The World Through Rakesh Sharma's Eyes

  A Symphony of Irony: Examining the BJP's Political Acrobatics AAP files ED complaint against BJP leaders for 'distributing cash to voters The BJP and its supporters have truly mastered the skill of throwing around baseless accusations and expecting everyone to believe them without question. Who needs evidence when blind faith and loud claims work just as well? Their genius strategy includes paying people to make up stories about opposition leaders. The best part? When these very people suddenly find their conscience—or their "Ram"—and admit they were paid to lie. It’s like a plot twist in a daily soap opera, except no one’s surprised anymore. Take their long-standing obsession with attacking the Congress government under Manmohan Singh. Led by the ever-persistent Anna Hazare, who had RSS backing, they accused the UPA of corruption with great fanfare. And yet, after nearly 11 years of BJP rule, those claims are still gathering dust, unproven. Meanwhile, the BJP’s own...

  A Tale of Two Sons of India: Visionary Leadership vs. Political Theatrics History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media and the opposition parties in Parliament MANMOHAN SINGH   There’s an inconvenient truth many prefer to ignore. When Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam served as the President of India, certain Muslim groups dismissed him as a Hindu masquerading under the guise of the Quran because he had dared to read the Bhagavad Gita and other texts often associated with Hindutva. Similarly, some religious Sikh political factions felt that Dr. Manmohan Singh didn’t adequately represent them in his role as Prime Minister. Their reasoning? Perhaps he didn’t walk around wielding swords or thundering religious slogans, as if intellectual brilliance and economic genius were somehow insufficient credentials for leading a nation. Dr. Manmohan Singh embodied the compassion of Guru Nanak Dev and the fierce resolve of Guru Gobind Singh, though with one notable enhancement: his inte...

For those influenced by misinformation, this article presents historical facts about a true leader, a dedicated son of India, and a statesman whose qualities we should aspire to see more of in our world. Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Visionary Leader Who Shaped Modern India It is disheartening to witness how far India has fallen in the index of decency, with many continuing to support individuals who exploit the nation’s wealth and tarnish its reputation as one of the most peaceful countries on Earth. The politicization of the passing of great leaders and the proliferation of divisive rhetoric stands in stark contrast to the India envisioned by those who fought for independence from British rule. The principles of moral integrity and greatness that once defined Indian leadership have been pushed aside. History provides a powerful example in Emperor Ashoka, who, after the devastating Kalinga war, realized that true power lies in serving the weak and upholding ethical values a lesson increasingl...

  Understanding Kejriwal's Governance Model: A Response to Misinformation Recently, someone commented on an old post of mine about Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of giving "freebies" to exploit voters. While such accusations are not new, they reflect a misunderstanding of governance models. Unfortunately, my original post was deleted, but I feel it's crucial to address this misconception again. Nothing in life is truly free. However, the role of a government is akin to that of a CEO managing resources for collective benefit. We all contribute to the economy, and for it to thrive, the workforce must be educated, healthy, and supported. Taxes are collected by governments to provide essential services, and across the world—even in capitalist economies—socialist measures like free healthcare, subsidies, and unemployment benefits are implemented to ensure the system remains functional. Kejriwal’s governance model is a shining example of this balance. Over the last decad...

  A Tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Visionary Leader and a Humble Soul Today, India mourns the loss of one of its greatest sons, Dr. Manmohan Singh, a former Prime Minister whose life and legacy epitomized the strength, intellect, and humility of our nation. As I reflect on his extraordinary contributions, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride to have witnessed the era of a leader who transformed India and inspired the world. Dr. Singh was not just a statesman; he was a symbol of integrity, wisdom, and dedication. An honest man with no initial aspirations for politics, he stepped up when called upon to lead a nation of over a billion people. He embraced this monumental responsibility with grace and unwavering commitment, steering India through a pivotal phase in its history. His work spoke volumes—quietly, resolutely, and without the need for grandiose declarations. Under his stewardship, India underwent profound economic reforms that catapulted the nation to new hei...

  Another Indian Election: The Art of Stealing Ah, democracy in India—where elections aren’t just a festival but a full-blown circus featuring power plays, mudslinging, and, of course, some good old-fashioned vote stealing. This time, the plot thickens as our very own Prime Minister Modi faces off against a man who seems to delight in staying one step ahead of him: Arvind Kejriwal. The battle is set in Delhi, a city where Kejriwal has earned the trust of its citizens, potentially reminding Modi that not everyone is eager to sing his praises. Shocking, I know. Let’s rewind a decade or so, shall we? Once upon a time, many believed Kejriwal was a kindred spirit of the RSS, destined to be Modi’s trusty sidekick. A bromance for the ages, right? Wrong. Kejriwal turned out to be less of a sidekick and more of a thorn in Modi’s side. Not only did he shatter illusions, but he also showed that the anti-corruption movement, possibly orchestrated by the BJP itself, could backfire spectacularly...

Normally I post political poems and political blogs, but I decided to post this poem from my upcoming poetry books. ENJOY शराफत के फूल दो फूल शराफत के चुन कर बालों में उनको सजा लेना कभी याद आएं हम उस दिल में हमें बाहों से गले लगा लेना। सुंदरता जो है शराफत में उसका यहां कोई मोल नहीं जीने का मजा बस आता है जिसका यहां कोई तोल नहीं। जो झूठ की दुनिया में रहते ढूंढे फिर अपनी सूरत को लोगों से यहां जो छुपा सकती अपनी झूठी बदसूरत को। कहने को ये दुनिया सारी पड़ी आ जाते हैं ये उस दिल में जहां ख्वाब पड़े हैं सोए हुए लग जाती उन्हें जगाने में। इस झूठ की नैया में बैठे पहले भी यहां ये आईं थीं उन सोए हुए ख्वाबों में जब प्यार की जोत जलाई थी। आई थी झूठ फैलाने तब वो लम्हे गुजर गए बातों में जब प्यार की बातों से उसने जगाए रखा था पूरी रातों में। तुम शातिर हो वो भी शातिर है तेरी दुनिया को पहचाने वो तुम लाख जतन कर लो उससे ना मिल पाए तू चाहती जो। वो दोस्त तुम्हें मिल सकता था शराफत के फूल दिखाती जब शराफत में उसका प्रेम छुपा बन सकता था वो तेरा रब। शराफत में सच्चाई होती है बद...

  The Transformation of America: From Fair Care to Corporate Cash Cow Ah, America—the land of opportunity and innovation. Where else could a healthcare system become a masterclass in turning human suffering into a lucrative business model? Shows like New Amsterdam and Royal Pains may add a touch of drama, but let’s face it, they’re practically documentaries at this point. The rich? Oh, they get their first-class treatments without so much as a co-pay. The rest of us? We’re left deciphering insurance policies that might as well be written in ancient hieroglyphics, only to find out that, surprise, your lifesaving procedure isn’t covered. How did we get here? The short answer: corporate greed. The long answer? Buckle up. Believe it or not, there was a time when healthcare reform wasn’t just something to cynically promise on the campaign trail. In 1974, President Richard Nixon—a man not exactly known for his saintly reputation—proposed a healthcare reform plan. It included an emplo...

  The Real Threat to America’s Economy: Spoiler Alert, It’s Not China or Russia The Real Danger to the American Economy Ah, Americans. Forever vigilant, watching for foreign boogeymen lurking in the shadows. China! Russia! The sinister forces plotting to topple the mighty U.S. economy! Well, hate to break it to you, but the real economic threat isn’t thousands of miles away—it’s nestled comfortably within our borders, wearing an expensive suit, and enjoying a filet mignon lunch on your dime. Yes, it’s corporate greed and unregulated pricing in sectors like healthcare, national security, and utilities. But please, by all means, let’s keep pretending it’s Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping pulling the strings. Not too long ago, I wrote about a small state government in India and how its "accountable socialism" was achieving success. Naturally, this made me reminisce about the good old days of 1993. Remember when the Clinton-Gore dream team strolled into Washington and Al Gore dar...

  धर्म का गंदा खेल अचानक आज मेरी दुनिया में, कुछ ऐसी बातें हो गईं। ये ज़हर भरा जो सीने में, उस ज़हर की दुनिया में सो रही। क्या सच है और क्या झूठ यहाँ, ये कैसे उसको बता सकें। जो ज़ोर से बातें कर सकते, वही बातें इन तक आ सकें। इस धर्म की दुनिया में जब यूँ, जहां देते हैं बलिदान हम। खो जाते हैं उस दुनिया में, बन पाते नहीं इंसान हम। वहाँ झूठ परोसा जाता है, सच का कर देते बलिदान हम। कोई गलती से उन्हें ना माने, तब बन जाते हैवान हम। इस धर्म के नाम पर धरती पर, लाशों की गिनती रुकती नहीं। जिसे झूठ से खड़ा किया था कभी, बलिदानों की गिनती थमती नहीं। धर्म के नाम का तिलक लगाकर, हम दुनिया को दिखाते हैं। जो काले काम किए हमने, उन्हें कैसे हम यूँ छुपाते हैं। इस धर्म के नाम पे गोरों ने, दुनिया को जाकर लूटा था। जो वादे किए थे उन सब से, हर वादा इनका झूठा था। हर बात-बात पे धर्म यहाँ, यहाँ बाँटे सब इंसानों को। फिर लूटें सबको जी भर के, हम देख न पाएँ हैवानों को। जो धर्म की गंदी कुटिया से, किसी देश को जब वो चलाता है। वो राजा फिर उस देश को, एक कुएँ में लेकर जाता है। ...

  Breaking News: The Congress Party Got the Spine and The BJP is Scared This is How to Connect with People   Well, it finally happened. After years of wandering like a headless chicken while the BJP ran laps around them, the Congress Party seems to have found its backbone. Yes, the very party that often couldn’t decide if it was defending its legacy or apologizing for it is showing signs of life. And not a moment too soon—because the BJP’s well-oiled propaganda machine is starting to squeak under the weight of corruption charges and accusations of selling the nation piece by piece to its favorite Gujarati businessmen.  Let’s call it what it is. The BJP is starting to look less like the party of “Vikas” and more like a club of billionaires who are best friends with the ruling elite. National assets are being sold off like clearance items in a fire sale, and while Adani and his friends rake in profits, ordinary people are watching prices soar, businesses falter, and j...

  Exposing the Secret Pricing in America’s Healthcare Industry: A Call for Consumer Action In most industries, transparent pricing is a cornerstone of trust and accountability. But what if I told you there’s one sector in America where secret pricing dominates—and it has turned this opacity into a multi-billion-dollar business? Welcome to the healthcare industry, where the art of hidden pricing and convoluted billing practices reign supreme. Healthcare providers often present themselves as innocent actors in this scheme, claiming they have no role in determining prices. However, they reap significant benefits from a system orchestrated in collaboration with insurance companies. These insurance companies negotiate service rates behind closed doors, creating a façade of fairness while embedding mechanisms to offload costs onto unsuspecting patients. The result? A labyrinth of "medical coding" designed to deny or reduce payouts for certain services, shifting the financial burden...

  Breaking News: India's Second Iron Lady in the Making Today, the Parliament witnessed something rare—a speech so powerful that it transcended the ordinary chaos of Indian politics. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stood at the podium, her words reverberating not just through the chambers of the Parliament but across the country. It was impossible not to think of her grandmother, the Iron Lady of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. The resemblance was unmistakable—not just in her physical presence but in the way she carried herself with unflinching determination. For those who remember the era of Mrs. Gandhi, it must have been a bittersweet déjà vu. For the BJP, however, it was more likely a wake-up call that their days of unchallenged dominance might not last forever. As Priyanka spoke, one could almost sense the unease among those who have spent years perfecting the art of sycophancy in Modi’s shadow. Her words struck at the very foundation of their carefully constructed facade of invincibility. ...

  The Evolving Concept of God: A Journey from Vedic Thought to Self-Realization Note: This blog was inspired by a conversation with a close friend who expressed concern about my exploration of such topics, knowing how religious fanatics often react to these discussions. Thank you for your support and understanding.   The concept of God as articulated in the Vedas, especially the Rig Veda, emerged gradually, with the idea becoming prominent only in the later sections. This delayed introduction raises an intriguing question: why was the concept of God not central from the outset? In its initial form, the divine entity was called Brahma. In Hindu mythology, Brahma is regarded as the creator, a foundational but incomplete definition of the divine. This apparent insufficiency prompted the later introduction of two additional deities: Vishnu, the caretaker, and Shiva, the destroyer. Together, these three form a trinity attempting to encapsulate the circle of life. Yet, even this tr...

  Welcome to America: Where Health is Wealth...If You’re Wealthy Enough Have you ever heard the saying, "The best things in life are free"? How quaint. For those of us not bathing in golden bathtubs or dining on truffle-dusted gold flakes, the saying might as well be rewritten to, "Nothing in life is free, especially healthcare." Take a seat (if you can afford one) because this story starts with a Netflix binge gone rogue. I stumbled upon a show about a doctor working for the ultra-rich, navigating a world where money can buy miraculous recoveries, while the rest of us can barely afford a bandage. Fiction? Barely. In the last decade, co-pays have skyrocketed from a manageable $10 to a jaw-dropping $75. For someone earning $10 an hour (yes, that's a real wage in the land of the free), that’s two days of labor just to say hello to a doctor—and that's if they have insurance. Let’s face it, folks: the healthcare system isn’t just broken—it’s a dystopian ma...