Parliament hurriedly intervened in the issue that called for more serious thought
Renowned historian K.N. Panikkar on Wednesday said that the stand taken by Parliament in the controversy over a cartoon on B.R. Ambedkar was disturbing as it rather hurriedly intervened in an issue that called for more serious thought.
“The members of Parliament have reacted with rare unanimity and an unwarranted sense of outrage to the cartoon included in a textbook published by the NCERT. If they had not done so they would have realised that the text book in question was an excellent example of creative pedagogic innovation, which is rare in our school system,” Dr. Panikkar told The Hindu. He said that the cartoon was a thought-provoking lampooning of one of the major events in the history of modern India in which Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar were caricatured (but it did not imply any insult to either of them).
Dr. Panikkar, a former Professor of History at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, said that some political leaders seemed to have thought otherwise and members of all parties joined in a vociferous protest.
“It appears that these over-enthusiastic members seem to have overlooked that the cartoon was employed as a pedagogic device. In fact, what the cartoon was critiquing was the slow pace of the process of Constitution-making, which it conveyed much more effectively than an authorial statement. The cartoon and the accompanying text could be used to highlight the various interests the makers of the Constitution had to contend with,” he said.
Dr. Panikkar said the MPs seemed to be oblivious of the ‘pedagogic revolution' in school education. “Following the adoption of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), school education has turned student-centred, with a view to stimulating their creative potential. This textbook, along with several others in different subjects, were prepared in pursuance of the NCF, in order to realise a challenging pedagogic practice,” he said.
Describing that an impediment to the implementation of the NCF had been the reluctance of scholars to undertake the arduous task of preparing text books, Dr. Panikkar said that Prof. Suhas Palshikar and Prof. Yogendra Yadav, two well-known scholars, accepted the challenge and produced a textbook, which had very many positives. “They felt so insulted by the attitude of the members of Parliament that they chose to resign from the advisory position they held in the NCERT,” he said.
Dr. Panikkar said the Union Minister of Education added insult to injury by welcoming their resignation, withdrawing the textbooks from circulation, ordering an enquiry and promising to punish all those involved with the preparation of the book.
“In order to sooth the ruffled feelings of the members, he also tendered an unqualified apology, whereas he should have apologised to the scholars for the intellectual insensitivity of his colleagues. Surely, the Minister should know that the quality of education cannot be improved without respect for scholarship,” he said.
Dr. Panikkar said civil society organisations had been rightly expressing their concern over the reaction of sections of political leaders to the cartoon in the textbook. “The supremacy of Parliament as the symbol of the representative system of democracy is indeed inviolable. But maintaining the supremacy also calls for the respect of other institutions,” he said.
The cartoon was published in 1949, well within the heyday of Dr. Ambedkar. He himself had no objection to it. Why then are his so-called followers bothered? They show disrespect to him by doing this. Instead, let them take up the genuine issues of Dalits and finish Dr. Ambedkar's laudable social agenda. This is utter rubbish and shows how far politics has fallen from the heydays of great leaders like Ambedkar.
The cartoon has nothing derogatory to Ambedkar or Dalits. It was actually joking on the impatience of Mr.Nehru. Ambedkar was not pushing the committee with sufficient force to complete it soon and Nehru started to urge the committee himself. The writing of constitution was moving at a snails pace and Nehru was whipping it to move faster. Nehru was someone to get things done quickly and used to get if things don't move as per his wish. Where is Dalits and where is Dalit icon.
Sadly we Indians just cannot tolerate a joke. How many times have I talked to people on the streets and you barely get a smile compared to people in the West. I wonder why we don't get upset over bad roads, crooked politicians, rude people, bad traffic. But oh no we have to get upset over a great man who had no objections himself. Grow up people.
The issue seems to be getting a little muddled. Those who see insult to Babasaheb are arguing about what the cartoon means. But I submit, the issue is not that at all. The issue is whether the outrage expressed by the MPs and the reaction of the Ministers are justified.
I do understand the impatience of Dalit members, having found a modicum of political voice after having long been oppressed they want to strenuously object to continuing humiliations, even when if it was many decades old brought to light only recently. However, whether the cartoon was actually insulting to Babasaheb or Pandit Nehru is at best arguable. This is quite a flimsy ground to get outraged and call for censoring the cartoon. Such political interference in what our youngsters can and cannot study is a dangerous trend for the health of a vibrant liberal democracy.
Dr. Panicker was absolutely correct. We are supposed to be a democratic
Nation, but our parlimentarians as well as politicians do not know the
meaning of Democracy. They cannot appreciate any satire,leave alone the
constitution. We have band of emotional people at the helm
We all know what is going on here. It is dirty caste politics. All the parties want votes of backward casts and they will do anything to do so. Why are they not unanimous on Lokpal bill even a weak one. Whatever they do they have just one motto. Power and through it money.
Actual survey should be carried out in schools . And ask the Studants of class XII/XII, What they really understand from that cartoon.And take a decision on that, Wheather Keep it in that Book or Remove it.
I just thought it was a cartoon. If it was vulgar, it is one thing. It represented a view point and as usual it was exploited for political purposes. If there was an even an iota of sincerity in the protest, I will take it, but it is obvious that is not the case!
This shows the level of our politicians. They are only concerned about their existence and governing the nation. They are least bothered about the quality of the education. When their own education standard is low and commitment level for the nation is at stake how we can expect good and appreciable decission from them. The nation is fedup with these polisticians. We all pray the God to provide a good alternative so that the nation will servive.
The Parliament probably discussed the cartoon issue to divert attention
from Chidambaram Aircel Maxis case discussion.
There cannot be a better authority than historian K.N. Panikkar who disagred the stand taken by Parliament over B.R. Ambedkar cartoon protests. His expression “rather hurriedly intervened in an issue that called for more serious thought” is to be noted by Parliamentarians irrespective of their political affiliation and the government for reconsideration of their stand on the issue.
while condemning the attacks on intellectuals,the soft targets of
identity politics thus weakening the democratic practices; we need to
exercise caution. blanket support of 'freedom of expression' leads to
anarchy which puts this abstract principle in limelight and thus takes
away any possibility of true democratic deliberation over the original
'controversial' issue. in the case of the cartoon on Ambedkar, we need
to consider 2 things- not highlighted much in this whole debate.
first, the time when the cartoon was published, it was a satirical
comment by the then 'present' on 'present'. in hindsight, these
national figures have been idolized too largely. Hence when the
critique of 'past' as 'dominant', or 'creative pedagogic innovation'
appears, it has already lost the life and context, which is
particularly more true of cartoons. other point-textbook is a tool of
state. when a state is commenting on itself, it is a serious business-
which needs serious discussion.not sm cartoons.
In every action its the intent of the person that is to be judged.A
cartoonist like Shankar meant political satire, the authors meant to
convey that and finally for the student interpretation part we need to
analyse it.I understand that it was a class XI text,so obviously the
student we are addressing has got a political orientation by now and
he would analyse it according to his level of bias rather than blindly
grasping the essence of parliament makers being pictured as 'one on a
tortoise,one with a whip'etc.What my interpretation is that it was the
cartoonists view and hence just feel his meaning.We are the one who's
got to make our own reading of it.If it was a lower class student I
believe that it would be better to give an illustration in a positive
note to develop a positive way of thinking.As of a final note:every
one commits mistakes be it constitution makers,cartoonists,text
authors or law makers,so accept the criticism from different people.If
positive imbibe else drop it.
No-one who has seen the cartoon can say that it was demeaning to Dr
Ambedkar. In the cartoon, Nehru is clearly looking at the snail while
Dr Ambedkar is riding it. Its common sense that Nehru is lashing the
snail, not Dr Ambedkar, if we are to take the discussion to the level
of one person whipping another. No normal person looks at one thing
while whipping another.
Secondly, our Constitution borrowed many things from the Govt of India
1935 which smirches govt policy even today. For example, the current
concept of a "Center" and the "States" instead of the Federal and
State govt is an ulcer till date, and this hasn't been corrected. Our
Constitution is not without fault, and its creation was a laborious
process which at many places falls short of the mark. It is in this
wider context that the cartoon has to be seen, and this is not too
advanced a concept to introduce in the Higher Secondary Standard. But
our politicians cannot see all this, can they?
I am extremely happy that the eminent historian Dr. K.N. Panikkar
could come out with his ammunition against antagonists of satirical
cartoons being used as pedagogic device to impart knowledge on history
to school students. It was certainly not the ignorance of peoples
representatives on this but their slyest astuteness in using every
issue for political gains which lead to the Minister’s surrender and
the subsequent order for withdrawal the said caricature. It was
disgrace that he had to tender an unqualified apology to the breed of
politicians for their over-sensitivity in making a deity out of the
great leader Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. They hardly know the fact that the great
leader who was a staunch supporter of freedom of expression was
against anyone using him as a deity' as his life-long struggle was to
exonerate any ‘deities' that persuaded the psyche of our citizens,
especially the underprivileged.
These petty ,illiterate politicians playing the caste card for electoral
gains will have no niche in Indian politics in a decade or two from now.
They had conveniently ignored the fact that the cartoon just related
the time at 1948 when there was a public clamour for an ideal
Constitution as early as possible.
The gratuitous ‘poignant attitude’ of political leaders obviously
shows the immaturity of our democratic set-up and this incident will
certainly discount the image of India’s eminence globally, especially
at time when our Parliament is celebrating 60th anniversary.
“It appears that these over-enthusiastic members seem to have
overlooked that the cartoon was employed as a pedagogic device. In
fact, what the cartoon was critiquing was the slow pace of the process
of Constitution-making, which it conveyed much more effectively than
an authorial statement.
I dont think it is an important issue to discuss on because this cartoon has been in existence from time of jawaharlal nehru and Ambedkar. I think the parliament should cocentrate on more important issues like economical slowdown, lack in defence equipment, internal insurgency and many other social evils.
I thought that the cartoon was a tribute to Ambedkar and Nehru.
We are seeing politicians,across the board,criticizing inclusion of cartoons in text books,primarily from fear of being ridiculed in caricatures by teen aged students. But, what happens to their "free for all" real life 'live performances' in Parliament, which are seen by all and sundry. Cartoons are at least harmless, lifeless sketches, though they may have some relationships to 'real life' situations,as in the cartoon of 1949.For those,who say it took only about 3 years to finalize the constitution, they should also say if that 'speed' was achieved as a result of the 'push' given by the 'satirical sarcasm' of that cartoon or despite it.Nevertheless,does this issue warrant a ban on cartoons,which is what,it appears,we are heading to ? The govt needs to realize that in this age of internet,students of Class XI/XII are capable of assessing what is 'going on',as they get eligible for voting in 3 to 4 years time. Already,there is huge demand from them for the book 'Don't Spare Me Shankar'.
I endorse the viewpoint of Prof K N Panikkar on the controversial issue of inclusion of cartoons in NCERT curricula. I have gone through the actual pages of the textbook only yesterday.Cartoonist Shankar, father of Indian political cartooning in whose school belonged the pioneer-cartoonists such as Abu Abraham, Kutty & Ranga, Prof Suhas Palshikar, Prof Yogendra Yadhav- all the involved personalities are noted for their integrity. The cartoon drawn in 1949 while Dr Ambedkar was very much alive; and Babasaheb retorted in his own style. Cartoonist Shankar is no more. Critical analysis or satire on topical issue is the most welcome feature anytime. Contextual reference is more important. Actually the text at the bottom of the cartoon appeals for analysing the reasons behind the delay in realising the Constitution-process. Ironically, Dr Ambedkar's major contribution to the freedom of speech clause also is included in the text. The parliamentarians did the debate among themselves, in haste, resulting in scrapping of the entire textbook without any cartoons henceforth. Late M F Husain's illustration back-dated (1970) on Saraswati also met with the same fate, thanks to the fundamentalists, finally in his voluntary acceptance of Qatar nationality.After his disillusionment with his own countrymen, he died abroad and buried in London. Both Shankar and Husain were honoured with all Padma awards,barring Bharat Ratna! Shankar stopped publishing political cartoons during the Emergency when freedom of press was in peril. He also got disillusioned and switched over to book-publishing for children. Shankar also is not above criticism. The referred cartoon may also be interpreted in either positive or negative way. The textbooks without relief of cartoons are unimaginable. SAHMAT also expressed the opinion of intellectuals such as Prof. Mushirul Hasan, Prof.Jayati Ghosh, C P Chandrasakaran, Sudhanva Deshpande, Rajendra Prasad,Ram Rahman and the like-minded, in a joint declaration.The reaction of the government also was in haste. The newly constituted committee may also rethink before excluding all the cartoons in future. The lone voice in electronic media in defending the cartoons in text-books is that of Sudhir Tailang, a leading cartoonist. It is unfortunate.
The cartoon was published while Nehruji and Ambedkarji was alive. Media should highlight their reaction on the cartoon.
2 years, 11 months and 18 days it took for the constituent assembly which has Dr Rajendra Prasad and its head and Sardar patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and Ambedkar playing major roles as heads of committees and subcomittees. Intolerence is a common friend in India for progressive attitude. People who highlight this as dalit bashing should give a serious delibration on the spirit with which this book is written. Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar who is a eminent educationalist and Jurist would have enjoyed that book and condemned such thrashing from parliament. We are becoming increasing intolerant and communally devided. This is only going to lead to choas.
My question for people who elevate Ambedkar as father of Constitution on why they are so insensitive to efforts of other 391 members who contributed to Indian Constitution. Isnt it insult to other prominent members of Constituent assembly to credit entire constitution to Ambedkar. Arent we becoming increasingly intolerant and insensitive?
With this Cartoon, Mr. Pannikar explained as an excellent & real example.
I am in total agreement with Dr.Panikkar. He is very true in saying about the cartoon that “In fact, what the cartoon was critiquing was the slow pace of the process of Constitution-making..”.Even as that our constitution was also not very perfact since begining. see how many amendments have been made since 1950 to date, given the opportunity these very members would totally scrape this constitution without betting an eye-lid. This shows their respect for Dr. Ambedkar.
What happened in the parliament was a sheer 'join the bandwagon' kind of feeling driven brutal action. More than half of them may not even be knowing why they shouted and against what. Somebody got an idea to shout to hit the headlines, others joined them with the feeling that they may be called unpatriotic if they don't. The govt utilized the chance to take a moment to plan their strategy against opposition's allegations against it. I think the Indian parliament should go thro a sea change to avoid such brutal actions in the future.
Dr. Panikkar's comments deserve a lot of merit. His analysis of the
issue is quite correct. The whole fiasco is just a political drama and
in reality it is those politicians who have mad a complete mockery of
the system and an utter disrespect to the scholars. It is sad that the
politicians have not recognised the novel idea of the scholars in
explaining the development process of the constitution in those days in
a pictorial form. I completely agree with the comments made by Mr
Vishwanath. "we are just going backwards and not getting wiser".
When both the leaders depicted in the cartoon - Nehru and Ambedkar -did not have any objection to it, it is senseless to object to it now. Children have a right to know about what was going on then. They also understand from the fact that the cartoon was published at that time without any problem how tolerant and great those leaders were.
It seems that our leaders are always ready to take up an issue to
appease the section of the society they refer to as "oppressed", the
fact that a section of the so called "oppressed" get cake-walk admissions in the premier institutes and easy promotions gets no one's attention. Rather than appeasing to the emotion of the people, they need to take some concrete actions, but perhaps its not their nature.As far as the issue of cartoon is know, I don't really suppose, it hurt any sentiments. But again, the politicians are too busy to pay any attention to the pedagogical revolution, ironically half of them might not understand the meaning of the term itself.
It might be true that the text book in question is a pedagogic innovation.It's also true that the issue is revolving around a cartoon but not the whole text book. K.N.Panikkar might be feeling that the cartoon is not implying any insult to either Nehru or Ambedkar,but Dalits feel that having a whip in the back of Ambedkar does surely indicate that the cartoonist did not understand the complexity and difficulty in making a constitution,yet it has been allowed to be part of such a pedagogic innovation.woodrow wilson,father of public administration, once stated that It's becoming harder to run a constitution than making one,speaks of the intelligence,dedication,commitment required to make one.It was full in the drafting committee.
Tilting at the Toons????
Our collective political urge// is against a spreading scourge
Ought’nt we draw the blinds // On impressionable young minds
Through a text book cartoon purge ?!!!!
I am glad that Dr Panikkar has joined issue on this subkect. We all know how children get absorbed by cartoons. Therefore, using cartoons for educating was a proper concept. Sadly, our un-informed politicians have sabotaged it, meaninglessly.
During the Anna Hazare movement, a demand was there for complete judicial reforms. This was vehemently opposed by some dalit leaders saying that it is a disrespect to Bhim Rao Ambedkar. I remember a vary famous quote by the Malayalam poet "Kumaran Asan" ..mattuvin chattangale! allenkil mattum athukalee ningalethan! Reform, change the rules! Else those very rules will be your downfall! Instead of getting educated and becoming wiser day by day, we are on the path of barbarian rules! Thanks to opportunist Indian political intelligentsia!
Indian Parliament is supposed to be a representative of the Indian people. But many a time the thoughts of Indian Parliament do not match with those of the people it represents. The cartoon row is a clear example of that. How does a cartoon get big enough to occupy the parliament session and put much more pressing and serious issues to a backseat.
It is shameful for a democratic body to worry for things that do not have any relation to the cause of their existance. Even more shameful for the Union "Minister of Education" who failed to understand the connotation of an Educational Cartoon. To me it makes him all the more unworthy of the job he is doing.
It is high time through sheer force of unison in the voice of intellectuals , scholars , media and well meaning members in parliament that civil society be given adequate avenues of meaningful substantive participation in such decisions of national importance . The future of this nation cannot be left to the state anymore .
Dr.Panikkar says “In fact, what the cartoon was critiquing was the slow pace of the process of Constitution-making..”. This is absolute injustice meted out to Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. The Constitution Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar was formed on 29.08.47. The Constitution was finalized on 26.11.49 and came into effect from 26.01.50. The time taken is 27 months for drafting 395 articles of the Indian Constitution. The US had taken 4 months but the no. of articles was only 21. South Africa took 12 months with 153 articles. Canada required 29 months for 147 articles. Australia took 9 years for 128 articles. Pakistan took 8 years. The above facts were presented by Dr.B.R.Ambedkar himself in Parliament. Accusations of delay are unfounded. In fact, Dr.Ambedkar has to be complimented for accomplishing this formidable task such in short time. However articles from eminent scholars, repeatedly point out to slow pace of decision making.
Dr. Panikkar's comment very correct and thoughtful.
The "intellectuals" use lofty ideals to defend the use of cartoon which Pannikar explained as an excellent example of creative pedagogic innovation, whatever that is supposed to mean, and criticise the MPs for their unwarranted sense of outrage. He claims that the common man in the "civil society organisations" rightly expressed their concern over the reaction of the political leaders. What he failed to mention was they took it as an opportunity to indulge in dalit bashing. The effectiveness of a constitution does not depend on having framed it in the shortest period of time. I would rather prefer a constitution prepared over a period of three years to one prepared in three months. Perhaps our constitution has withstood the test of time because of the long period it was taken to frame it. Criticising it is misplaced and justifying the criticism is mischievous and reveals bankruptcy of mind.
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