My opinion about the Justice Katju controversy in India recently...

(Okay, last blog of the day. I love blogging too much to let go, even if it is exam time.)

A former Supreme Court of India judge, Justice Markandey Katju recently caused a storm by saying these "inflammatory" words in a seminar recently:

I say 90% of Indians are idiots. You people don't have brains in your heads ... It is so easy to take you for a ride. A communal riot could be incited in Delhi for as meagre an amount as Rs 2000 (about $40 only). You mad people will start fighting amongst yourself not realizing that some agent provocateur is behind this. Today 80% Hindus are communal and 80% Muslims are communal. This is the harsh truth, bitter truth that I am telling you. I am saying all this because you need a big blow on your head to bring you to your senses, how backward you are. The only solution to the Kashmir problem is reunification of India and Pakistan under a strong and "modern-minded" government.

What do I think?

Cons: It was the wrong choice of words. It was wrong to disrespect people using words like "idiots". People are the way they are because of their circumstances. Don't be too quick to judge anyone (pun intended - you were a judge yourself, man. You should understand people better, eh?).

Pros: I can understand the spirit with which this was written. Indians can do way better than this. There is the potential to take India to great heights, to become an economically and geopolitically powerful and strong nation. Things are getting better. The internet's social platorms and telecommunications have brought about a great revolution in the thinking and mindset of people. An intellectual spring revolution is unavoidable in modern society (Look what happened in the US election recently). People need to get smarter (and they will), and avoid falling for the traps set by politicians for selfish gains. A new economic powerhouse called India is rising, and it is a matter of time before the whole world takes notice.... Back to Katju again, what he said, the way he said was wrong. But look what happened! He started an intellectual debate!

In the world of marketing, sometimes, a publicity stunt (buzz marketing) can do more than what months and years of quiet planning can do behind closed doors of board rooms or marketing offices....