A Greek warning

I am keying this in hours before taking off on what promises to be a memorable voyage. Why memorable? Well, we had jauntily booked a cruise to the Greek Isles much before the “Greek crisis” sent jitters across the world. Now, I guess, we have no choice but to sink or swim when we get to Mykonos. I have my phone camera and recorder ready, just in case we run into Lalit Modi, relaxing at Caprice — the resort’s most popular bar. Though, sources say, Lalit is staying put in London for now, and giving interviews to all and sundry — passing tourists included.

According to Indian travel agents, there is nothing to fear in Greece — besides muggings. As mine patiently explained to me, “The Greek people are desperate right now. Things are dirt-cheap. But most places are pretty dangerous. There are pickpockets everywhere. Don’t wear jewellery. Stick to a plastic watch. Never argue.

I have been to Greece several times and enjoyed each trip, even though I am not nuts about the cuisine. It’s the people I love. So many similarities! A strong sense of family, for one. Years ago, I remember getting back to India from a long trip to America and stopping in Athens. What a riot that turned out to be as a large group of garrulous Greeks came on board — grannies, grand kids, uncles and aunts. I felt I was home! Greeks and Indians — we are emotional, noisy, garrulous, argumentative, bossy and wonderfully indifferent to rules of any kind. Which is also the reason why they are such misfits in that unholy European Union. The superior attitude adopted by the rest of Europe is indicative of Greece’s position in the European hierarchy.

Christine Lagarde, way back in 2012, had stated rather superciliously, “As far as Athens is concerned, I think about all those people who are trying to escape tax should help themselves by paying their tax”. I guess, wealthy Greeks chose to ignore her advice back then. Every successive government promises to nab the crooks — but, of course, nothing ever happens. Prominent names get released to the press and for a few days there is the usual loose talk of which big industrialist is going to be picked up and thrown into the clink. Rarely does anybody talk of which big politician is going to be hauled in... even for mild questioning. Analysts ask, “How exactly will this money come back?

Should we expect shiploads/planeloads of crisp notes? Wire transfers? But into which account?” Just as the average Greek person is despairing and frustrated right now, so are we. Only difference being, our economy is far more stable. For now... Or is it? Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan caused quite a flutter recently with his remarks about an impending great depression. He was compelled to clarify before full-scale panic set in. He explained he didn’t quite mean it in the global context, however, if you read between the lines, it was clear Mr Rajan was issuing a timely warning and, frankly, we should pay closer attention to what he said.

So much depends on India’s capricious monsoon! As of now, June rains have exceeded averages. But we are told July is going to be a hot and dry month, which could wipe out the good news. What then?  How prepared are we?

It’s time for citizens to have a “mann ki baat” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This can’t be a one-sided affair! He wants us to respond to his softer side while he ducks serious issues. We want him to listen to what we are saying to him as well. There has been growing concern about his handling of the “Teen Deviyaan” in his party. Mr Modi really botched up big in the way he sidestepped charges faced by all three — Vasundhara Raje, Sushma Swaraj and Smriti Irani. Instead of taking decisive action, he merely kept mum. All he had to do (without really doing anything!), was to assure citizens he was aware of the grave charges and would be dealing with them appropriately and swiftly. That’s what a leader is meant to do — establish authority over colleagues confronted with extraordinary moral challenges. His failure to address the issues with the urgency required sorely disappointed his supporters. Many openly questioned his doublespeak: If Mr Modi can’t discipline his own, how can he preach discipline to others?

Greece was once a major superpower. Today it has to kowtow to Germany. The world owes Greece a big one — the word “democracy” has its roots in the Greek word… By crushing Greece, the EU may assert its economic supremacy but, in the bargain, it will also be crushing the very principles of democracy. Despite the dire warnings and travel advisories, I am looking forward to my days under the Grecian sun, sailing along the edges of the turquoise Aegean Sea. As Indians, we understand panic. And we also know how to fight our way out of the deepest crises. As will Greece.

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