When almost the entire Lok Sabha spoke in one voice on Monday against the publication of anti-politician cartoons in school text books, Sharifuddin Shariq of the National Conference was the lone voice blaming the politicians themselves for giving cartoonists the chance to paint them wrongly.
“We have ourselves given cartoonists the chance to make cartoons on us. Instead of criticising the cartoons, we should do some introspection. It is a reflection of what we have done and a reaction to it,” Sarifuddin Shariq said during an impromptu debate on cartoons in the text books published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training.
“Is it not a reality that when one becomes an MP or an MLA, he becomes richer? His assets [submitted to the Election Commission before elections] show a considerable increase?” Mr. Shariq said. It was not the first time that politicians were being ridiculed.
He was opposed by many members who said it was not so much the cartoons, as the fact that they were being shown to “young impressionable minds,” poisoning them against the entire political class, that was causing concern.
Mr. Shariq tried to narrate a tale of Akbar and Birbal, but he could not be heard in the din.
Keywords: Cartoon row, NCERT syllabus, NCERT books
Good to know that there are politicians who see it all clear. Kudos Sharifuddin !!
So they still make politicians like Sharifuddin Shariq. His parents named him well. Sharif and shariq - an odd combination in India, where the smart guys wouldn't touch sharaafat with a bargepole. His is the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. But it warms the heart to see at least one decent person in that den of thieves.
Nobody need take special pains to present the politicians of the
present day in a poor light. Their conduct in and out of parliament and the state legislatures, their mudslinging and slogan shouting, to the detriment of discussing and evolving appropriate policies, all present a sorry picture to young adults as well as thinking adults.The media only reflects the popular perception of the politicians of today. It is time our legislators showed more willingness to examine their conduct dispassionately and showed more tolerance. The cartoon in question shows one patriotic politician of the time criticising another no less patriotic and sincere politician about his work. Criticism itself cannot be construed as an insult. Also, those in for whom the text book is written have minds of their own and can easily understand the context of the cartoon. Our parliamentarians should avoid discuss issues and not disrupt parliament over non-issues.
[Mr. Shariq tried to narrate a tale of Akbar and Birbal, but he could not be heard in the din.] This says it all, I'm afraid.
Not even a few good men. One good man in Indian parliament.
Mr. Sharifuddin Shariq of the National Conference should be congratulated for speaking the absolute truth. The fact remains that apart from a few, the present Parliament House is full of cartoons and their actions in the house speak louder than their words. This spectacle, this drama provides daily uninterrupted entertainment to millions of people all around the world. Surely the largest democracy can boast of providing the biggest amusement.
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