Advocate Ansari : Have you seen the amusing news Professor?
- Grandmothers going husband - hunting...
Doctor Damu : Husband-hunting! That is funny .... and
that too grandmas...
Advocate Ansari : Yes! In their 60's and 70's ... All
Americans.... they have a club it is reported and the
membership is said to be 700!
Prof. Pandu : And they have to their credit 3000 grand-children!
I have seen the news Mr. Ansari and I know that it would
amuse you. That club, Doctor? is in Chicago! And these
dames ... I should add 'Old' ... came all the way to
London to get husbands for themselves...
Doctor Damu : Why, London, Professor? Are there not
enough fishes to net in America itself...
Prof. Pandu : Perhaps, Doctor! There are men in London
ready enough to take any risk if only they are assured
of tons of money... and these American ladies are very
rich... They went, I am told, last year to Hawar! One
dame reports in a lighter vein, that one lady fell in
the ocean and another fell in love and was married within
two months....
Advocate Ansari : For ladies of 60 and 70.... what a
thought! Should richness kindle such audacity? ... Old
hags...
Prof. Pandu : Sir! I would not equate oldness with age!
No! It was the late lamented Mr.Sathyamoorthi who once
stated that a woman is as old as she looks and a man
is as old as he feels..... So being sixty or seventy
need not necessarily mean, being old....
Advocate Ansari : That is the most curious interpretation.
I have ever heard. Anyhow Professor! Age has got something
to do with inclination, is it not? And should these
money-bags get ideas about marriage at such an age ....!
While grand-children are sending forth peals of laughter,
these cronies want to hear and get delight from the
wedding bells. Impudence! Impertinence! .... And a club
for such a clumsy purpose.
Prof. Pandu : Sir, there are many such clubs, .....
do you know? There are, Baldmen's clubs! Hen-peckeds
club!
Doctor Damu : Why, in our own country, in Delhi they
organised, Stouts club....
Advocate Ansari : That is how society gets degenerated.
For flimsy and frivolous reasons, moderners organise
clubs, conduct seminars and bring forth souvenirs.
Prof. Pandu : People with no thought of the morrow,
with tons of money, amassed wealth, find life long and
monotonous, and hence engaged themselves in any work,
if only it is peculiar.
Advocate Ansari : Can they not utilise their leisure
time for useful purposes....?
Prof. Pandu : They think perhaps that they are contributing
something substantial ...! The other day I read in the
papers that the Nizam of Hyderabad is shortly going
to release a book - a research work - on Swords. It
is said that he has taken much pain and care to study
swords of various ages and shapes ...
Doctor Damu : And how is that going to benefit the public....?
Study about plants or germs would have yielded much
benefit to humanity ...
Advocate Ansari : What is today urgently needed is,
study about agriculture ... Food production has become
an urgent necessity today ... Research in that line
is needed. There should be a vigorous effort in that
line. And why not men with leisure engage themselves
in such work...? Women too.... Instead we find some
of them going husband-hunting. Silly, I call it ....
stupendous stupidity...!
Prof. Pandu : Sir! Do you know the variety of whims
and fancies such people cultivate. While there are half-clad
men and women in tens of thousands, and urchins half-naked,
a society of ladies of the mansions, has been organised,
for the purpose of clothing horses and does, bulls and
cows...
Doctor Damu : That is unthinkable! Whatever is the reason
for this tomfoolery...?
Prof. Pandu : They seriously state, Doctor, that to
keep these animals naked is an insult to society ....
Decency demands these dames declare, that animals should
be properly clothed .... while they move about the streets.
It irritates us, they say, to find animals naked and
unashamed...
Advocate Ansari : And yet they would not raise their
little finger to help those human beings who do not
have enough to cover their bodies. The sun scorches
them, the wind and rain plays havoc on these miserable
people...
Prof. Pandu : While all the while, these fashionable
ladies shed tears at the plight of the animals that
go naked ....
Doctor Damu : They lack the sense of proportion ...
the idea of priorities...
Prof. Pandu : This problem Doctor, about the proper
utilisation of the leisure time sensibly is not a new
one. People with riches have always been like this....
When Rome became rich and powerful, when there were
thousands of slaves to look after the hard jobs, and
menial works, the rich of Rome, were enjoying chariot
races arranged lavishly, or were sitting around the
stadium clapping their hands with glee at the sight
of lions tearing to pieces men who were asked to enter
into a combat with those basis ... gladiators fought
and died just to supply glee to the gents and ladies
of Imperial Rome.
Advocate Ansari : And that was exactly how the Roman
Empire was ruined ... Most of the rulers of Rome began
rolling in luxury, lost their valour and courage, and
finally brought about their own ruin and damnation....
Prof. Pandu : In our own times we find painted beauties
rolling in swimming pools while the toilers and tillers
are rotting in the slums....
Doctor Damu : Such a state of affairs is bound to sow
seeds of revolution...
Prof. Pandu : Yes, Sir! We do hear the distant thunder
.... we find symptoms of the coming storm ... the higher
ones perched in power and plenty do not care to read
the writing on the wall. They think, foolishly of course,
that their position is safe and strong... and do not
for a moment realise that the meek and weak, one day
will arise and demand the destruction of the oppressor...
They forget that in France where revolution exploded,
there was luxury in abundance in mansions and palaces....
Advocate Ansari : They think, Professor? that law and
the entire government is there to protect their interest
and position..... And as a matter of fact, law safeguards
properties - got by any means....
Prof. Pandu : True Sir! But should not the government
itself retain its power? If poverty is allowed to persist
and spread and go deep, then the force generated through
that will undermine the very powers of the government.
Doctor Damu : And when the power of the government gets
weakened, unsocial elements come out openly to do any
crime.
Prof. Pandu : Sir! The present state of society - in
our country too - can be best understood if we consider
two news items published almost simultaneously in our
papers. Smuggled gold and other valuables were seized
from a mansion in a big city - the value being nearly
a crore of rupees. The vigilance force of the government
raided a place and unearthed that huge wealth ... smugglers'
earnings - This is one news item. In another part of
our country, High-way robbers surrounded the mansion
of a multi-millionaire and robbed cash and jewels worth
half a crore... and what is significant is this; when
the villagers came to attack these dacoits, their leader
gave a stirring appeal to the poor people. "We
but rob those who have robbed you ... we but harass
the parasites .. why do you come to his help...? He
is no friend to you ... he is your sworn foe..."
When such a speech was made, the poor people were so
thrilled that they allowed the robbers to loot the rich
man's abode. This is another news-item. Both the incidents
have taken place almost at the same time.... What is
the lesson to be drawn...?
Advocate Ansari : The lesson, Sir! Why? The lesson clearly
is this; that the old order cannot last long....
Doctor Damu : I am surprised to hear this from you Mr.Ansari,
for men of your profession usually say that
this situation demonstrates the inability of the government
to maintain Law and Order...
Prof. Pandu : Probably our Doctor is referring to the
resolution passed by our State Congress... that body
has openly condemned and stated that because of the
DMK regime, law and order has broken.
Advocate Ansari : But all intelligent people know the
motive behind such a stricture, The party that has lost
power thinks that it should launch a fight for regaining
power by accusing the present government as being weak
or vindictive, they think they can damn the party in
power, infuriate the people by this kind of propaganda,
and don on the garb of the crusaders ....
Prof. Pandu : But, along with this resolution the people
read about acts of violence and explosion, kidnapping,
floor-crossing, arson and assassination in various parts
of the country. The Congress Committees of those parts,
did not pass any resolution condemning such nefarious
acts ... they pounce upon the DMK in power. It is only
in Tamil Nad that this talk about the break in Law and
Order, has been mooted.... a prelude I am sure, to the
attack they intend to organise as against the Popular
Governments .... This was the game that the Congress
played in Kerala to unseat the Nambudripad Government....
Doctor Damu : And they managed to coax the Centre to
come there and take up the government....
Prof. Pandu : Any keen political observer will say that
what is attempted by the Congress, is only to enthuse
their workers. Having lost power, these workers are
becoming almost frustrated ... and it is only to cook
up some hope and place the dish before them, that the
TNCC has passed such resolutions.
Doctor Damu : The Congressmen do have now plenty of
time on their hands ... they therefore are in a position
to cook up grievances and rake up quarrels...! How can
they keep quiet, having been so active all these years....?
Prof. Pandu : None wants them to be idle. They should
of course spend their time judiciously. Idle, they should
not be .... Nor can anybody recommend idleness to them
or for anybody. Somebody has stated, that an idle brain
is a devil's workshop...
Doctor Damu : But can they not devote their time and
talent for furthering the constructive programme of
the Congress, instead of hunting after imaginary or
illusory causes for a conflict with the party in power?
Prof. Pandu : That needs patience and a spirit of service,
and these are woefully absent in that camp now. Moreover
there cannot be the pep ... the workers or to be more
appropriate the 'hangers-on' will not be enthused with
charka or cheri reform... they want to be told that
soon their party is going to unseat the present ruling
party....! And the best way of enthusing their party
workers is to place before them a plan for attack...
the fighting mood is to be generated.
Advocate Ansari : True.... but experience ought to have
taught them, that nothing substantial can be got by
merely toppling the present party in power. The Congress
did succeed in toppling the Communist Partyministry.
The President's rule was imposed; fresh general elections
were held; but the result? The Communist Party came
out victorious - in bright colours. When that is the
bitter lesson, how can they hope to rehabilitate themselves
by unseating the present party in power?
Prof. Pandu : That is a pertinent question Mr.Ansari,
but when one is blinded by prejudice, goaded by the
thirst for power, logic bids a good bye. Any straw happens
to become their sheet anchor.....
Doctor Damu : My compounder tells me Professor, that
the Congress Party is now arranging propaganda meetings,
vigorously ... and a good amount of people come to their
meetings...
Prof. Pandu : Sir! That is the usual jargon advanced.
Were we not told just on the eve of the elections that
the Congress propaganda machinery has become more powerful...?
They had processions on a grand scale, conferences,
well-attended. It was stated at that time, that the
Congress Party had gained strength day by day .... Now
what special significance can there be by conducting
meetings frequently? That is not a new game or scheme
.... it has not paid them well or adequately.
Advocate Ansari : Yes, in spite of that the Congress
Party was defeated at the polls. How is it possible
to re-cupearte? The top men know this.
Doctor Damu : And as a part of their plan of action,
Mr.Kamaraj, has broken his self-imposed silence ...
He is I am told, going to address a public meeting at
Marina ... that would demonstrate their strength, determine
their future course of action.
Prof. Pandu : Sincere friends and well-wishers should
advise Mr.Kamaraj about the risks involved in that venture
...! We are not authorised though entitled, to offer
our suggestions. Silence will have a better effect than
talk.... at the present time. Mr.Kamaraj with his robust
common sense realised this truth and so did not talk
all these days. And that attitude was much appreciated....
I am reminded of an anecdote. When Benjaman Disrali
was in power, there were a good number of Parliamentarians
who did not speak. One of them approached Disrali and
asked him if he should participate in the debate. Mr.
Disrali replied, "I think it would be better if
the House were to wonder why you did not talk rather
than why you did.....". That would be the appropriate
comment that would become necessary as and when Mr.Kamaraj
speaks out.....
Doctor Damu : He follows the principle of silence on
the most crucial issues. Take for instance the burning
problem about the purse to the princes. Mr.Kamaraj is
silent.... he refuses to commit himself this way or
that. Take again the bloodshed in Naxalbari! No comment
is forthcoming from the Congress President. Even when
Mr. Patil and Mr. Chavan have come out with conflicting
statements Mr. Kamaraj keeps silent.
Advocate Ansari : Does that mean that he does not want
to take sides, or that he feels diffident to express
any opinion on that subject...?
Prof. Pandu : Perhaps he is studying the situation with
a rare care ...! And even apart from the peculiar situation
today, it is not necessary for men of his stature to
stand exposed to popular criticism. That is why I think
that Mr.Kamaraj is just sitting on the fence...
Advocate Ansari : A master of tactics I should say.
Moreover, the materials supplied to him are neither
enough nor genuine.
Prof. Pandu : Sir, forming an idea or formulating a
policy, chalking out a programme or implementing a scheme
is not an easy matter..... Every small bit of news,
one should weigh and test before he speaks out.... Lafyatte
the great leader of Revolutionary France has put it
aptly thus. Said he, "I read, I study. I examine,
I listen, I reflect and out of all this I try to form
an idea in which I can put as much of common sense as
I can' This is a principle well worth following.
Advocate Ansari : And yet, the Congress President is
going to give up prudence and exhibit valour...
Prof. Pandu : And he is sure to get the applause from
his company, but not appreciation or approbation from
other quarters.
Advocate Ansari : Professor! I am told that the Congress
President is not capable of mastering his temper. Either
he is silent or he raises a storm!
Prof. Pandu : I do not know Sir! But this I know, when
you are in the right you can afford to keep your temper
and when you are in the wrong you cannot afford to lose
it.
Advocate Ansari : And Doctor! May I know from you whether
marriage cools one's temper...?
Doctor Damu : Sir! I cannot give a direct answer to
that question .... medical science is not explicit about
it. But from the common sense point of view I should
say, constant companionship, sweet and intimate is bound
to act as a breeze and cool down mental inflammation...
In that sense one can say that marriage will regulate
the temperament ... and for the better....
Advocate Ansari : But there are instances to prove that
couples have come to clashes because of the fact that
they were not able to control their temper... and have
consequently lost the sweetness expected of married
life.
Prof. Pandu : Sir! There are ways of getting peace and
pleasure in married life .... simple is the solution
for most of the trouble that crop up. I am reminded
of a poem...
To keep your marriage brimming
With love in the Loving cup
Whenever you are wrong admit it
Whenever you are right shut up!
Advocate Ansari : A very fine piece... and a timely
one...
Prof. Pandu : What do you mean Sir! When you say timely...
Advocate Ansari : Sir! An advocate friend of mine is
to get married next Friday... we wanted to present a
gift - this poem is timely in the sense, I propose to
engrave this poem on a silver plate, to be presented
to him ... and so, will you Professor, dictate to me
the poem...?
Prof. pandu : You want to give it to the engraver, Sir!
Well, I would not take the risk of getting the poem
made awkward by bad spelling ... If you are serious
about it, I will accompany you to the engraver's shop
where I will write it down myself.... and moreover I
can choose and suggest some fine ornamental lettering....
Doctor Damu : That is a fine idea.... let us go to the
'Elite' - the jeweller, popular and trust-worthy.
(Home Rule - 13-8-1967)