Dear All,
My column in TOI today, “How to deal with a brat called Pakistan”. Tried a slightly flippant tone this time, and I guess there isn’t an easy answer to this one, but I tried. The column is here.
Appreciate if people read the comments as well, and those contributing, try to come up with constructive solutions – you never know who is reading!
Love,
Chetan
Indo-Pak talks always ring a bell of serious matter but the article written seriously undermines the tone and sensibility of it in the public’s mind.
Don’t know whether it is right or wrong or the suggestions provided are worthy or worthless but it was a good read if you don’t use your mind and want to kill time.
Nice article. Tricky subject but the ending note was logical. Never thought about that. I only hope Government does something like that.
Another way is cross border wedding.
Good article… Even once I raised this topic once while discussing Indo Pak relation to few of my colleagues some years back.
It shows one good side about the Pakistani political parties and common public who have less hard sentiments towards people of India than the Pak’s army.
But the point here is what is the guarantee that the parties if aided for being pro Indian will treat India with respect?? Including something in agenda and actually acting on it are two different things which every Indian child knows about Indian political party , then how can we simply trust the parties that are not so friendly with us??
Also, you mentioned that if the don’t listen to us make their life difficult.. I mean seriously?? how many times we have done that in the past??……..rather they have made our life hell by every mean possible ( consider the recent Mumbai attacks on Taj and Oberoi)
I think India should take hard steps first and let them know what we can do and then the other option suggested by you can be followed for it then would be accepted in a way India wants.
I agree with you. There is no point to be reasonable with reasonableness people. we must ignore the pakistan for some time in media. giving unnecessary importance to PAK.
Political parties, Army and ISI all are the same. The solutions which you provided don’t look feasible like giving aid to Pak parties in return to peace agenda because I think there are very few Pro-India voices and they aren’t of much relevance. But do engage with the citizenry, start trade and people to people contact. Talk with them but be assertive and direct, the facts are out in the open. There “state actors” are involved in terror against India and we must tell them on their face.
Sir, brilliant article. If someone sensible person has understood your article, they should be putting you in the startegy making board for india.
I used to think so hard that if not war then what on this earth could be done to tame this mouse(PAK), the thought process you presented here has given a new direction to this topic. Too good!!
Hi Chetan,
I like your idea to make weaker the Pakistan army. lets c whether it will reach to Indian politician or not.
- Mahendra Athneria
Overly simplifies, crassly generalised and out of tune with reality. That is what your article is. and it wouldnt kill you to proofread for grammatical errors..
You talking about Indo-Pak relations is like the owner of medical bookstore lecturing undergrads on cardio-thoracic surgery.. Your column doesnt add to the general level of awareness about the real issues but merely skirts around the situation, trying to be funny and pedantic in the same instant.
Outpacing Pak’s economy??India’s GDP is 3,560,000 mUSD and Pak’s is 449,300 mUSD. How much more outpacing needed??
Appeasing generals?? how? Call girls and strip dancers? If such generals are willing to sell their mother nation so easily, whats the proof that they wouldn’t betray us??
Aid political parties of Pakistan?? Do you know what came out of Bhindranwale-Indira fiasco??
Show Indian TV channels?Why? So they can vote for Indian Idol and enjoy Rakhi ka Sawyamvar??
You have not provided any logical or even remotely sane answers to the solution. A person reading your column would be left confused of what India should do with its Western neighbour. If you cannot write intelligently, i suggest you stick to issues of non-political or non-analytical types and leave such stuff to the real thinkers..
wow … nice article …
rather than using any adjectives i would say It was a ‘correct’ article in my opinion. Every one of us is frustrated of the Pak administrators. Peace Talks will never work with Pak. And about the methods u mentioned, i am not very optimistic about it. I have no hopes of ‘Aman Ki Asha’ bringing about any improvement too.
Though I think a lot of measures you suggested are unlikely to happen in near future, I liked the comparison of Pakistan to a brat.
Also, I disagree with your assertion that if India would be indisputably stronger than Pakistan, then life would be easier. Take the case of USA. It is indisputably stronger than Pakistan and Afghanistan, yet it is retreating from Afghanistan and has not been able to dismantle Pakistan’s terror networks.
Sometime back I had read an editorial by Vir Sanghavi about covert operations in Pakistan to eliminate dangerous terrorists (like Israel). I think only that is a viable option.
Brilliant! Well said, Chetan.
I don’t think the average Pakistani Joe & Jane wish for anything different than their counterparts in India and elsewhere. Target them. Show them what India is today and where we are going. Show them the benefits of a free society that lives on the ideals of peace and neighborliness and we will have won the first part of this rather childish exchange that has gone on for way too long now.
We the people of India have a nation to build and the Pak Army and it’s minions are getting in the way. I think they realise deep down that they cannot win. We are so far ahead of them in almost all areas of human and national endeavor that their only hope of ever achieving anything as a nation is to give us the respect due to a parent or at the least an elder and worldly wise elder brother.
We have tried everything we can. The time has come to change tactics. A sulking child does not listen to reason. It is our duty as the more mature nation to show them what rewards good behavior will bring.
Regards,
Gautam
phew!! a brave masthead though.
Sir,
i want to know if publishing such a masthead as “dealing with a brat like pakistan” is quite smooth for you. arent there any objections raised or it is solely your freedom? As i am pursuing Journalism, would really like to know.
kindly reply
regards
Hi Chetan,
A serious topic dealt with so casually, liked the approach though. Agree with the point on Pakistani Army. They are anti India, and the Pak government cannot afford to go against the army, as they run the risk of army take over. Gen Kayani’s tenure being extended is notable in this direction.
Chetan,
I have always been an admirer of your writings.However, Pakistan is such a recalcitrant child of the world that no amount of talks will be enough to deal with it.India had time and again shown him its stature. Remember the 71 war, where we held their 90K soldiers and prisioners and our army marched in Lahore? This was followed by the Shimla agreement where we scolded them and told the importance of peace. But ever since it has been behaving even more irritable.
I guess no amount of peace talks with Pak will help.
You might wanna go back to our history and read this…
Binay na maniye jaladhi jar, Gayau teen din beeti, Bole Ram sakop tava, Bhaya bin hoye hi na preeti.
Bhaya bin hot na preeti is very important in the context of Indo Pak relations.They need a severe diplomatic,economic and Cultural bashing from the entire world.Not just India.
India should infact stop all peace talks right away and open a war level diplomatic campaign to alienate Pakistan from the world.
e.g: ICC has almost totally banned Pakistan from holding any international event.
A more economically weak Pakistan would not be good for India though.So the aim should be to create a world governance around Pakistan’s behaviour, if it adheres to the governance it should get ecomonic help else it should be reprimanded for any non-adherence.
Hey! Nice article. Pakistanis’ are expert in international ‘jugaad’ especially in the field of diplomatic talks and relationship
[jugaad a crude improvisation. south asian art at an angle
n. an improvised or jury-rigged solution; inventiveness, ingenuity, cleverness.]
Its time Indian jugaad experts found some ‘tod’[solution] for it.
Nice article!
Making Pakistani people aware of how fast India is developing because of it’s democratic structure is a good Idea. But pampering them by offering scholarships etc. is stretching it too far.
India should do what US does. US just stops all dialog with countries like Iran, North Korea and other such “Rogue” nations. India should also consider Pakistan as “Rogue” nation and should have no official communication till it completely stops terrorist activities against it’s people and stops sheltering underworld dons.
India should just ignore Pakistan as if it does not exist and start favoring other neighbors economically.
This will put Pakistan in it’s rightful place which is down way below India.
best article to make the leaders n ppl of india realise where they are leading india to…
solutions given by you are really great n acheivable but lets see if our leaders feel it worth to look after…
anyways great article
keep continuing…..l
We have 2 use Social Engineering Skills means’D art of convincing people wat u want ‘em 2 do’
By d Way awesome article CB
Sir, India is unable to aid its own people & we talk abt aiding Pak parties??
Whoops! PS ignore my previous comment. Incomplete it was :S
Sir, we are unable to aid our own people & u r talking of aiding Pak parties? Well, the idea is feasible, but first of all we need to be economically strong. Thats the first step we need to take. And as ur prev article was: 15 out of 28 states of India has violence :-S We are a country where the Govt. can not deal with inflation and 7000 ppl die everyday of hunger :S Damn it! And still we are wasting money in unprofitable projects, bridges break before even ants walk on them, govt cos(Air India type). We first need to help ourselves (ie make them run into Daddy’s arms
)
Erm. I admire the way u keep writing despite of all the haters!(read the comments on TOI) Keep going. India needs smart politicians.
Nice article Chetan and love your idea of teaching a brat.You talk and write what every Indian youth is thinking. well-done.
Yes, if we count the number of peace meeetings with pakistan since 1947, it would be more than 100 times.It means convincingly that we are trying for ‘impossible’; to change their mindset. I think its high time we should change our approach and thinking process by becoming tough and paying some ‘dirty tricks’. Because for them realisation is very important and that if we want to emerge as strong south asian power at least, Pakistan needs be bring under our control. Doctors dont ask too many questions to Menatlly Challanged persons.What they do is observe them and prescribe medicines, with at least one sedative.
Post 26 /11, if Indians are still trying to deal with Menatlly challanged Pakistan govt. with politeness and dignity , then I dont think there are such fools of Indian officials on this planet. We understood that war wasnt viable option but what we achieve after a peaceful dialougues of 2 years –”GHANTA”.
But I dont like your idea about giving scholarships to Pakistan students.Please dont say this. Some might recommend their reservation in every Indian institute.
Hi Chetan,
I can sense your frustration while writing this one, but well.. things are not so simple however much we wish them to be.
“We can expose Pakistanis to what India is all about — a fast-growing, democratic, free country”, well, this line simply tickled me.. Also, the difference between a tantrum throwing kid and a country is that the former (probably) cannot identify that you are being condescending while the latter will, and will hate you more for that.
Your description of Pakistan as a ‘brat’ pretty much sums it up. Reminds one of what Badshah Khan once regretrfully remarked [ in a private letter to my late father Shriman Narayan in 1965]: Pakistan ek shararati baccha hai jo hamesha shararat par tula rehta hai ;jab tak usko thappad na pade wah manta hi nahi. ….woh daraye bagair koi baat maananey wala nahi hai….Jo mulk adosi-padosi mulkon par zulm karta hai usey to daraana , dhamkana chahiye….[ Free translation: Pakistan is a rogue child ever bent upon mischief. It refuses to see reason unless given a good spanking..... unless instilled with fear…. A nation that does not believe in good-neighborliness and insists on creating problems for its neighbours, should be dealt with in kind.... In the world of statecraft [ siyasat ] , it often becomes necessary to threaten and create fear in such neighbours….”
The million dollar question is : how to go about it? Increased trade and cultural relations, economic interdependence would help.However, the sad truth is that three genertions of Pakistani people have been brought up on distorted history books that spew venom against India. Kashmir does indeed “run in their blood”. Scratch the most enlightened and liberal Pakistani and you would find that Kashmir is a blind spot for him. The Army capitalises on this.
Amongst long-term measures, we should insist on Pakistan cleaning up its history books. Witness China and Korea vs Japan. As an immediate measure, covert ops would seem to be the only answer.
Chetan, You have suggested some moves in Indo-Pak chase game. Good,but you have not discussed their counter moves and our possible moves agaist those. One possibility is Pakistan will get US support because Pakisthan is very much needed by US for their Af-Pak programm. In 71 war we expected support from USSR. But in present scenario how we should react that has to be thought.
Otherwise it is a good article analysing the root causes of the Indo-Pak problem. I expect another article from you in continuation of this present article.
With best wishes,
Udaybhanu
Read an article with a different insight to the subject for the first time. What really lacks in the articles these days is that they are vague and are too wordy. What i liked most about the article is that it opens up the prob. delicately. I agree to your point that there are only two ways to confront PAK, either we are too strong, but thats gonna take decades or diplomacy.
I would like to add that we really need to be stern when the situation demands and not carry cheesy smiles all the time, otherwise our statements would have no weight.
Hi chetan, nice write up. You must have surely researched the subject before writing on indo-pak relation. My self an invester & u also were in the finance field so i kinda taken aback when u said v need to outpace pakistan economy, i know cuz of word limitatation & simplicity u didnt linger much on statistical data, but i think our economy is far stronger, in pak their stock market was closed for several days, so yes that wise pak is kid, but real challenge is america who is behind it directly or indirectly, with us or against us, thing is v need to have enough economy edge to pressurise america. Just my 2scents, m not a pro, at d end like that u raise d issue, ur truely a literal hero of young generation, ignore d jealous remarks which i could c in replies n keep growing in effect v wil grow as global indians.
I think that the article is based on a flawed premise i. e. India should dominate/dictate terms to its neighbours. This is what causes the neighbours to be insecure and wary of India’s intentions. The insecurity not only translates into steps like the development of a military nuclear programme, but also the kind of proxy-war that we have been witness to for the past few decades. (Incidentally, India employed the same strategy of training, arming and sending insurgents (Mukti Bahini) across the border, during the creation of Bangladesh, as Pakistan has employed in Kashmir, of late.)
In fact, I would go so far as to say that it is this kind of mentality that led to the formation of Pakistan, in the first place.
Relationships, in addition to trust, have to be based on mutual respect, in order for those to be fruitful and long-lasting, whether between people or countries.
Look at what happened in Europe. Do you really think that the European Union could have come about despite the kind of strife that existed in the continent till World War II, if larger or more powerful European countries had attempted the kind of approach towards smaller or weaker neighbours that you seek to advise India to adopt towards Pakistan?
Great piece of advice!
This calls for newer methods of dealing with the vintage problems.
It is important for people to understand that ‘humans’ on the either side of border are of a similar breed.
Let not a few powerful men aid in distorting this image!
Nice article CB. A bit more solution oriented than the usual “hai-hai” variety….agree with the “BRAT” bit – your articles on subjects of national importance are getting better n better…carry on : ))
Dear Chetan,
Perhaps the central idea of your article is worth considering seriously. However, I am inclined to agree with Dr. Kiran Kumar that the article tends towards oversimplification of the situation. Yes – reducing all parameters to their lowest common denominator might be a good ploy to bring out certain aspects of a situation in to a clearer focus, however once we get a perspective of the situation, one needs to go back and do the due diligence. Other wise it would amount to nothing more than wishful thinking.
Any negotiator or an expert on the art of negotiations will tell you that in order to be able to negotiate with any party, one must possess something that the other party wants desperately. If India in this situation does not hold something that Pakistan wants, (and is in a position to trade it), then Pakistan holds the upper hand all the way. At the moment actually the situation is reversed: India wants something that Pakistan can give – namely cessation of terror attacks on Indian soil. As Herb Cohen puts it in his book on ” Art of Negotiation” – “if you do not have something the other party wants, then create a situation where by the other party wants something that you have”. By that token terrorism is just a token that Pakistan is using to negotiate with India. Its as simple as that. In other words they are saying: you give us what we want or else terror attacks will continue.
So it is up to India to create a situation where by we hold something that Pakistan wants desperately. In this analysis, yes your article hits the nail on the head. However, thence forth you should have done your due diligence: you know talk to the knowledgeable people, do your research – the whole nine yards.
Flippancy does not become you. People have come to expect a certain standard from you – you have no choice but to live up to those expectations. This article did not carry the stamp of authority. In time perhaps you will create that stamp, something which will become a bench mark in analytical journalism. Till then the public may or may not read your articles. However you may need to think if you deserve to be on that list of 100 most influential persons.
Regards
Anand
Hi chetan,The best point in your article is about the number of Generals in Pakistan, what would they do ? get hired in security agencies? YES that’s the point Pakistani Generals would never be interested in peace as they need an engagement to get going and India is the best option for that. butlets hope that it will be PEACE at some time and not PIECES…everytime.
Chetan,
I believe Pakistan is more like a mosquito than a brat. I am a pediatrician. I but you don’t need to be a pediatrician to know. You can mend brats. Mosquitoes will be mosquitoes. You have to deal with Pakistan in a similar manner as that with mosquitoes. Have a repellant, set up a net, get a spray, a cream, may be a vaccine some day.
Most important of all we give Pakistan more attention than it deserves.26/11 was avoidable. And also the innumerable terror attacks. We were not vigilant enough. Same with many of our home grown insurgencies. We are solely responsible. Not Pakistan.
We would have been stronger economically if not for our rampant corruption, mismanagement, red tape and infighting .For our own selfish gains we have let our borders become so porous it’s easier for foreigners to walk into India than us Indians walk into a neighborhood shopping mall.
The measures suggested by you is totally impraticle, unrealistic,incongruous,inexpedient irrational and injudicious. Trust is one of the most important factor for friendly ties and that is totally lacking here.Infact,the birth of Pakistan is from the womb of heat and anti-India sentiments.It is not a brat but it is full grown insane adult.There is no need to give too much importance to the incorrigiable and intractable neighbour like Pakistan.
a nice bit of writing….but i don’t think the solutions are very feasible. Pakistan is quite capable of taking all the aid we give them, thanking us nicely and then using that very aid to fund extremists group.
For instance, giving scholarship to pakistani students, do we really trust pakistan enough to be sure that students and not extreme fundamentalists are benefiting from this?
The only reasonable option is perhaps using the media. This technique would however need united and mature media persons and channels working with a common agenda. I’m just not too sure that Indian media is there yet.
But for lack of better options, I guess we can at least make a start with presenting a true picture of India to Pakistani citizens and hope they will elect a reasonable political party
You have correctly pointed out that there are 3 major forces in Pakistan. Leave apart the Army. Let’s just talk about Pak people and the government. You talked about providing aid to the pakistan.
1)Well it’s been more than a decade that US is aiding pakistan with different packages. But I really don’t think Pakistani people share a good opinion about the US.
2)You talked about horse trading.Its much easy when it comes to domestic politics. But if at all an Indian hand is revealed to be at the back end of a possible termoil in Pakistani political cloud,we will loose the clean Image we have on an international platform.
3) About the scholraship you have mentioned. You have a point. Young minds will get to know what India is. Very true.
I have to add 2 more points:
1)Pakistan has huge cement factories and India needs cheaper cement for its infrastructure expansion. I think both the countries can benefit from a formal free trade agreement. I believe that not only because of extremism but also due to unemployment, frustrated youth there has turned to terrorism. With making a free trade agreement the youth there can get jobs and our country will enjoy the benefits of a free trade.
2) Allowing Indian media in Pakistan:All bollywood stars are very much famous in Pak. I think there’s really something they can do about the peace process. This will make our message truly reach the people there.
Shardul
WELL I THINK WE PEOPLE OF INDIA ARE DOCILE … WE SHOULD GET RID OF THIS ATTITUDE FIRST AND TAKE A FIRM STAND ON WHAT WE SAY… GANDHIAN POLICIES DO NOT WORK WHILE DEALING WITH ” A BRAT CALLED PAKISTAN “
Article reflects a very mature and clear approach…….but we cannot prevent and prepare for war at the same time….
Sir, I am not surprised after reading your article, as you have an habit of simplifying the things. Pakistan needs gyan from some baba (as they have not been listening to any of the political parties from the world) to explain the importance of human being the most preffered species on earth. And do you think our leaders have the capability to expose them.. nah!! its been going on since 1947 and till today we are no where..I am wondering if pakistan will ever say Now CAN WE TALK!!!!
xdg
Nice article. Its like dealing with the age old problem with a trial medicine which may work wonders. I am not undermining your sensivities as well as the concern of related people, but the million dollar question lies in:
Whether our leaders REALLY want to make peace with PAKISTAN?? I think the answer is more tilted towards “NO”. Reason being, the cloud of terror will help them sustain their sinking and stinking political careers. And “We”, the common men shall always be thinking that which dog will guard us today.
HOPE FLOATS!!!
Dear Chetan,
Your article is a very practicle solution to the Indo-Pak political “Khichdi”. The situation is like the number of Polio cases in India. Every year we think we can curb Polio, but every year it gets reported in the same places.
Umang, N.M. College’s intercollegiate youth festival is in its 11th year. With a footfall of more than 40000 people, it is rightly called the fastest growing festival in Asia.
In its aim to encourage new ideas and talent, Umang 2010 “The Ancient Resonance” brings to you “PEHEL” in association with Welingkar Education.
Pehel is an idea generation event which seeks to empower youth with an opportunity to present solutions to problems that do and shall affect their lives as individuals and young citizens.
Cash prizes worth Rs. 30000 to be won.
For moo-re details, log on to http://www.nmumang.org and have a look at the problem statement or call Nidhi Desai on 9920371739.
Last date for registrations: 17th August,2010.
Reach for Moo-re…
Chetan,
Let me first congratulate on your book “2 states…” This is the first book of yours that I have read. Wanted to read “Five Point Someone” but landed up watching 3 idiots and lost interest in going back to the book. Simple for my taste but definitely riveting. Being Indian-Tamil myself, I found it hilarious to read your take on the (lack of) sense of humor and lack of fun in so many households in the south – having experienced it firsthand. It was extremely well portrayed but I must admit that most ‘Madrasis’ wouldn’t get it… They take themselves too seriously and the ability to laugh at themselves is muted.
Now, about your characterization of Pakistan as a child with behavioral problems – I completely disagree. Pakistan is akin to a mentally unstable psychopath that needs to be admitted to an asylum to be put down. You gotta be fooling yourself into thinking that we can bribe our ways into the Pakistani propaganda machinery through pro-democratic parties.
If there is one thing that keeps Pakistani society together, it is the collective hate of India. True, their hatred is directed at India and perhaps not against the Idea of a free, democratic, liberal, progressive and secular India. But such people are too few and don’t care enough to voice their opinion.
There must be some decisive action taken at some point. I would strongly advocate the Israeli formula. Lets not fool ourselves with the non-violence crap. In the history of the world, no problems have been solved with non-violence. Even India, in my humble opinion, would have won independence anyway as there was an active armed struggle going on and our colonial masters were just looking for a honorable exit. It was just a matter of luck that Mr.Gandhi’s preaching of non-violence stole the show. Even if my characterization of our independence struggle is wrong, partition (which was a result of independence) resulted in horrendous crimes. So, in effect, independence was not achieved in a non-violent manner. Violence (war) was and will always be there in the real world.
Pakistan’s character cannot be re-defined. It needs to be broken down completely and re-built. For that, they need to be humbled in a manner that Japan was in WWII. I hate to sound so hawkish. But there is a greater good that needs to be protected. Collateral damage cannot be prevented. It will be a price we must be prepared to impose.
Hey, excellant article.
Yes as long as you do not take the credit
hey mr.chetan!!!!!!!!!hw r u???hope ur fyn!!!!!!i understand abt ur speech n i think mny ppl lyk me will difinetely fynd it sesible but 1st of all hope dat dis reaches evry1 in d world!!!!!!
awaiting ur reply,
bala from chennai…..
I like your article, reasoning and examples. I like everything but the media part. I don’t know how many Pakistanis you personally know but I happen to know quite a few, with my little bit exposure to them I’ve learnt that more India we show to them more trivial things we give away to discuss. They are and were already very well aware of our free society BUT now they point out Naxals, corrupt politicians, dumb journalist and opportunistic self-made netas ( read Thackerys and likes) in every other discussion and make fun of us.
They really don’t take our success seriously, few might feel some jealousy for couple of issues here and there but on the whole they feel that we are also fucked up same way as Pakistanis.
I strongly feel we don’t have anything to showcase except freedom of speech ( that too is way limited). I’d rather give away Kashmir and protect rest of the country ( it’s whole another issue and one can argue endlessly over it !).
Peace and love.
Sir,Is this you “Chetan Bhagat” who has written this article..?
Well if yes than I am quite amazed.I agree with Dr Kiran’s remarks over this post ” Overly simplifies, crassly generalised and out of tune with reality”.
Has India got excess to provide aids to political parties of Pakistan instead of providing it to the poor deprived section of our society.When you cannot trust the political parties of our own nation,how can you trust them, the brat in this case?????
By the way what does Indian television show 24*7 that can bridge the gap between the people .Do you see any postive story being aired any time ?Will news of Lalit modi(IPL scam) or the current CWG scam or Dhoni-Sakshi wedding or saas bahu soaps better the relations?You need to go on a reality check sir .