Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, and Narendra Modi, the present one, are diametrically opposite to each other. Take any parameter, from boorishness to sophistication or religious views, and these two men would remain poles apart. Is it Nehru’s towering presence in history that intimidates Modi into hurling ceaseless allegations against him? Today, 14 Nov, is Nehru’s birth anniversary and Modi’s tweet was uncharacteristically terse. It said, “Tributes to former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on the occasion of his birth anniversary.” Somebody posted a trenchant cartoon in the comments section. Nehru had his flaws, no doubt. He was as human as Modi. But what made him a giant while Modi remains a dwarf – as in the cartoon above – is the way they viewed human beings. For Nehru, all human beings mattered, irrespective of their caste, creed, language, etc. His concept of secularism stands a billion notches above Modi’s Hindutva-nationalism. Nehru’s ide...
Yup !!
ReplyDeleteWhoever said religion makes people compassionate !!
Just today read that a guy was being paralysed by virtue of Sharia law !!
I never understand justice as described by religious fanatics !!
Wasn't religion the biggest business throughout human history?
DeleteOh yes !! A very succeessful one. Prospering on peoples' insecurities and fears :)
DeleteI can't even begin to interpret. No, go even beyond; I would not even know where to begin to interpret. This is the truth, the complete truth and nothing but the truth. So, help me.
ReplyDeleteRE
Have you ever come across an Indira Gandhi in Emergency?
DeleteI lived through one; indeed, when she lost the election in its aftermath I was at Ground Zero or near abouts, n Kanpur. But, your offering is overhead transmission for me; my bad.
ReplyDeleteRE
The story continues in the next post.
DeleteWhoah!! What imagery!! So clinically executed to perfection!
ReplyDeleteLife teaches us such perfection though rather painfully.
Deletepainfully perfect, searingly indifferent and making huge and expected impact. stunning!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meenakshi. By the time I retire I may perfect myself as a poet, it seems. :)
Delete