Thursday, February 4, 2010

Patriotism or Hooliganism?

People in politics are not going to win nor gain by the divisive politics and ‘state spirit’ jingoism. The policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ followed by the British is sadly taken up by our politicians. It reminds of the story of two goats which fought fiercely and the clever monkey who went away with the meal. India has more serious challenges and threats to tackle. Why not concentrate on these, than play petty politics on some insignificant divisive strategies?

What Mr. Bachchan has done (by turning down the award from Australia in the wake of a spate of attacks on Indians in that country) is laudable and reflects his concern and urge to identify with the problems of the fellow country men. Every one can have his/her own take in any issue without affecting the unity and integrity of the country. That’s the true spirit of Democracy !!

Revelling in regional/ cultural heritage is one thing and using the same to divide the nation, to denigrate/ drive away people from other parts of the country from Mumbai/ Maharashtra is another thing. Instead of debating on this issue, the government should be courageous to stop at any cost any filthy move to divide the nation on the basis of religion or region. Or else India will be shattered by the regional political parties into mere pieces of land without a soul. India is for all Indians (Indians in the true spirit)

The war of words between the SS chief, RG and SRK is but a futile exercise. Regarding SRK, he is not the film industry. Infact there are thousands of people/ petty workers toiling in the industry. By targeting or preventing the screening of the particular movie, SS is clearly exhibiting its hooliganism and is sure alienating itself from the masses/ working class (if it cares for them?). The bus diplomacy and the Kargil war that followed the infiltration of the terrorists from the ‘great neighbourhood’ is worth mentioning in this context. Diplomacy and gestures of friendship were never greeted in the same manner by the ‘great neighbourhood’ ('great neighbourhood' in SRK’s own words). Innocents have been killed by terrorists and in bloody wars. It is both ironical and hypocritical that our soldiers have sacrificed their precious lives for us to safely watch the cricket matches(played with the people from this ‘great neighbour’ country against whom they have fought). It's true all are not same and there is no point in reviving the wounds of the past and hostility.The good and the bad exist everywhere. Bollywood has a huge fan following in Pakistan. Cinema can transcend beyond boundaries and abridge the chasm and enemity. But caution has to be exercised in dealing with the 'great neighbour' and lessons have still to be learnt from the past incidents. Before making 'flaring up' remarks casually, it would be wise if one shows enough discretion. It's between states and not individuals. But individuals such as the celebrities owe as much responsibility while making comments.

Cricket has lost its spirit as a sport/ game. In the era of blind and wretched commercialisation, cricketers have but demoted to 'bunch of puppets' in the hands of commercial barons. When there is money to make, everything else can take a back seat. It’s time to remember the lessons of the school days. Vande mataram!!!!

3 comments:

  1. It seems you have whipped the politicians for their petty politics with state spirit. But in my opinion the common public are like that. Everywhere they, including Kerala, behave rude on outsider forgetting we are Indians. The bitter truth is, few think that attacking outsider or refusing privilege to out sider is true patriotism or so called state spirit. First common public irrespective of education or money one should start practice and conceive in mind that we are Indians. Your article is very interesting and hope it will enlighten few minds at least. All the best for many more reflections. Anbu Munusamy

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  2. If a chasm exists in the mind of the public based on regions/languages, it is aggravated by the politicians for their own cause as seen in the present situation. If a change is sought for the better,it is best when each one of us is that change and inspire others for that change in attitude. 'Little drops maketh a mighty ocean'. Hope the readers don't mind the little 'gyans' and 'bhashans' in this forum.

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