Yes, the largest democracy in the world finally has a Premier who
means business. That's what his supporters vouch for. As he addresses
the US Congress, he harps on the positives his country personifies.
The Gujarati who braved all odds to reach 7, Race Course Road, New Delhi in his charismatic style does everything possible to stamp his authority on the global map. An aggressive Public Relations (PR) machinery gives impetus to the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to prove to the universe that he is even better than the likes of former prime ministers of Jawaharlal Nehru and others mainly non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) PMs) when it comes to showcasing India.
How does it matter when Mathura burns or a girl child is raped? How does it matter when kidneys are sold illegally? Modi’s vice-captain, Amit Shah goes the whole hog to worship the former. But is it really worth it?
As Modi melodramatically counsels for India, does he realise the hidden truth behind the exaggerated glorification of his country? Does he ever respond to his conscience?
Open the papers and you come across news items that don’t bring a smile on to your face. Corruption (Modi's Maharashtra strongman Eknath Khadse embroiled in a surreptitious land deal), breakdown of law and order, disenchantment among minorities, deceptive portrayal of economic development, lack of jobs, loopholes in our foreign policy and a host of other serious issues that only show India in a poor light run contrary to Modi’s effort to enhance India’s image on various global platforms.
As he strengthens India’s claim to be a part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), does he have the guts to express his condolences for his own countrymen/women dying out of uncalled-for reasons? No, he doesn’t or else he wouldn’t have taken his time to regret the circumstances under which Dalit student Rohith Vemula ended his life. At a time when drought and farmers’ suicides are raising questions, Modi seems indifferent.
The Gujarati boy who played it astutely to marginalise his seniors to become the prime minister of the world’s largest democracy is too occupied playing to the gallery. Personal ambitions over powering the nation’s progress, boasting a 56-inch chest and performing yoga in India’s capital, the meaningless Mann-ki baat (speaking from the heart), hilarious gesticulations at public rallies yet silence on matters of grave consequences are what Modi is all about.
As he starts missing his homeland while he inches towards the last leg of his once-again trip abroad, Modi should be prepared for the arrows all set to be hurled at him when he returns home. As a Bollywood film (Udta Punjab) grabs headlines thanks to a clandestine anathema for anything anti-establishment on the part of the BJP our charismatic dear PM is part of, it is time to sit back and introspect.
What the bearded gentleman (Modi) is presenting before the rest of world doesn’t depict the real picture. Over-ambitious he is, it is just a matter of time before his moves face a volley of questions. There are too many complications Modi’s country is reeling under. Bridge the gap within before you embark on a trip abroad the next time. Don’t forget Mota bhai (a Gujarati version of elder brother), the world is getting smaller and any negative notion on your governance will reach the nook and corner of the world.
So, Modiji, look into yourself and ask the pertinent question: Is India really shining?
The Gujarati who braved all odds to reach 7, Race Course Road, New Delhi in his charismatic style does everything possible to stamp his authority on the global map. An aggressive Public Relations (PR) machinery gives impetus to the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to prove to the universe that he is even better than the likes of former prime ministers of Jawaharlal Nehru and others mainly non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) PMs) when it comes to showcasing India.
How does it matter when Mathura burns or a girl child is raped? How does it matter when kidneys are sold illegally? Modi’s vice-captain, Amit Shah goes the whole hog to worship the former. But is it really worth it?
As Modi melodramatically counsels for India, does he realise the hidden truth behind the exaggerated glorification of his country? Does he ever respond to his conscience?
Open the papers and you come across news items that don’t bring a smile on to your face. Corruption (Modi's Maharashtra strongman Eknath Khadse embroiled in a surreptitious land deal), breakdown of law and order, disenchantment among minorities, deceptive portrayal of economic development, lack of jobs, loopholes in our foreign policy and a host of other serious issues that only show India in a poor light run contrary to Modi’s effort to enhance India’s image on various global platforms.
As he strengthens India’s claim to be a part of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), does he have the guts to express his condolences for his own countrymen/women dying out of uncalled-for reasons? No, he doesn’t or else he wouldn’t have taken his time to regret the circumstances under which Dalit student Rohith Vemula ended his life. At a time when drought and farmers’ suicides are raising questions, Modi seems indifferent.
The Gujarati boy who played it astutely to marginalise his seniors to become the prime minister of the world’s largest democracy is too occupied playing to the gallery. Personal ambitions over powering the nation’s progress, boasting a 56-inch chest and performing yoga in India’s capital, the meaningless Mann-ki baat (speaking from the heart), hilarious gesticulations at public rallies yet silence on matters of grave consequences are what Modi is all about.
As he starts missing his homeland while he inches towards the last leg of his once-again trip abroad, Modi should be prepared for the arrows all set to be hurled at him when he returns home. As a Bollywood film (Udta Punjab) grabs headlines thanks to a clandestine anathema for anything anti-establishment on the part of the BJP our charismatic dear PM is part of, it is time to sit back and introspect.
What the bearded gentleman (Modi) is presenting before the rest of world doesn’t depict the real picture. Over-ambitious he is, it is just a matter of time before his moves face a volley of questions. There are too many complications Modi’s country is reeling under. Bridge the gap within before you embark on a trip abroad the next time. Don’t forget Mota bhai (a Gujarati version of elder brother), the world is getting smaller and any negative notion on your governance will reach the nook and corner of the world.
So, Modiji, look into yourself and ask the pertinent question: Is India really shining?
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