3rd January, 1970
Speech that was NOT delivered
Indira Gandhi, Jagjivan Ram, other central and state ministers, friends and comrades have all gathered to make momentus announcement of joining the new Congress. Common people like farmers, villagers, artisans, mill workers and intellectuals have attended these political gathering. Abbas hence calls it a marriage of proletarian class consciousness and intellectual capacity as the surest guarantee, that unbridled, anarchistic intellectualism would be kept in check by progressive social purposes. It is the good fortune of Congress to gain this significant segment of enlightened, rational, socially conscious public opinion.
10th January, 1970
Devil’s Advocate defends David Mitchell.. If he’s guilty- you are all guilty!
The trial of David Mitchell of the US army guilty to the charges of ‘assault with the intent to commit murder of 30 Vietnamese nationals by shooting them with an M-16 rifle’ and murdering 109 civilians in the South Vietnamese village of My Lai. The advocate defends the client on the grounds of him denying having done anything of which any full-blooded American need be ashamed. He has done everything in the most toughest, cynical, violent popular American traditional way. And he needs to be awarded recognition for his Valour and heroism instead of being hauled before the court Martian, being tried for crimes that was not a crime but his American duty.
17th January, 1970
From Nuremburg to New Delhi.. It can happen here-& NOW!
Judgement at Nuremburg, the Abby Mann play, staged a week earlier by the students of Powai Institute of Technology, provokes thoughts and raises questions that the author never intended, but have grim relevance to the contemporary world. The play is based on the trial of German judges who were tried by American jurists three years after the war, on charges of being the instrumentss of Nazi teror. Abbas talks about how there are admirers of Hitler in India. He asks the readers to not delude themselves into believing that what happened in Nazi Germany, ‘it cant happen here. It can happen here- and now! virus is present in all countries, and when Nazi style dictatorship comes, atrocities cant be left behind
26th January, 1970
The writing on the wall
Republic Day Special- Talks of how some political leaders fondly say they never read BLITZ. Abbas hopes they atleast read the newspapers to relish the reports of their daily doings and pronouncements. Abbas refers to news bits like rampaging – unemployment in the country, neo terrorists- naxalites, Calcutta dacoit. Jaipur student uproar etc.
31st January, 1970
Lights of New Delhi
The year of 1970 is the year of Great Divide, Bank Nationalisation, Socialism, Socialist transition. Abbas tries to seek answer in the gilttering lights of official New Delhi, in the dark odorous lanes of Old Delhi. . Govt legislations, country and the republic are for the people, police should protect not terrorise.
7th February, 1970
Chandigarh & beyond!
Writes the article on issue when Chandigarh would no longer be administered as a Union Territory but will be regarded as the capital of Punjab. Narrow strip of desert land would be shown as parts of Indian state of Haryana and not as parts of the Indian state of the Punjab! “Beyond Chandigard lies disunity, discord, disruption of the country- unless, in time, people learn to exercise a sense of proportion, a sense of humour, the capacity to laugh at ridiculous sentimentalism, and a sense of essential unity of the country and the interdependence of the linguistic states.
21st February, 1970
To China with love
Abbas fills a questionnaire of a copy of December 69 issue of ‘China Reconstructs’, the illustrated magazine from Peking that has been delivered to him via post. he is answering to the questions through the collumns of BLITZ. Examples of questions are: Which articles in recent issues do you find most interesting and why? Abbas answers: Renmin Ribao produced in December 1969 issue, titled ‘ the People’s Republic of China PERSONALLY founded by our great leader Chairman Mao has been marching along the socialist road for 20 years’.
28th February, 1970
Ministers and their mansions
Talks about Ministers and their luxuries in the form of houses, mansions, palatial residences etc. Talks of E.M.S. Namboodiripad as the only minister he knew in India whose children walked to school instead of taking the car as the father won’t let them because the car was given to him for official purpose as the Chief Minister of Kerela who continued to live in his own little house in a lower middle class section of Trivandrum
7th March, 1970
Culture- or corruption
Talks about the falling of the proposed unauthorised Soviet Culture Centre in Trivandrum, when the building under construction collapsed. Alongwith it fell the American network of ‘authorised’ Information and Cultural Centres, functioning against the norms and conventions of the External Affairs Ministry that permitted such centres only in cities where Embassy etc were located. The present order is based on a 16 year old directive of Nehru which laid down the principle on which foreign embassies will be allowed to open such centres. Further, talks of monopoly.
14th March, 1970
NO INDIAN AT ALL!
Abbas talks about the things he would like to do before he dies. Example- He wishes to meet and Indian, just one Indian! Not punjabis, kashmiris, oriyas, assamese etc, he wants to meet an Indian who speaks to otehr citizens of India in the language of Love.
21st March, 1970
No power without principles
Political opportunism is the bane of democracy. Anti syndicatism (like Anti-Congressism of old, or the Anti-communism which unites Democratic Socialist with parties of the Right) is not only a negative approach but it indicates a cynical attitude to politics and political power, not as a struggle between principles and programmes of different political parties, but as a kind of free-style political wrestling in which no holds are barred and there are no rules except somehow, to get your adversary down.
28th March, 1970
DANTE’S Inferno in Bombay!
Talks of a place surrounded by Affluence progress, Industry and Technology, is a large, sprawling island of primitive squalor and destitution from the 18th cuntury, placed in heart of Bombday. The poeple here have adult franchise. But they have to line up to go to the two primitive privies built up on stilts over the salt water swamp that skirts the colony. This is Dante’s Inferno, which is redeemed by human spirit – human courage and resourcefulness- rising above material limitations.
4th April, 1970
Are we going forward or backward?
Abbas writes about his road of the past , the road of his youth- the road that goes from Delhi to Aligarh, and on to Calcutta. He is nostalgically writing about his University town- Aligarh in UP where he recieved education and developed a taste for literature, writing, public speaking etc. The road to Aligarh has bad patches but it leads to a world that is slowly, perhaps too slowly, but inexorably changing.
11th April. 1970
Death speaks again.. Thru’ the barrel of a gun!
Attack on comrade Jyoti Basu. Abbas writes, ‘many have condemned the murder of Ali Amam and the attempted murder of Jyoti Basu. But have all condemned assasinations? Not all – Godses need to be hindu fanatics, not all Gandhis need to be Mahatmas.’
18th April, 1970
Freedom fight in South Africa- Not yet the end
South Africa- Classic struggle between imperialists and freedom-loving people is still going on, and gaining intensity: Anti-imperialist struggle struggle against Apartheid and White colonialists’ racialism began more than sixty years ago under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Jawaharlal Nehru in Bandung Conference 1955, ‘There is nothing more terrible that the infinite tragedy of Africa. We must all accept responsibility for it.. It is up to Asia to help Africa to the best of our stability because we aren sister continents’.
25th April, 1970
Reactionaries of the world have always been shouting in chorus.. ‘BEWARE OF LENIN’
100th birth anniversary of Lenin. Talks of socialism, communism, proletarian revolution, working class, Leninism. Abbas writes to be beware of Dogmatism, Extremism and Terrorism, Obscurantism, Reaction and Vested Interests, even if theyccover themselves with the saffron robes of religion. Swatantracharyo se Savadhaan!
2nd May, 1970
A tale of 27 Indians
Writes about a ship sinking in the ocean off the Italian coast, thousands of miles away from the shores on India, consisting of 27 Indians from all over India. each had a different motive for adopting the water gypsy life of a seaman. As the ship sinked, all the men aboard struggled to stay afloat and shouted to each other in Bengali, Hindi, Tamil etc. They realised that inspite of the differences in their identities, they were eventually Indians, after all. They were saved- because they saved each other!
9th May, 1970
Return of the “mad” Magician
Writes about the magician who everyone called ‘mad’ because he was experimenting with light and shade, to make shadows walk and dance etc. One of his friends tried to admit him to mental aslyum but he escaped from there and continued to work on his magic, perfecting it. He could make himself invisible and go for travels. He bargained with someone who did black magic and moved on to film set but ran from there too. He travelled to more places
16th May, 1970
Who killed Bhiwandi?
Bhiwandi was a textile town that lived with the rhythm and the music of the powerlooms. On their looms the weavers of Bhiwandi wove not only beautiful and intricate designs in fabrics, but a meaningful design in living- the master weavers from UP(who happened to be muslims), and the weavers from Andhra( who happened to be hindus) were the warp and the woof of this social inter-weaving of a mosaic called India. People lived in Bhiwandi in harmony, but many lives got destroyed in Bhiwandi and Jalgaon due to communal carnage
23rd May, 1970
Who will answer these questions?
Following the communal riots in Bhiwandi and other places in Maharashtra, Abbas asks some fundamental questions like- Could the local police have stopped the orgy of murder, violence and arson, once it had started? Was the rioting really provoked by the shouting of a few slogans, or the hurling of a few stones, at the Shiv Jayanti procession in Bhiwandi? Is there a relationship between poverty and people’s susceptibility to fanaticism and violence? Abbas also questions, who will answer such questions?
30th May, 1970
With the return of the natives.. BHIWANDI BREATHERS AGAIN!
Abbas visited Bhiwandi town expecting only destruction but he was surprised to see that he had underrated the human capacity for survival and revival, the stubborn yet resilient character of working people, their will to live and work in the midst of the grimmest tragedy. There were smiling faces there, women giggling at the approach of of Abbas’ group of writers, homeless-undernourished children showing enthusiasm and curiosity. People were crooning to film songs like, Baghon men Bahaar hai’.
6th June, 1970
Hitler is still alive
News has been brought in by Editor Russi Karanjia from an extensive tour of West Journey, which he reported in the collumns of BLITZ. Out of his observations, he has fashioned a Wagnerian fantasy which has been published in book form. He also maintains a mystery thriller narrative.
13th June, 1970
Caesars & Ministers
Talks of Union Education Minister V.K.R.V Rao’s revelation in an addressing at Hubli that his daughter is reluctant to claim kinship as a daughter to a Minister! He also mentioned how just because one or two Ministers might have made money, all Ministers were supposed to have amassed wealth and as a result, the whole class of Ministers was branded as not good. Abbas writes, ‘is it not sufficient that one or two ministers have been guilty of exploiting their Ministerial position to amass wealth- and evidently have got away with it? If there are ‘ one or two ministers’ who have made money, what about brothers, sons, son in laws, nephews and nieces of Ministers, who, during the term of office of their relation, and taking advantage of his or her position have made astronomical fortunes?
20th June, 1970
WOMEN AT THE TOP!
Talks about women developing an inferiority complex after years of domination from men. Abbas talks of the time when an all women four member team came from Bombay and stood at the summit of the 7000 metre Trishul Peak in the Garhwal Himalayas, which became a significant moment in the long history of Indian women’s fight for freedom and equality. Leader of the team- Dr. Meena Agarwal.
27th June, 1970
The modern Maharajas!
Abbas writes about air-India’s creative display hoardings. In this article he particularly talks about the Airline’s mascot- the Maharajah, urging people to travel Air India, ‘The Airline That Treats You like a Maharajah’- but the word Maharajah is cancelled by a cross line and in its pace, is written in bold letters, ‘MINISTER’. Abbas Questions on the lines of more equality, “The airline that treats you like a minster? In a democracy, shouldnt it be a matter of pride for an Airline to advertise that it ‘Treats every minister just like YOU”! Like an ordinary passenger!’
4th July, 1970
The hope of leftist unity.. LIFE AFTER DEATH
Out of the charred ruins of industrious Bhiwandi and Jalgaon has emerged the realisation of the acute danger posed by communal forces to a secular, socialist country. Representatives of SSP, CPM, CPI, Socialist Workers Party and others were present in a meeting held in Bombday. The meeting was held to raise funds for the family of the murdered MLA, the late Krishna Desai. Abbas writes, that the very fact that representatives of the six parties met together is an auspicious augury. Leftist unity can emerge out of such confabulations. But unity for what?
11th July, 1970
Will the twin city across the harbour be.. A BETTER BOMBAY
Abbas expresses discontenment that in a seminar held on the prospects and plans on the proposed twin city across Bombay harbour, there was not even one representative of the common citizens or working class out of the 35 persons who spoke. There was nothing and nobody to suggest that this brand new city would be, or should be, a city of socialism dedicated to the well being of the great majority.
18th July, 1970
The Grand Alliance- to grab power
Writes of the Draft Manifesto and Constitution of A Grand Alliance of Like-minded, democratic, nationalist and socialist parties to grab power, prepared by a drafting committee whose names are not being divulged for obvious reasons, and submitted to shri Morarji Desai, the Grand Master of the Grand Alliance.
25th July, 1970
If only Nehru had been there.. To Madame, with love!
Abbas writes, “in welcoming Madame Nguyen Thi Binh, the foreign minister of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, it is regretable that Nehru is not there to welcome her affectionately, who is a young revolutionary from Vietnam”. India has a soft corner for such revolutionaries, freedom fighters and anti imperialists of all nations
1st August, 1970
Crime and poverty
Questions what leads a normal man turn into a criminal and law-breaker? He answers that causes are different depending on the type of societal conditioning. Wants the Home Ministry’s release “Crime in India 1968” to be analysed to arrive at some tentative conclusions.
8th August, 1970
The warning of doom
Writes of the speech of a young Japanese girl who is on borrowed time due to cancer caused by radiation from the atom bombs on the eve of 11th Hiroshima Day. Abbas also writes that in a peace loving country like India, there are poeple who are demanding manufacture of atomic weaponry. Slogan- People of the world, be vigilant! Remember your pledge to the dead!’
15th August, 1970
The Nehru Test
Begins with Nehru’s ‘Tryst with Destiny’ Abbas writes of eding poverty, ignorance and inequality interpretating it from Nehru’s speech. He writes about solving of water problem-drought, need based minimum wage to working class etc
22nd August, 1970
Another ‘Quit India’ Fight
For 23 Independence Days since 1947 and 20 Republic Days since 1951, poor landless peasants are promised land reforms but, the problems remain acute as ever. Abbas calls for ‘Quit Zamindari’ and ‘Quit Landlordism’. State govt and GoI must ensure equitable redistribution of land
5th September, 1970
Letter to a friend in Pakistan.. 120 million thanks
Abbas writes in the letter of his recent trip to Karachi, Pakistan of 8 days. He went there to attend the wedding of his Indian nephew who has married his Pakistani cousin, and meet his sister and other relatives as well as friends after 23 years. He also writes of some reporters who worte about him in the Pakistani newspaper headlines ‘Quit Pakistan’. Abbas is writing in a satirical tone as he thanks those reporters in his letter. Abbas has bitter sweet memories from the trip.
12th September, 1970
Requiem for the Princely order.. Goodbye, your highness!
The Princely Order of India formally, legally ends. Abbas writes of the chief mourners (cartoonists-caricaturists, jewellers, salesmen of custom made cars etc). Further, princely palaces are now turned into hotels- feudalism turned into capitalism.
19th September, 1970
MIND OF A HIJACKER
Asks fundamental questions like, why hijackers hijack, why colonialists colonise, why fanatics and bigots kills, etc?
26th September, 1970
Lock-up for leaders!
Abbas questions the suggestion of locking up political leaders in a room until they solve out their dispute. V.P Naik and Veerendra Patil (CMs of Maharashtra and Mysore) were being suggested to get locked up by President of India V.V. Giri. Abbas writes that in the same manner should Punjab and Haryana’s CMs, Nasser and Golda Meir, Nixon and Kosygin be locked up?
3rd October, 1970
A dead comrade unites living leftists
Talks of the murder of dead comrade Krishna Desai, young communist MLA.
10th October, 1970
Friends & fellow-travellers.. Nasser and Nehru
A deep rooted frienship developed between Nasser and Nehru despite the age gap. Both were socialists. Both passed away heavy hearted. Nehru due to betrayal of friendship by friends of China, communalists and men of narrow vision. And Nasser saw the suicidal eruption
17th October, 1970
A carrot in every pot!
The AMERICAN ideal of an affluent and contented working classis “A chicken in every pot”. The Indian translated vegetarian form will be, “A carrot (or two) in every pot”. Abbas questions, “Would this be possible under the Congress (R) Working Committee’s plan to create new employment oppurtunities so that, in the next five years, there will be atleast one earning member in every family with a minimum monthly income of Rs. 100.
24th October, 1970
A new look for UN
Silver Jubilee of the UN. It determines to save secceeding generations from the source of war. Abbas questions, “and how many times during the last 25 ears has the source of war, waged by those very powers, who swore by this very declaration, blighted the peace and happiness of the people of Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, the people of Middle East and of Africa?
31st October, 1970
Tale of four women..
Writes about 4 women. First, is a rebellious peasant girl called Joan, from the province of Orleans, France, who was waging a guerilla warfareagainst the established authorityof the state, the church and the nobility. Bernard Shaw wrote his famous play, “St. Joan” about her. Second, Lakshmibai of Jhandsi who in 1857, died fighting the imperialists. Third, Leila Khaled who had the same love for homeland- occupied Palestine now called Israel. Fourth, he writes of Angela Davis who due to her race faced discrimination. and was in prison on capital charges and facing the possibility of a sentence of death! The two contemporary women Leila and Angela- help to understand the historical characters between of Joan and Lakshmibai.
7th November, 1970
It happened in Pakistan.. It could happen here!
In Karachi airport, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland accompanying his president, on a state visit to Pakistan was killed alongwith three other Pakistani officials and photographers. Abbas writes of his recent visit to Karachi, where he saw slogans like, “Communism Murdabad” and “Socialism Murdabad” covering the city walls. he writes, “What happened in Karachi could happen anywhere- could happen in India’. The Karachi tragedy highlights the dangers of unbridled fanaticism taking recourse to violence, which should be apparent to the people in Pakistan as well as other countries of the world.
14th November, 1970
Their war against NEHRU!
Talks of the war between Nehru and the reactionaries both within and outside the INC, when he was living, anf even six years after his death. Eg- Grand Alliance of Reaction, the unholy trinity of Swatantra, the Jan Sangh and the Syndicate Congress
21st November, 1970
Hello, Asia! Hello, Africa!
New Delhi hosts representatives of Asia and Africa. Abbas writes that the Afro-Asia consciousness owes its origin to Jawaharlal Nehru. 5 months before India became formally free, he was instrumental in inviting representatives of the nations and peoples of Asia and deliberate together at the Asian RElations Conference. Afro-Asia, unite
28th November, 1970
Three days in Chennai
Writes during the time of Tamil Nadu’s capital city’s name change from Madras to Chennai. He talks of the three days that he spent in Chennai. He found one faded slogan on a bus stop: “HINDI DOWN!”. There are now many films being produced in Madras studios, financed by Tamil Chettiars, directed by Tamil or Andhra directors acted by North Indian starts imported from Bombay with a sprinkling of Tamilian, Andhra or Malayalee actresses. who seem to be shared between producers in all the languages.
5th December, 1970
Will Gagarin’s dream come true?
Two American “Moon Men”- Neil Armstrong and Charles Conrad, Junior- and two Soviet cosmonauts E. Khrounov and A. Ellisseiv- at the 63rd general conference of the Federation of the Aeronautique Internationale which was declred open by President V.V. Giri , of India. Gagarin’s dream as of July, 1961, was to participate in a flight on a special spaceship with a crew of young cosmonauts from different countries including Russians, Indians and Americans. This would be a peaceful research spaceship. Abbas writes if this might come true after all as these four men sat, side by side on the dais of Vigyan Bhavan, The House of Science in New Delhi.
6th January, 1973
Far away from Vietnam!
Diabolical bombings happening continuing in Vietnam, despite US president’s technical halt to raids above the 20th Parallel. There is solidarity being offered to Vietnam, as India, China and USSR are together condeming US-Nixon’s activities in Vietnam. Also talks of film, ‘Christmas Tree’ which is the story of one little European boy who faced the inevitability of untimely death at the age of ten, sacrificed to US war machine. This terror however is global
13th January, 1973
For a free Palestine.. 8 years of heroine struggle
The world wide admiration for the heroic people of Vietnam in defying the military might of USA has obscured another struggle for liberty and freedom- the Palestinian Liberation Movement.
27th January, 1973
Republic Day Special
For January 26.. THE PEOPLE’S PLEDGE!
Republic Day eve- Freedom was achieved by a historical process in which all of them, great leaders, intellectuals, humble workers and peasants, Marxists and Gandhians, Congressmen, Commmunists and Socialists, terrorist revolutionaries and satyagrahis, played a significant and memorable role which culminated in the freedom of India on 15th August, 1947, that became a secular republic with the fundamental aim and objective of establishing a socialist society on 26th January, 1951! Socialism, our goal!
3rd February, 1973
US without illusions!
Writes of M.T. Vasudevan Nair, editor of Mathrubhumi Weekly who wrote a letter to and American friend after his end of a six week tour to the US. In his letter, Nair writes, “You bear the burden of the sins of plenty, we have the curse of hunger. But we have several dreams to dream about. All your dreams have been traded in the market for dollars”
10th February, 1973
A challenge, a warning.. TV & THE TRUTH
Talks of Bombay’s television content and how some people have stated that the purpose of a tv is to bring out/display the truth. Talks of feature ‘YEH ANJANE” which concerned with the life and economic and professional problems of the unknown and generally unpaid junior artists , ‘the extras’ who are the ‘untouchables’ of Indian cinema. Talks of their exploitation. The feature also has Amitabh Bachchan and Mr. Chandrashekhar- producer-director
17th February, 1973
Their “crime” was to upset social order & economic system
Questions who are the Naxalites, why they chose Naxalism. Discusses wide disparity between haves and have nots, corruption etc.
24th February, 1973
On the threshold of its first free elections..
Bangladesh holding its first free and fair election on the basis of Adult Franchise, which party, candidate to be chosen, is the democratic vote only the privilege of Bangladeshi people? People of Bangladesh honouring Shaikh Mujibur Rahman by placing power at his feet, and he on return, placed it where it rightfully belonged to- at the feet of his people. Unfortunately, there is lack of understanding between the progressive forces in the crucial election battle.
3rd March, 1973
“BURRA SAHEBS” BACK in BOMBAY?
Abbas writes of his hope that age of exclusive White Man’s Clubs and swimming pools will end. Ban on Indian costumes in posh restaurants and hotels, and other such manifestations of the Colour Bar come to an end.
17th March, 1973
BUDGET BLUES!
March is the month of the Budget and Budget reactions! Hence, Abbas writes of the reactions given by different groups that can be used by the ‘leaders’ as well as representatives of the ‘common man’. Reactions recorded are from the Leaders of Mercantile Community, Jana Sangh, Socialist Party, Swatantra Party, Trade Union, Manufacturer’s Organisation, CP(Marxist), Steel Manufacturer, President of Chamber of Commerce, Big-Farm owner, Congress (O) MP, Indira Congress MP.
24th March, 1973
WARNING from WITHIN!
Nine persons killed on March 3, 1973 at an explosion in the Indian Explosive Factory in Gomia, Bihar. Loss of property estimated to be 20 Lakhs. Abbas writes that this explosion could have been avoided if the public sector factory had acted to the warning sounds coming from within the facotry. Abbas questions: Will no one care to pay attention to these warning sounds till there is, actually, and explosion?
31st March, 1973
First Class’ scandal!
Scandal exposed by Mr. Om Mehta, Minister for Works and Housing, The alleged, in this case contractors, were arrested along with three concerned engineers.
7th April, 1973
Is it the wind of change?
Abbas has taken a flight to Benaras to attend a Literary and Poets symposium. Along with him boarded in the flight are several other ministers. Abbas talks of the welcome and pom recieved by Mr. Piloo Mody , a Gujrati speaking American educated Rightist politician. Further, a South Indian origin Trade Union leader also deboarded from the flight and was treated with same pomp and excitement. Abbas is marvelled this India (he thought) is a class consciouss and political alignments over-riding the regional, linguistic, communal and caste distinctions!
14th April, 1973
Freedom for Forums!
The PM and the Congress High Command are said to be worried over the row between Congress Forum for Socialist Action and the Nehru Study Forum. Abbas writes more on the splitting of Congress that was led by such type of a clash.
21st April, 1973
The greatest role of Balraj Sahni
Talks of Indian People’s Theatre Association produced, ‘Dharti Ke Lal’ (Children of The Earth) in 1945 and the actor Balraj Sahni’s preparation for the said’s shooting. Also discusses ‘Do Bigha Zamin’ Sahni in each of his diverse roles brings the stamp of histrionic skill, which consisted of the sympathetic observation of human behaviour, and a passion for realism, amazing fidelity to details and nuances of character and personality.
28th April. 1973
PARADOX OF PICASSO!
Talks of Picasso. who was a communist believing in Marxism, an anti fascist. Abbas writes, ‘the truth of great art, like Picasso’s is the truth of the particular but it is also the truth for all times, and countries; it is universal, eternal, timeless truth. The art of this great Communist was to be a hot-selling commodity in the Capitalist market place- the prices of his paintings would be quoted on the Stock Exchanges like glit-edges shares and securities. . Picasso was loyal to his vision at the gullibility values of his life- Freedom, Equality, Peace, Progree and Understanding among people which have inspired, and will continue to inspire all great artists and intellectuals.
5th May, 1973
COURTS AND THE PEOPLE
Debate on whether there should be social purpose in art and literature. He writes, ‘For too long have the common people appeared in Courts only as accused and defendants. It is high time that in a socialist democracy that the people occupied the highest seats of judicial authoraty.
12th May, 1973
AROMA OF YOUTH
Aroma of the copy of last week’s Blitz was different yet familiar. The smell came from Bombay Chronicle Press. Abbas worked year when he joined it in 1936. Becomes nostalgic.
19th May, 1973
Calling Indira Gandhi.. SAVE JUHU! SAVE CITY! SAVE INDIA!
Calls Juhu an oasis in the waterless, concrete jungle of Bombday that has now been cursed by commercialism. He talks about ‘once upon a time’ when Juhu had picturesque surroundings, and now all it has are cement buildings. In his article, he gives a call to Juhu corporator Mhatre, Mayor Sudhir Joshi, Rafiq Zakaria, Bhola Paswan Shastri and Indira Gandhi.
26th May, 1973
NEHRU LIVES- Or is he dead?
Nehru died by a stroke on 27th May, 1964 and Abbas had prepared an obituary for the BLITZ, he had written extra large size type: NEHRU LIVES! In short, his memory, ideas, ideology, idealism, intelligence, huamanity, passion and compassion would live forever. However, after nine years of his death, Abbas writes again and questions whether his faith was justified? ‘NEHRU LIVES! OR IS HE REALLY DEAD-AND FORGOTTEN?’
2nd June, 1973
MERA Bandh! TERA Bandh- Now for a Hamara Bandh!
The workers conscious united, organised refusal to work is one of the legitimate weapons in the armoury of the proletariat. Call it Strike! Call it Hartal! Call it Bandh!
9th June, 1973
PARABLE of DEATH- & LIFE!
The jet airliner that went into flames in the sky. Talks of the few who survived who were recovering in hospitals, others dead and mutilated beyond recognition. Abbas writes how human beings are branded by religion, caste, identites. But the bodies after the crash are beyong recognition. He ends the article on, ‘They, who could not be, would not be, united in life, are today united in death.’
16th June, 1973
Challenge of communication.. Open wide the windows!
People in Amritsar, Srinagar are opting to TV stations and coversely, people in Rawalpindi and Islamabad will also be able to opt to stations of the Indian regions. Citing Amita Malik, radio and TV critic in her Times of India article, ‘As it is, Pakistan TV is capturing our viewers in Amritsar, Sri Nagar and it appears even Kutch’. Abbas here questions, ‘Does it constitute a danger and a menace to our safety and security- and conversely from Pak POV, does it represent a threat to Pakistani citizens by exposing them to visual barrage of telecasts? The possibility of free international communications through TV and satellites, is a big challenge to the nations, including India, and a bigger oppurtunity to the peace-makers and engineers of goodwill.
23rd June, 1973
THE RAINS! THE RAINS!!
Rains: Kalidasa and his Meghdoot welcomes the monsson clouds as a messenger of love, the poets of a misty England and Europe generally regard the cloudy weather as a symbol for hopeless depression. India too welcomes the rains. Talks of the drought here in some parts of India since two years that has affected thousands of working people. ‘Don’t waste water!’
30th June, 1973
NIXON- the Peace-maker!
Nixon flies to Moscow, Brezhnev flies to Washington to confer with Nixon for a whole week. For once, the two superpowers have agreed to pursue the path of peace. Cuba and India may be the real tests of Nixon’s peaceful professions and intentions.
7th July, 1973
Memo to PM- & the PEOPLE
Clippings of news stories that Abbas wanted to send to Indira on her return to India from a tour. News were: rice shortage in Madurai; bread in Bombay and price rise in Bangalore, No Jobs! No water!, MLA or Hoarder?,
14th July, 1973
THE ENEMY WITHIN’
Indira Gandhi gave a speech to Bombay Congressmen and the Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh calling for a moratorium on strikes to increase production. Abbas writes that she however forgot to ask for lowering of prices and profits which are the cause of strikes! Mr. Shashi Bhushan, MP spoke of corruption. Abbas further writes of issues of land grabbing. He also writes that ‘The Enemy Within’ is not only limited to the country, but is also present within the party, and the seats of power.
21st July, 1973
A HANDFUL OF RICE!
Talks about rice eating eating nations which are mostly Asiatic and rice eating people of India like the South Indians, Bengalis, Assamese, Maharashtrians etc. Talks of the course of man made famine hit in the rice eating regions. Condition of obtaining rice in Delhi and Bombay and the people’s diets.
28th July, 1973
While India burns they are fiddling- Our white-capped Neros!
Talks of Congress leaders merry making in Gandhinagar while Ahmedabad burnt in riot. Front pages of newspapers consisting of Mr. Chimanlal Patel, the new elected leader of the Gujrat Congress Legislature Party, grinning, while side by side news of arson, looting, murders, police firing in Ahmedabad, and a ‘Shoot at Sight!’ order being imposed in Baroda. Abbas questions if there is going to be a repeatation of UP?
4th August, 1973
It’s goodbye to self-reliance
Abbas cites M.V. Kamat, the Times of India correspondent stationed in Washington, ‘India has embarked upon a buying spree in the US grain market at time of soaring prices that threaten to destroy its economy and force it into debris..’ Abbas further questions in his article, ‘Are we really back to square one? Back to the era of a Food Minister called S.K. PAtil and PL-480 grain imports, when we were securely tied to the apron strings of America? He calls the war against hunger, famine and drought is no less a national emergency than any external aggression.
11th August, 1973
Still famished, confused and exploited, but…
Writes the article from the POV of India as a 26 year old on the eve of India’s 26th Independence Day- a day of celebration as well as mourning.
18th August, 1973
A scarcity of character
Scarcity of basic necessities of life like rice, oil. Questions: If responsible political leaders, committted to a progressive ideology, are guilty of food grains hoarding, what can you say to four low-paid policemen who were found to be smuggling rice?
25th August, 1973
WHAT PRICE AUSTERITY!
Writes about how the PM has finally acknowledged the acute conditions of economic distress in the country due to scarcity, profiteering, hoarding and witholding of grain stocks from official procurement agencies. He further says it will be interesting to keep an account of the number of security and personal staff dispensed with by various ministers, official cars used by the wives and children of the ministers volunteering to travel by bus etc. He talks about the irony of the Save Paper movement among the ministers and officials.
1st September, 1973
A Prayer, a Pledge, a Call for Action
Abbas talks of saving Bombay and India from profiteers, real estate sharks, land grabbers, tree cutters, save from tree/garden cutting. He further emphasizes that the SAVE BOMBAY COMMITTEE must not only focus in saving Bombay, but should also enlarge itslef into a country wide movement to save cities, towns and villages from the ravages of un-thinking, unplanned urbanization. ‘SAVE BOMBAY’ must become ‘SAVE INDIA’.
8th September, 1973
A subcontinent smiles
Dacca, New Delhi, Islamabad is relieved people now will be able to return to their homeland. There has to be reconstruction now.
15th September, 1973
Indira Gandhi Dictator?
Writes the aticle on the discussions and debates being held against Indira Gandhi on whether her leadership is like a dictator. Abbas wants their names to be noted down, the ones who are exploiting her name, so that people can remember them during the time of next general elections.
22nd September, 1973
Who is (& who is not) anti-party?
The Central Disciplinary Action Committee has suspended Dinesh Singh from the primary membership of the party and had issued a show cause notice as to why displinatory action should not be taken against him for anti-Party activities. Abbas writes that it seems all Congressmen, the Committee has found only one solitary member- Singh- who is guilty of all anti-Party acitivities.
27th September, 1973
The ‘Look-Behinds’ of Aligarh!
Talks about ‘Mr. Look Behind’ who operates from the headquarters of RSS, Jamaat etc. He finds the one’s from Aligarh the most unique because of their aversion to any kind of culture which one reminds of GOEBBELSIAN PHRASE, ‘when i hear anyone talk of Culture, I immediately take out my revolver’.
29th September, 1973
You can hire everything and everyone!
Adresses to an Ad offering wedding guests on hire! Abbas questions if wedding guests can be hired, then why can’t the bride and bridegroom be hired too? Mentions of Wah! Wah! Wallas! Fans can be hired. Crowd contractors. Gherao or Riot.
6th October, 1973
Private sector’s private life
It is rare that the other side of the Public Sector picture is given due publicity in the Private Sector press. The PTI report of September 25, reporting good news about the Public sector was given single column headings in all private sector newspapers. Very little is known about efficient and profit making private sector. how many firms efficiently and economically run by tycoons and entrepreuneurs make profits or are allowed to show profits? That is, apart from the private profits of the Managing Directors!
13th October, 1973
Beg your pardon Mr. Governor!
Q) What are governors for if, as representatives of the Central Government, they cannot ensure that persons suspected of corruption are not made Ministers! Abbas asks in context of Governor of Bihar R.D Bhandare addressed that two ministers of Bihar had threatend him that he would be forced to leave the post if he issued an ordinance to appoint a Lok Ayukta to inquire into corruption charges against Ministers and high officials. Q) What more proof is needed that the fact that these two persons were trying to threaten and blacmail the Governor to order a probe into charges of Ministerial corruption? This incident reminds Abbas of an incident that happened during his college life.
20th October, 1973
JEWS, ARABS & INDIANS
Every action produces a reaction- Jewish terrorism produced its Arab counterpart. The homeless Pali=estinian refugees spawned Arab terrorists. Children born in refugee colonies of Gaza grew dare devil desperados, who aimed to get back homelands of which they had been robbed by terrorists acts or arms. In India, the Harijans no longer concled to their traditional lowly status and assert and organise themselves against their upper caste tormentors. As the ‘Unlce Tom’ among ‘American Negroes became the militant and violent ‘Black Panthers’, so will the Harijans of India during the next decade, become vocal, militant and even aggressive.
27th October, 1973
There WAS a Man…
Writes Agnews’ story slightly adapting it to Indian conditions. The Indian Agnewses are still safe and secure! Or are they, really?
3rd November, 1973
Are we a nation of smugglers?
Abbas writes of the smuggling problem then persisting in India. “smuggling is accepted as an almost honourable and glamorous profession.” There are almost ‘no’ smugglers arrested. Goods smuggled inclue alcohol, tape recorders, clocks, textiles etc.
17th November, 1973
Impeachment of Indira
Anti-Indira Gandhi Alliance consisting of: The American Lobby, the capitalists, industrialists, millionaires, billionaires, communalists, grain merchants, superseded judges, princes. Why? Due to her ‘Garibi Hatao’ campaign which came to be interpretated as ‘Amiri ko Hatao’ or even ‘Amiron ko Hatao’.
24th November, 1973
A Friend of India
Talks of the time when ‘Friends of the Soviet Union’ in India used to be subjected to CID enquiries ans harassment. When, watching a Russian film in America meant an anti-national activity. In India, nine years after Nehru’s death, his doctrine- Panchshila-the Bandung spirit-Peaceful Co-existence-has at last triumphed over the petty class prejudices and dangerous hatreds and animosities that brought the world to the verge of nuclear doom! It was not the cynical Kissinger that deserved the Nobel Prize for Peace but the spirit of Nehru.
1st December, 1973
Are we down to earth?
Abbas writes that he doesnt know till when it is going to last, but for the rime being, a state of complete equality might have been established in India. Q) Will the reality, the life of common man, their hardships, their privations, deprivations-become visible to Ministers, seen from the windows of their air-conditioned coupes? Revolutions can sometimes be a prelude to counter-revolutions.
8th December, 1973
Education of a boy called Leo
Article is about Leonid Ilyrich Brezhnev. Abbas writes of Professor Madhu Limaye’s speech where she descrived Brezhnev as a person having humouress, cordial and jovial nature.
15th December, 1973
Triumph for democracy!
Mentions Gavai Fact Finding Committee which probed the allegations against Barister A.R. Antulay, Maharashtra’s Minister for Law, and Judiciary, Buildings and Communications. The committee has alleged Mr. Antulay of many accusations such as he is helping smugglers and before becoming a minister he appeared in the court as a Barrister on behalf of the smugglers etc. If these are proven true, it will not only smear Antulay but will also shake the whole Maharashtra Cabinet. However, the allegations have been verdicted to be completely baseless. Slogan, ‘Everyone is deemed to be innocent-till he is proved to be guilty’ Everyone- including Congress Ministers!
22nd December, 1973
TO BE AN INDIAN… I am ashamed!
Abbas questions, “Are we going to create more Pakistans- a Maharashtrian Pakistan, a Kannadigan Pakistan, a Tamil Pakistan and a Telegu-speaking Pakistan, a Bengali Pakistan and Assamese Pakistan etc- on the foundations of inter-provincial prejudices, racial, linguistic and regional hatreds and fanaticisms, which are no less dangerous and violent even if they are not religious. Abbas further writes that one day people will say that they like peace loving people who can forget their race, nationality, political and linguistic affliliations etc when they meet and befriend, other peace loving people of other beliefs. He wants people to be peace loving instead of holding rigid to their various affliations.
29th December, 1973
Press under pressure?
Q) Is the Indian Press and its Freedom to proclaim the truth-under pressure? If so, from WHOM? Discusses book written by D.R. Mankekar, ‘THE PRESS UNDER PRESSURE’. ‘When it comes to undermine the independence of the Press, the great offender is the Government, both Central and State’. ‘Blitz, while upholding the Socialist and Secular policies of the Indira Govt. has criticised, exposed, condemned the ministerial and bureaucratic lapses withoyt fear. Press should be freefrom pressure. Also Mentions ‘Azad Qalam’.
4th January, 1975
Stop them from committing suicide
Forced eviction of Scheduled Castes, tribes, OBC’s, minorities in Karnataka. Uses figure of speech and describes how the evicted people uttered in many languages and many lands, ‘THIS LAND IS MINE’
11th January, 1975
Who murdered Mishra?
Death of Railway Minister, Mr. Lalit Narayan Mishra in Samastipur, Bihar where a bomb was inflicted by unidentified person. Marks the incident as beginning of Fascism. Argument, enquiry, political debates
18th January, 1975
Are we really dishonest?
Talks about corruption in India. Addresses questions- how Indians were/are/will be before/present/25 years Independence? Questions whether India will be parochial, non secular and emotional or national, rational and united.
25th January, 1975
Republic Day Special
TWO ROADS OF DESTINY
Imagines inanimate objects becoming animate and having a dialogue. For eg- Raj Path and Jan Path, imaginative dialogue between both the roads on how busy Nehru is, talks about rural proletariat migrating to the city in hope, faith.
1st February, 1975
A JOLT FROM JABALPUR!
Heartening message from Maniram recieved. In a by election to Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, young journalist with no resources-Ram Kishan Dwivedi also a nominee of Indira Gandhi’s Party, confronted Tribhuvan Narain Singh, Chief Minister of UP Coalition Government of ‘the Grand Alliance’. The former defeated the latter as ballots were counted. Abbas question what led to the win- Indira wave? her Charisma? 4 years later, message from Madhya Pradesh came- ‘The Jolt From Jabalpur’. Maniram story completely reversed in Jabalpur.
8th February, 1975
PING-PONG BHAI-BHAI
Ping-Pong diplomacy, tried in relations with India. Sloggan, “Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai”, Talks relations of China, Russia, India, Mongolia, Duck vs Duck, Bhai-Bhai, The Bearded Uncle etc
15th February, 1975
Will Kahsmir be a model state.. RETURN OF ABDULLAH
Shaikh Abdullah’s return to power in Kashmir a welcoming though startling political development in Kashmir- and in India. Discusses Nehru’s conscience and whether Kashmir can be a model state
22nd February, 1975
History warns India, Nehru warns Indira!
Talks about anti socialists and anti communists like Czar Nicholas, Mussolini, Hitler. Parellel between Germany and India, between Congress & Social Democrats
1st March, 1975
THE YEAR OF THE WOMEN!
Talks about women like Indira Gandhi, Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu etc and their achievements. Calls the years since their achievements as Indian Woman’s Year. Also discusses UN decree that 1975 is International women’s Year
8th March, 1975
Garibon ko hatao
Garibi Hatao’, says Prime Minister, ‘garibon ko hatao’, says the officials speaking in her name. Abbas talks about over 5000 ‘garibs’ of Bombay-poorest of the poor-including nearly a 1000 leprosy patients were turned away from their only haven of refuge by the city police. They are not informed of their rights. Discusses where will these people go.
5th April, 1975
Book me a ticket to Bombay
Questionnaire consisting 21 questions filled by Abbas as given by the Consulate-General for Maharashtra. Article consists of the questions and answers. Questions asked were related to subjects like Neighbour, the Constitution, Compassion, Going? Coming? Question 1: Are you a beggar, bhikari, Mendicant, fakir, wandering miniatrel, hobo or hippy?
12th April, 1975
The tragedy of Chiang!
Discusses briefly the life of Chiang Kai-Shek and his relationship with Nehru. Abbas writes that Nehru met Chaing when he was the war time leader of united China and Nehru praised his leadership. It was at this stage that, as one of the Big Five, he exerted his influence on Roosevelt for India’s indepence.
19th April, 1975
The poisoned sunset
Talks about the sunrise/sunset (environment) being poisoned by smog composed of diesal, chemicals, state actors etc.
26th April, 1975
Philosopher who became president
Talks about Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan as philosopher who became the president. Refers to him as a humanist. Also refers Ali Yavar Jung, the governor of Maharashtra’s description of Radhakrishnan as someone who brought distinction and quality to every office he held and every activity in which he engaged himself- and all with modesty and the highest degree of tolerance.
3rd May, 1975
INDIA ENTERS SPACE AGE- Gagarin’s dream comes true
Launching of ‘Aryabhatta’. Dream of Soviet-Indian co-operation of Yuri Gagarin becoming real.
10th May, 1975
Occasion for joy or sorrow- End of the war & after!
Battle of Berlin- cruelty/futility of war, personal tragedy and nameless masses of soldiers involved in fighting. Also writes about how the hope of keeping alive the fragile unity of the allies,underscored at Yalta, died with the death of Roosevelt.
24th May, 1975
Appeal to President’s conscience… MUST THEY HANG?
All Parliament members appealing on behalf of two political workers- Bhoomiah and Kista Gowd (under death sentence)Writes on mercy and justice.
31st May, 1975
The Child & the Chacha
Relationship with Nehru and how Nehru preferred Abbas to refer to him by his name instead of Panditji, observation of Jawarharlal Nehru. Nehru mentions his plans on Kashmir, how he wanted it to develop with Sheikh Abdullah’s help into a laboratory of national integration. Abbas writes how young Nehru grew up and was no longer a child right infront of his eyes.
7th June, 1975
Shadow of CIA over India
Discusses India and C.I.A. and mentions the former’s vigilancy against the latter.
14th June, 1975
Drink that kills
Alcohol drinking problem persisting in India, emphasizes on how in Bombay, people drink more on days when there was prohibition. Mentions beer, gin, whiskey, ‘snake juice’/bootleg alcohol, impure alcohol in the form of hair tonic, eau de Colgne and other poisonous tinctures
21st June, 1975
India’s Black Thursday!
Talks about 12th June, 1975, India’s BLACK Thursday, D.P. Dhar’s last thoughts which were for the country- irrigation projects of UP, Indira’s leadership/goverment. He also briefly discusses his relationship with Dhar.
28th June, 1975
The PM & the walking water!
Continues discussing Indira Gandhi’s governance and quotes Hamlet and other poetic verses/lines.
5th July, 1975
Sparrows in elephant pants! – Understand our youth
Writes on understanding youth, young people although in their youth stage feel and look old because of lived experience of pain, agony, frustrations etc. talks about spiritual restlessness as a common factor amongst young people.
12th July, 1975
Emergency can be a revolution!
Emergency is now promulgated for two weeks, all newspapers closed except the Jan Sangh’s MOTHERLAND, the revolutionary Narora Programmed. Abbas proposed that the emergency be used to be used to ban lucid sex-and-violence films and their posters that excite young people to commit crimes.
19th July, 1975
Why Bhim Sena? Why not a Garib Sena?
Encounter of Abbas with a youth of 17-18 years, and the young boy telling him about B. Shyam Sunder Saheb, founder and leader of the Bhim Sena(named after Bhim Rao Ambedkar). Abbas questions: Why Bhim Sena and not Garib Sena? Why this casteism of the SC’s, this exclusiveness of those who were excluded by the so called higher castes?
26th July, 1975
Man in search of man’
Even though all continents, rivers, oceans etc have been mapped/explored, man yet remains a stranger to man. The Films Division sent a director and two cameramen to Andaman and Nicobar Islands on an exploratory visit. Producer G.P Asthana, director Prem Vaidya etc were also present there. The documentary became an award winner.
2nd August, 1975
Most harassed Minister?
A.R Antulay as most harassed Congress Minister of Maharasthra or any other state. Opposition alleging that he is ‘smuggling’, hauled over the coals on the charges of misusing his powers as a minister over a flat. Abbas compliments the Minister’s conduct in the whole affair.
9th August, 1975
‘Medical Express’
Significance of the journal, “Medical Express”, first all-India fortnightly newspaper of the entire medical profession, (editor in chief: DR. Amal Ghosh Hajra) Condition of Indian doctors in the U.K as discriminatory. Question: Will the GOI men put a check on the dressers and the quacks, the yogis and miracleman who most often go overseas as doctors to make a fast buck. Arent some of the Indian ‘doctors’ who are now going to the USA fakes?
16th August, 1975
Independence Day Special
From Quit India to Quit Social Injustice, EMERGENCY CAN BE A REVOLUTION
Talks about Revolution of the eve of Independence Day and the unfinished revolution that began in 9th August, 1942. Discusses QUIT INDIA resolution passed by AICC at Bombay on 8th August, 1942 as a revolutionary document. Jawaharlal Nehru described the Quit India movement as a non violent revolution, that Gandhi admired. The developments that led to the movement. JN’s Tryst With Destiny. Fundamental Rights.
23rd August, 1975
It could have happened HERE..The coup in Bangladesh
Death of Shaikh Mujibur Rahman. Talks about the war between East and West Pakistan and the victory of Bengalis and their Mukti Bahini and India’s role as a helping hand in that. Also raises questions like: Will the Bangla people feel nearer to their Islamic brothers of Pakistan? What brought differences between the late Shaikh Mujib and the leaders of the coup to such a critical culmination? Why, and how, did the state forfeit the confidence of the armed forces?
30th August, 1975
Emergency can be a revolution- Maharashtra should show the way
Documentary film- PEACEFUL BIHAR. Landless peasants and agricultural workers having vague information about land reforms and new policies that are to help them.
6th September, 1975
India without illusions
Thirty Frenchpeople have left India after spending 24 days. They have left with some illusions about India. He writes about the questions he asked them and their answers. One of them asked Abbas about where the Maharajas are, latter replies there are ministers now(some of them sulking for losing splendour) and no kings. They talk about emergency, revolution, caste, untouchability- BR Ambedkar.
13th September, 1975
Was it no ‘Emergency’? AFTER THE DELUGE!
Talks about the deluge of 2nd September, Tuesday, 1975 that brought Patna nearer to Bombay. Mentions reaching Tardeo, flooded roads, no social barriers as it is time of emergency and everyone is waiting to board Frontier mail. Questions if the emergency is over; who is responsible for floods/droughts.
4th October, 1975
IMAGE OF ALIGARH
Writes about his work, ‘Ek Ladki’, and mentions he is glad that revolution has arrived in Aligarh. Talks about his optimism surrounding Aligarh Muslim University.
11th October, 1975
On his first death anniversary.. The relevance of Krishna Menon
Writes about Menon’s relationship with Nehru. As defence minister, Menon started the ordinance factories that made India almost self sufficient in the two wars against Pakistan. He sacrificed his position as a loyal friend to Nehru. Right wingers wanted a scapegoat India’s defeat, and if Menon sacrificed his position instead of Nehru’s position.
25th October, 1975
ARE WE SLIDING BACK?
Discusses Revolutionary process as an alternative that would blow up all black money and black money holders. He also mentions that such a revolution is however, not choiced by masses.
1st November, 1975
Cleaning up Bombay, Mr. Deshmukh?
Questions Bombay’s Municipal Commissioner B.G. Deshmukh’s promise that he can clean up Bombay if he is allowed 6 months of no political interference. Proletariat and have nots, comes first, everything else are subordinate and should come later.
15th November, 1975
The great relay race
Discusses freedom revolt that started in 1857 with Bahadur shah Zafar, Tatya Tope, Laxmibai, Tilak, Gandhi, Nehru, Indira. Hopes Indira will be able to bring socialism. With the People! To Socialism!
22nd November, 1975
FREEDOM AND SAND!
Discusses Sahara’s strive to freedom, Afro-Arab cause. Sahara a new frontier of Afro-Arab-Asian freedom can be a symbol of hope for Afro-Asian countries.
29th November, 1975
Departments of Dirty Tricks
Abbas writes that there should be more attention given to US Intelligence Agency- FBI. CIA agents behind the murders of foreign leaders inconvenient for American policies, were harassing and persecuting harmless patrons of Soviet Cinema art by photographing anyone who was entering cinemas screening Soviet films.
6th December, 1975
Indira-JP confrontation- the GREAT DEBATE
Interviews with Mrs. Gandhi became ‘Face to Face With Indira Gandhi’ is being referred to discuss ‘The Indira-JP Confrontation-The Great Debate’. The interview was taken on 25th January, 1975 with JP. All parties to the triangular dispute are given their full right to self expression- Indira, JP and the public opinion, which both were trying to woo, and to represent.
13th December, 1975
The smile of a killer
Talks about killers Rukhmini and her paramour Uttamrao who on the verge of recieving a death sentence show no remorse or emotions. Rukhmini infact took her death sentence smiling. They have committed 11 murders. Abbas questions: what kind of ghoulish god demands blood from the vaginas of little children? What kind of men or women can think of such delivery as being any kind of worship of what kind of god?
20th December, 1975
BREZHNEV: Worker who became World Statesman
Writes about General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev on his 70th brith anniversary. His interest in industry, agriculture, his volunteering in the army in 1941 when Hitler sneak attacked on the Soviet Union etc. Talks about the 80 Indo-Soviet projects(giant steel mills, coopearation etc) as well.
