"War crimes are defined by the winners, and I'm a winner."

The Act of Killing (Jagal, 2012, Indonesian, documentary)
Director: Joshua Oppenheimer

As we have always seen, we, humans are a bunch of brainless animals. We do so much atrocity in the name of justice without even thinking of its repercussions. At the end of the day, we can only 'Sorry' and think that some how like magic, everything would be wiped clean from our slate and start a fresh count. Alternatively, we justify our acts by invoking rationalization of preserving of a piece of cloth, race, ideology or religion!
The documentary which drew worldwide accolade is also rumoured to be reason behind Obama's cancellation of his visit to Indonesia last year!
In 1965, during the oust of Sukarno, there was a real risk of communism taking a foothold in Indonesia. A group civilian vigilante group, made mostly of jobless gangsters, with the auspices of the ruling government of the day went around nabbing communists and communist sympathizers, torturing and killing them in most heinous ways.
The directors of the documentary went to Medan, North Sumatera, to interview a well known figure there, Anwar Congo and his henchman, Herman Kato. He convinced them to detail the killings that they did in the 1965-66 era when the Communist is said to have assassinated Sukarno. Anwar even called in his fellow gangsters all over the country, some of them are rich politicians now, to reenact the whole scene. Even the local newspaper editor was in cahoots with their activities.
The gruesome details of the killings were detailed. They seem to be unashamedly proud of their actions of what they done for the country and had become part of Indonesia's history.
Anwar brings the crew to the site where he used to kill his subjects with his favourite weapon, the steel wire as it left less blood and less stench!

Anwar and his crew were jobless youths selling black-market movie tickets when they were recruited to eradicate the communists. Having nothing much to do around, they chose that path and now boast to have killed 1000 people.
All the people interviewed seem quite proud of what they have done and even boast about it. By and large, it was a witch-hunt for the communists who predominantly were ethnic Chinese. These preman (gangsters, from the word free man) burnt houses, raped, pilfered, robbed and at yet they all walk free under the protection of the present government. They are hailed as national icons and as founders of the youth Pancasila movement which is still present today and acts like a emergency mobile vigilante for the country.
As some flaunt their new found wealth and luxurious lifestyles, Anwar lives under constant recurrent nightmare of the eyes of his victims staring at him in his sleep. They do, however, admit what they did under the name of democracy was far worse than what the communists were said to have done.
Most ex-vigilantes have contradictory lives, talking dirty jokes at one minute and almost immediately reciting prayers when necessary in the same breath.  Anwar himself is a doting grandfather who teaches his grandchildren to be kind to animals!
In the last scene, though the ingenuity may be questioned, he revisits his 'killing field' (top balcony of a building) to retch and shed a tear or two.

It is forbidden to kill. Therefore, all murderers are punished, unless they kill in large numbers, and to the sound of trumpets. Voltaire.

"War crimes are defined by the winners, and I'm a winner."

Glorious past

ARYABHATT (476 CE)
MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN
Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur (Bihar), Aryabhatt's intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy. In 499 CE, at the age of 23, he wrote a text on astronomy and an unparallel treatise on mathematics called "Aryabhatiyam." He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry. Centuries later, in 825 CE, the Arab mathematician, Mohammed Ibna Musa credited the value of Pi to the Indians, "This value has been given by the Hindus." And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.


BHASKARACHARYA II (1114-1183 CE)

GENIUS IN ALGEBRA
Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya's work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality. His renowned mathematical works called "Lilavati" and "Bijaganita" are considered to be unparalled and a memorial to his profound intelligence. Its translation in several languages of the world bear testimony to its eminence. In his treatise "Siddhant Shiromani" he writes on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, mathematical techniques and astronomical equipment. In the "Surya Siddhant" he makes a note on the force of gravity: "Objects fall on earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the earth, planets, constellations, moon, and sun are held in orbit due to this attraction." Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. He was the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India. His works fired the imagination of Persian and European scholars, who through research on his works earned fame and popularity.

ACHARYA KANAD (600 BCE)

FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY
As the founder of "Vaisheshik Darshan"- one of six principal philosophies of India - Acharya Kanad was a genius in philosophy. He is believed to have been born in Prabhas Kshetra near Dwarika in Gujarat. He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul. He says, "Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules." His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton. Kanad has also described the dimension and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook, has said, "Compared to the scientists of Europe, Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters of this field."

NAGARJUNA (100 CE)
WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE
He was an extraordinary wizard of science born in the nondescript village of Baluka in Madhya Pradesh. His dedicated research for twelve years produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the faculties of chemistry and metallurgy. Textual masterpieces like "Ras Ratnakar," "Rashrudaya" and "Rasendramangal" are his renowned contributions to the science of chemistry. Where the medieval alchemists of England failed, Nagarjuna had discovered the alchemy of transmuting base metals into gold. As the author of medical books like "Arogyamanjari" and "Yogasar," he also made significant contributions to the field of curative medicine. Because of his profound scholarliness and versatile knowledge, he was appointed as Chancellor of the famous University of Nalanda. Nagarjuna's milestone discoveries impress and astonish the scientists of today.

ACHARYA CHARAK (600 BCE)
FATHER OF MEDICINE

Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the "Charak Samhita", is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda. His principles, diagoneses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different theories in Europe, Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. In the "Charak Samhita" he has described the medicinal qualities and functions of 100,000 herbal plants. He has emphasized the influence of diet and activity on mind and body. He has proved the correlation of spirituality and physical health contributed greatly to diagnostic and curative sciences. He has also prescribed and ethical charter for medical practitioners two centuries prior to the Hippocratic oath. Through his genius and intuition, Acharya Charak made landmark contributions to Ayurvedal. He forever remains etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest and noblest of rishi-scientists.

ACHARYA SUSHRUT (600 BCE)

FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY
A genius who has been glowingly recognized in the annals of medical science. Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in "Sushrut Samhita," a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe, Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations. In the "Sushrut Samhita," he prescribes treatment for twelve types of fractures and six types of dislocations. His details on human embryology are simply amazing. Sushrut used 125 types of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles, Cathers and rectal speculums; mostly designed from the jaws of animals and birds. He has also described a number of stitching methods; the use of horse's hair as thread and fibers of bark. In the "Sushrut Samhita," and fibers of bark. In the "Sushrut Samhita," he details 300 types of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.

VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)

EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA
renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King Vikramaditya in Avanti (Ujjain). Varahamihir's book "panchsiddhant" holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the "Bruhad Samhita" and "Bruhad Jatak," he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants and trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions to the science of astrology and astronomy.

ACHARYA PATANJALI (200 BCE)

FATHER OF YOGA
The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. Acharya Patanjali, the founder, hailed from the district of Gonda (Ganara) in Uttar Pradesh. He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. This subsequently rewards one with good health and inner happiness. Acharya Patanjali's 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and endocrine systems and many other organs of the body. Yoga has eight limbs where Acharya Patanjali shows the attainment of the ultimate bliss of God in samadhi through the disciplines of: yam, niyam, asan, pranayam, pratyahar, dhyan and dharna. The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.

ACHARYA BHARADWAJ (800 BCE)

PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY
Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the "Yantra Sarvasva" which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. His designs and descriptions have impressed and amazed aviation engineers of today. His brilliance in aviation technology is further reflected through techniques described by him:
1.) Profound Secret: The technique to make a flying machine invisible through the application of sunlight and wind force.
2.) Living Secret: The technique to make an invisible space machine visible through the application of electrical force.
3.) Secret of Eavesdropping: The technique to listen to a conversation in another plane.
4.) Visual Secrets: The technique to see what's happening inside another plane.
Through his innovative and brilliant discoveries, Acharya Bharadwaj has been recognized as the pioneer of aviation technology.

ACHARYA KAPIL (3000 BCE)

FATHER OF COSMOLOGY
Celebrated as the founder of Sankhya philosophy, Acharya Kapil is believed to have been born in 3000 BCE to the illustrious sage Kardam and Devhuti. He gifted the world with the Sankhya School of Thought. His pioneering work threw light on the nature and principles of the ultimate Soul (Purusha), primal matter (Prakruti) and creation. His concept of transformation of energy and profound commentaries on atma, non-atma and the subtle elements of the cosmos places him in an elite class of master achievers - incomparable to the discoveries of other cosmologists. On his assertion that Prakruti, with the inspiration of Purusha, is the mother of cosmic creation and all energies, he contributed a new chapter in the science of cosmology. Because of his extrasensory observations and revelations on the secrets of creation, he is recognized and saluted as the Father of Cosmology.

 

He forgave his foes!

Mandela Long Walk to Freedom (2013)

That is the problem with biographies. Squeezing 70 over years of a man's life into a 2hour saga does not do justice. It feels as though as seeing a floater sucked into the eye of a whirlpool. Swoosh! Off it goes. Some how you do not the feel the pain that the characters. 

The first hour of the movie just went on by leaving much of an impression. We come to know of a young Madiba as a kind of woman's man and a wife beater. This reluctant politician join the ANC and got himself into loads of trouble with the law and his marriage.

His second marriage to Winnie heralds the duo with similar visions for the country go head on with the ruling Government. Before his imprisonment in Robben Island, he is a testesterone filled boxer, guerrilla, freedom or terrorist. 

The film gets interesting after his after Mandela's 27 years of incarceration with the acting improving and intense.  It comes with a few powerful lines. Just before the free elections and escalating violence in South Africa, he makes a plea to his people, "They imprisoned me for 27 years but I forgave them, why can't you?" "You cannot win a war but you can win an election!"

It is either that this politician re-branded himself from a firebrand fighter cock to a pacifist or indeed solitude did make him wiser to forgive his perpetrators. 

Who needs thinkers?

The Eichmann trial had often been critiqued for being a witch hunt, looking for a scapegoat rather than trying to get to the root of the problem. A problem far more significant than Adolf Eichmann transporting prisoners to Auschwitz, more than just sending the lambs to the slaughter!
Hannah Arendt, writing for the magazine New Yorker, herself a Jewess who suffered imprisonment by Nazi, was expecting to see a gruesome-looking mean dude at the trials. She was quite surprised at the simple-looking civil servant who was more interested in completing his given task at the dock. He was oblivious to the sequelae of his actions. Arendt coined the term 'banality of evil' and proposed that evil done unknowingly by an unthinking person is the worst kind.

That got me thinking...

Again and again, history has shown people choosing a leader and following his directions blindly. The Germans elected a monster through the legal means who rocked the whole world to realise his megalomaniac dream of creating a purebred Aryan race. The ever mild-mannered Japanese are also guilty of turning a blind eye to their regime which raped and massacred half of the world.

Looking back, these nations would like to forever erase that dark tainted part of their nation's history.

But then, to achieve a particular agenda, a leader has to have ways to influence the masses to do things in a specific fashion so that their mission is accomplished. The masses must be seen to be doing their given tasks without questioning all in the name of the glory of the race, nation, flag or religion. They must be spineless working at a spinal level like zombies. Thinking is not allowed.
If everybody starts thinking and questioning, the target would not be met, and you would have is just pandemonium.

On the other hand, these unquestioning loyalty and war did produce some milestones in the human civilisation. Advances in air transportation, engineering and energy are testimony to this. The sizeable big step forward is also marred by the fact that they are savvier of ways to annihilate each other.