Pandit Nehru is to unveil the stature of Mahatma Gandhi,
at the Marina – that too on the Tamil New Year Day.
May be it is accidental, that the function is arranged
on that day, but the public seems somewhat interested
in the coincidence.
The people of Tamil Nad contrast the function, arranged
on Tamil New Year Day, with the reluctance of the ruling
party to rename this State as ‘Tamil Nad’.
Requests, appeals, implorations, explanations, - all
have fallen on deaf ears. But the function is arranged
on Tamil New Year Day.
Is it a repentence for the omission they have done or
a step towards rectification? Nobody is sure!
But rumours are rampant in political circles, about
the motive of this function.
Pandit Nehru, one called by Mr.Jinnah as the “Showboy
of the Congress”, called himself some months back as
“the performing animal!”.
Perhaps, out ministers are interested in making him
perform this ceremony, probably in a most ceremonious
way.
Perhaps he might, as usual, preach about unity of this
Sub-continent, if he happens to be in good mod. But,
if irritated a bit, nobody knows what sort of vituperation
and vindictiveness, he might emit!
Anything is possible and everything depends upon the
circumstances!
We are not much worried about this, for, we have seen
so many slanders and they have proved to be blunt, and
outmoded, incapable of putting off the flame of nationalism,
lit by the Liberation Movement, the D.M.K.
Our attention is drawn towards another aspect of the
Pandit’s visit and the function at Marina
The ministers of this State often go about calling us
as utopians, who feast the masses with imaginary programmes
and illusory policies.
We have replied them in many a platform and through
the press at our disposal. And therefore, we do not
intend to repudiate those tilters at the wind-mills.
But we, undeterred, go on in our way, making more and
more of the Dravidians rally around our banner.
If at all we are dragged to the imaginary world, it
is now, - that is, when we think of the function arranged
at the Marina for the Pandit!
“It the Statue could speak….?” – that is a subject,
which is interesting for imagination!
Whether we imagine or not – whether those at the helm
of affairs think about it or not – whether the new recruits
of the ruling party fancy that or not – the public is
apt to be compelled to think over, at least, for a moment!
And what would be the feeling that would come out of
such pondering?
Simplicity was glorified by Gandhi, but glaring ostensity
prevails in administration – and those at the helm of
affairs call themselves, as his indisputable heirs!
Political freedom, if not followed by economic uplift,
would be no freedom at all, said that sage politician
– but we see, and there are testimonies galore, to show
that the condition of the masses is deteriorating, day
by day.
Gandhi carried on a crusade, as it were, against caste
system – but not only the castes are left to have their
sway on the society, but they are exploited by the rulers
for political purposes.
Purity in public as well as private life was preached
and practised by Gandhi – but there is a wide gap in
the policy and practices of our plutocrats. Scandals,
corruption, nepotism, all sorts of impurities are prostituting
our politics.
Rigorous rules were prescribed by him for every Congressman;
he defined in clear terms! But, no! The definition is
thrown off in high winds, and the Congress, acting just
like a geisha, invites and entertains anybody with currency!
In spite of having been laughed at by Churchill as “half-naked
fakir”, Gandhi was dressed on dhoti and towel, and remained
the symbolic representation of the masses. But we hear,
that Vinobha burst in tears a week back – being unable
find even a single selfless worker!
Such are the things that come forward before the eyes
of the discerning public!
As far as Madras is concerned there is another heart-rending
thing – there are about 7,000 families dwelling on platforms,
laid bare to all sorts of nature’s odds!
If at tall Gandhi would have been alive and seen this
thing, would anybody think that he would accept the
garland of those now at the gadi! No, definitely not!
The emphasis on ‘No’ would be strengthened when we recollect
the January 6th of last year!
When Pandit Nehru arrived here, repressions were unleashed
– partymen were hunted and put behind the bars – tears
gas shells were used freely – mounted police chased
the people in brutal ways – lathis tasted the blood
of many and the climax was reached when two persons
were shot dead!
That was an unforgettable day, not only in the history
of the city, and annals of the D.M.K., but also in the
life of Pandit Nehru, who is now living in Olympion
heights.
His hands are smeared with the blood of those people
dead and injured, and would anybody expect that if the
statue of Gandhi could speak, it would accept the garland,
willingly, without anything to say?
No! If it could speak, it would express its feelings
with tears of blood rolling down on its cheeks – with
moving words it would console the people and condemn
the Plutocrats!
An awakward situation would arise!
Pandit’s apprehension, Kamaraj’s critical condition,
Bhathavathsalam’s pathos, Subramaniam’s ‘sixes-and-sevens
look’ and Gandhi’s refusal to accept the garland – all
are portrayed in the cartoon in the cover page.
When we portray this, we may be laughted at as living
in an imaginary world, as usual – but this imagination
is worthwhile. Isn’t it?
(12-04-1959)