This one’s probably one of the boring posts on this blog. It is also the one with the least possible direction or decisiveness, however the aim of this blog is to remain objective and maybe a lack of direction would in fact do good to the write.
It was a wall photo by a certain anti Gandhian or a realist on facebook which got me thinking. The photo showed a revolver bearing Godse and frail looking Gandhi in the same frame. Probably it was the scene of execution from one of the many movies on Gandhi. The description took a more-than-obvious dislike for Gandhi and in some way even glorified the assassination. The author seemed to be a very, in fact a fanatic patriot with an Om tattooed on his wrist. The author made his intentions clear that he wanted to defame Gandhi.
I’m not going to make a comment on Gandhi’s actions, nor am I willing to make further observations on the author’s ideology or the feelings of the hundreds who commented badly on Gandhi, but what I can’t help wondering is how easy it has become for us to criticize our elders, leaders or legends. It’s only human to forget the great deeds and point fingers when someone is wrong, but Gandhi? Even Gandhi?
While growing up, we were told to ask questions, not to accept anything blindly, stand up to authority and not be scared of anyone. Ofcourse, Bravery or courage can be seen a lot these days, some real and appreciable, and some stupid and wannabe-heroic. Does that give me the authority to think no one’s bigger than me? Or does it make me any bigger than I really am?

Another example would be the legendary players of the Indian cricket team, be it Rahul Dravid or Sachin Tendulkar we are eager to pin them to the ground and even be preposterous enough to accuse them of being selfish! Or anything that feels insulting. Have they not showed what they are made of over such a long time? Even the mighty fall someday, but that doesn’t give anyone the right to add insult. What I’m trying to ask here is that are we so desperate to display our unruliness? Are we so self obsessed that nothing means anything?
It’s true that certain teachings or ideas may lose relevance over time. It’s also true that things change with time, and they should. We need to adapt ourselves to the changes and keep pace, but that doesn’t mean we have to forget what our old ones said. If not practice, believe or respect, at least we can resist insults.
It’s true that certain teachings or ideas may lose relevance over time. It’s also true that things change with time, and they should. We need to adapt ourselves to the changes and keep pace, but that doesn’t mean we have to forget what our old ones said. If not practice, believe or respect, at least we can resist insults.
hello there.. this comment might be a lengthy one.. sorry, but couldn't control..
ReplyDeleteI have a book, completely made up of extracts from Leg. Gandhi's personal diary (India Of My Dreams), I guess. I shared similar negatively-shaded views about Gandhi and his deeds. But after going through his 'diary', I realized the intellect of that person.. He had a whole idea of what he was doing, and also the negative effects it would render, if the actors in the WHOLE PLAN didn't perform well. And my friend, the latter happened. We, the common people, actors, failed.
Godse had sense, which would influence many, but to understand Gandhi, one requires a broader sense!!
And as per me, DEED is basically, thought->action->MAINTENANCE....
you can't blame the 'thought' when you encounter failure in the MAINTENANCE...
it is just like blaming parents for your failures!!!!