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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

‘Tiger’ backs ‘Cockroach’

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) became the first political party to openly support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched by a Maharashtra youth Abhijeet Dipke who launched a huge protest in New Delhi on Saturday. In a strong statement, SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind the CJP as thousands of youngsters hit the streets of New Delhi in the scorching sun, not for politics but for their future. “Those whom we call the architects of the nation's future have come...

‘Tiger’ backs ‘Cockroach’

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) became the first political party to openly support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched by a Maharashtra youth Abhijeet Dipke who launched a huge protest in New Delhi on Saturday. In a strong statement, SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind the CJP as thousands of youngsters hit the streets of New Delhi in the scorching sun, not for politics but for their future. “Those whom we call the architects of the nation's future have come out carrying their pain, frustration and anxiety about their future. It is wrong to ridicule them as ‘cockroaches’ and deny them justice,” said the SS (UBT) Tiger. Thackeray said the recent NEET paper leak scandal had shattered the dreams of lakhs of students and their families, raising questions in the minds of youngsters whether merit still matters – as the movement which started on social media has spilled onto the streets across the country. “All these aggrieved young men and women are now raising their voices by becoming ‘cockroaches’. The government must listen to their demands. Do not underestimate the ‘cockroaches’ – this is the warning given by the agitation (today) at Jantar Mantar,” said Thackeray sharply. The SS (UBT)’s supportive stance came against the backdrop of mounting anger among students over the alleged irregularities in major public examinations like NEET, CBSE, CUET, and recruitment processes, which has shaken confidence in the country's education system. The Protest Around dawn, Dipke, 30 – who launched the online movement three weeks ago from the USA – reached India as thousands of supporters waited patiently and peacefully near the Parliament Street Police Station. Many waved the National Tricolour, copies of the Constitution or books of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, others carried flowers which they offered to the 1000-plus alert security personnel deployed there, and several sported symbolic cockroach masks. In a brief address, Dipke accused the government of focusing more on the CJP’s online presence than on the serious issues raised by the students. “You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space,” he roared, amid loud cheers and thundering applause from the crowd. He said there must be accountability in the form of the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, failing which the CJP will continue its protests in New Delhi and also other parts of India. Anticipating detention after his homecoming, Dipke: “I was fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom for this cause.” In a warm gesture, environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk arrived from Ladakh to join the protest, declared himself as an ‘Honorary cockroach’ and expressed solidarity with Dipke. “People ask what is achieved through protests, sit-ins and marches. It proves that we are alive. The government may treat us like insects, but we are alive and capable of fighting for our rights,” mocked the CJP in a social media statement The CJP volunteers repeatedly urged the protestors to maintain decorum and make their impact in a democratic manner, which the crowds adhered to, but raised full-throated slogans intermittently, even as the protest ended without any untoward incidents. Incidentally, the Delhi Police granted permission for the demonstrations by allowing the crowds to gather directly at Jantar Mantar grounds as a ‘one-time exemption’. Demonstrations expressing solidarity to the cause were held in different parts of the country while tight security was deployed outside Dipke’s home in Chhatrapati Sambhajinar. Why are students forced to agitate?: Aaditya Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray said why the students are being compelled to agitate when they should be planning out academic future and career options. “The young students exposed the NEET leak scam, or the CBSE marks scandal. The minister should have resigned or should have been sacked, some officials have been transferred but not suspended. The government should be ashamed of the situation,” said Aditya.

Four Must-Have Insurances

In financial planning, most people focus on returns. They want to know which mutual fund to buy, which stock can grow, or where they can earn the highest return. But before chasing returns, one important question must be asked: is your family financially protected if something unexpected happens?


Life Is About Probability

The probability of facing dengue, malaria, cancer, liver issues, kidney problems, heart issues, an accident, or any major medical emergency may not be 100%, but it is certainly not 0% either. Since we cannot predict these events, we need to prepare for them. That is where insurance comes in.


Insurance Transfers Your Risk

Insurance simply means transferring a large financial risk from yourself to an insurance company by paying a comparatively small premium. The premium may feel like an expense, but if an unfortunate event actually happens, the benefit received can be much larger and can ensure that your family’s dreams and financial goals are not disturbed.


1. Health Insurance: Protects Your Savings

You may be saving and investing for your child’s education, child’s marriage, retirement, home purchase, vacations, and other important goals. But one large hospital bill can disturb years of savings. Health insurance protects your savings and investments by ensuring that the money kept for your goals is used for those goals only. It also helps you access good quality treatment without having to beg or borrow money in a medical emergency.


In health insurance, the benefit is generally used to pay the hospital for treatment. One important point: never depend only on your employer’s insurance. It may be insufficient, may lack necessary product features, and may stop when you change jobs. More importantly, it will cease to exist when you take a sabbatical or retire. At that stage, you may not be able to apply for fresh health insurance easily, especially if there is a past medical history.


2. Term Life Insurance: Protects Your Family Term life insurance protects your family if you die too early.


For example, if a person aged 40 passes away suddenly, the income that the family expected from that person till the age of 55 or 60 stops immediately. The family’s dreams, lifestyle, children’s education, and financial security can all get affected. A term insurance policy pays money to the family after death, helping them maintain their standard of living and continue their important goals.


3. Critical Illness Insurance: Protects Your Income A major illness like cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, heart-related illness, or any other serious condition may not only lead to hospitalisation, but also stop you from working for many months. During this time, income may reduce or stop. A critical illness policy generally gives a lumpsum or income benefit, which can help compensate for lost income. Unlike health insurance, where the hospital receives the money, here you are usually the beneficiary.


4. Personal Accident Insurance: Protects You From Disability Risk


An accident can lead to temporary disability, permanent disability, long hospitalisation, or inability to work for a long period. A personal accident policy provides financial support in such situations and helps protect your family’s standard of living. Like critical illness insurance, here as well, you are the beneficiary.


Final Thought

Insurance may not look exciting, but it protects everything that is exciting: your dreams, investments, family, and future.


(The author is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

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