‘As Desired- I
Respond’
J.L. Gupta
A
recent post on the blog – ‘A Good Change’ has got two primarily critical
comments. The basic theme is – Can a poor country like India afford such lavish
luxury and ostentation?
I
see the point. But what is our tradition? ‘Atithi Devo Bhav!’ A poor man spends
his last penny at the marriage of his child. Why? To prove to the village that
he is no less than anyone else. A lavish hospitality is a part of our tradition
and when the President of India hosts a foreign Head of State, it is much more
than a mere meal. It is a package of Commerce, Diplomacy and Trade. In the
process, some of our people get employment too. The trade & commerce
flourish.
Still
more, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is a symbol of the world’s largest democracy. It
shines and dazzles. May I share a small incident?
In
the year 2006, we were in Bern, Switzerland. It is the country’s capital. And
we were in front of the Federal Palace – the Parliament House. There was no
guard. No one in any kind of uniform. Can we get in? Can we see the Swiss
legislature in session? Can we get some literature about the country’s system
of governance? Different thoughts were crossing the mind.And suddenly, we saw
two gentlemen coming out. They looked friendly. One smiled. “Tourists?” Yes! I
responded. “From where?” India. “What part of India?” New Delhi. “Oh! I have
been to India. Stayed in the Viceregal Lodge.” You mean the Rashtrapati Bhavan
– the President’s house? “Oh yes! Have you seen it?”
My son answered for me. Papa is a former Chief
Justice. He has attended a few functions at the Presidential palace.
“Oh! We have lot of regard for
Justices. What can we do for you? Like to look around? Would you be interested
in knowing about our system?” He caught me by the arm. Lead us to a room.
Explained a few things. Answered a few questions. Picked up a few pamphlets and
gave them to me. And then he told the gentleman with him to take care of us. A
warm handshake and a friendly smile. He walked out of the room and continued on his way.
Finally, it was time to part. We
thanked him profusely. He took care to give us two visiting cards. And then I
discovered that the man with the friendly smile was Mr. Pascal Couchepin,
Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs – the
Swiss counterpart of our Union Home Minister.
No gunmen. No pilot or escort cars.
No hooters. No disturbance to anyone. He had just walked to his car and driven
away. And then the Coach driver asked me – how do you know the former President
of Switzerland? Oh yes! Mr. Pascal Couchepin was the Swiss President in the
year 2003. And this was a pleasant encounter. And what he remembered of India
was the RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN. It makes an impact.
Alternative?
Convert it into a hotel? The US President flies in Air Force I. Carries his own
cars. The British have their Castles and Palaces. Despite economic constraints.
Why can’t we Indians forget slavery?
Spot on!! The pseudo leftists who question you have made 'rich' a dirty four letter word. It makes no difference if the rich are the very people who have improved the lives of millions of 'aam aadmi' who come from 'villages and towns'. In every system, there will be the few who will rise above others by their hard work, foresight and enterprise. They will in this process uplift uncountable others from their despair and poverty. But some will grudge the fruits of this hard work, foresight and enterprise in the name of 'aam aadmi'. The message is clear. The 'aam aadmi' wants and aspires to uplift himself. He wants none of your pseudo leftist politics. Go home, work hard, stop misleading people.
ReplyDeleteReading something and understanding it, are two distinct abilities. Using one without the other will invariably yield incoherent thoughts.
DeleteAs to the remark “pseudo leftist”, you have fallen into naivety and superficiality by believing that anyone who happens to talk about “aam aadmi” and “towns and villages” rather than exalting rich and mighty, is really a leftist and has to be dealt with in a derogatory manner. It seems that McCarthyism is well and alive in India.
Jai Hind
Preaching something and practicing it, are two distinct intentions. Doing the former without bothering about the latter will invariably expose your shallow intent.
DeleteAs to the remark that 'McCarthyism is well and alive in India', you sir have fallen into naivety and superficiality by believing that anyone who opposes your effort to belittle the work of the rich in the name of 'aam aadmi' and 'villages' is really anti a genuine leftist agenda. Not to mention by alleging McCarthyism, you admit the pseudo leftist approach.
Peace be with you.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI am sorry if I ruffled some feathers. Your rebuttal makes a lot of sense now.
DeleteWa alaikum assalaam and Jai Hind
great post....
ReplyDeletewww.mavinmis.com
National assets like Rashtrapati Bhavan and Taj Mahal are India's pride . Ceremonial functions should be held at such places with a sense of legitimate pride .
ReplyDeleteI take pride in belonging to a land with 32 world heritage sites,Taj Mahal, habitation caves of Ajanta and Ellora , Khajuraho temples, Mosques, Makbaras, forts, palaces, magnificently laid Mughal gardens and thousands of other monuments representing Indian cultural heritage. These were built by dedicated natives, kings and emperors (Mughals included), spanning over thousands of years, some for their own use and many for aam aadmis to enjoy. Yet, I never thought of Viceroy House (now Rashtrapati Bhavan) as signifying my cultural heritage. The imposing building with 340 rooms was planned and designed by a British architect for the British Viceroys to glorify the colonial Raj. It was at that time an impressive stately palace devoid of Indian culture. Indians paid for it and thousands of Indian laborers toiled for 17 years and yet after completion and until British left, Indians were kept at a distant from it. The only interesting Indian connection with it was that Sir Sobha Singh, father of legendary writer Khushwant Singh, was a contractor on this building.
DeleteNow that the Viceroy House is ours and our Rashtrapati resides in this Bhavan, it has a deferential significance.
Jai Hind
Sorry Uncle. I still beg to differ. I think the RB is too ostentatious a building for the Indian taxpayers to bear the cost. Brainstorming some alternatives here- The royalty in UK have found ways to earn money from their royalty and pay for part of their upkeep- maybe we could try and find ways to monetize the RB by having a bigger museum to democracy(there is already a museum there but only about the RB), have tourists pay their way in both to the Bhavan, for ceremonies involving the guards and armed forces, the rose garden etc. This would create awareness and recover some expenses. Most palaces in Europe do that with portions cordoned off for privacy and security purposes. Hotel does not sound right at all. It is our heritage and we should maintain it as such but at the same time the status quo should change.
ReplyDelete