TV channels celebrated another Indian Victory after Vijay Mallya brought back Baapu's belongings. News channels declared Mallya's win as the show of Indian strength and money power to the world. I always had a feeling that television media has never been able to cover the real issues of the country. They always concentrate on stupid controversies, while real issues went unnoticed.
Gandhiji considered drinking as a social evil which can hinder the progress of our nation. Now Mallya has managed to get his belongings using the money from his liquor business. I can’t see any reason why we should celebrate this; on the other hand we all should be ashamed. Gandhiji's trademark is simplicity, its an irony that his belongings went to someone who is exactly opposite, who lives a luxurious fast paced life.
Otis has approached Government of India to avoid the auction. In return he has asked the government to spend 5% of the GDP for health and sanitation of the poor. I think Gandhiji would have preferred Otis to have his belongings than Mallya. At least he understands what Gandhian principles is all about. Finally Government claimed that they brought the pride possessions through Mallya in order to save their face. However Mallya has rubbished this claim quickly and announced that the government has nothing to do with the auction.
I believe we shouldnt worry too much about his spectacles and other personal belongings. We should pay attention to what he taught us. His ideology of simple life style has great relevance in today's world where people struggle to pay off their credit cards.
The commercial value of Baapu is sky high. Lage Raho Munnabhai, has proved this fact. He still lives in the heart of millions of people around the world. Many think Gandhian principles are difficult to practice now. However, living a simple life has its advantages. It will make us less complex human beings. The mad race behind money is not going to take us anywhere.
13 comments:
Who was it that told about Gandhiji, "it would be unbelievable for coming generations that such a man lived in this world"; was it Lincoln?
Guess what he meant is slowly becoming true, Mahatma Gandhi is a wonder... Imagine convincing our children that he secured freedom using Ahimsa!! Would they believe you? Especially at this times of war-business, terrorism and all?
Even his "hartal" ideas have been degraded to anti-people policies by those sucking politicos..
So if liquor- baron Mallya succeeded to bring home Mahatmaji's personal valuables then we can pat him on his back. I think the soul of the great man will be happy Ajith, :), as the world has changed.
Remember the "Gandhi" or "commando" ad? Thats the times...sad, but what can we do?
Completely agree that we should focus on living as he did with simplicity as much as possible..
And yeah completely with you when you write that how do Gandhiji's material possessions matter?We have to carry him in our hearts.
Yeah the Indian govt is pretty shameless ..trying to get cedit for something it had no hand in...
About Otis's condition ...while it is quite a noble one (though I have doubts about the real intention) but it is not possible for any Democratic govt to divert its GDP merely on the whime of an individual,..however thats my personal thinking..
''However, living a simple life has its advantages. It will make us less complex human beings. The mad race behind money is not going to take us anywhere.''
Absolutely..!
a very relevant post Ajith:)
when I read about this incident, I remember one of Lage raho munna film dialogues... in which bappu says:
remove me from all courts, remove all my statues, but remember me in your hearts!!!
that is more important than mere specs.... and media should not give that much importance to Mallya bringing it back....
and the gov. acted so stupidly...
@scorpio - It was Albert Einstein who wrote: "Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth."
Times are sad.. may be after the recession, people will understand the importance of following Gandhian principles :)
@ Indyeah - Even I haven't heard of Otis before, but his demands suggest that he believes in Gandhian principles. That makes him a better person to safeguard Baapu's belongings.
Yes govt will have practical difficulties in agreeing to an individual's demand, but they never really tried to negotiate with Otis.
Living a simple life is not that difficult :) is it?
@Ajit - That was one of my fav scenes in tht movie :)
What more can one expect from the media where shah rukh's six packs takes up the prime time instead of lack of primary education and electricity in far flung villages.
Wish this drama had never happened....
Our politicians and their "loved ones" will continue to use Gandhiji for their own means...
nd imagine how much money these people r making if they are willing to part with it! but then such "magnamimous" acts are only a part of the game.
As a nation we will continue to forget Gandhiji and for some he has already become obsolete..
but his ideas are still as relevant as ever and it needs to be spread with more seriousness.
A great post Ajith..
Very well said, although I am not a great believer of Gandhian principles. Indian Government made a complete fool of "itself" on this whole issue. How did those personal belongings end up with Otis anyway? Of course living a simple life makes life less complex but in todays world nobody is going to live simple and that is ground reality.
PS: Do you always have to pick on SRK :X (*sigh):D
@HK - Gandhi's name is dragged in to every issue by our politicians who never realise the greatness of the man.
@Seema - Gandhian principles are difficult to follow in current scenario. But i still believe that if people can distinguish wants and needs, and stop chasing money and fame, they can live a better life.
Regarding SRK - sorry seema, I hate him :)
money speaks...principles die...
and gandhi turns in his grave...
amen to the troubled times and to the 'modern' world..
Like you rightly said, we should not be harping on some material things such as spectacles rather be focused on how best to implement Gandhian philosophies to the betterment of the nation and its people!
Good thoughts!
i think the real valuble things that Mahatma Gandhi has given us is his ideology..
n i dont think no one can put an auction on that...
Ajith, Totally agree with everything you have said.. It is indeed sad that nothing with the Mahatma stood for is evident in today's politicians yet they go through that elaborate drama to get his possesions back to India.. It is indeed pathetic!
Post a Comment