Decriminalizing Homosexuality in India.

Today, while traveling in the hot Mumbai heat, a certain event occurred, that shook me up, completely and compelled me to blog about this. I know my blog is supposed to be purely political, and thus I assure you, this post, has political implications.

There are 2.5 million male homosexuals in India according to National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) estimation, and yet in this cramped compartment of the local train I was in, two men were having a conversation on how they felt homosexuals were the bane of society, and how they should be termed as terrorists in society, and burnt at the stake or thrown off a cliff. All this, mind you, in the compartment, with everyone hearing, and some even meekly nodding and shaking their heads in agreement.

Homosexual relations are legally still a crime in India under an old British era statute dating from 1860 called Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature.' The vague nature of the legislation has resulted in it being used against a wide range sexual behaviour like oral sex (heterosexual and homosexual), sodomy, bestiality, etc. The punishment ranges from ten years to lifelong imprisonment.

The relevant section reads:

Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine

There are several suggestions being made by several people, ranging from eminent personalities to the common man. While some are in favor of legalizing same sex marriages, others believe that the relationship of people belonging into the same sex, and thus engaging in sexual activities is natural, and thus not punishable by law. The truth is, in rural India even today one finds several cases of women belonging to lower classes marrying each other, and often seeking only approval of their family. These marriages are seldom registered as there are no government benefits to be obtained.

I'm straight and my sexual preferences are heterosexual, but I have friends who are homosexual, and they are amazing people, who contribute to society, have happy families and are socially, politically and environmentally aware and active. I hope this serves as a reminder to all of us out there, that Homosexuality is something that a person doesn't chose. You can't help who you are attracted to, and if you happen to be attracted to the same sex, that's your PREFERENCE and you are ENTITLED to it!

Decriminalizing Homosexuality in India will help us to reduce the spread of Aids and other such sexually transmitted diseases. It will help us to talk about a sensitive issue that has been long repressed in our society. It's time we open up and talk about these issues openly, and have frank conversations with our family, friends and neighbors. Let us educate ourselves and realize, do we really want such discriminatory remarks shaping the future of our country, through the minds of the younger generations currently exposed to such talk? Health issues currently ravage India, do we really need one more ticking time bomb to rock our country in the form of an already growing Aids epidemic?

I, Kaizad Bhamgara, am supporting the decriminalizing of homosexuality in India. It's high time we move on from the laws written in the ages of the British Era, and come to terms with modern times and reality.

The Mockery Of Democracy.

The Mockery Of Democracy.

Today, as India stands a symbol of the success of the concept of democracy, and continues to inspire countries throughout the world for it's success in finding Unity through it's diversity, I believe it's time we took a good long hard look at this so called "Democratic and Secular" Republic, and try to understand how, we as Indians, are truly mocking the very concept of Democracy.

There are several key issues that I can think of, however, I shall start off by listing 4 key points.

1) I think the main thing that every political party can be blamed of doing, is not sticking to a political agenda. Needs, Motives, Alliances, even goals, manifestos and plans are changed, per the needs of the election and the hour.

2) The lack of accountability is another key issue. If corporate India is compelled to issue a public report of it's finances, why can't the political parties do something similar in the leading newspapers of the country? or have a progress report published once in 3 months or so, showcasing the achievements and shortcomings of the elected representatives.

3) The Election commission should have greater powers bestowed to them, so that they are empowered to take legal action against the candidates who are violating the moral code of conduct, and not merely "suggest" the same to the government.

4) I think that the main issue today in front of us is distractions. Let's be honest, how many of today's youth really care... let's say, about the Ayodhya issue? I mean in my personal opinion, I'd rather that they just build a school for poor children, or a hospital for the underprivileged. Don't both Hinduism and Islam preach humanity and peace? Would any religious leader argue that? I believe it's time our political leaders start undertaking initiatives to help fellow Indians, and stop looking at the masses as merely Hindus, Muslims, Christians, etc, only then can we truly achieve national integration.

Never before has the need to focus on the real issues been greater! The constant struggle to stay in power and enjoy the support of the masses at the cost of the development of the country should be stopped. At times, unpopular steps need to be taken, but for how long are we willing to subjugate ourselves to the whims and fancies of elected representatives who forget about our existence once elected? How many of us would really mind it if the railways showed lesser profits in the Parliament, as long as there were more trains for us, better safety provisions, better security? If profits are being generated, why are they not being used for the betterment of infrastructure, etc?
I've always maintained, and will continue doing so, that it's all about the issues. We need greater security - yes. But REAL security, not the illusion of security in the form of policemen who don't know how to use the guns they carry or the Legal system, which might work fairly on occasions, but almost always ensures that the guilty and the innocent know of the decision a few decades later.
We need an up hauling of the system, and more importantly, the courage within ourselves, to acknowledge our faults, & choose the right people. ...

As a founder - member of "Rise Up!" (http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Rise-Up-Mumbai-Rise-Up-India/67988720976?ref=ts) (www.riseupindia.in) an organization that enjoys immense support from the masses, especially the youth, I believe change can be brought about. Not all of us can be the change, but isn't it our duty to support the few people who go out of their way to bring it in for us?

Stand Up! Shout out! Make a difference!
















ps - Thank you Nigel Quraishy for the title. :)