Take 5 Discussion Thread July 2014 Part 1- Note on pg 11 - Page 14

Originally posted by: Sandhya.A

Aunty

Correction. I meant to write the most magnificent Emperor. There is Chandragupta Maurya, my other fav Raja Raja and many more , no doubt, but I see Akbar most magnificent as he had to fight it out mostly, to conquer, rule and implement his vision. Even a mother sometimes, sometimes shows preference among her children. But Akbar never showed difference among his janasheen. He valued only merit and loyalty.This, when 500 years later, inspite of secularism and equality put up in all banners and high-sounding speeches, all Government application forms right from schools have a column for religion/caste.

Such vision and greatness at the helm is rare. Many are inspired and work hard for their principles and values till they get to the top. But upholding them even at the zenith for many years and fighting to do so is rare.

And, you are right. Ashoka, Chandragupta Maurya, Akbar have a more nationalistic appeal. They are not limited to fanatic or ethinic groups. They don't appeal to those who take out to the streets.

And agree word to word with you about Gandhiji. 😊 Even today the nation is drawn to any leader (ofcourse, not to that degree though...Gandhiji's appeal was magical) whom they feel has the ability to lead, the determination and desire to improve the nation. Our electorate, on spotting such rare men, give a clear decision through their votes. 😊

Originally posted by: sashashyam

Yes, my dear Sandhya, Akbar's greatness needs no elucidation at all, which is in fact the best compliment anyone could pay him.

But it is not that he valued only merit and loyalty. He was blind to all this when it came to his relatives, who, literally, got away with murder time and again. This was a very great weakness in him, and if he survived and performed so spectacularly, it was because Lady Luck has a soft corner for him. If not, he would have been dead and gone by 1563.

Though not in the spirit, practically a big failing indeed, but well, all great men/women do have their weaknesses...this was his.

Yes, the caste column in our forms is depressing and disgusting, but why is it there?

Because, especially after 1990, we have nearly 50% reservations in educational institutions and in govt. jobs of so many castes.

In the US, where too one has to indicate in forms the ethnic group to which one belongs, it is called affirmative action, and it is quietly implemented, at times under the table, even at places like Stanford, where my Sasha went to college. And reservations/affirmative action, initially declared to be time bound, NEVER go away.😡😡😡😡😡

I am very glad that we do not have reservations for women in India. Else, when I stood first in the All India Civil Services exams, the first time a woman had done so ( after when I joined the IFS), the men would at once have dismissed it as due to the reservation for women.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

Shyamala Aunty