For better or worse British voters, though with a very thin majority, have decided to leave the European Union. Great Britain has gained a lot since joining the European Economic Community in 1973, not only economically but its voice became louder and more assertive in the international arena as a leading member of the EU rather than representing an island nation. Its tolerance, fair-mindedness and a balanced temperament was a boon to the image of this great country. Many a people, even those who voted to Leave EU, have already expressed remorse or deep regret, fully realising the consequences of going it alone in the wider world where in business, commerce, defence, science, technology and many other fields, strategic alliances are found to give an edge over others. Sadly, one cannot retrieve or return to the glorious past 43 years.
Well-known Asian leaders from House of Lords, House of Commons as well as several others have expressed their views in this week's Asian Voice. One can surely appreciate their depth and wavelength. All departures are painful and have their own consequences. There is no birth without bloodshed. Coming out of EU and going it all alone is nothing but traversing an unchartered territory filled with uncertainty and fear. Some speak about second referendum and the clerk of the House of Commons, Sir Malcolm Jack, has stated: “The referendum has no legal force; parliamentary sovereignty is the key principle in our constitutional arrangements. Therefore prior to any action taken by the government on Article 50 there should be a decision in parliament and members should exercise their judgment, as our representatives, or a free vote.” But now, what's the use crying over the spilt milk? Whether we like it or not, a drowning man will clutch at a straw to keep the head above water.
During the referendum campaign, some less knowledgeable persons spoke about Singapore, Hong Kong or other smaller nations. They were comparing cucumber with carrots. Even a blind person with a special sense of smell or touch would have seen the difference.
One wish that the new UK has the potential to repeat the success of some smaller nations but there is always the economy of scale. Former US President Bill Clinton summed it aptly, “It's the economy, stupid”. In Hindu shastras it's three words– धर्मस्य मूलम् अर्थ (Dharmasya Moolam Artha – economy is the foundation of civilisation or wellness).
This country, as per the reaction of stock and currency markets and the decision of credit agencies, is entering a phase of austerity where everyone will have to tighten their belts, some more than others.
The rich can fend for themselves but it is the 'have-nots' who suffer the most. Whoever runs the UK must be concerned about the well-being of the 'have-nots'. If such a precaution is not taken, the rupture in the social fabric resulting from the ill-fated referendum will pave the way to a perilous state. We need not worry about the future of 'Prime Minister' David Cameron. In a way he has accepted with grace and dignity the people's choice. Equally Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has to see the writing on the wall and it will be a futile attempt on his part to cling on to the party's top position claiming support of the vast majority of its members. If we had a strong opposition in the Labour Party led by a capable leader, perhaps this dire situation could have been avoided.
Let's look back and learn from the past crises. This country has shown steadfastness amidst the aggression from the invaders. During the last World War Hitler was unable to dictate in spite of heavy bombarding which decimated thousands and destroyed vast areas of the country. There is something especially unique and honourable of being British. As Sir Winston Churchill put it: “In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity.” It's that spirit of defiance, tolerance and steadfastness which will surely win the day. Where the leaders fail, people can lead the renaissance.
Asian Voice believed in Remain but now the die has been cast. Like it or lump it, Brexit is a reality. There is no point crying over the spilt EU milk. The voice of the people has to be respected. But the new leadership must ensure that Britain lives up to its image of being a fair, caring, open and tolerant society.
ISRO in record satellite launch
Fifty years of investment in money, human capital and resolute scientific endeavour provided its latest spectacular payoff when the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched 20 satellites from a single PSLV rocket.on June 22. The magnitude of the achievement may be gauged from the fact that only Russia, in 2014, with its launch of 37 satellites from a lone rocket, and NASA of the United States performed a similar feat with 29 satellites in 2013. India is thus third in this exalted league.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a warm congratulatory message to ISRO’s team of scientists and engineers on their superlative achievement. In so doing ISRO had exceeded its previous record of 2008, when it launched 10 satellites in a single mission. Besides the primary Cartosat-2 Series satellite, the PSLV C-34 rocket launched two satellites from Indian universities and 17 foreign satellites, including one from a Google company. ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar announced the success of the launch.
The lift-off took place from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh. The Space Centre Director P. Kunhikrishnan termed the launch a ‘major milestone’ for ISRO. Sathyabamasat, the satellite of Satyabama University in Chennai, the Satyam satellite of the College of Engineering in Pune, LAPAN A3 (Indnesia), BIROS (Germany), M3MSat (Canada), Skysat Gen 2-1 (USA) of Terra Bela Google company GHGSat-D (Canada), and 12 Dove Satellites b(USA) were the other satellites launched.
Placing these satellites in different orbits during the first voyage around the earth was a considerable feat requiring precise mathematical calculation and complex technologies, explained Mission Director B.Jayakumar. ‘What we have achieved today shows we have the expertise to take up complex missions,’ he said.
ISRO Space Centre Director M.Annadurai said: ‘We have about 35 satellites in orbit and we need about 70 in the next five years. So, ISR%RO has to go for more fours and sixes instead of singles.’ ISRO’s commercial arm Antrix Corporation is in discussions with foreign companies, including Planet Labs of the USA and Algerian Space Agency Alsat, said Anttrix Chairman and Managing Director S. Rakesh. He said Antrix had generated Rs 1,800 crore during the 20014-16 fiscal and a major share was from the lease transponders. The cost for such launches by India ten times less than bids from the West.
India’s latest space venture is living proof of the transformative potential of science and technology. It is in keeping with the vision enunciated at the founding of the Republic by India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who built the platform. The present generations of Indians are witnessing the take-off from that platform. The men and women who kept faith with Indian dream as it unfolded, and is still unfolding, deserve the thanks of a deeply grateful nation.
India cricket has the right man
Anil Kumble, cricketer extraordinary in his day, is India’s new coach. The choice was made by a committee specially chosen by the cricket board to make the final call. Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman, all former colleagues of Kumble, listened to his presentation and were deeply impressed by what they heard. Kumble’s playing credentials brook no denial. He has taken 619 Test wickets with his legbreaks, top spin and googlies. He is the only bowler to stand on the same pedestal with the legendary Jim Laker (against Australia in 1956) by taking all 10 wickets in an innings of a Test match (against a strong Pakistan side in 1999). As a Test wicket taker he is third in line after Muttiah Muralitheran and Shane Warne. When his jaw was broken, while batting in a Test match in the Caribbean, he bowled bandaged and plastered and captured the prize wicket of Brian Lara.
Kumble is acquainted with all facets of the game at the highest level. He deserves to be coach and mentor to a new generation of Indian cricketers and guide them to new heights of endeavour.
India’s Test record since 2011 has been poor. After winning the ODI World Cup in 2011, there has been nothing to shout about in the shorter formats of the game. The selection of confirmed mediocrities in Test matches has been the bane of Indian cricket. Why,you might well ask, with so much precocious talent waiting the wings. It’s a scam of sorts. A fog of obfuscation and mystery prevented disclosure to the paying public. Byzantine intrigues within the cricket board fed a speculative fever of which there was seemingly no end.
Anil Kumble’s appointment has met with a roar of approval on all sides: from hallowed names of the past, to icons of the present, such as captain Virat Kohli. India has a busy schedule of Test matches at home over the coming months. The Kumble-Kohli era will open in the Caribbean in August. The cricket board has given Anil Kumble a one-year contract – which is right and proper. It will have enough data to assess performances of players and coach before moving on to next course of action. Kumble says he is honoured by his appointment, India will feel equally honoured if the results on the cricket field vindicate its decision.
