BJP has more faith in me than Raj Thackeray – Atul Bhatkhalkar

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June 2, 2021

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Atul Bhatkhalkar a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Mumbai’s Kandivali East constituency has been an RSS Pracharak. He has been with Bharatiya Janata Party since June 1991 and was office secretary of the Party from September 1991. For four years, he participated as the secretary and publicity representative for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections and Parliament elections.

An ordinary man with extraordinary leadership qualities and his hard work is hugely contributed to the development of the Kandivali-east and Western Express highway.

Atul Bhatkhalkar spoke to our Editor-in-Chief Dr Vaidehi Taman over the controversial statements made by MNS chief Raj Thackeray, in his interview with Loksatta’s editor Girish Kuber in their series called “Drushti ani Kon”.

Your comments on Raj Thackeray’s statements regarding the present issue?

Whatever Raj Thackeray has said, is absolutely false. In 2009 I was denied a BJP ticket which is a fact. But this misjudgment by the party was publicly stated by Late Gopinath Munde. At that time as MNS had not selected their own candidate, they offered me a ticket keeping the ‘Marathi Manoos’ spirit in mind. But since my loyalties laid with BJP and did not ever think of leaving them, I did not accept MNS’s ticket offer.”

Today you are in a senior position on the BJP panel and have created a good presence, but when Thackeray makes such statements, what is your response?

When Raj Thackeray made those allegations, BJP leaders completely ignored him as they have more faith in me than Raj Thackeray. Undeterred I continued to function with focus on my work. I sincerely supported the 2009 election and actively participated in election candidates rallies, but sadly they have not considered that. Rather I am amused that a matter which has not happened in 2009, they have raked up presently in 2021 and I question the very reasoning behind Loksatta presenting it as “Breaking News”. This surely is a sign that my political presence has increased therefore such news is definitely something more than what meets the eye.”

Why have you objected to Girish Kuber’s book?

Whatever he has stated about Sambhaji Maharaj, was factually incorrect. If you go through the timeline of Sambhaji Maharaj, he ruled for nine years in which he successfully fought against Aurangzeb for all nine years. An important point to be noted is that Aurangzeb came into Maharashtra only after Sambhaji Maharaj passed away. That is the spirit of Sambhaji Maharaj and his sacrifice as he refused to convert himself which is highly commendable. This is the legacy of Sambhaji Maharaj and if one goes through all historical records, everybody is hailed. Sambhaji Maharaj was not only a capable person but also a great ruler. He was an acclaimed Sanskrit pandit and wrote poems in Sanskrit. Thus, criticizing Sambhaji Maharaj by stating that he killed many people because he wanted to become heir to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is nothing but foolishness. It’s understood that the king’s firstborn will naturally be heir to the throne and thus to allege that to become king of “Hindu Samrajya” he has killed Taramati and others to reach the throne is trivial and absolute humbug. Rather such storytelling clearly showcases the non-academic aspect of the writer Girish Kuber and it has been witnessed many times in his writings. My only demand was to correct the narration.

Why are Girish Kuber like left-wingers so hellbent on twisting history?

Twisting the nations historical facts is their intellectual agenda. After Modi has become prime minister of our country, they could launch this intellectual war against the right-wingers and that’s why they are trying to distort history. When Atal Ji became the prime minister, suddenly all leftist raked up Swatantra Veer Savarkar’s so-called mercy petition, but ironically Savarkar himself has written about this in his book “Kala Pani”, that too before independence. Revolutionaries writing petitions to the Britishers was not a new thing and a normal process. But because of this ideological warfare which they are losing, they are trying to distort history and that is their main issue.

How will you counter Girish Kuber for these allegations?

Earlier also many writers have criticized Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on very wrong matters, so this is just one more attempt to the list. Sambhaji is a king who sacrificed his life for Hindutva, Hindu ideology and religion. I don’t think such allegations will make any difference.

What is your move to counter allegations made by Raj Thackeray?

Kindly note, that unlike Raj Thackeray and Girish Kuber, I am a person who got elected twice by a margin of more than forty thousand votes, so these numbers speak for themselves. For me, people like Raj Thackeray and Girish Kuber have no credibility. Raj campaigned for Congress and NCP in Lok Sabha, in Assembly he campaigned for himself, thus I don’t think he has any political credibility.

What is your message to our readers on analyzing such subjects when published?

This is a deliberate attempt towards BJP and me to divert attention from real issues. Before making any allegations towards BJP, Raj Thackeray must first explain why he has not yet criticized Girish Kuber’s book? Rather Raj should not have given an interview to Girish Kuber unless he rendered an apology. If you go through the official stand of Raj Thackeray earlier regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Maharashtra history, he should have demanded an apology from Girish Kuber. Presently neither Girish is ready to render an apology or delete that portion from his book. Silence on this matter shows the hypocrisy of Raj Thackeray.

Will this strategy or agenda affect BJP’s votes?

Such an agenda will not at all make any difference to BJP, voters are intelligent.

‘Drishti’ ani ‘Kon’ – Loksatta editor Girish Kuber staged an interview to defame BJP leader?

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Vaidehi Taman

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June 2, 2021

girish kuber, atul bhatkhalkar, bhatkhalkar, raj thackeray, thackeray, loksatta, guber, editor girish, bjp, avadhut wagh, madhav bhandari, anil thatte, mla atul, bjp atul bhatkhalkar, mns chief, raj, mns raj thackeray — 'Drishti' ani 'Kon' - Loksatta editor Girish Kuber staged an interview to defame BJP leader? 10

Editor Girish Kuber’s virtual interview ‘Drishti ani Kon’ organized by Loksatta, has not gone well with the state BJP leaders. On 1st June, Raj Thackeray, the President of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena appeared in an interview and made many sensational statements on state politics.

When asked about switching the loyalties by his party workers Raj in the interview said, “In the face of every election, many leaders are seen moving to another party. Let me tell you the story of the 2009 Assembly elections. BJP’s Atul Bhatkhalkar had come to me to ask for a ticket for the Assembly election. There was another leader Lokhande who had also come to me for a ticket. I had called Nitin Gadkari to inform about the unrest within his party leaders.” Raj further said, “I told both of them, ‘stay where you are, this is the oldest political party and you have grown with it, don’t be crazy just because you are angry'”.

“This is how it happens. Even in the early days of Shiv Sena, many people left. When they leave, they are alone,” said Thackeray.

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Avadhut Wagh, Media Panelist of Maharashtra BJP told Afternoon Voice, “I was the state vice president of MNS during that time. Raj Saheb told me that since BJP denied Atul Bhatkhalkar’s ticket, he offered him the same from MNS, which Atul refused.”

When asked Atul Bhatkhalkar, he said, “Whatever Raj Thackeray said about me is a brutal lie. In 2009, BJP did not give me a ticket, but later on BJP leader Late Gopinath Munde publicly regretted the same by stating that it was a wrong decision by BJP. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena had offered me a ticket but I refused it.”

“Sadly, MNS was not getting a suitable candidate in those days, you can check 2009’s Kandivali east candidate list of MNS, in the first two lists, there was no mention of Kandivali east. I can never leave BJP or even remotely think of leaving the party,” Bhatkhalkar further added.

BJP’s Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, MLA from Nilanga constituency said, “Girish Kuber authored a book called ‘Renaissance State, The Unwritten Story of the Making of Maharashtra’, in this book he has twisted the history by making insulting statements on Sambhaji Raje. MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar, not only criticized Kuber but also protested against the book. Keeping this in mind, Bhatkhalkar was strategically dragged for 2009’s so-called incident in Raj Thackeray’s interview now in 2021. The vendetta is quite visible, though we all can read Girish Kuber and see how anti-Modi he is. He is a hardcore leftist but somehow inclined towards Uddhav Thackeray for his safe landing in politics as an MP.”

Madhav Bhandari, Vice President of BJP Maharashtra said, “The way Girish Kuber is heading the Editorial department of Loksatta and his writings in recent times is absolutely not suited to the journalistic standards. He is doing agenda-driven reporting by frequently attacking BJP and its leaders, this is nothing but due to political inclination. His biased journalism is one-sided and all that he is doing is for his own political aspirations.”

Bhandari further said, “Atul Bhatkhalkar is among the senior leaders of BJP, his work within the assembly and in his constituency is known to the people, so there was no reason for Kuber to bring up an incident that had happened in 2009 again in 2021.”

While speaking on the controversy Senior Journalist Anil Thatte said, “Girish Kuber is Uddhav Thackeray’s man, there is no doubt in it. He and Uddhav have a mutual tie-up. Meanwhile, he has already been confirmed as an MP from Shiv Sena though there is still a year for the elections till then he has to serve Uddhav. In the past Congress took advantage of Kumar Ketkar the editor of Loksatta and before making him a Member of Parliament for ten years he had to mortgage his journalism with Congress. He had to serve Indira Gandhi to Sonia Gandhi for decades. There is another example of Madhukar Bhave of Loksatta, he was also enslaved by Congress for fifteen years with the carrot stick of MLC, he used to give speeches for Congress and finally died without becoming a Member of the Legislative Council. Entrapping the journalists and editors for their political ambitions by political parties is a very old practice. It is like, you scratch my back and I will scratch yours, ironically the journalism takes a backseat and only agenda-driven slavery of writing remains.”

Thatte further said, “In this particular interview I don’t think Girish has plotted anything, because Raj Thackeray is a very unpredictable speaker, he speaks whatever comes to his mind and this could be a coincidence. In search of political opportunities, calling different politicians and asking for a ticket is not surprising.”

While posing the question Thatte asked, “Tell me where is Krupa Shankar Singh now? In BJP or Congress? He is sitting on the fence. Whoever gives him a better deal will jump that side. Raj Thackeray is assumed to be close to Sharad Pawar because in the last assembly elections he tirelessly attacked BJP and Narendra Modi, but right now he is working parallelly with BJP. In politics no one is a friend or foe, everything is situational. He will be in alliance with BJP in the upcoming Municipal elections. I am sure even Girish Kuber might not have expected this answer from Raj Thackeray, the statement on Bhatkhalkar might be even a surprise to him.”

Thatte also added, “These days journalism and politics that has emerged with a very peculiar combination. For example, Girish Kuber, criticizes Shiv Sena but always hails Uddhav, there are many journalists who condemn BJP but they maintain loyalties to Modi, likewise people praise Congress but they don’t support Sonia Gandhi in particular.

Vinayak Dinkar Mohidekar, who speaks volumes about Shivaji Raje and his clan in community preaching said, “‘Renaissance State’, a book by a senior journalist, which tracks the state’s history from the times of the Satavahanas. He made all unproven claims about Chhatrapati Sambhaji, warrior king and son of Chhatrapati Shivaji. For example, he has written that Chhatrapati Sambhaji killed queen Soyarabai Bhosale, one of the wives of Chhatrapati Shivaji. She was Sambhaji’s stepmother. However, according to many, this claim finds no mention in historical documents. This kind of journalism and writing is dangerous and good to see the politicians condemning such substandard writings.”

The point to note here is MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar is still with BJP and stuck to his grounds, but the so-called Sadashiv Lokhande the then BJP MLA, whom Raj Thackeray had asked to remain in BJP in 2009, had contested on the ticket of MNS from the Kurla constituency, with 33,967 votes.

We appeal to people to fight against malpractices in medicine – Dr Manoj Solanki

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Afternoon Voice

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June 1, 2021

dr manoj solanki, hindu janajagruti samiti, hjs, hindu, sanatan sanstha, manoj solanki, dr solanki — We appeal to people to fight against malpractices in medicine – Dr Manoj Solanki 12

Consulting Radiologist Dr Manoj V Solanki, coordinator at Arogya Sahayya Samiti a medical wing of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, discussed various aspects of their services towards mankind with our Editor-in-Chief Dr Vaidehi Taman, about how this platform helps the internal cleansing of the medical field.

This unique podium consists of doctors, vaidya, paramedical staff, social workers, RTI activists and even lawyers to fight the misconducts in the field of medical practices. Following are the excerpts of the interview.

What is Arogya Sahayya Samiti and affiliated to whom?

Since we believe that the establishment of Hindu Rashtra is not political but spiritual, which cannot have any place for corruption, mismanagement, negligence or bias in the administration, it must be implemented instead of talking about the same in theory. Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, is working for the establishment of the ideal Hindu Rashtra. Arogya Sahayya Samiti a medical wing of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti is a platform for the internal cleansing of the medical field. This is essentially a platform and now Arogya Sahayya Samiti is being joined by Doctors, Vaidyas & Paramedical staff, social workers, RTI activists and even lawyers to fight the malpractices and the medical mafias in the field.

The main focus is two-fold – firstly to make the medical knowledge, facilities reach to the common man as also to fight the evils. As of now, we have been working to provide immediate medical aid to the needy and victim of life-threatening calamities such as floods, earthquakes etc.

How this concept of Arogya Sahayya was adopted and came into existence?

The formal name was declared in June 2018, though the like-minded people coming together in the Hindu Convention in Goa had started working on the projects/issues somewhere since 2016. After researching, meeting like-minded people in these two years, it was felt that a time has come that this movement should have an organizational name, a formal set-up – thought the main concept is of a movement and voluntary association of persons who want to contribute.

We are well known for the malpractices going on in the medical field. Looking at the commercialisation of this service sector, rising cases of looting patients, referrals for unnecessary investigations, forcing patients to opt for expensive medicines and equipment instead of cheaper ones etc, the concept of Arogya Sahayya Samiti took shape and came into existence in June 2018. One thing I would like to mention here, that we do not say all the doctors & health employees are bad or commercial in nature. We salute all the doctors, medical & paramedical staff who worked with dedication during this pandemic.

What is ‘Surajya Abhiyan’?

Apart from medical, in almost all the fields, unethical, corrupt practices are going on. Arogya Sahayya Samiti raises their voice against such practices in the medical field, like-wise ‘Surajya Abhiyan’ raise against others fields.

There are many NGOs and Organizations working in the field of medical victims and justice, how are you different from them?

Well, let’s give it some time to decide and firstly, we do not want to compete with any NGO, rather the approach is to connect, to take help and extend help. Since the mass exploitation is too wide – the loot being reported during the Covid Pandemic may be the tip of the iceberg. With an average 2.25% expenditure by the Government on the health sector, literacy rate to 69%, the physician density ratio consistently below the WHO norms India stood 10th in the 11 countries in the Asia Pacific in a January 2021 survey, the health sector has many challenges to face. Indeed, the NGOs working in the field are many, the FCRA has weak audit control with no medical audits. Thus, there is a lot to do.

We will be focusing not only on giving justice to individual victims but on mass awareness both for availing the facilities and fight for medical justice. Crimes in the medical field is a new area where extensive work requires to be done.

Do you believe some organizations in Mumbai and around are playing with the lives of COVID-19 patients?

Fingers can be pointed out towards some private organizations; the onslaught of the pandemic is too big that the government system is crunching under the pressure which is being exploited by the non-government players. There is a lot of work to be done.

How do you look at the overall pandemic situation in Maharashtra? Are you happy with the handling of the cases by the state government?

See, the Covid-19 pandemic is not restricted to a particular state. It is a national disaster. We tackled the crisis with vision, imposed restrictions, followed responsibilities in the first phase of Corona. Then where we failed in the second phase? There was a need to do a SWOT analysis of the crisis. There was a need to use our strengths efficiently, to overcome our weaknesses, to understand our opportunities and to review our threats. Lack of pro-activeness, forecasting, proper process etc. made the situation worst.

What is the biggest challenge right now for the medical fraternity?

When World Health Organization accepts and recommends that countries would blend traditional and conventional ways of providing care in ways that make the most of the best features of each system and allow each to compensate for weaknesses in the other, we are not focusing on this despite having Ayurveda with us and we are lagging far behind in this. Apart from this challenge, the other issue is to blend the spiritual aspect of disease which is being completely neglected today with only a focus on allopathy. For example, modern medicine teaches us that the reason for high blood pressure can be work pressures, tensions and prescribes some pills/chemicals be taken orally. But, by spiritual treatment, one can understand the level of Ego of a person, the higher the ego, the more the pressures/ irritations etc. Thus, reduction of ego can be another treatment. These are areas of experiments and research.

Of course, in the short span, we are facing the Covid Pandemic and there are issues like Delhi Government paid compensation to the family of a Muslim Medical practitioner who died in Covid duty whereas in Delhi alone many doctors die same way but got nothing. Such kind of selective treatment will obviously demoralize the medical sector.

There is a substantial shift in the approach – it was regarded as a ‘service’ to society and now becoming a lucrative business The challenge is to change the mindsets and make experiments with an open approach.

Can you throw some light on corruption in this medical field?

‘Cut Practice’ has become a routine corrupt practice in the medical field. Doctors who send their patients to other doctors so as to earn a ‘cut’. Many private hospitals, corporate hospitals, diagnostics, path labs are offering a percentage to referring doctor out of the charges earned by that particular referred patient.

Apart from this, pharmaceutical companies offering precious gifts like cars, foreign tour packages to the doctors for prescribing their medicines and doctors are prescribing for their personal benefits.

During the Corona pandemic, Doctors and hospital staff sold Remdisivir injections at the rate of 25000 to 100000 also. So many cases of not giving the corpse of a Covid patient without paying the hospital bill or not admitting patients without paying the deposit.

We have seen many Doctors and hospitals selling the human organs of a deceased patient.

These days there is an ongoing debate between allopathy practitioners and Baba Ramdev, what is your observation of it?

As mentioned above, Allopathy practitioners should not regard Ayurveda as a competitor, the focus should be to give the best to society instead of blocking some medicines. If we see the trend, firstly hydroxychloroquine, then plasma therapy, Remdesivir, Fabiflue now Influenza, what does it indicate? We do not have a confirmed solution on it. We are continuously going on with trials and research. In such a situation, instead of criticizing each other, all pathy’s should have to fight it unanimously. They could have included Ayurvedic medicines in trials. Their focus should be on the patient and not the credibility.

Do you believe there are medical mafias, and syndicates that are taking undue advantage of people?

Yes – as a general statement. But as a movement, we believe that in the coming days we will come up with evidence to stop such syndicates and we request the viewers to share the data.

Who is most vulnerable in such a situation?

Well, a common man. They need medical support but the cost of treatment is highly non-affordable. The cost of hospitalisation, medication, surgical items is beyond imagination. Most of the people have lost their jobs, no earnings. Many people die because of non-affordability to drugs.

How do you do your research or findings, before exposing such malpractices?

We are becoming a team of people from the medical field, lawyers etc. So the medical expertise has the added advantage of legal knowledge and the steps to be taken.

What are the biggest challenges during investigations or approaching such institutions?

Since it is the fence, itself eating the crops, it becomes difficult to collect evidence. People mostly look for their own benefits and thus allow the system to rot.

What is your advice to people to stay away from such bullying?

People should abandon the ‘why should I fight?’ for the simple reason that a person gets a benefit by neglecting some rot, but the system rotten and again ricochets back to the same person some other day. We appeal to people to be aware to prevent these malpractices and to understand how to fight against them. For assistance, you can contact Arogya Sahayya Samiti on 9595984844. So, let’s perform our duties strictly and let’s demand the rights consciously.

Brahmin Sperm are much in demand

By

Vaidehi Taman

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June 1, 2021

brahmin sperm, brahman, sperms, brahmin sperms in demand, verna, hindu verna, caste, jati vyavastha — Image for Representative Purpose

Today is world Brahmin’s day, so I thought of writing about this recent development in the sperm industry. There were many reports in the media that the Brahmin sperms are in great demand. In India, couples looking out for sperm to insist on both good looks and intelligence. Brahmins are considered to be people with high wisdom and acumen.

People believe that the Brahmin means “wisdom, the wise, people you go to for counsel, tribal elders. So, they are respected, not only for their wisdom but also for their counsel, their knowledge and for their services to the community. Another thing is that they are always near God and rituals. People touch their feet after any ritual; rather no ceremony is conducted without the presence of a Brahmin priest.

The cast-based requests are on the rise in the recent past, not only the cast but religion too. A Muslim couple looks for a Muslim donor; they believe that the child will have inherency to their faith. Whereas prosperous Dalit couple stress on their kind of sperm, they fear child with complex issues if the same cast sperms are not received. Christians are even more reluctant to receive other religious sperms.

The IVF was never caste or religion-based but it turns out that they are actually compelled to keep data on the religion of sperm donors by the Indian Council of Medical Research. So, one may not be able to choose Brahmin sperm as such, but they can be sure to choose Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Sikh or any other religion. Biologically speaking, sperm is a sperm before anyone was born, they knew no name, no religion, no race and definitely no caste, once a child takes birth, he is showered with name, religion and later once he is fully grown, with the profession.

Everyone wants their child to be intelligent by birth; I am not saying those who are not Brahmins are not intelligent. Somewhere they want something better to be delivered. No matter how educated or liberated you are, varna vyavastha can never be wiped out from your brains. Brahmins are considered to be the Intellectual class (teachers and priests). Kshatriya: Ruling class (Warriors and Rulers). Vaishya: Business class (entrepreneurs and merchants) and Sudra: Working class (employees, labourers, farm workers etc).

Brahmins have their superior position in society and their higher knowledge stems from birth. This makes them naturally, intrinsically superior to all other humans. Nothing can challenge or alter this fact. No one becomes a Brahmin but is born so. If you follow ancient history Brahmans were considered as a teacher or priest. In a meaningful way, they were a powerhouse of knowledge about Vedas. They have enlightened the world with their knowledge in a positive way. Then gradually this hierarchy of society on the cast (verna) became rigid.

While I was doing my research, I spoke to many doctors about the demand for Brahman sperms, they said most of the Indian couples visiting us are of different nature. There is an inadequacy or inferiority complex in some couples that they want greater sperm than the Verna (cast) they belong to. Above all the upper caste or Brahmin couples emphasise Brahmin sperms only. In most cases, they bring their donors along. Many couples these days seek sperm donations from known people, there is no hesitation or apprehensions.

Sperm donation is the provision (or ‘donation’) by a man, (known as a ‘sperm donor’), of his sperm, with the intention that it be used to impregnate a woman who is not his sexual partner. While the sperm donor is the natural or biological father of every child produced as a result of his donations, he is generally not intended to be the legal or de jure father. Depending on the jurisdiction and its laws, he may or may not later be eligible to seek parental rights or be held responsible for parental obligations.

All those couples are told by the doctors for “a young, healthy and fertile physical match”. Yet they insist on more information. They want to match the primary characteristics such as height, skin and colour with their husband. Mostly, they want someone who is taller and a shade fairer than their husband, who points out that this may be a “very entrepreneurial” approach. The community prefers a fair-skinned donor, adding that couples want them to find the closest skin, hair and eye colour match.

While in a majority of cases, it is the gynaecologists who contact sperm banks and request semen samples based on the client’s height, skin and hair colour preferences, some high-flying couples, especially NRIs, visit the sperm bank personally in their extreme anxiety. They first conceive the child in their brain and find a match to it in real life. Some even say that the child should be good at acting, studies or in skills.

Above all the European countries are getting inclined towards Hinduism, you will see many following Krishna and other deities. They follow Vedas and chant mantras, their belief in Hinduism is Brahmanism. That is the reason, most of the foreign origin people come to India for sperms, they look for Brahmin sperms.

The fantasies and demands are limitless, everyone has their priorities. Some unprofessional IVF centres even show the pictures of donors so that the mother can make a choice about the looks of her child. Ethics are violated because it is just business and wants these days.

Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us at feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com

Doctors mark ‘Black Day’ against Ramdev

By

Vaidehi Taman

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June 1, 2021

black day, ramdev, ramdev baba, baba ramdev, fordo, ima, indian medical association, black day, black day doctors, FORDA, FORDO, Protest against Ramdev, Allopathy — AIIMS Doctors Protesting against Ramdev and demanding his arrest. | Image: Twitter

Medics across India are observing a “Black Day” today in protest against Yoga guru Ramdev’s alleged remarks on allopathy where he apparently called modern medical treatments “stupid”. Various medical associations have demanded an “unconditional open public apology” for Ramdev’s alleged “insensitive and derogatory” comments that more people died of modern medicine during the coronavirus pandemic than the deadly disease itself.

Dr Manish told Afternoon Voice, “No doctor wants any kind of debate with Ramdev. Who is he? He is just a layperson who made his business in this pandemic.”

“Doctors have worked through the pandemic day and night. They have lost lives. We are expecting more than 10,000 doctors to participate. We will go to any extent, we can go to court also” he added.

In a viral video, Ramdev is heard saying at an event, “Lakhs of people have died because of allopathic medicines, far more than those who died because they did not get treatment or oxygen.”

The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), which had called for the protest, said that even after raising objections to Ramdev’s statements, “no action has been taken yet.”

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) – the country’s topmost body of doctors – has also extended support to the protest where doctors will wear black badges at the workplace.

Ramdev’s Patanjali group – one of India’s biggest Ayurvedic businesses – was prompt to defend its boss and said the video had been edited and the statement “taken out of context”. Ramdev has “no ill-will against modern science and good practitioners of modern medicine”, the group said.

Facing backlash over his comments and a letter from Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, the saffron-robed Yogi withdrew his statement soon after.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also sent a notice to the 55-year-old asking him to apologise for the remarks within 15 days. If he fails to do so, the top doctors’ body said a compensation of Rs 1,000 crore will be demanded from him for defamation. Patanjali has said it will give a “befitting reply” legally to the defamation notice. The IMA also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action against Ramdev under sedition and other charges for allegedly “spearheading a misinformation campaign on Covid vaccination.”

Showing no regret for his remarks, Ramdev was seen in yet another controversial video on social media, challenging calls for his arrest, saying “even their baap (father) cannot arrest Swami Ramdev.”

I Dance in Mumbai Local Trains – Pooja Sharma ‘Rekha’

By

Sandip Soparkarr

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May 31, 2021

pooja sharma, rekha, mumbai local train, viral video, pooja sharma rekha, dancer on mumbai local train, local train mumbai — I Dance in Mumbai Local Trains – Pooja Sharma 'Rekha' 16

Pooja Sharma ‘Rekha’ has become an Internet sensation like no other, while she dances and asks people for only one rupee on the 7:40 am Mumbai ladies’ special local train. When Sandip Soparrkar interviewed Pooja Sharma ‘Rekha’ she discussed various experiences of her journey. Despite having a tumultuous life, Pooja’s faith in God and humanity is simply astounding! The way she recalls her childhood might put you to tears but her alight spirits and a bright smile can surely cheer you up any time of the day. Pooja always inspires fellow travellers to help others and her innocent demeanour will leave you in awe of her personality.

Tell me all about your journey?

God put me in a man’s body, I was called Palash aka Pols, we come from a very poor family and belong to a remote village near Kolkata. Our condition was such that we eat a small portion of the meal, once, every two days. In my community, dance is looked down upon and boy dancing is taboo. I would hide my feelings and love for dance but secretly draped my mother’s saree and danced to hit film songs with my girlfriends under closed doors.

Was this restriction difficult as a child?

I never made friends with boys, as they would tease me for my mannerisms, I felt safe in the company of girls. Girls never pulled my pants down to check if I was a boy or a girl but, the boys always did. The same trauma was a part of my house too. I ran away from home, so I could save myself from continuous embarrassment and humiliation. I met Deepa, my Guru who is from the Kinnar community, she embraced me, kept me in her house, looked after me like her own, she never asked me if I was a boy or a girl, she accepted me as I am.

How did you start dancing?

One day, I found myself amidst a dance rehearsal and seeing my moves the choreographer swiftly placed me from the last row to the top. That day I realized that I have the talent of dance which has the potential to impress people. For the show, I was given a new name ‘Pooja’. I got dressed for the first time, wore makeup, adorned gajra (flowers) in my hair, draped in a saree, wore lots of jewellery, Ohhh I felt complete that day. When I looked at ‘Pooja’ in the mirror I felt extremely shy, so the last name ‘Sharma’ was added to ‘Pooja’. The event was a hit, the organizer appreciated my dance, I became a lead dancer at all Kinnar dance shows. People started to call me to dance for their weddings, baby shower,s and all other occasions where the presence of a Kinnar is considered auspicious.

How did you reach the city of dreams, Mumbai?

In India, the Kinnar community is looked down upon, and in smaller cities, the condition is even worst, I came to Mumbai hoping for better acceptance. In this journey, I observed that Transgenders use Tali (clap) and beg on the crossroads of Mumbai and are humiliated, shamed, disgraced for their behaviour, and often laughed at the way they dress. I decided to change this, no Taali, only Namaste. No begging on the streets, only dancing inside a train and that also ladies train because in the gent’s train life was back to what it was in my village. I did not want myself to be touched in the wrong places because like all other women I respect my body too and no one is allowed to touch it without my permission. And most importantly no asking for money, if someone cares and likes my dance they can pay and that appreciation is restricted to One Rupee only.

How Does it feel when people say you dress like Rekha and dance like Madhuri?

I worship Rekha Ji, she is my epitome of beauty and style and I totally copy my idol. Madhuri Dixit is my dancing inspiration and I dance to all her song. But personally, I love to dance to devotional songs as it makes to stay at peace and helps me connect to the power above, which shows me the way. People love a lot, what more can I ask for? All I wish and pray is happiness for everyone. The love I have received on the train is priceless.

Why modern women shy away from talking sex

By

Vaidehi Taman

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May 31, 2021

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For the fear of being judged, Indian society hates to see girls being open about sex talks. Men are not questioned for being sexually licentious, let alone for talking about sex. But for women, it’s a dreadful thing according to our society. They will be immediately labelled the female as ‘loose’ or desperate for talking about something common to all human beings.

They are made to believe that sex is nothing but a marital duty. Most Indian women think that it is their duty to have sex with their husbands rather than a way of communicating their love and their desires. They have sex only for conceiving children or satisfying their spouse’s needs. Its husband is given the upper hand to decide whether he has cravings or not.

Women’s needs are always secondary. Just because sex is attached to marriage and morality, young, single, unmarried ladies may find it difficult to find answers to their curiosity. It may stimulate anxiety and feeling of guilt in some. This depends a lot on the reaction or response of the other person like the parent, teacher, doctor, friend who is asked about these issues.

India is the country where the Kama Sutra, an ancient Hindu text composed between 400 BCE and 200 CE talks about sex positions and philosophy and theory of love, what triggers desire, what sustains it, how and when it is good or bad; however in the present society, most of the women do not consider having sex for their pleasure, but they assume that pleasure out sex is copyright of men, and if she feels the pleasure, then there is something morally wrong about it; she will be seen as a whore.

Hinduism is an umbrella of religions. It is like a union of many religions that are quite similar but have particular differences that make them unique. But they did not make it such a big deal as well. For instance, Hinduism is said to have various schools of thought. Each dealt with various ideas and has its own texts and works and each has unique values that, although similar, are not the same.

Though this has changed fairly, they do not talk about it in public because sex is considered taboo in India even in the 21st century. Lack of sex and over conservative nature of the elders is the main reasons behind this. We see many liberal women these days openly talk about sex in public but as soon as they do so media, politicians, and the public from all sides.

There are many countries where the death penalty prevails for talking about sex and all, it’s a basic human need, which needs to be discussed openly so that misconceptions and wrong belief can be eradicated, but still many feel that it’s shameful and especially for females if they talk openly about sex, they are labelled as characterless whereas male if they talk they are called stud and other praising words, but there are many countries where you could be in danger of your own life if you talk openly about it.

‘Sex’ and ‘desire for sex’ are emotions that are not portrayed as a natural thing, but something, which is attached to vulgarity or immorality. So, the attitude we develop towards sex plays an important role in being able to talk about it.

Women are embarrassed because people whom they consider knowledgeable, like Teachers and Doctors, themselves (most of the time) feel embarrassed to talk about it and often guard their talk about the matter by talking in a very abstract form/use of parable.

It is a sensitive issue and one needs to respect the person’s privacy, confidentiality, and anonymity. If there is a person with whom the women with the sexual problems have a good rapport with husband, friend, doctor, counsellor, therapist it is comparatively easier to talk about it.

Sometimes the socio-cultural background defines the priority for women’s health and quality of life; so, when there are other issues and worries, like husband’s illness, children’s studies, financial burden and loss, etc. talking about issues related to desire takes a back seat.

Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us at feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com

Charity or Slavery Entrapment

By

Rupal Mistry

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May 31, 2021

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There is a person in Virar who claims that he is taking care of surrounding slum people’s children. Soon he became a messiah of the slum children’s welfare and soon advertised his contribution to them via various social media options like Twitter and Whatsapp. He has created a very good name due to his generous and noble care for the slum children’s upbringing and concern.

Kindly note that under the condition of anonymity, we are not mentioning the children’s or parents name of children’s names here.

One fine day I and my friend who is the Editor-in-Chief of this newspaper went to do some charity work for them assuming he is caring for the slum children. We went there and met him and everything was quite goody-goody as he spoke with us and expressed his sincere concern for these slum kids. There were some slum dwellers too over there whose children were under his charitable care. Everyone including the parents of those children was very happy to meet us and conveyed gratitude for our encouragement and support. At that point, everything there felt right to us as that man seemed to be deeply committed to the cause. We walked out with high regard for his outlook and further supported his cause with our humble donations and gifts for the children’s welfare.

Later as we left, due to the intricate confusion by lanes, one of the slum dwellers had to escort us out in our car to connect us back to the main road. We chatted with him on our way and during our interaction with him, the person suddenly broke down and started crying. We were obviously concerned with his emotional breakdown and as we calmed the distraught man with some drinking water, encouraged him to speak freely of his concern. He explained that “This man under his so-called charity is prima-facie is taking care of our children there, but sadly in exchange, we are doing all his labor work. We all slum-dwellers are expected to work for free at his place and be available 24×7 as various duties right from cooking, cleaning, washing, etc. and if we don’t comply, he comes into our houses and destroys everything in our house. We are treated badly with physical and verbal abuse. My wife is constantly occupied with all his household chores and cannot have a single day off or take a break as for him and his family, she is like a slave. She is expected to cook to their demands at any time and also cook for their guests and all family members. We accept our limitations and know that we cannot provide wholesomely for our children. As our children are in his care, they are used to a portion of better food, lifestyle and we are happy for their betterment’s sake, but sadly in exchange, we have lost our freedom and are under the constant pressure of mistreatment and bonded labor. Our life is a living hell as this is sheer blackmail in name of charity.”

The other side of this story was a revelation to us and our intentions. Charitable causes for the upliftment of the downtrodden is a noble cause, but when done with expectations and demands of free labor in exchange, the very motive fails. Our society is full of such people, who know how to bait the needy for their limitations and then further reel them in to extract some free favors in return. The whole transaction instead of being compassionate driven transforms into being power-driven. Generously providing someone for their needs may give one a feeling of goodness, but frankly, when you demand a favor in return, that very act of generosity is negated. In Hindi, there is a saying, “Neki kar aur dariya mein daal” which simply means that, “Do good without expectations.”

This experience was an eye-opener for us as when we saw the other side of the situation, we realized that this slum children’s life reform charitable cause is anything but charitable and instead of a calculative strategy for free labor. This case sadly is a cause for greater hell and pain of a lifetime for the helpless parents. The children are too young to understand things thus leading to the parent’s entrapment. We see many such cases around where people go out of their way to their feed their servants’ children or sponsor education, books, or clothes. But in exchange, they expect some other free work from those children’s family members. If their parents or family don’t comply, then they are mistreated to the core and blackmailed with the withdrawal of that support. Since those people are poor, they sadly give in to the bullying and exploitation for their children’s sake.

Somewhere under the façade of being charitable and feeling good about themselves, everyone vies to fill in their own emotional void, but at some point, the gruesome demand of expectation very much needs to be questioned and analyzed. As human beings, we are empowered to make a difference and uplift people in various strata of life, but that has to be with selflessly without anything in return. My whole reason for expressing this in this writeup is one; that we be more aware of the scenario as everything may not be as it seems and second; charity should not be shrouded in barters as somewhere we need to explore our own intentions and face the facts of the actual motive behind that so-called “generous” act. Our society is full of such misguiding “charitable” people, so it is very important we contribute to the right places of charity to ensure our goodwill is truly adding goodwill the ethical way.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

Sex toys market at its peak during COVID lockdown

By

Vaidehi Taman

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May 31, 2021

sex toys, sex toy market, mumbai, covid-19, coronavirus, lockdown, sex in covid-19, sex during lockdown, quarantine sex, sex toys in india, sex toys during lockdown, sexologists, sex experts — Image for Representative Purpose | Image: Dezeen.com

Research Dive has added the newest report on the global sex toys market to its storehouse. The report states that the COVID-19 pandemic has made an encouraging impact on market growth. Sex toy manufacturing companies are heavily investing in novel product design and developments to meet the requirements of people during the pandemic.

Despite the pandemic crisis, the Asia-Pacific sex toys market is estimated to observe significant growth and dominate the market from 2019 to 2026. The growth of this regional market is mainly owing to the mounting adoption of sexual heightening devices in this region.

Abhishek Triveni, a student told Afternoon Voice, “Buying sex toy online and getting it delivered home is safe and confidential. Due to lockdown, the mounting satisfying body urges can control frustration, this remains very personal and secret.”

An engineering student on the condition of anonymity said, “Most of the girls staying in paying guest accommodations, singles and especially women in her mid-age having no partners, prefer these agates. Morally they can feel safe, no watchdogs or exploitation, ordering is safe and usage is very personal, at the same time the craving is controlled. Why would one need a partner or dating risk in such a pandemic time?”

According to the report, the global sex toys market is projected to continue making significant developments after the end of the COVID-19 disaster.

The report provides numerous tactics and strategies of the foremost players functioning in the market such as the new product developments, latest strategic plans and approaches, financial performance, product portfolio, and SWOT analysis. For instance, in March 2021, Womanizer, one of the leading sex toy brands, launched the world’s first ecological and recyclable sex toy.

Dr Hitesh Shah, a renowned sexologist told Afternoon Voice in his exclusive interview “Using sex toys for some change is fine but for the long run, it impacts their emotions. These gadgets can’t give them emotional; support or compassion. It’s so mechanical and self-act, having a partner and having a toy is a huge difference for the wellbeing of a person. There are chances that they can get too dependent on their sex toy. Manual masturbation is more of a gentle, luxurious experience, you don’t need to let that go just because you get a sex toy, and incorporating it from time to time will keep you from becoming dependent.”

He further elaborated, “Use of sex toys does not impact the emotional health immediately, but if they get addicted to this kind of pleasure then it will affect their relationships in the future. They will not think of sex in context to relationships and invariably this will impact the healthy sexual and emotional connection between both partners. Once in a while for a change it is ok, otherwise, this is not recommended as a healthy solution.”

Pranam Seth a makeup artist of Mumbai said, “I don’t know why people still shy away from talking sex until Karan Johar came up with web series, the sex toy was very hidden subject in Indian society. Now things are changing fast, no one has time to invest on lose on emotional relations or wait for the partner to satisfy one another.”

Jacky a working professional said, “Most of the time what folks think is sexual thwarting is a lack of satisfaction with something else going on in their lives,” emotions and sex life is bookish terms nowadays, one needs a solution and no risk, this is safest.”

Sexologist Dr Shirish Malde believes there should be a local market for sex aids, he says, “No stores or famous outlets or even malls in Mumbai sell sex toys since they are still in the grey zone and thought illegal. Though sometimes we do have to prescribe these sex-enhancing tools to our patients, we buy them from certain reliable hawkers.”

Markets, sexologists in India have to mainly depend on peddlers and local smugglers to get them the required sex toys for their patients.

Dr Kuldeep Bawle says, “In some cases, sex toys are essential to cure our patients’ sexual dysfunctions.”

There is a rise in the number of beggars in Mumbai streets

By

Vaidehi Taman

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May 30, 2021

beggers, mumbai streets, homeless, homeless people, poor, poor people, mumbai, lockdown, covid-19, corona, coronavirus, lockdown in maharashtra — Poor homeless people on Mumbai streets. | Image: Afternoon Voice / Akshay Redij

You can even escape the clutches of the Mumbai suburban rail network, but not the poverty. The worst thing about it is no government is doing anything to alleviate people from poverty and those who are poor are too reluctant to move out to other areas. According to recent surveys, there are nearly 14,51,000 beggars in India. Compared to last decade this number has gone up by 1 lakh. In Mumbai alone, there are nearly 3,00,000 beggars.

This time the lockdown is not as strict as it was one year ago, you can see overcrowded roads and traffic jabs and among all too many beggars at the side, on signals and in the markets. As several temples across Mumbai and Haji Ali Mosque where hundreds of beggars are located, including the Mahalaxmi and Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai’s Dadar area. Temples have been closed due to lockdown imposed in the wake of breaking the chain during the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. The closure of temples has really not bothered these vagabonds, because NGOs are providing them with all that they want and meanwhile traffic is always jammed, people consider their demands and land up giving what they otherwise expect.

Many daily wagers and small-time workers restored to begging, those who cannot afford shelter or afford to travel home have resorted around temples and streets. Blessed in disguise, at least city NGOs feeding these people. The lower middle class has found a sophisticated way of begging, they stand on the corners with some medical prescriptions asking for money to buy medication for their parents, wife or children, if a woman is then definitely begging in the name of one fragile child in her arms. Some ask for money for funerals and others ask for travel to go home. I don’t blame them because survival is the biggest challenge for everyone.

25 million Mumbaikars (including six million slum dwellers) and percentage of beggars in India approximately 4 lakhs to 5 lakhs. In different states of different types of the poverty line in India. Despite India’s rapid economic growth in recent years, poverty and begging are still among the biggest issues in India. Usually, thousands of beggars and people from outside who do not have any other place to reside gather at this shrine and they are largely dependent on the food served here regularly. Now that the temple and worship places are shut due to the lockdown, devotees are not visiting here and the beggars are enjoying the entire surrounding by spreading their community

The beggars around signals are almost tripled as the traffic has not soared due to the present lockdown. The State government is also providing food to the needy people amid lockdown, the beggars over here are not starving. As they are gathering in huge habitats, they don’t follow COVID norms. Police officials are trying to make these people aware of maintaining social distance and not to gather in the wake of the coronavirus threat.

In recent times the number of women and child beggars have increased surprisingly. This is because they are forced to do so by some big syndicate and the bizarre thing here is even police take their commission from these so-called groups. And, this is despite the fact that begging is a crime in most states in India.

While poverty is real, begging is quite often carried out in organized gangs. For the privilege of begging in a certain territory, each beggar hands over their takings to the gang’s ringleader, who keeps a significant share of it. Beggars have also been known to deliberately maim and disfigure themselves to get more money.

In addition, many children are abducted in India and forced into begging. The statistics are alarming. According to the Indian National Human Rights Commission, up to 40,000 children are abducted every year. The whereabouts of more than 10,000 of them remain unknown. What’s more, it’s estimated that 300,000 children across India are drugged, beaten and made to beg every day.

It’s a multi-million-dollar industry that’s controlled by human trafficking cartels. Police do little to address the problem because they often assume that the children are with family members or other people who know them. Plus, there are inconsistencies in the law on how to deal with child beggars. Many are too young to be punished. Quite a bit of welfare work in India has been directed at reducing begging, including providing beggars with jobs, with varying degrees of success.

The most common problem is that the beggars are so used to begging that they actually prefer not to work. In addition, many of them make more money from begging than they would if they did work. In Mumbai in particular, visitors are often approached by a child or woman wanting some powdered milk to feed a baby. They will assist you to a nearby stall or shop that conveniently happens to sell tins or boxes of such “milk”. However, the milk will be expensively priced and if you hand over the money for it, the shopkeeper and the beggar will simply split the proceeds between them.

Beggars also rent babies from their mothers each day, to give their begging more credibility. They carry these babies (who are sedated and hang limply in their arms) and claim they have no money to feed them. We all know these beggars mostly reside across footpaths or signal circles, but since lockdown, they are multiplying, wondering where they are coming from.

Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us at feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com