police and politicians compound this issue even more by refusing to intervene against goons of Zamindars, leaving the hapless farmers to fend for themselves.

And when they are unable to do so - they end up killing themselves.

The media is supposed to the conscience of the people, but are mainly focused on urban issues, including Bollywood and politics, thus compounding the problem even more.

It is an unfortunate reality that the plight of these farmers remains unresolved to date.