BANK P.O.

SPECIAL

Descriptive Questions
Review of VIP security
Q. Some right thinking persons
strongly feel that it is time that the
question of providing security to all
types of VIPs was reviewed and, if
necessary, either withdrawn or
substantially reduced. Express your
views based on knowledge, experience
and ground realities.
Ans. There is no denying the fact
that acts of terrorism, militancy and
insurgency are holding the Indian
polity in a state of high alert. As a
result of mindless killings of innocent
persons, and keeping some VIPs/
VVIPs on their hit lists, the terrorists
and insurgents have proved more than
once to what extent they can go in their
nefarious designs. The determination
of suicide squads to cause maximum
damage to security forces/sensitive
locations, and also to some VVIPs to
gain political mileage, has made it
incumbent upon the government to
provide the highest type of security to
the persons/places under constant
threat. No doubt, in some cases the
threat posed by some terrorist/
militant groups is real and rigorous
and all possible measures need to be
taken to provide fool-proof security.
But over the years, it has been
observed that the list of those claiming
to be VIP first, and requiring security
afterwards, has become lengthier by
each passing day. As compared to the
common man who is at the receiving
end, it is the so-called VIPs who are
more protected than even the security
forces themselves.
If some right thinking persons
advocate a review of the entire gamut
of providing special security to all types
of VIPs, there is nothing wrong or wily
about it. Some State governments have
reviewed and even reduced the security

paraphernalia around the new

privileged class for whom the
personnel of security forces humming
around has become a status symbol.
When used to enjoying such a privilege
at State expenses, who the hell would
like to forego it so easily? Whatever be
the perceptions of some vested
interests, about threat to their lives, it
is time that the distortions were
removed in the most transparent
manner.
Isnt it shocking and shameful to
see history-sheeters, nondescript
persons and the like being provided VIP
security?

Introduction of astrology at
College/University level
Q. There is a demand from some
quarters that the subject of astrology
be introduced at the college/university
level. Give two arguments in favour
and two against the proposal.
Arguments in favour of the proposal
1. Despite the scintillating strides
and successes in science and
technology, people at large have not
discarded their age-old trust in
astrology and horoscopes. Whatever
the critics and sceptics may say about
astrology and its unscientific approach
and unreliable conclusions, the fact of
Indian life demands that the subject of
astrology be introduced in college/
university level so that its study could
be carried on with some method and
motive.
2. Heavens will not fall if the
subject of vedic astrology is
introduced and a scientific basis is
created in its teaching. Such a course
of action would certainly cut to size
the enormous influence that quacks
and road-side fortune-tellers enjoy in
339 NOVEMBER 2001 THE COMPETITION MASTER

our society. Whether astrology is a

science or not, is not as much
important as its place in the Indian
psyche, which deserves respect, and
an early removal of some dust that
might have gathered over its practice
over a long period. It has been rightly
emphasized by the UGC circular that
there is an urgent need to rejuvenate
the science of vedic astrology in India
to allow this scientific knowledge to
reach society at large and provide
opportunities to export this important
science to the world.
Arguments against the proposal
1. There is no denying that the
recent ghastly events in Nepal have put
a queer question mark, both on royal
astrologers and the so-called relevance/
validity of astrology. Despite the tall
claims and cautious counselling to the
palace, the reverse happened and that
too so suddenly that no astrology or its
deep knowledge could ever forecast.
Certainly, there should be no room left
in anybodys mind that astrology cannot
help or even guide us to know the future
shape of things to come.
2. The argument that astrology has
occupied a pride of place in our psyche
is no justification of its continued sway
and sweep in our day to day lives.
Besides astrology, there are a few other
traditions that have outlived their
relevance and yet we keep clinging to
them without any rhyme or reason. Does
it mean that all the rubbish that goes by
the august name of rituals, customs and
practices should be introduced in our
college/university curriculum? We shall
rue the day when such unscientific and
unsound demands are acceded to, and
the ill-timed and ill-conceived beliefs are
given legitimacy and a role of
acceptability in our collective
consciousness and national concerns.