Boycott on TV
Director: Shaina Anand; Cinematographer: Shaina Anand
Duration: 00:34:43; Aspect Ratio: 1.333:1; Hue: 220.194; Saturation: 0.470; Lightness: 0.402; Volume: 0.199; Cuts per Minute: 11.605; Words per Minute: 179.635
Summary: Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh, Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly' on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu, editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Dr. Yusuf Matcheswala, consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. The boycott started in Mumbai in the wake of 9/11 and was called forth by the Indian Hotel Association.
Mr. Shahubuddin Shaikh (SS), the chairman of the Indian Hoteliers Association, gives a brief on the reasons for the boycott against American and British products.
SS : They say that atrocities are committed on the kids. Oh, they are favouring
Taliban. I ask you, is this (pointing at the pamphlet)
Taliban? Rightly said. That is communal. This is communal. What's communal? I ask you, is favouring this child (points at the pamphlet) communal? Doesn't this hurt the sentiments?
NA: The increasing suspicion and stereotypes in people's minds creates further more problems between us.
SA : Sir, Shahabuddin
saab, tell us how this whole movement started? How did you get the idea? I mean a bit of an introduction...
SS : Can you just give me half an hour?
Taliban
atrocities
communal.
movement
stereotypes
At the office of Mr. Shahabuddin Shaikh, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
RB : The call for the
boycott came from your side. What's the motive behind this boycott?
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly' on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Dr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. The boycott started in Mumbai in the wake of 9/11 and was called forth by the Indian Hotel Association.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
9/11
American
British
Coke
Mumbai
Pepsi
boycott
globalisation
government
humanity
SS : Firstly, I would like to clear that - the call for the boycott of Pepsi and Coke did not come from our side. This happened when America attacked Afghanistan, and the way the civilians were being killed, kids were being killed, women were being killed. This was a matter of concern for humanity and the same was felt by the intellectuals of Mumbai.
SS: We organised a meeting, a joint meeting in which doctors, people working in the medical field, people from the press like Sarfaraaz bhai, in the same way people from the education field, prominent businessmen, people working in politics and social work participated and everybody decided that there should be a reaction to this issue, but in a peaceful way and there should be no reason for a clash.
SS: So, this was a joint decision. Also it's not just the boycott of Coke and Pepsi as being highlighted, but for all American and British products, it's for their services. The boycott is for everything, consumer goods, household products, even for their services, be it airlines, banks...
RB : Including computers...
SS : ... Hotels. No, in that case, all the companies, I'll tell you, all the companies which are hundred percent American or British are only being boycotted. The message we want to send across to the American government is that they should behave more humanely and that is why being humane...
RB : It means - just a moment - tell us which are the products that are being boycotted; Pepsi, Coke, Levis jeans, Wrangler jeans; what else? I mean the other FMCG products...
SS : Pepsi, Coke, Kellogs, McDonald's, Gillette, Colgate-Palmolive, Kodak, Avon, Bose, Goodyear, Guitars, etc, Mobile phones, Ford cars, Polaroid, products from Procter and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, courier services, Global courier service...
RB : Like DHL, Fed Ex...
SS : Yes. But we, I want to tell you...
RB : So this, this call - sorry that I am interrupting you again and again - now this is most important, this is something we didn't know. This is for the information of all our viewers of In Mumbai, that the so-called call for boycotting American products extends not just to Coke and Pepsi, but a lot of other services, and to all the those American companies which are fully owned American companies. Am I right?
SS : Ya.
SS : Right, but - there is a but - we have separated and excluded those products related to education for which we don't have a substitute, so that there is no loss in education. In the same way, for the life saving...
RB : Drugs.
SS : Drugs, or any other products used in hospitals for which we don't have any substitutes are kept aside on the grounds of humanity.
RB : And what has been the reaction?
RB: What has been the reaction of the people so far?
SS: The people have given us a positive reaction. In fact, this movement is different from the other movements. In other movements, the people who call for the cause impose it and others have to follow, whether they feel its right or wrong is of no concern, whether they want to be a part of it or not does not matter. Everything is shut. In such cases what happens is that people who call for the cause get the "mileage" (attention).
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly' on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Dr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motive of the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods and its effects. The following clip deals with reaction of the people to the boycott, and of the then hostile ruling government,
Bhartiya Janta Party.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Advani
Afghanistan
BJP
Delhi
Dr. Matcheswala
Exploitation
Malegaon
Muslim
NDA
Ram Mandir
Sarfaraz Arzu
Uttar Pradesh
Vajpayee
government
movement
psychiatrist
restaurants
terrorism
SS: In our case, we have imposed the boycott in our restaurants first, and then spoke to other restaurant owners. The result has been positive, people have understood that the cause calls for sacrifice, it's a concern for humanity that we feel and so will you. The boycott has spread quickly. Today, approximately fifteen hundred to two thousand shops have stopped selling it (Coke and Pepsi).
RB: Right, I'll come back to you Sarfaraz
bhai. Arzu
saab, since you are closely connected with the community per se, tell us what has been the reaction among the people so far? How have the people reacted?
SZ: In this case, basically what we would like to say is the situation in India is very much different form the situation in other countries. Here, a very hostile government is the authority. As of now, the Delhi government is the world's single government that has overlapped its own agenda with the American agenda. The result is that if America speaks against terrorism, our government adopts the same and relates it to the elections in Uttar Pradesh.
RB: Point, point.
SZ: So the thing is, the set up of our country...
G: Now see where he takes the conversation.
SZ: The people belonging to the saner population of the country, those with intellect, those who see good of others are in state of worry, since the existing government is being more loyal than the king.
RB: What do you mean?
SZ: What I mean is... Yes, what I want to say is that, looking at the current scenario, the general Muslim population have estimated that anything that could lead to confrontation, or a situation of clash between communities arise, if not, then being created.
RB: Do you know what you are saying?
SZ: Yes.
RB: What you have said is a very, very serious matter, because what you are saying is, that the current Delhi government in power, the BJP government, has combined the situation in Afghanistan with the elections in Uttar Pradesh, in order to corner the Muslim community. Is that what you are saying?
SZ: This is what I am saying. And the news of the day is, the statement made by Mr. Vajpayee in Moscow, is that we need to fight against religious terrorism. What I don't understand is that on basis of which religious terrorism he came into power in the government, the religious terrorism which he promoted in order to claim the throne in politics. This is not a statement made by me, in fact this was said by Mr. Advani himself in the BJP executive meeting, held during the their fiftieth anniversary celebration, in which he agreed of them being in power because of the Ram Mandir (?)...
RB: And so you are quoting him?
SZ: The same religious terrorism, in India has ample connotations, which are dangerous.
RB: So, according to you, as for the Bhartiya Janta Party, where the Bhartiya Janta Party is concerned, or the NDA government is concerned...
SZ: Yes.
RB (continuing): They have pushed the Muslims into a corner, and there is a possibility that this may result in some...
SZ: Exploitation, they will be exploited. Situations will be created. In Malegaon, where there was nothing, there they...
RB : Right, here, Dr. Matcheswala, you are a psychiatrist. What Sarfaraz Arzu has said, now that's really quite, quite serious, and everybody ought to take it seriously, if it is true. Do you think it is true, firstly? And what you think will be the effect of what he is saying, if it is true?
DM : I am sorry, I am not a political analyst, I am a psychiatrist. I see the mind of the people.
RB : Right. That's exactly what I mean, now, that's exactly what I mean. In psychology...
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods and its effects. In the following clip, Dr, Matcheswala is speaking of the resulting psychological effects and insecurities caused by the cornering of the Muslim community.
RB: In psychological terms, what do you think will be the result of cornering the Muslim community, if indeed it has been cornered?
DM: Things are going to go from bad to worse, more and more riots. On one side, the people claim and the government and everybody claims that, you know Muslims, minority are given special, you know, special incentives, special facilities. But on the other side, by various kinds of policies, we feel that, you know, the minorities are further being pushed down on the ladder. So, definitely if what Sarfaraz Arzu, as he says, it is right, definitely this is going to have a negative impact on the Muslim psyche, on the Muslim people, specially the youth, who are looking forward to, you know, joining the main stream.
RB: What has been your own experience? I mean, you deal with all kinds of people everyday. Do you actually see this tension in people? Do you actually get a reaction in your daily, in your practice, in the kind of people you interact with daily?
DM: Yes. You see I, basically you are aware, I am a professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Government of Maharashtra.
RB: That's right.
DM: I basically deal with all kinds of people. In my day to day practice also, I deal more with the minority people, specially the youth people - I deal a lot in child and adolescent psychiatry, so lots of young people, you know, college people, and people from the youth, working class people also. They have been coming to me for various kinds of psycho-social problems, and definitely there is a lot of insecurities among the young Muslim people. I do not totally blame the system for it. I also will see the other part of it. I will also see the psyche of this particular
jee... (jeehaadi), you know, this young boy or a girl who comes to me. I feel on the other hand, if he is open enough, if he is able to utilise...
RB: Firstly, what Sarfaraz Arzu has said after that is that they... I am not saying is absolutely true. But what I am saying is what has been hypothesised over here is that the entire business in Afghanistan is being shoved onto the heads of the Indian Muslims over here, and they are being made answerable for whatever is taking place over there. Now, what do you think is going to be the effect of that kind of saying on the psyche of Muslims and their interaction with other communities here?
DM: Today, why Muslims, today I think every right-thinking people, not only in our country, but all over the world, are not happy with what is happening in Afghanistan. The kind of bombings and the kind of photographs that we see - you know, small children, being kind of killed, and women being, you know, women and children being the people affected. I had a small talk with one of the patients, you know, one
Pathaan patient who had come to me. And the way he told me that their brothers in Afghanistan had not had meals in nine days. You know, they are lined up, lining up at various borders and all that.
RB: Right.
DM: So when I hear this kind of thing, I think it's a humanitarian issue. It is not only an issue of minority.
RB: So, but do you think this could lead to a situation that we should be ready for over here in Mumbai? You think something like that could happen here?
DM: Definitely. Like everybody is going to be affected, maybe the minority community will be more affected by this particular issue of what is happening to his brethren in Afghanistan. So definitely, he will, is going to feel more... Everybody is feeling...
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Afghanistan
Grant Medical College
Maharashtra
Muslim
Pathaan
Sarfaraz Arzu
psycho-social problems
riots
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip Shahabuddin Shaikh discusses how he intends to control the movement.
RB: Right. Shahab
bhai, tell me, as far as your movement is concerned, whenever any movement that has taken place in India, it is seen that the movement begins on a very good note. Like your own movement which you started, the way you said that all the American goods, to register your protest at what is happening to the civilians in Afghanistan. But how do you plan to control this movement, so that it does not go out of control, so that the unscrupulous elements, or mischievous elements cannot misuse it?
SS: See, we have already made it appear in our appeal, that there should be no agitation, it should happen in a (?) to purposefully conclude the movement. Whenever, whosoever adopts the violence route, will be not a part of our movement. Anybody who uses any kind of violence is not with us.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Afghanistan
American
Shahab bhai
appeal
civilians
movement
protest
violence
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip Shahabuddin Shaikh continues discussing the means by which he intends to control the movement.
SS: Anybody who uses any kind of violence is not with us. We want to be within the the boundaries of the Indian constitution and send our message across in peaceful way. Anyone who relates to our cause can join the movement. Violence of any kind, any body who uses any kind of violence, have to leave. Any kind of
juloos or
jalsa (procession), burning of flags, effigies is being avoided. We want to voice our concern against the atrocities being committed on the grounds of humanity. Hence, people who believe in humanity and are humane can join the us in the movement.
RB : And as far as this protest is concerned...
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Indian
constitution
humanity
juloos
protest
violence
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip Shahabuddin Shaikh is explaining that though the movement started in Mumbai, it has spread over India and even reached some other parts of the world.
RB: This protest is concern, this movement is concern. Is this limited to the city of Mumbai? Or is it happening even outside Mumbai?
SS: No, see, the movement has started in Mumbai, but there are news even from Ahemadabad - I read it in yesterday's 'Times of India'. It's been happening all over Maharashtra; even in Malegaon, it was going peacefully. However the incident that has happened there is not right. But the movement that happened there was peaceful. It's been happening all over Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. Two days back, fifty thousand people had got together in Lucknow to announce the boycott; the same has been announced in Delhi. After all this, even some
ulema's have said that this should be stopped. Leaving India, even in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and other places, it has been observed. Even in Arab countries, it has been observed that the people, by themselves, have stopped the consumption of American and British products. People are understanding that this is the more positive way to react, to protest without any kind of violence or clash, or without fighting anyone. The outcome, if any, of this movement is that our own products will be promoted, our very own. Even demand for juices will increase, milk and diary products will increase; in turn will profit our own farmers and their progress. There is no negative outcome of this.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Ahemadabad
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Arab
British
Delhi
Gujarat
Malegaon
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products
protest
ulema's
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Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. The following clip talks about other organisations or hotels which do not support the boycott, as well as a retrospective look at boycott movements such as the Swadeshi movement, the Khilafat movement, and the Swadeshi Jagran Manch. Also included is a conversation regarding the issue of Kashmir for Muslims, the Hindutva agenda, and the bombings in Afghanistan.
RB: But as far as the movement is concerned, it has been more or less restricted to Muslims; as of now it's only limited to the Muslims. Furthermore, other organisations like Hotel and Restaurant Association, various other organisations which you are associated with, what has been their reaction? Are they with you in this movement?
SS: See, as far as other associations, our hotel associations are concerned, we have informed them about this in writing, but so far have not received any reply from them. But there have been some absurd statements being made in the newspapers, in detail of which I am not in a position to comment. The killings of infants, children and other innocent people, if associated with any particular community, I think, is of great regret. Innocent infants, small children aged one and two years old are being killed in bombarding. You tell me, won't there be an outcry in humanity?
RB: Sarfaraz Arzu
saab?
SZ: Yes.
RB: As for the question of the boycott, which is... India goes a long way with its association with boycott movements, the Swadeshi movement was started on its basis. The Khilafat movement, in which the Muslims and Hindus participated together against the British rule. I'll ask about this to Shahab
bhai later. But on this date, organisations like Bajrang Dal, Vishva Hindu Parishad, and various other organisations, Hindu organisations who have also been connected to the Swadeshi Jagran Manch...
SZ: Right.
RB: Even they had, called for a boycott, earlier.
SZ: Yes.
RB: Which hasn't been successful enough.
SZ: Yes.
RB: But, as of today what they have to say is, and this I would like to ask you as a journalist who is very closely connected with the Muslim community - when terrorism was prevailing in Kashmir, what they have to say is, why didn't the Muslim organisation got together to make a call like this against Pakistan or America? Because at that time the Americans were seeming to be supporting the Pakistanis.
SZ: They are still seeming to be supporting Pakistanis, the situation hasn't changed much. But the question is, why should this issue of Kashmir be put up before the Indian Muslims, and in this context?
RB: Right.
SZ: There is no link between the two. There have been people around the country, and Muslims who have been...
RB: Let me phrase it again for you. What I am saying is, obviously there is no link, obviously there is no question of why should Muslims be made answerable for whatever takes place anywhere in the world. But what am I saying is that is the perception is being sought to be rammed down the throat of everybody. That's what I am saying.
SZ: That's what we are worried about. It's the part of the
Hindutva agenda. I mean, where there is no link between the two, create something. When there is no violence instigating, some, sometimes, somebody and have a sort of a situation as you had in Malegaon and other places.
RB: Right.
SZ: That's what we are worried about. And, but, at the same time we are also worried about these goings-on in Afghanistan. And looking at the situation out here, the best way possible to vent out our feeling, the best way possible to stage a protest is to impose something on your own self. It's like some sort of a purification process also. I mean whenever you see a bottle of Pepsi, I do realise that there is some child's blood meshed into it. I stopped drinking Pepsi. Whenever I see something, some company which is providing the same type of engines which are being used for the fighters and bombers which are bombing the Afghanistanis, Afghanistan's civilians, I feel that these are not the people who should be supported. So, the best way, I mean it's a
Dandi Yatra, Gandhiji's Dandi March, this is something of the same nature. And the difference between the Swadeshi Jagran Manch's boycott and the boycott that is taking place here, there I think that was more of a posturing; they were not very serious about it, they always had some other agenda behind it, and they always worked at the behest of somebody else. I mean, I am not blaming them, but if this is not the case, then why didn't they succeed in it, in their...?
RB: Right, obviously because...
SZ: Obviously.
RB: Because, there is a ground swell of support, because the fact is, there is a ground swell of support for something like this and...
SZ: For them it wasn't a...
RB: Correct.
SZ: Writing a (?) in newspapers, making an analysis of the situation and then befriend them and ask for more help from them. It doesn't make any sense. I mean either they are out or they are in.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Afghanistan
Association
Dandi March
Hindutva
Kashmir
Khilafat movement
Malegaon
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Muslim
Pakistan
Swadeshi Jagran Manch
Swadeshi movement
bombarding
boycott
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hindu
humanity
innocent
terrorism
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip, Shahabuddin Shaikh answers questions regarding him receiving phone calls from the personnel at those boycotted American companies, and about jeopardising jobs of Indian workers in these companies. Shahabuddin Shaikh cites example from his life to show the effects of the boycott.
RB: Before I come to Dr. Matcheswala, Shahab
bhai, don't you get any calls from Coke, and Pepsi, and other American companies? Hasn't any personnel from their company come to you, to ask why you are against them?
SS: No, they do contact...
RB: Because you are a restaurateur.
SS: I can't disclose everything to the press.
RB: A hotelier, and when you had stopped the supply, they must have come to you to ask why have you stopped selling Pepsi, and sale of Coke.
SS: Yes, they do come, but not everything is supposed to be disclosed to the press. However, they are still in contact and want to talk it out, and want to convince us, and...
RB: Because what they are saying is, the statement made by them... However, as for now, they have not reacted. They said that Shahab
bhai should realise that, at the moment, the people working at Pepsi bottling plant are Indians, people working at the Coke's bottling plant are Indians, and the same Indians work at Frito Lays and McDonalds. So why are you jeopardising their jobs?
SS: The people who have boycotted are also Indians, someone has to do their bit for the cause. I agree that people who are working in the companies are Indians, but we do need to see that this does lead to the progress of Indian farmers and dairies. They see negative, but we see the positive.
RB: As it is, the profit made goes out of India.
SS: The profit goes out of India, everything goes out.
RB: But what do you think as far as this call is concerned? Because the way the Pepsi and Coke companies have started advertising in a big way - what do you think? You will you be successful at all? I mean, please try and understand what I am saying. What I am saying is, you have just made the call, the campaign has just started, people involved are full of zest and enthusiasm because it's new. But what do you think - how long will the people support you?
SS: See, the scale and the magnitude on which this movement has started is such that people no longer ask for Coke and Pepsi in hotels. Children at weddings, it's a true example that I am about to state. The children at the wedding got some Thums Up and Duke's, but on realising that even these companies have turned American, they left the glasses which were only about half empty.
RB: Yeah, because Thums Up is now owned by Coke and Duke's is owned by Pepsi. Right.
SS: Due to this, many of the people at the wedding had left. Hence, only Indian drinks were served. Such incidences are happening. People from the Swadeshi Jagran, people behind the Swadeshi movement, many other people had contacted us and told us that the change that they were not able to make in past ten years has happened in ten days. If all this is happening, isn't it an achievement in itself? A big achievement? And the boycott will continue, till the bombarding continues. Because we acknowledge that in these bombardments, there is no classification of good or bad, militants or civilians.
RB: Yes, as a saying goes - "A bomb doesn't know what it's blowing up."
SS: Bombardment on hospitals, not just once but twice, bombarding homes, mosques, even the buses in which they travel are being attacked with bombs, mercilessly. They even check whether they are aiming it properly or not. I just don't have any words to comment. I don't understand why they are bombing the Northern Alliance, where there is no question of their targets like Al-Qaeda,
Taliban being present. Nine people belonging to a same family died, three other people belonging to a family died. We have seen them cry and blubber on the television screen. Is this humane? They don't even spare their friends.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Coke
Dr. Matcheswala
India
Northern Alliance
Pepsi
Swadeshi movement
Taliban
civilians
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Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip, Mr. Matcheswala is speaking about the psychological changes brought about by the American companies' advertisements, and the impact of the boycott on the same.
RB: Yes Dr. Matcheswala, what do you think will be the impact of this boycott of American and British goods? Because after all the advertising campaign of, you know, all these companies did result in a huge psychological change in most of our youths. Do you think this will have any impact at all?
DM: I am looking a little bit more positive. Because in the recent times I have found lots of young people, children - in fact my own kids, they have been kind of getting addicted to Pepsi, they have been kind of getting addicted to Kellogg. Some years back I never saw my kids, you know, really enjoying our Indian porridge. But Kellogs, oh ho ho ho! You know, the way they'll kind of, you know, gobble up. And Pepsi like no, you know, they just cannot, they would not be able to digest their food without a Pepsi. And believe me, after all this call and all, even my kids, I do not know much, I have not yet done, you know, study outside, what's been happening on the roads, what's been happening to other people, but my kids have also given up having Kellogs, my kids have also given up having Pepsi. See, finally. Pepsi is a caffeinated drink, and one of the study say that there is, even maybe, some micro amount of cocaine in it. I mean cocaine, you know, medicated, medical kind of...
RB: One really doesn't know that, because the formulae is not known to everybody. So we don't really know that.
DM: So, obviously, these are addictive things. Like, see, initially
gutkha (chewing tobacco), nobody thought so bad about it. But today we are hearing so bad things about the
gutkha, and we are having lots of problems.
RB: No, my question to you is that, is a psychiatrist... (The footage cuts off. RB is asking DM of psychological effects of the ban from the point of view of psychiatrist). They have had the biggest stars, they've had the biggest cricketers, they've had the biggest celebrities all over the place, to endorse their goods and essentially to promote a lifestyle. You know, Coke and Pepsi is not just Coke and Pepsi. Coke and Pepsi means the stars and stripes. Coke and Pepsi means America, right? So what do you think will be the effect of your boycott on the young people over here today? Do you think it will have any effect at all? Do you think it will affect their psyche in any way?
DM: I wish, again I'll tell you, because I don't know how long this is going to go on. Like, just like Shahab
bhai said, the moment the bombings stop, he is going to stop it.
RB: I don't think that the bombings is going to stop in a long, long time. I don't think the bombings is going to stop very, very early.
DM: So, if really, this kind of a thing really picks up in a big way. If once again, if our young generation, can come back to
lassi (blended yoghurt with sugar or salt and pepper) and juices, you know, and many of our Indian juices.
RB: Yes,
lassi and juices manufactured by Nestle and Britannia, right.
DM: No, why not? Why natural stuff?
Lassi, natural
lassi, right? Why go for Nestle and things like that?
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Dr. Matcheswala
Indian
Pepsi
boycott
celebrities
cocaine
gutkha
lassi
psychological
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip Shahabuddin Shaikh refers to how they have safeguarded Indian interests by making an exception for the Indian companies working as liscensed versions of the American or British companies. He also makes reference to the condemnation of the Iraqi war due to the mass deaths of civilians.
SS: Listen, you all just spoke about Britannia, so let me tell you this. All the companies who are working in joint venture with the Indian companies, or Indian companies who are working on license basis with the American and British companies, have been made an exception and excluded from the boycott. We want to safeguard the Indian interest from all manner. Secondly, what you've asked Mr. Matcheswala, I would like to tell you, I know few children, aged between eleven and thirteen, who reside in my building, went to Domino's and asked, "Is this American company?" To which, the personnel at Domino's, replied, "Obviously." The kids on hearing this, said sorry and moved out. They went to another place and asked, "Do you have Coke or Pepsi?" The person in charge over there replied, "No, we don't have Coke-Pepsi, we have Indian, all Indian drinks." They said, "Okay," and went in there and had something to drink. Outside schools, children are brushing-off brands like Ruffles. This is what is being felt by the children, they are feeling the same emotions. I would also like to tell you that people have been unhappy with the the behaviour of American government for quiet a while now. But the constant exposure of images of children, devastated residential areas, are fuelling up hatred against America, which is indeed is serious.
RB: Shahabuddin
bhai, one more question. I mean, I am sorry, we are also running out of time, but this question. The images of children crying, devastated communities, broken buildings were out even when Iraq was being bombed. Why wasn't such boycott organised then?
SS: I think, the people who were there then would be able to answer it in a better way. However, whatever had happened in Iraq then, had been condemned. I'll tell you, what Iraq had done then, many processions were held all over the world favouring it. But it was here in Mumbai where we staged a protest against Iraq, telling them what they had done was wrong. But even the way the American government has targeted civilians is wrong, is also wrong. But it isn't anything new for them. If a data of all the civilians killed till date all over the world is calculated, American administration would score higher than the killings done by the terrorist groups all around the world.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
American
Iraq
Mumbai
boycott
civilians
condemned
terrorist
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip Shahabuddin Shaikh narrates his views on the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, and how he, as a part of the Indian community, reacted to it.
RB: Shahab
bhai, as for the question of September 11 - when on September 11, the World Trade Centre in America was attacked, it was a terrorist attack. How did you'll reacted to that incident? Can you give us your views on it? Because this has to be placed in perspective.
SS: First of all, let me tell you that when this incident of terrorist attack had happened there, we like everybody else, felt the emotion of pain. Even felt the distress when we saw people falling from the buildings, heard the voices of people crying and screaming for help from within the building. We along with eighty-one other Muslim organisations had gone to meet the Consul General of America.
RB: When had this happened?
SS: This, see (pointing at a letter), we have the letter here.
RB: Yes, this is the 19th of September.
SS: 19th September.
RB: Right.
SS: Within just a week.
RB: Right.
SS: Just within a week.
RB: Right, and the letter says, this is for the information of our viewers, "We have called upon you, to present this letter addressing to the President of United States of America. We want to convey to the President, of our deep condolences from our community in India." And this has been given by eighty-one Muslim organisations to Mr. David (?), Consul General of United States of America, here in Mumbai, to be sent to the President of United States.
SS: Yes.
RB: Right. What happened after that?
SS: What had happened after that was - see, first of all what we did was, before giving this letter also, we had made an appeal to the people. By "we", I mean , all the intellectuals in here, everybody together, appealed that any kind of violence, procession, movement should not take place. Pray for all those people in America who had to go through such act of cruelty. And pray for our country, humanity, and for the ways in which Islam would be derogated here after. And our efforts were appreciated. I would also like to tell that some people assume that only way people react to such incidences are through violence. But I wanted them to know that people even use precautionary measures when they need to react. People agreed to the same, and even practised it. All over the world people did react to it, but it was in Mumbai where there was no reaction in terms of ruckus, everything was prevented.
RB: Right, and I think that just about puts things in perspective, at the manner in which, you know, the... First there was horror at the World Trade Centre bombings, and now there is the horror of the civilians being killed.
SS: Whoever did the attack in America on 11th September...
RB:Yes.
SS: They were terrorists. We loathe terrorism in every part of the world and at any level, anywhere in the world. But what if people who should end terrorism, themselves create terror? They went there to nab one person, but in the bargain devastated the people, children and their residences. Will this act be liked by people who stand by justice and humanity?
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
9/11
11th September
America
Consul General
Islam
Mumbai
World Trade Centre
humanity
terrorism
violence
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip, Mr Matcheswala and Shahabuddin Shaikh speak on preventing any violence in Mumbai during the period of the boycott.
RB: And one final round of question for all of you. I will start with you Dr. Matcheswala - how do we prevent any violence or tension from taking place in Mumbai? Now this is a question which I put to practically, everybody. How should we all work together to see that no tension starts of in Mumbai and no violence takes place over here? What do you have to say?
DM: See, basically I think - first of all the administration, I am very happy that, you know, so far the administration over here has taken a very, very, very positive attitude. And, you know, they are kind of organising things,
mohalla peace committee, they are in constant touch with our leaders, you know, Muslim community leaders and all kind of efforts have been seen that, you know, no unruly elements take advantage of this particular situation. And everybody is, now currently everybody in the city of Mumbai are, you know, after the 1992-93 riots, they are much matured and they finally have realised that by reacting in a negative ways, you know, kind of going to backfire to the people only. So people definitely are also very careful.
RB: And you think this boycott will not add to the tension?
DM: So far it has been a very peaceful way, so I hope it does not. And I don't think so.
RB: The boycott of Coke and Pepsi?
DM: No. Like in the past, many such boycotts have taken place over here in various kinds of, various political parties have boycotted in different ways.
RB: Right.
DM: Boycotted some musical programmes, and things like that.
RB: Right.
DM: There is nothing wrong in that.
SS: The people need to understand, Bajaj
saab. People need to understand that it's for the cause of humanity, hence there is no question of a clash. Secondly, even the police are looking at this with a positive approach. Even they are trying to make sure that no situation arises that could lead to clash. And what you (Dr. Matcheswala) had said, about the
mohalla committees, even they are being positive. If everyone tries, there will be no situations of fights and clashes.
RB: So do you feel that any sort of tension would arise in here?
SS: No, it shouldn't. We are taking all the precautionary measures, everyone is taking the precautionary measures.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Dr. Matcheswala
Mumbai
Muslim
boycott
community
mohalla
peace
tension
violence
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip Shahbuddin Shaikh speaks on behalf of the Muslim community.
SS: As I told you, whoever chooses the method of violence is out from our movement. If even a single family responds to our movement, we will think it's successful. If even a single fight, clash, or ruckus would take place, we will think our movement has failed. We want to remain on the path of non-violence.
SZ: The need of the hour is that the channels of communication between communities should be kept open. There should be more interaction. Muslims have a responsibility. They should put their case forth, forward in a manner which convinces the majority community that this is not directed against some particular section of the society. Same way...
RB: At the moment.
SZ: At the moment, it is also the responsibility of the majority community to convince - to see that the Muslim society, the way it's been hurt, and try to help heal the wounds
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Muslim
communication
community
majority
movement
non violence
Mr Shahabuddin Shaikh (SS), Islamic Chamber of Commerce, being interviewed by Rajiv K Bajaj (RB) on the show 'The Good, Bad and Ugly'on the channel 'In Mumbai' along with Mr. Sarfaraz Arzu (SZ), editor of the Urdu daily 'The Hindustan', and Mr. Yusuf Matcheswala (DM), consulting psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. The interview deals with the motives for the boycott for Coke and Pepsi, along with other American and British goods, and its effects. In the following clip, Sarfaraz Arzu and Shahabuddin Shaikh speak on how the boycott intends to avoid any tension or violence.
RB: But, as far as (?) is concerned, Sarfaraz
bhai, what do you think? To this day, the movement started by Shahabuddin Shaikh
saab, to boycott Coke and Pepsi, which is extended to all other American products - do you think that this could lead to tension?
SZ: No, I don't foresee, because this is the harmless way of putting forward one's ideas. This does not concern anybody else. There is no compulsion out here.
RB: Right. And as he said, if there is any violence, or if...
SZ: Obviously.
RB (Continuing): Anybody indulges in violence, that person will be ostracised.
SZ: Because, even after this call was made, there are still some outlets for these products which are working in Muslim dominated areas. That, that does not, that all, that also shows that there is no compulsion. Nobody is going out in the streets and asking people to shut down the shutters.
RB: Right.
SZ: Or shut down their refrigerators.
RB: Right, so you are not even picketing.
SZ: We are not picketing.
RB: OK, fine.
SS: Let me tell you, some people came up to me and told that Coke and Pepsi are being sold in some other areas. I asked them to come to my neighbourhood and check it by themselves. I'll tell you, hotels have hundred percent stopped selling. But there are a few cyber cafe owners, in nook and corners, who are stocking it. We know about it, we don't fight them, we try to convince them to stop it. And if, in our neighbourhoods and
mohallas, the sale of these products is in existence - just shows that we are going in a peaceful way. We make them understand that this is for the sake of humanity. It's fine if he joins us, and if not, it's his discretion. This is proof enough that we haven't digressed from the path of peace. Even today, trucks full of Coke and Pepsi roam in our areas.
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
American
Coke
Pepsi
Shahabuddin Shaikh
boycott
mohallas
picketing
tension
violence
BEST
Chaggan Bhujbal
Malegaon
NR: At last, important events once again.
Malegaon bombings hearing, to be investigated by Deputy Chief Minister, MR. Chaggan Bhujbal.
The mayor's (?) successful reinstatement, pushes back the BEST workers strike movement
After the decision for prohibition of bursting crackers after ten at night, Shiv Sena is preparing for a movement opposing the decision.
Now I take your leave, for more breaking news within twenty-four hours, keep watching 'In Time Marathi.' But before that, see you again on 'In Time Hindi' at nine-thirty in the night.
Namaskar (Greetings).
Shahabuddin Shaikh's office, Shalimar Cafe, Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai, India
Shiv Sena
The news headlines on the television channel 'In Mumbai' in the show 'In Time Marathi.'
A further discussion regarding these instances occurred just after the taping of this show. To view the same,
accessAn additional discussion regarding these events takes place between some members of the Dongri Mohalla Comittee at the office of ICHRL (India Centre for Human Rights and Law). To view the same,
access
prohibition
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