FRENCH TOAST IN THE “SEMI-ARID DESERT”

While everyone is focussed on what is happening in Iraq, Syria or even Gaza everyone forgot about the fact that French has sent a 3000-strong force to Chad, for sub-Saharan Africa to battle Islamic militancy. They have been doing small-scale missions for quite some time now, but an operation on this scale has surprised everyone. The reason I’ve personally taken this issue up is because, well, it’s a welcome change from the news from what’s happening in Iraq and Gaza
.

PRELUDE:

Let’s revert ourselves to the year 2011. Libya was experiencing a civil war and unlike India African countries do not share the same sense of nationalism, they’re mainly divided into tribes. So when the Libyan war began several sects of the Tuareg Tribes began joining in the fight in Libya, some because they were on Gaddhafi payroll and others who fought against him because their tribe didn't like the way he rolled, this meant cross-border tribes too came into the conflict(Here I speak of the country Mali). After the war was over and everyone was off to business as usual, the cross-border dudes began to return (here we speak of Mali-Northern) due to variety of reasons majority being well, umm they didn't belong there? (Haha, sorry). But along with coming back they also had tons of weapons and ammunitions from the war they had just fought. So upon arriving back to Mali the dudes organised themselves into a militia called MNLA-National Movement For the liberation of Azawad. (Why not NMLA? Don’t ask) and began attacking the Malian government and its forces.They actually managed to capture large swaths of lands in the north. France really didn’t seem to care here because MNLA didn’t have anything against France and also didn’t possess any other worldly ambitions.

But in June 2012 couple of months after the whole fighting in Mali had begun and Azawad was free came a third party in the fight. The Islamists. Now MNLA came under attack from these guys and began taking a pounding, mainly from groups like Ansar Dine and Movement For Oneness Of Jihad In West Africa. These groups began capturing territories from the MNLA and began to implement the Sharia law upon the land. They were infact almost at the verge of capturing the capital of Mali when the French went Oh Merde!

FRENCH ANGLE:

Apart from being the colonial rulers of the region for a long time the French also have crucial economical investments in the region one of the majority being the uranium investment in Niger (Just South of Mali) by Areva of 1.9 Billion Euros, for the electricity projects in France (almost 3/4th of France’s energy comes from Nuclear Power Plants). MNLA wasn’t really a threat as they were happy with Azawad, but when the Islamic militant groups came barging in it wasn’t something France could tolerate. Hence to combat that threat France sent a 4000+ strong force, naming it Operation Serval( Serval is a really cool African cat you can’t really have as a pet). Intense fighting began between the French and Islamist militants. Also, seeing this MNLA also decided to join the fight alongside the Malian Government. Soon enough the Islamic militants took a pounding and fell back. The operation was a success and eventually the French Forces withdrew.

For support French allies U.K, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Dutch, Canada and United States chipped in logistical support. Along with this even African led forces were sent to Mali. Apart from all this Chad (The country) sent a fighting force Of almost 2000 troops to fight alongside the French.

OUTCOME:

The whole mission was a success and was praised far and wide by international bodies as well as countries to combat terrorism. The example set by the French was interesting because they managed not only to push back the Militants but were also able to restore peace, although the MNLA issue remains, but overall the mission was a success. As of now the French have decided to back this Operation Serval with Operation Barkhane( Meaning sandune in the desert, basically another thing you cannot have as a pet, well you could but there would certainly be questions raised upon your mental health), which basically consists of  3000-strong French force being sent to five countries Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, Mali and Niger the countries that span the Sahel region(Except Sudan and Somalia, Senegal).

These countries shall prove to be crucial because these are the countries that are most endangered by terrorism. The most interesting part here remains to be seen is how the French plan to carry out this operation and also maintain peace in one of the most volatile, resource rich and ever forgotten regions in the world.

YES, THERE WAS ACTUALLY A TIME WHEN HINDI MUSIC WAS COOL, UNTIL BOLLYWOOD RUINED IT (90’S)

Most of the music I listen to is generally English. But only yesterday when my music was being played on shuffle Lucky Ali’s “Tere Mere Saath” began to play. It’s a song that threw me back to my childhood and took me to that special place and gave me that special feeling everybody once felt, Nostalgia. That time was just too special with songs being released on cassettes and music videos being played on TV. This got me thinking, where on earth is everyone?

WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT HERE?

To those 90’s kids and those early 2000’s kids (like me) who were aware of stuff, they’d know exactly what I mean. It was an era for independent musicians, a time when pop was cool and was given the tag of indipop which made it sound even cooler. It was a time when there were actually music charts, yes something totally unheard of now. There were also music videos that had Daler mehndi just appearing out of a weird-ball-of-fire to sing a song for us and then just cloning himself to half a dozen others (Tunak Tunak, Anyone?)

Well to give a brief background picture, the advent of amitabh bacchan too had to be credited to bring about the music of the 90's, from the late 70's to well into the 80's music was hardly given any weightage in cinema, it was mostly action and drama that were at the fore, this degraded the quality of music bollywood had seen in the 50's and 60's. This sorta ushered in the new era where people began to experiment and start creating new type of music because really people had gotten bored of the stuff they'd heard earlier.

SOME OF THE BEST MUSICIANS CAME DURING THIS TIME 

Soulful Lucky Ali

The music video of “Dekha Hai Aise Bhi” is one of the few music videos I vividly remember as a kid. His Hitchhiking across the American mid-west and  meeting mysterious Indians, who incidentally had the habit of standing at boulders and waving to buses in their traditional attire. Apart from all that being said his songs were truly soulful deriving influences from Arabic, latin and even folk songs from India. “Tere Mere Saath” and “Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai” is one of the few hindi songs that are always on my playlist.

You could find everything you were looking for, here.

Euphoria

"Maeri" along with "Dhoom Pichak", "Kaise Bhulege Mera Naam", "Sha na na" are classic tunes churned out by the band, The band’s essence was the use of traditional mix of Indian instruments along with electric and bass guitar and drums gave the band a very standout and melodic sound.

Remo Fernandes

I still have a cassette of Remo’s at my place. Most of you might know the choreographer Remo but this Remo was way funkier if you ask me. “Humma Humma” and “O Meri Munni” are one of his best known tracks. His Goan attitude and vocals were a distinct departure from the music that we had ever heard in the Indian music scene.

Biddu

Biddu is a well know face in both the international as well as the Indian scene. One of the most successful producers ever he’s ranked 34 in top 50 producers ever by NME. His disco music along with collaboration with Indian and Pakistani artists gave birth to blockbuster songs. Disco Deewane, Boom Boom, Made in India (Alisha Chinai) are just a few to name.

The Others

Daler mehndi’s “Tunak Tunak” also was a big rage along with brother sister duo Shaan and Sagarika’s ”Aisa Hota Hai” Sonu Nigam’s “Deewana Tera” Silk Route with “Dooba Dooba”. Other artists that were big too during that time were Falguni Pathak, Rabbi Shergill, Baba Sehgal and rock bands such as Pentagram and Motherjane (Last two not in Music Sales necessarily)

Yes, she was fine.

When Daler calls you, you go!

WHY BOLLYWOOD SPOILED EVERYTHING, AGAIN

Bollywood can never see the rise of independent artists and independent labels. Although I can’t really blame them for wanting to have hit songs in their movies but making artists sing “Tere Touch Pe Maine Kia Ouchh” is just a sheer waste of talent and energy. Bollywood producers hired these artists, killed their artistic freedom and made them sing songs which were on the lines of the film only. Although they did make a few good songs but all in all it finished the originality spirit that we so enjoyed in the same artists when they were independent.

Need i say more?

In my opinion although bollywood has done bad to the independent artists scene, it can be used to it’s advantage too. In my personal opinion if bollywood guys could just pick-up music for their movies from independent artist who have already made music (Like English movies do sometimes) it could cater to the audiences as well and also give a fresh lease of life to these artists who are just being ignored and their talents wasted. Well, atleast that’s the dream.

I MUST’VE DEFINETELY LEFT OUT A FEW ARTISTS OF THE 90’S, IF YOU HAVE SOME DO COMMENT BELOW!

FORGOTTEN ROLE OF THE BRITISH INDIAN ARMY IN WORLD WORLD 2

Seeing the anniversary posts of the D-day and other such World war 2 events, as an Indian it made me wonder “Where were we Indians?” when all this was happening. As I read on further it made me realize there was a whole history behind this waiting to get explored. As I explored I found some interesting details. So, here I’m going to explain what and where did India play its role in the Bloodiest war the World had ever seen.

Let’s begin with the background first. To begin with Indian army had already seen intense operations in the Waziristan and Pashtu regions (Now Pakistan) but its number were low, to around just two lacs, but by the time the war was over it numbered to well above 25 lac soldiers. In fact this is the largest volunteer army till date.

Let’s break it down for you guys, there were basically 3 major fronts India participated in

*North Africa

*South-Asia

*Europe

1.     NORTH AFRICA

In the year 1940 around 36,000 Indian troops were sent to North Africa as reinforcements. These and some other troops amassed together formed the 5^th Indian Army Division. These men along with the others that came in later from Syria which would ultimately be called the “Eight Army” as a whole. The men from this division suffered heavy losses throughout the war and had in several cases helped other regiments withdraw safely. They were instrumental in holding back the aggressive German “Afrika korps” commanded by the famous Field Marshall Erwin Rommel. Later on towards 1944 this same army also went on to capture Libya and Tunisia from German control and thus driving away German presence from Africa itself

Two crew members of a Sherman tank of the Scinde Horse, part of the Indian 31st Armoured Division in Iraq, March 1944

Along the southern side of Egypt (Sudan and Ethiopia) Indian army was part of the operation to clear out the Italians, who had captured the area. This is crucial because if this hadn't been done it would've left Egypt woefully vulnerable to attack from two fronts.

2.  SOUTH-ASIA

This army was one of the most valuable army of the whole war and was also the most forgotten. The Fourteenth army responsible for the South-Asian front is also referred as the “Forgotten Army”

One of the first, if not the first attack by the Japanese was of Hong Kong which was defended by Indian troops but was forced to surrender eventually.

Throughout the war Fourteenth army defended India when the Japanese conquered Burma, the new jungle fighting tactics were unknown back then due to which the army suffered massive losses, this happened throughout 1943 and 44.  Eventually, after a few offensives Indian army gained the upper hand and started pushing the Japanese back. Around 1945 onwards till the end of the war Indian troops liberated countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam from Japanese occupation. This considerably weakened the Japanese war effort thereby easing the work for the Americans.

The British commander and Indian crew of a Sherman tank of the 9th Royal Deccan Horse, 255th Indian Tank Brigade, encounter a newly liberated elephant on the road to Meiktila, Burma 1945

3.   EUROPE   

In 1943 Indian troops landed on the European Mainland in Italy. In Italy dynamics of war was a little different, here the local population favored the allies and the whole country was defended by the Germans, doing so by dividing the country into strongholds. Indian armies along with other allies including the Americans attacked these lines and were slowly breached. Barbara Line, Berhardt Line, and the Gothic Lines were such major lines. One of the famous battles of this front was that of “Monte Cassino” which was fought twice with the Indians participating in the second. It was a German stronghold and several armies had perished trying to attack it, eventually with the help of Indian troops allies overcame the Germans.

Somewhere along the Italian Front

 On 29^th April 1945 the Germans had surrendered Italy.

 

This account may have been a brief explanation but India’s role can’t be undermined, In North-Africa Indians protected and fought in Egypt, without them the Germans would've eventually reached Cairo and accessed oil wells of Middle-East. In East-Asia Indians were responsible for defending India itself and liberating half a dozen other countries. And on the Italian Front attacking the Germans and liberating Italy as well. Apart from all this in countries such as Greece and Iraq Indian armies were deployed to protect economic as well as strategic interests of the allies, without them defending these places the allied war effort would've crumbled with the axis laying hands on crucial supplies they so needed during the war.  Around 4,000 Gallantry awards were given away. This being said noone remembers the men that fought for Indian independence indirectly by obeying the pact of British that was if troops supplied for the war they would leave India. 

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ALSO READ : WHY THE YEAR 1971 IS STILL RELEVANT TODAY


http://parth292.blogspot.in/2014/05/why-year-1971-is-still-relevent-today.html

 

6 WAYS TO MAKE IT ALIVE OFF A SLEEPER COACH OF AN INDIAN TRAIN

Imagine yourself to be a person who has enjoyed the luxury of travelling in an A.C 3 tier Indian rail coach and has always had the company of a family member everytime you've traveled. Everytime.

Well I’m that guy.

So when unfortunate events conspire you to travel in a sleeper class, alone, things turn a little haywire. So, here’s a simple guide for you to take care of if you are faced with the same situation.

1. CARRY A BEDSHEET

Well when I saw a guy on my parallel berth sleeping half-naked  and rubbing his body on the seat you tend to realize that some things are better left unsaid. Carry a bedsheet.

2. HAND SANITIZER

You saw that coming, didn’t ya?

3. APPEAR TO BE POOR

I bet you look good in that awesome T-shirt and funky jeans. But if one of your hobbies isn’t getting robbed in a train then start dressing like a hobo. Yes you heard me right , although you don’t have to dress sooo poorly that the T.T is forced to kick you off the train but dressing a little below your standards ain’t  gonna hurt.

A classic example of a person looking forward getting mugged.

4. Learn to say ‘NO’

Over the period of 24 hours I had encountered numerous beggars some old women, some young with children on their laps,eunuch, some limbless folk and some young healthy kids too. It isn't bad to help the poor but if they’re coming straight off a conveyor belt you’ll have to consider Plan B, which is saying NO.

                                           

Yes precisely.

5. Gather Allies

When you’re faced with the possibility of being attacked along all the fronts it’s very likely that you will need allies and the point is to choose them wisely, some might become wonderful companions and others, uhh well heartless thugs in disguise waiting for an opportunity to slit your throat. Judge is all I ask.

STRANGER  - Would you like to be my friend?

ME              - Emm how about no?

6. Wear Earplugs

There are gonna be several crying babies on the train along with spirited elders trying to share their “funny”and "interesting" incidents with the whole compartment and beyond using their loudness as a lethal tool at nighttime.

A little unconventional but it’ll do 

THAT'S IT FOLKS!
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STAY SAFE AND HAVE A FUN JOURNEY.

WHY THE YEAR 1971 IS STILL RELEVENT TODAY

The acceptance of the invitation to PM swear-in ceremony of Narendra Modi by Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif has raised several key and important questions. Will it change anything? Will it prove to be useful for both the nations? And very importantly will it bring peace and stability to the very volatile south-east Asia?

                                             

Well, that is something only time can tell, but what I do have to tell is that it’s not gonna be easy, and the year 1971 is not going to help it be. Although this is a well discussed topic, for the less-informed ones I’m gonna tell what exactly happened, how it boiled up and how the cookie crumbled(sorry for the cliché, too tempting). So, this is how it goes

HOW IT BEGAN?

Well for that we shall have to go back to time, well exactly onto the year of 1970.East Pakistani Bangla local party ( Awami league ) had won the election by a landslide but the bosses at the West Pakistan weren't too amused with this and the winning party was ignored and remained unrecognised. The local party started protesting and slowly there was a general murmur growing, clamour for autonomy, even some for independence. This was brutally put down and by brutally I mean systematic elimination of opposition along with killing, rape and deportation of the East Pakistanis. It was in fact so systematic it was even given a name; Operation Searchlight  which began on 25^th March .Some figures indicate almost two lac people perished in east Bangladesh from that operation. As a result East Pakistan rebelled declared itself as independent. Well, as of now India just watched the developments closely, but something’s gotta be done when you have one crore neighbors wanting to live with you.

Then East Bangladesh Refugees entering India

India firstly began secretly helping the East Pakistanis (whom now will be referred and Bangladeshis).A guerrilla group

‘Mukti bahini’ was started being funded by India. They carried several operations over the monsoon but they failed to do any critical damage.

An important day would prove to be the 3^rd December. Pakistan getting rather irritated with India on it’s involvement, began an air raid on India’s major airfields in the north to cripple it’s air force. Unfortunately for them it failed miserably and on the next day they were quickly repaired. This was the first act of overt aggression by Pakistan. Thus, began a war so short and so intense it would be over before you could spell ‘Chicken Tikka’(Gen.Tikka carried out Operation Searchlight, just saying)

Another very interesting point to be seen is that India had already began building it’s troops on west and east Pakistan’s border and well, only Indira can tell us whether this was for the exact purpose of making Pakistan attack us or whether she would've nevertheless carried it out, or whether it was done for Pakistan’s imminent attack . Maybe even General Sam(You thought only Americans could have a Sam, huh?).

HOW IT HAPPENED?

'And if war comes again, I assure you that we shall carry it right into the enemy's biggest ports, like Karachi. I know this harbour quite well for I started working there. And you have my word that given the opportunity, the Indian Navy will make the world's biggest bonfire of it.'

-- Admiral S M Nanda, then Chief of Naval Staff, November 1971.

After the initial air strike carried out by Pakistan, India began it’s first ever naval operation, named Operation Trident. It began on December 4^th and it was mainly done to destroy harbor of Karachi, the most important and strategic naval hub of Pakistan. Several air raids were carried out and it was devastating for the port city. Majority of the navy of Pakistan along with merchant vessels, oil tankers, pipelines were destroyed and hence knocking out the navy of Pakistan for good throughout the war. A semi naval blockade was also established along the Arabian sea. Infact Pakistan as a result of the operation scrambled jets and bombed their won frigate, mistaking it for an Indian vessel. Naval India had established it superiority in the seas.

On the aerial zone, India quickly knocked out Pakistan’s airforce, which was poorly outnumbered and was facing a deficit of Bengali technicians in East Pakistan. India inevitably secured air superiority as well.

On the ground zone, on the eastern front India slowly began it’s offensive on Eastern Pakistan with the help of Bangladeshi militia Mukti Bahini. India used a tactic of blitzkrieg made popular by the Germans in World War 2. It basically involves a fast moving army which bypasses military strongholds and continues on fast advancing, concentrating on capturing area. India’s main objective was to reach Dhaka which they did. Surrounded on all sided by the Bahini and Indian regulars, the Pakistani troops quickly surrendered. India approximately captured 90,000 troops including regulars, Razakars etc. Till this date this is the largest number of POW’s after the world war.

On the Western Front too India saw some crucial fighting. The war saw some intense fighting along the Punjab-Rajasthan-Jammu border.

Somewhere along the West Pakistan front

Initially along Chhamb sector Pakistan’s regulars attacked, although better entrenched Indian troops gave way and Pakistani’s almost reached dangerously close to Akhnoor, a key town. This was one of the only successful thrusts by Pakistan.

Later on 2 very crucial battles changed the course of the war, one being the famous Longewala and the other one being Battle of Basantar. After personally reading about Longewala I initially didn't believe in it. How could 200 soldiers fight against 2000 plus 59 Pakistani tanks fight and win? The fight was a stuff of legend really. The Pakistani’s came in with these numbers and with help from the IAF they sent back with 8. Pakistanis saw this force large enough to reach Jaisalmer.

Another key battle was to be of Basantar, where the little bulge along Pakistan on the border of Jammu and Punjab border was assaulted, this would prove to be one of the bloodiest fighting in the whole war, but eventually Indian troops gained the upper hand and captured the area, coming close to Sialkot on the way.

A.A.K NIAZI SIGNING THE SURRENDER OF BANGLADESH

With these key battles the war with Pakistan titled to India’s favour considerably and with some land under their belt, India called for a cease fire and the war ended.

The Simla Aggrement, which i found to be a blunder for the Indian side, just gave away all the POW’s and the gained area to Pakistan as a gesture of “Goodwill”. I personally believe we could’ve bartered it for something else.

WHY WILL IT PROVE TO BE A ROADBLOCK?

The result of the war was devastating beyond repair, well it had to. Pakistan lost almost half of it’s territory and more than half of it’s population. Apart from that it’s army had made a very poor performance on the Eastern Front and a little better on the Western Front. This reduced the morale of the people and the armed forces. It also banished Pakistani myth that they could actually win against India. But unfortunately this spurred Pakistan to support militant groups in India and help do guerrilla warfare against our nation. This obviously deteriorated the nation. With several acts of terror in India linking Pakistan eventually our relations with Pakistan eroded. The fault cannot be fairly blamed on Pakistan or blamed on us. Pakistan is trying to do the same thing that happened during the war. But unfortunately all they have done is hurt civilians, rather than try to help the people they were, well ‘trying’ to help.

If we need peace we will have to forgive the bloody past that we went through. I know it’s easy for me to say, a person who hasn't seen any of those times. But when I said forgive it does not mean forget. Either side should not have a revenge mentality because frankly, politicians and militants have perverted that for their own benefit. Although I don’t have too high hopes riding on the meet, but I do hope this is a stepping stone to bringing peace, prosperity and stability to the south-east Asian region.

But as always the odds are stacked against us. Nevertheless both the countries and world governments watch in hope, some that a solution arises and some that it doesn't.

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