Four Nos and Four Yeses
Had India and China been friends, the 21st century would already have been Asian. With peace within itself, being vastly more developed, and flourishing regional trade, what is not there on this planet that is not here? Food, energy, technology, market! The Asians, who comprise more than half of humanity, could have created a better world of abundance and peace. But Asia is full of conflicts, and the neighbouring countries are neither peaceful nor likely to become so soon.
For centuries, China had been a distant, enigmatic neighbour to India. However, this relationship changed dramatically in 1950 when China’s incursion into Tibet altered the regional dynamics. The situation escalated further in 1962 when the Chinese army penetrated deep into Indian territory, an event that continues to cast a long shadow over the relations between the two countries.
I visited China in October 2002. Dr Kalam had just become the President of India, and I was invited as co-author of his autobiography ‘Wings of Fire’, later translated into Chinese. I returned there in 2004 to explore if we could work out a medical exchange programme and visited the grand memorial of the Indian doctor Dwarakanath Shantaram Kotnis (1910-1942), who sacrificed his life treating Chinese revolutionaries in the 1930s as a volunteer. In 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao came to India, and I had the honour of meeting him at Rashtrapati Bhavan. I can still feel the warm and firm grasp of his handshake.
President Jintao was a sagacious charmer. Everyone felt comfortable in his presence, and an impression was created that China and India could finally become friends and formidable powers. Dr Kalam especially liked President Jintao’s doctrine of ‘Four nos and four yeses’. The four nos were – no to hegemony, no to force, no to blocs and no to arms. The four yeses were – confidence building, reducing difficulties, developing cooperation and avoiding confrontation. India remained a cauldron of anxiety. Dr Kalam asked me, “Why can’t our leaders think and talk so straightforwardly? Why do we love rhetoric, long speeches and endless arguments?”
I made my fourth China visit in 2007, more or less a repeat of the 2004 visit, but this time in the company of cardiologist Dr B Soma Raju to explore if what was not possible at the government level could be achieved through private channels. The Chinese translation of my second book with Dr Kalam, ‘Guiding Souls’, was released during this visit. Our mission failed. I made three more visits to China in 2010 and twice in 2011 to explore Chinese medical equipment, replacing European and US brands in India to lower costs, but I realised in the end that it would never happen.
In 2012, President Xi Jinping succeeded Hu Jintao. When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he came to India and sat with him on a swing on the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. Chinese investment in India steadily rose, and then COVID-19 happened. While the Western world accused China of spreading the pandemic, India maintained a cautious silence. But in June 2020, Chinese troops clandestinely entered Indian territory. Indian soldiers dispelled them in a face-off that had many casualties on both sides. Tensions continued through 2021 and until the end of 2022.
During the closing ceremony of China’s 20th Party Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 22, 2022, which marked a violation of the tradition of a Chinese President serving a maximum term of 10 years, seated to President Xi’s left, his predecessor Hu Jintao, now 79 years old, chose the moment to disagree with his successor concentrating power by breaking tradition. In full public view, Mr Jintao was hustled from his chair and led out of the hall.
So, where will ‘Xi Jinping Forever China’ go from here? Is India forever locked in an impasse with its hostile neighbours, and will a peaceful Asia never become the new centre of the world? Righty called the Amrit Kaal, in the period from now to 2047, when India would complete a century of independence, how can India accomplish its peaceful ascent in the world? Would it adjust and accommodate the rise of China? Or contain China by joining hands with Japan, Australia and the United States? American poet Robert Frost (1874-1963), became immortal for his poem, The Road Not Taken:
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.
What could be the ‘Four nos and four yeses’ for India? I hardly have the competence to handle such matters, so I discussed it with my knowledgeable friends and imagined what Dr Kalam would have answered. Interestingly, I found the answer not in innovation but in tradition. Our ancients laid out our ‘Four nos and four yeses’ for whoever was willing to follow them
Our ancient literature is full of guidance. For example, the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita perscribed temperance in both eating and conduct (युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु, 6.17) acquring skills in work (योग: कर्मसु कौशलम्, 2.50), and enterprise that is good for all (लोकसंग्रहमेवापि संपश्यन्कर्तुमर्हसि, 3.20). So, without any ‘ifs and buts’, our ‘Four nos’ can be: no to consumeristic lifestyles and living by temperance instead; no to the loss of jobs by automation by encouraging local industries; no to the corporate takeover of public utilities and revamping cooperatives; and no to all such consumer goods that are not manufactured indigenously.
Our ancients gave us a universal vision. Sayings like, the world is a large family (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्), let all be free from diseases (सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः), an uneducated human being is no better than an animal (येषां न विद्या . . . मनुष्यरूपेण मृगाश्चरन्ति), and protection of people’s property and provision to the ‘have nots’ are declared as the duty of the government (योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम्) are popularly used as mottos by our organisations and businesses. Why can they not be followed also? This makes our ‘Four yeses’, global positioning, a sound public health system, education to create human resources for the world economy, and robust security and defence systems.
The commercialisation of education is the biggest tragedy in modern India. I say so because its effects are far-reaching and long-lasting. When inadequately and improperly educated children grow up and occupy positions, their poor performance produces immense misery for everyone, and economic loss and danger to the nation’s sovereignty. The entire future gets compromised. In the 8th century, Narayana, in his collection of short stories, Hitopadesha, defined education subtly but most aptly.
विद्यां ददाति विनयं विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्।
पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति धनात् धर्म ततः सुखम्॥
Education creates humility, and from humility, one attains deservingness. From deservingness, one obtains wealth; from wealth comes righteousness, and from that, happiness.
Is it complicated? Can’t we understand it? The interests of a billion-and-a-half people can’t be hijacked to fight egoistic battles and serve vested interests, which, unfortunately, our political leaders are cherishing. There is hardly any consensus on anything. How can it be?
The Indian civilisation is among the oldest in the world, though I consider it original and eternal. It has survived all sorts of assaults, implosions, degradation and degeneration. This means that the Indian civilisation will not end by whoever and whatever. Having survived and outlived most other civilisations, it will overcome even the current logjam and only flourish.
AI will sweep away the petty games of deception and falsehood. Those who prepare themselves to embrace the new world will flourish; those who ignore or oppose will wither away. Please ponder upon the four yeses and four nos in your life and work; the nation will take care of itself. Dr Kalam was fond of reciting an analect of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius in his lectures:
If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.
If there will be order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.
Have peace in your heart and mind, and create order within your four walls. The rest will be taken care of.
MORE FROM THE BLOG
Reskilling in the Era of AI
I arrived in Hyderabad in 1982, and since there were no official housing options, I rented a section of a house in the Vidyanagar neighbourhood. From there, I would take the local train to Uppuguda, and as a form of physical exercise…
The Idea of Universal Orthopraxy
The Mahakumbh Mela, one of the largest gatherings of people for religious purposes worldwide, has just concluded in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years by rotation at four locations—at Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganga River…
The Fabric of the Universe
Nestled in a family and career, it may appear a little unsettling to consider oneself part of a cosmos, primarily unknown. But when this realisation dawns that not only one but everyone else around, and indeed everything, are a mere part of a larger drama that is rolling out…
Dear Sir, This piece beautifully encapsulates the missed opportunities and deep complexities in the India-China relationship. The notion that the 21st century could have been an ‘Asian century’ resonates strongly, especially when we consider the immense potential that both nations hold. The reflections on Dr. Kalam’s interactions with Chinese leaders and the contrast in leadership styles provide a unique perspective on what could have been a transformative partnership. It’s a reminder that while political and historical tensions have shaped the present, there’s still a need for visionary leadership and mutual respect to overcome these challenges. The idea of embracing our ancient wisdom, as you suggest with the ‘Four nos and four yeses,’ could pave the way for a more balanced and prosperous future for both nations. Thank you for this thought-provoking read!”
Happy independence day Sir.
May I recall the principle of seven social sins made famous in India by Mahatma Gandhi in 1925 .These are 1. wealth without work, 2. pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice, and politics without principles. It is such an irony that all seven sins are rampant and three more are added, namely, political work for money, medicine as commerce, and fake news for communication. Thank you for raising such important issues.
The idea of Four nos and four yeses is brilliant, and as many thoughtful commentators have already brought out, it is applicable at every level. I don’t eat meat, smoke, speak harshly with anyone, or take anything that does not belong to me. I am at the service of the needy, my parents are my priority, and I am content and anchored in my area of work (software development). These are my simple yeses and nos.
I would like to add here the newly circulated idea of guard rails and guide rails.
Guide rails are policies that focus on principles that set boundaries (hence ‘guardrails‘) around the approaches that should be taken to strategy implementation and operations. They are risk management tools. Guide rails are business processes, protocols, and workflows that should be followed to achieve consistency, meet specified standards, meet scope requirements, and ensure compliance. They, therefore, offer less flexibility and keep people ‘on track’ to perform certain functions in specified ways (hence “guide rails“).
Respected Sir, fascinating blog. Guidelines like “four noes and four yess’ are like skeletal structures. They connect what you do know and what might work best, giving you leeway for your creativity. Clear-cut “yeses” and “nos” are what allow you not to have to start from scratch, but at the same time put your own excellent individual unique spin on something.
Aside from that, “yeses” and “nos” guidelines are needed because all things have their place, and sometimes specific particulars may not be applicable, being that every situation is, in itself, its new situation. The law of variability states this. So, therefore, “yeses” and “nos” give you structure but allow for freedom simultaneously.
Sir, thank you for sharing snippets of your experiences with us through your blog. It sheds light on ever-evolving dynamics between India and China. Your visits to China highlight the missed opportunities, and the potential future between the two nations. This blog offers a glimpse of what the future India’s relations with China might look like under the same leadership. The answers we seek are often right in our backyard, we just need to know where to look, as you mentioned our ancient literature is full of guidance.
Education creates humility, and from humility, one attains deservingness. From deservingness, one obtains wealth; from wealth comes righteousness, and from that, happiness. This statement captures the profound impact that education can have on personal transformation. Humility is the greatest quality one can possess and often the most overlooked.
This article serves as a reminder of the possibilities for a prosperous and peaceful Asia provided it’s nations address their differences and work towards shared goals.
Sir, Patanjali Muni declared a code of conduct for the welfare of mankind. Obeying the Yama-Niyam is commendable for all worldly and detached seekers. Yama is ‘not doing’ and is concerned with morality. Niyam is’ doing’ and is concerned with disciplined conduct. Both are very close and have interdependent principles.
अहिंसासत्यास्तेयब्रह्मचर्यापरिग्रहा यमाः
(अहिंसा, सत्य, अस्तेय, ब्रह्मचर्य, अपरिग्रहा:, यमाः)
The five abstinence are non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possessiveness. (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.30)
शौचसंतोषतपः स्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः
(शौच, संतोष, तपः, स्वाध्याय ईश्वर, प्रणिधानानि, नियमा:)
The five rules are purity, satisfaction, austerity, study of the Vedas, and meditation on the Lord. (2.32)
These are the Five Yeses and Five Nos declared by our ancients.
Pointing out the shortcomings in nation building have been insightful. The 4 Nos plus 4 Yeses gives the direction for a unified world for a world leader. Holding on to power indefinitely will bring retardation only – due to the difficulty to let the power go. Never peering out over the edges to look at other possibilities will do little to strengthen the system. It is important to infuse energetic vibe which is possible only after relinquishing the post righteously in the interest of the nation-system. Once realization of the truth prevails, renunciation will find its way to see life is rich with delights.
‘To me ‘Four Nos and Four Yeses’ is not just a political blog by Professor Arun Tiwari jee, it is message of life. The situational adamancies shown by countries or the people hardly lasts long but glitters for the time being. However, flexible relations last long and the phenomenon of togetherness brings prosperity and strength in neighborhoods. The adamancy in human behavior also breaks the relationship but flexibility lasts life long, ego destroys but humility sustains.
The ‘Four Nos and Four Yeses’ is not just a statement but lesson.
May GOD shower all blessing to us follow path that lasts long.
Thank you Arun ji. The last part of Confucius message recited by Dr Kalam and asked the students and others to repeat is very emotional and memorable.
Thank you, Arunji, for this insightful article. The analect from Confucius is truly profound, and if I recall correctly, even Dr. Kalam referenced it in the EU Parliament. The thought resonates deeply.
I completely agree with your views on the commercialization of education. While the current system may have some advantages, its drawbacks seem to far outweigh the benefits. The present generation’s disconnection from the deeper aspects of life, the overall well-being of the nation, and even harmonious family living are clear indicators of this issue.
The concept of the Four Yeses and Four Nos is indeed compelling. Given the current state of our self-centered democratic system, achieving alignment on these principles at a national level, across party lines, appears challenging. However, India has always thrived through grassroots movements. If we can foster a people’s movement around these ideas, it may provide a viable path forward during this amrit-kaal as we work towards Vision 2047.
Valuable guidance in this blog, Prof. Tiwari Ji: “Cultivate inner peace and external harmony.” This timeless advice, while simple, holds profound implications. It is essential to integrate these principles into our daily lives.
A very well written and thought provoking piece sir. For me, the key takeaway, simple yet timeless, borderless and infinite – “Have peace in your heart and mind, and create order within your four walls. The rest will be taken care of”.
Grateful for the timely message Sir, indeed we need to set several nos and yeses in our lives without forgetting that we are not the last generation of humanity to inhabit this planet earth!
Dear Prof
A beautiful piece of advice on several fronts – personal living, national harmony and international peace.
It all starts with the individual – “peace in your heart and mind, and create order within your four walls”.