“Bhakti in religion may be a road to the salvation of the soul”, B.R. Ambedkar said in a famous speech to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949, just before putting the Constitution of India to vote. “But in politics, Bhakti or hero-worship is a sure road to degradation and to eventual dictatorship”. If only the parliamentarians who vented their anger against a 1949 cartoon last week had bothered to read and understand the hero in whose unnecessary defence they sprang up, Indian democracy would have been spared the degrading spectacle of the government banishing a sixty-year-old sketch from the classroom. The sight of our parliamentarians cutting across the political spectrum foaming at the mouth in simulated rage, vying to outdo each other in their pious indignation, and sporting their ‘hurt' sentiments like badges of honour was like watching a bad soap opera gone worse. That they could have spent the day grandstanding over a totally inoffensive cartoon is not merely deplorable. It is also downright dangerous, if we pause to consider that these are the men and women we elect to safeguard our constitutional democracy, of which the freedom of expression is a fundamental and inviolable part. Disrupting Parliament would have been unjustifiable even if the cartoon were repugnant. But to create a controversy over a comment on the slow speed with which the Constitution was being drafted, on the absurd ground that the cartoon “insulted” Ambedkar, was downright ridiculous.
The demand that criminal action be taken against those who permitted the cartoon's publication is reflective of a larger malaise among many of India's politicians. Apparently, they think there is more political mileage in creating controversies over irrelevancies than addressing genuine issues facing Dalits such as backwardness and discrimination. Predictably, the Centre's response was one of total capitulation, reflected in HRD Minister Kapil Sibal's craven apology, his agreement that the cartoon was “shameful,” and his promise of even criminal action in the matter. That there is a slippery slope between hostile speech and violent behaviour was manifest when the office of one of the scholars involved in the production of the textbook was ransacked by vandals. The argument that the cartoon could be misconstrued by the 11th standard schoolchildren who read the textbook is bogus and an insult to their intelligence. It is our MPs who showed a total lack of acumen and wisdom by wasting the nation's time on a complete non-issue. Worse, they have ensured that public life in India, already awash with hurt sentiments of one kind or another, will now be inundated by a torrent of demands to ban more and more expressions of culture, art and knowledge.
Cartoon is a form of visual literature. it aims to criticize or reflect our social, political, cultural and economic activities. It is a nutritious food for rationalizing our minds in a very complex society.It makes us have a better understanding of society. It can not be called as vulgar and kept away from the school text books. these cartoons are studied and understood under the guidance of teachers. Therefore, textbooks are the safest place for these cartoons. THEY ENABLE THE STUDENTS TO READ BETWEEN THE LINES AND BEHIND LINES.
Cartoons are like poetry- look fancy, make us laugh and have fun, yet they serve a higher purpose of liberalising and opening the minds of students to the on going human activities.
Spending a whole day on discussion about Dr. Ambedkar's cartoon, it seems parliamentarians remember him as a person but they have forgotten his morals and values. He kept this institution above all and wanted it to be a law making body, but sessions are being more adjourned than conducted. Well having cartoons in NCERT books will not overshadow the dynamic personality of Dr Ambedkar. Moreover it was him who wanted and gave the right of freedom for expression. If the MPs surely want to show respect towards him, then they should work to make india a developed and prosperous nation which was the dream of Dr.Ambedkar.
When will the politics stop dictating education? when will our children learn to understand the truth? I wonder if the parliamentarian who objected to the cartoon of ambedkar realises the efforts that have been put int o make textbooks interesting, real and understable. The last two curriculum changes have attempted to do exactly that. The cartoon is essentially a comment on the slow and time taking making of, perhaps, one of the world's longest constitution.
Had Dr. Ambedkar been alive, he would have felt ashamed of present day representatives who made an issue out of nothing. Democracy doesn't have a meaning without freedom of expression and it cannot be efficient without constructive criticism. Seems political leadership of our country is turning more and more intolerant with time.
Totally agree with the editorial.the politicians with their shameful
behaviour have time and again insulted Dr.Ambedkar.Had he been alive,I
am sure he would have been extremely hurt,not by the cartoon,but by the
way the politicians in this country are running the country.
I can't believe how insensitive and how week the current government is.
I want a leader who says, "Dear students and people of this country, we
should take time to read what is written and understand what happened in
the history and where we come from" and continued to read the paragraphs
in the lesson. And continued to stand the ground of departments under
him. My full respect for the scholars for they stood their ground.
I have gone through the book almost a year back with the same cartoon. I had never felt that cartoon insulted anyone. It is a shame to assume whatever they wanted to, and create a controversy on this. When will open minded people will reach parliament. I is really insulting to freedom of expression that not a single person supported the cartoon.
Even as the 60th anniversary is a proud moment for us, we cannot help
but criticise the lack of " sound minded" politicos. It seems as their
feelings are perpetually being "HURT"ed , and a general idiocy ensues
such as physical and voilent actions.
There is never a one step solution for any problem, but i genuinely
believe that a qualitative push is needed in our institutions ,
undoubtedly the quality of leadership is a great factor. Educated and
illumined leaders should occupy the corridors of power, if we are to
restore any of the lost faith in legislatures . Until then it will be
back to INCORRIGIBLE INDIA.
When did Ambedkar became a demi god? What is Ambedkar's contribution to India other than the constitution stuffed with the self serving "reservation".
The entire issue is utter nonsense and a non-issue and the politician and some vested interests are taking mileage out of this. The cartoon has been in the books for quite a time and it was meant to give an idea of the process of making the constitution. There is no shameful about this cartoon and moreover the books go through a lot scrutiny before coming out and is done by scholars, so the cartoon must have been added with a purpose and not to hurt any body's sentiments. The government has set a bad precedence by giving in in such issue, instead of protecting the right to free expression.
I am really surprised that the so called intellectuals have failed to anticipate the repercations. the biased media barrons are unnecessarily targeting Ambedkarites. can anyone justify the use of a60 year old cartoon that too school children. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is God for 27 percent population of this great country. so media better wake up. and be impartial.
The textbook is not left to study by the student themselves. The
teacher who is a responsible adult and conscious citizen guides these
'impressionable aged students' to think rationally.
Its weird,or I shall good that our trusted white heads' in the parliament disrupting the session for a petty cartoon. I think starting form them (Parliamentarians)and every citizens we start learning our constitution.If this hurt our constitution than the MP'S and so on too hurt the constitution.
They are honourables. They know all except that they do not know their functions.
They have forgotten that it was the 'crowd' which got the democracy restored. I do
not see any reasons why they should hear your saner advice.
While the unruly behavior of the MLAs’ and MPs’ for disrupting the parliament and the subsequent outrageous act of vandalizing the scholars’ offices must be condemned unequivocally it is to be noted that banning one cartoon in the 11th class textbook doesn’t mean the centre is being dictatorial as pointed out in the Editorial (The comic Republic, 14-5-2011). I for one agree that the cartoon is inappropriate for the 11 class students, who are in their formative years and in an impressionable age. The cartoon must not be banned altogether but instead be introduced at college levels when the kids grow up to understand the various levels of sarcasm, satire and criticism in the right context. The nation is not intolerant to sarcasm or satire and criticism of any kind. It’s just that these forms of expression have now reached hideous levels and have become crass resembling slapstick comedies in movies!
"Naturally, every age thinks that all ages before it were prejudiced,
and today we think this more than ever and are just as wrong as all
previous ages that thought so. How often have we not seen the truth
condemned! It is sad but unfortunately true that man learns nothing
from history" - Carl Jung
A controversy over an innocuous cartoon that had existed for nearly 60
years and simultaneous celebrations commemorating 60th anniversary of
the first sitting of Parliament. The irony of the situation is
unfathomable.
If parliament is necessary for Democracy then dissent is the life line
of democracy. Without dissent there will be no democracy and no
parliament.
Notwithstanding whether the cartoon is derogatory or not,it is unncecessary to be included in a school text.Is there any education value that a student derives if it is highlighted that it took really long to write out constitution through a cartoon.Certainly it is prone to misinterpretation.
Having said that,If we outrighlty declare that the cartoon is shameful,we are doing disservice to our heritage.When the people depicted in the cartoon had no problem with it, when it appeared for the first time,we should not have any problem with it now after very many years,
The problem is its inclusion in a text book.
The sure the majority of people of this country agree with your opinion
expressed in your editorial.These politicians know how to act in any situation.Even if they know that it is wrong to disrupt the Parliament on an issue which I am sure they know is trivial, they have to act as if a great injustice has been done. I wish they read and try to understand the the great intellectual Dr Ambedkar and what he stood for.
Students should not be overwhelmed with other's opinion. Instead of
cartoons in textbooks there should be data and only data for his own
comprehension.
An apt and bold caption for the editorial.How well on different grounds you have faulted the behaviour of our parliamentarians and the government on so trivial a matter like this cartoon.When The Hindu published the matter on the front page on May 12,2012,I could not understand what the hullabaloo was about,so far removed from the present the matter was.Your editorial makes everything clear.You have rightly said that 1)it was a degrading spectacle of the government banishing a sixty-year old cartoon from the school syllabus 2)the behaviour of MPs was a soap-opera gone worse 3)Parliamentarians grandstanding on an inoffensive cartoon deplorable 4)this behaviour is a dangerous portent 5)disrupting Parliament on this matter unjustifiable and creating a controversy on a comment ridiculous 6)Centre's response was one of total capitulation.
We miss the Forest for the Bush. The under lying reasons for the SUDDEN Eruption of a matter which
occured few years ago are not being considered.
1.This is the red herring for diverting attention from some other -more serious issue.
2.The insertion of the Cartoon (a non sense which has no relevance
in a course study-due to respect to the "Scholars")but for 'giving
the impression that Panditji WAS the Sole Motivator and strength behind the formulation of the Constitution.
This has been the process over several years now with contributions from all other Greats are being downgraded
In a country like India with ten people and fifteen voices variegated and multiple way of deciphering is welcome. There can be no denying that the cartoon was an intellectual effort of lampooning our leaders at that time and snail's speed with which the constitution making process was moving. But uproar in parliament was unbecoming of parliamentarians. It was like showing your respect to somebody in retrospect. I don't know why Ms. Mayawati didn't raise the issue when she was in power since 2007. Her Rs. 86cr. spending in rejuvenating her palatial resident at Lucknow is more of an insult to dalits whose babies cry for piece of loaf. Parliament shouldn't have forgotten their task of 'restrain on power and civilized discourse'. Even Nehru Ji appreciated the cartoonist by saying ' Don't spare me Shankar'. Parliamentarian should not have insulted padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan awardee by such behavior of theirs. They have other ways which are politically more paying.
It is hard not to wonder why the furore in both Houses of Parliament, ignited by the lone member of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, happened six years after the NCERT's political science textbook, Indian Constitution at Work, was introduced in the Class XI syllabus. Did the recent police high-handedness in Kolkata provide the impetus? From an obscure party in Tamil Nadu's reserved constituency to the Left, the Congress, the SP and AIADMK, a cartoon has brought nearly all parties together. That is good,indeed !
The followers of Ambedkar ,like Mr Vikram who posted his views at 12.05 pm today,who are offended because they think that their hero has been mocked are doing the great man a tremendous disservice. Ambedkar was a great advocate of the spirit of reason and liberalism. He wanted that the Dalits, whom he represented, should imbibe that spirit and become part of the tradition of democracy. In his memorable speech winding up the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly in 1949, Ambedkar warned against pursuing unconstitutional methods of protest in a democracy.The self-styled disciples of Ambedkar have not heeded the words of warning. They have chosen the path of disruption to defend Ambedkar's honour and fame. What can be more demeaning for the rich legacy that Ambedkar bestowed on the Indian nation?
What is most disturbing is that Kapil Sibal acknowledged the cartoon to be 'shameful'. It is unexpected from a person of such prestigious educational pedigree. For once, I thought that HRD minister would step up and back up the right side. Being a Congress supporter during both 2004 and 2009 elections based on their esteemed line of would be ministers like Kapil Sibal, Chidambaram etc. , it is utmost hurting when these people fail to stand up for right causes or in some cases even to defend their own integrity.
It is unfortunate that our elected so called representatives who have all powers to influence our lifes and to protect democracy values have no sense of logic in their surrender to everything... I personally feel not even a single opposite comment on the issue raised shows a clear lack of wisdom in our politicians...we as people have to change, till then we must have to see these intellectual reactions of our so called representatives.....It is us who are actually handing over all our democratic rights (Right to Vote, I feel...Right to Rule)...The Hindu rightly stood on the issue...Thanks.......
It is surprising to see that all the reader comments are in praise of the editorial. Is it by design? I cannot also understand the necessity for such a cartoon to be put in a textbook. What purpose did it serve? The cartoon might have been well meaning when it was drawn but does it really make sense now to convey that the making of constitution was slow when we witness some simple bills like women reservation, lokpal taking decades to be passed in the parliament?
Shame...Shame...Shame... What else can be said against such behavior? Hypocrites, brainless junks and they are running Indian democracy. Shame on them, shame on us to elect them to such stature.
we are electing such a politicians to the parliament who don't know nothing about freedom of expression and who can make a non issue a controversial issue. i found there is nothing wrong in that cartoon which depicting the slow pace of drafting the constitution. disrupting the parliament on this non issue is pathetic.
#Sampath, it is a no-brainer that cartoon is directed at the issue but will 11th class students think the same? Are they mature enough? Their heart is only filled (at home since childhood) with disdain, which will be exacerbated once they see the cartoon, towards 'people who invented reservation' (the insecurities of parents transferred to offspring)? Do we have a single chapter in our schools regarding works of Dr Ambedkar? This brings us to a bigger question, "Should 11th class student be mature enough?". Studies should only be objective like Maths (Social Science is objective too). Studies must not try to polarize students, everything student learns should be 'a priori'. We are only making our children handicapped by overwhelming them with opinions from a small age.
You say the unsaid.Parliamentary democracy in India survive not for the 'aam aadmi' but at the cost of them.Reading from a written script that "common man had become the heart and soul of Indian democrcy" may momentarily arouse a huge applause.But it may soon die down and the momentary elation would go into oblivion.Remember,the common man today forms only the crust of Indian democracy and he gets only crumb of comfort that really confuses him in the matter of the genuinety of the lament of the leaders.We,the citizen,value the Parliament not for what it looks like but for what it does for us.The sanctity of an institution does not lie in its infrastructural grandeur but in the integrity of the individuals who run it.In that respect,what can we be proud of Indian parliament?If occupants of the august body create tumult on a non-issue,will it be appropriate on the part of the Minister concerned to genuflect before them.Only men of calibre can resist such ludicrousness. We need such men.
The text book is rather creative. The text book should not be withdrawn.
I am Swapnil Jaikumaar. I am born Neo Buddhist, I and my family members are closely related to Social Activities. We Neo-Buddhists (formerly Dalits) condemn these attack. We are not against cartoon of Babasaheb Ambedkar. Everyone has freedom of speech and expression. This cartoon was published when Babasaheb was alive. We believe that He would had been the first to understand and appraise the Humour of this cartoon...By these attacks we the followers of Babasaheb are deeply pained...we don't support these. Stop attacks on freedom of speech...Speech is there both to praise and to criticize...it is our constitutional right...It was given to us by our beloved Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar...Don't strangulate our freedoms.
Your quotation of Dr. Ambedkar on Bhakti in politics is on the dot. On the same lines, Vivekananda used to insist that the Principle is more important than the person. But our political class insists on ignoring the true essence of what these great leaders said and continue to concentrate (dissipate, actually) their energies and the energies of their followers on trivial matters. Thereby they also destroy liberal attitudes in society and any sense of humour. Unfortunately, this kind of behaviour is not confined to the political class alone. What we need is a social transformation which helps us become truly tolerant, liberal and inclusive. Tolerance and liberalism have receded badly in our society and inclusiveness only seems to mean equal opportunity to feel hurt (or pretend to feel hurt).
It's really dissapointing to see a complete wastage of time on such an inoffensive issue. This is just mere tactics by our so called leaders to showcase their concerns towards the sentiments of the people of this country. Well then they should probably understand that the people are not at all interested in these kinds of irrelevant issues; rather they want to see the politicians taking some prudent steps towards the development of this country.
I dont understand how/when cartoons started being part of school textbooks! Is it because printing pictures are considered 'expensive' or did the Govt think of giving some work to employ some artists? Cartoon by its very nature will evoke such emotions and criticisms. School textbooks are hardly the place to pass such 'messages' to students.
Vikram, You may be correct in saying this has been written from a position of privilege. But that in no way has an impact on the logic of the expostulation. If Dalit Students are being targeted by Caste Hindu students, that is the problem. The cartoon isn't. Anything can be wrongly construed as a tool of oppression and if we were to start proscribing, we'd very soon be left with nothing further to proscribe -- but the core problem of prejudice would still persist. In fact, I'd argue, Dalit Students, if they are targeted with such cartoon, they should laugh it off -- only trivializing the import of trivial things can help ward the use of triviality as a tool of oppression.
It is easy for the upper castes to lecture to the scheduled classes. That has been our Dharma for ages and we believe in keeping it up. There are strong prejudices among young people in India against the scheduled classes particularly in schools where they study. This cartoon may be okay in a magazine or a newspaper. It should not have found its way into a textbook. I believe what is being said that the cartoon would have resulted in ridicule of students of the lower classes by the members of the upper caste. We must see that the scope for such practices are eliminated to the extent possible. Taking the cartoon off from the textbook is one such step.
Mr. editor your this statement that "The argument that the cartoon could be misconstrued by the 11th standard schoolchildren who read the textbook is bogus and an insult to their intelligence" shows that that you have not done your home work completely, psychologically this age is considered as the 'age of crisis' and that is why they indulge in crimes.juvenile courts are in every country proves this this reason.Secondly cartoons are an art work with its maximum contemporaneous meanings..which can become venomous in different Chronicles.... which had happened now....for example concurrent cartoons on corruption may become venomous in future with respect to some leader..... so its the duty of the scholars and the government to see that.....so its my request do ur homework read read psychology.... same faux pas was done by 'yogender singh and others who clam themselves to be the champion of sociology.... whose base is in the psychology.thanks
#Vikas/H S Laltu Cartoons are light humored visuals on issues that influence/ affect the public; invariably related to political, economic, social personalities as they are the ones who influence. In this case it portrays the issue and not the person. Suppose some other minister instead of Honorable Dr.Ambedkar was writing the Constitution and it were it to be delayed, even then the cartoon would have made its presence with the 'other minister' in his place; so it is issue based and not personality based. Therefore, cartoon per say, should not be perceived as an insult to Dr.Ambedkar as he was a dalit. True, there are still vandalizing of Dr Ambedkar's statues and atrocities committed on dalits; but they are being addressed assiduously through judicial system and social forums. There has been remarkable progress in the upliftment of the dalits and the oppressed in the last 60 years and this process is certainly speeding up in exponential terms.
What I fail to understand is that,in India there are so many problems like poverty ,lack of education,unemployment,lack of infrastructure, water and food shortage, crimes..and the list can go on.But are MP's notice a cartoon and fight on it. Seriously, with billion population and thousands of very important issues to solve, what the MP's fight is on this issue.. Its actually shameful. Why the hell they don't take criminal action against the people who do rape or other heinous crimes rather than taking action against some guy who has made some cartoon?
It would be modest to say that this editorial has been written only from the point of view of high caste people. Dalits do not subscribe to this view. The principles of equity that Babasaheb had enshrined in our constitution are exponentially declining and this is undoubtedly reflected in all the fora be it parliament, newspaper, TV and social networking websites. Even highly educated, learned and 'intelligent' editors in this country fail to recognize the very basic fact behind the dissent channelized by protesting this cartoon that caste bias and exploitation takes its ugliest possible form in Hindu society. I feel disheartened by easily realizing that by now hundreds of thousands of dalit students might have been ridiculed, mocked and jeered at by their high caste classmates and teachers by this 'unseemingly harmless'cartoon. There is not a single editor in this country to approve of their dissidence. his is highly because of the lack of another dalit leader and icon like Babasaheb.
Mr.Prime Minster, Rightly you had asked the enlightened parliamentarians to discuss and not to interrupt proceedings. Some days earlier a political party was advised to introspect. Is your motto this: Don't talk back. Do what I ask you to do. don't do as I do;.Who is the cause for the interruptions? Have you ever thought of it? Is the govt.infallible?
It has become a fashion nowadays to fight for untenable causes in the name of someone - only to hog the lime light. What a sacrifice!
The article is very true because when the cartoon was released in 1950 there was no objection from any body. so now why?Just because MP's want publicity by raising this type of sensitive issue.There are much more important issues to discuss than this.we have to be shameful after all we as people are electing this type of politicians who wants to get individual mileage than doing good things for the nation.
the media plays a significant role in these controversies.Apart from ridiculous attempts of the politicians to get mileage, the media is no-less for attempting to improve their trp ratings conducting irrelevant time-wasting irksome shows.
Initially I was not very skeptical towards the cartoon and I thought that it is just a cartoon. But when I read this editorial, I came to realize one striking point. Interpretation of this cartoon from the perspective of an 11th standard student. Since, the Hindu is a national newspaper so they cannot question the 'intelligence' of 11th class students. It is a matter of fact that all students are not intelligent and even if they are intelligent caste prejudice always takes over intelligence in this country. Remembering my school days, it is easy to reckon that such incidents are always taken with mockery and ridicule by the high caste hindu students much to the contempt and hurting of sentiments of dalit students who always have to gulp their dissent. I do not support the way it was taken in the parliament or ransacking of the houses of the writers. If we are hurt by cartoons then we should reply by channelizing our dissent only through cartoons or any other media for that sake.
The editorial is absolutely relevant and the reference to Dr.Ambedkar's opening remarks at the time of tabling the Constitution for vote are equally pertinent; how predictably true are his statements in the present context of the degenerating values of the elected party men vying with each other to gain political mileage. It is surprising that even Kapil Sibal, the habitually self asserting and belligerently protective spokesperson of government issues, irrespective of merits, meekly submitted to the 'across the board' misdirected criticism; perhaps lost his steam sequel to the continuous failure of his government and the Congress party in recent times and the most recent, Dr.Singhvi's disgrace, could have shaken him. Cartoons in school text books are certainly a novel idea, as thought provoking, funny visuals contribute to stimulate the young inquiring minds as to their meaning; therefore the subject is better understood and retained in the mind. This approach deserves appreciation.
Denouncing the noise in parliament is correct, most noises made there are irrelevant. The demand by some of the MPs to take action against the experts must be protested in the strongest terms. But to say in the same breath that the cartoon should not be removed is an unfortunate stubborn attitude that even the most liberal among the upper caste intellectuals cannot shed. To say that 'The argument that the cartoon could be misconstrued by the 11th standard schoolchildren who read the textbook is bogus and an insult to their intelligence' is closing your eyes on reports of atrocities against Dalits published in your newpspaer every once in a while. The frequent vandalising of statues of Ambedkar happens in this very country by some of the people whose intelligence you are swearing by. If the proportion of Dalits in all professions was commensurate with their proportion in the population, they would have also enjoyed the cartoon. Today they seem to deify their hero because all other deities were forbidden to them for millenia. How about turning it around and saying 'The argument that the Dalits are indulging in Bhakti for Ambedkar is bogus and an insult to their intelligence'. In a country where anything intellectual is overwhelmingly dominated by a minority of upper castes, it is ridiculous that prescriptions on sensible behaviour are offered to Dalits. An important question is - should we be indifferent to all protests by Dalits? In this case, how would it matter pedagogically, if the cartoon was removed? Removing it without making an issue of it would have sent a signal to the Dalits that we are sensitive to their feelings.
If something has gone from bad to worse, it's this editorial. The editor is in denial and has completely misunderstood Babasaheb. The 'eventual dictatorship' is manifest in workers of Congress in their pious and incessant worship of Gandhis and not in dalits whose leader has been dead long enough that this country has completely forgotten him and his efforts and all that the media/country does is deride him. Assume that no one is questioning the intelligence of students, why is it necessary to highlight the 'slow pace', how is that helping in understanding the constitution? I'll tell you, contempt and hatred towards Dr Ambedkar, who according to these 'intelligent' students coined reservation based on caste. The students are so ill-informed about the history of emancipation of dalits, they are indifferent towards their plight. 'Feeling affronted' is an understatement to describe the feelings of 25% of country's population.
really admirable editorial.. Where are we leading to our country? on one side we are so intolerable on any critique. what do all cartoonists are supposed to do now in our country? Most shocking is the fact that constitution making was a slow process which was even accepted by Mr. Ambedkar is not acceptable today by his follower and also by MPs. Also Mr. Ambedkar i think is one of the few leaders at that time who always support Modernity. If even after 60 years of democracy we cant tolerate this how can we say we are going towards modernity? Its very shameful that such things are still being unanimously critiqued.
I am so glad that The Hindu has taken the right stand on this.
You are expressing feelings of many citizens in the edit. The cartoon incident has happened even as our celebration of sixty years of our Parliamentary democracy is on. Many citizens are worried by the way our politicians surrender to muscle power, whether it is of caste or money. But there is no need to become despondent. Our response should be more logical. We must implement reforms in many areas, particularly electoral, educational, legal and financial reforms, to strengthen our democracy. Future of our country as a united nation is closely linked to the democratic values and hence we must elect politicians who have a complete faith in a federal structure with a stable Central government, unfailing commitment to democratic way of working and who would make the bureaucracy work for welfare of people of India.
"Disrupting Parliament would have been unjustifiable even if the cartoon were repugnant." That hits the nail on its head. Thanks for pointing it out.
While fully agreeing with your views expressed in this editorial, I can not but help observing that the subject cartoon of 1949 was published at a time when Shri. Ambedkar was very much alive and active in the solemn work of framing the constitution and that he himself must have had a hearty laugh at the caricature and did not take offence. As such,the comic act of our parliamentarians seething in anger at the vintage cartoon even while the affected person Shri. Ambedkar himself was not moved to anger in his time by the cartoon could itself be a subject matter of a new cartoon for the fraternity of cartoonists.
Well I wish that Mr. Ramdas Athavale looked into the Ahilaya Ashram issue and see how land that truly belongs to the Dalits has been syphoned off and sold by members of the RPI to buliders. The Ambedkar College of Commerce and the Maharshi Vittal Ramiji Shinde College of Arts, Nana Peth, Pune. has suffered badly at the hands of the corrupt leaders of the RPI and worst of all it has not brought any liberation to the Dalits. This is historic land as far as Ambedkar and the Dalit movement are concerned. I think that Mr. Athavale should not make a show of loyalty when infact they are defeating the nature and purpose of perhaps the greatest man that sprung up form India. If Athavale has got Babashaeb right then he should see that nothing of the text book is destroyed and the buildings on Ahilya Ashram property be demolished and a true memorial of learning for the dalits comes into place at the said site.
Politicians ruling our country are becoming increasingly intolerant and unfortunately nobody in the government is willing to take a tough stand against expressions of such intolerance choosing instead to hide conveniently behind the cloak of diplomacy. The treatment meted out to Salman Khurshid and the Late M F Hussain are other cases in point. Senior party leaders of parties in power such as Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi must choose to lead by example rather than just be mute spectators.
Really,it's a pity to see our nominated parliamentarians squabbling instead of debating and solving issues that hinders the progress of society.
The intolerance of political class for an innocuous cartoon which no way denigrates Dr.B.R.Ambedkar whilst the parliament is celebrating its 60th anniversary smacks of hypocrisy and parochialism.
In India we make a mockery of everything -be it democracy,constitution, parliament, government,..name anything! No doubt every incidence makes us cartoon characters and folds in the eyes of the World at large!
What a great editorial! If only they all had debated to make sure that all the government schemes are implemented properly, India would have been a really developed country. In school I learned that diversity (in language, religion, etc) is one of the greatest plus points of India. Now I realize that this diversity is nothing but a complex social structure which provides fuel to a massive number of inconsequential political issues. Our democracy is essentially thriving on the randomness generated from such a complex social system.
I really feel sad to see these events. How will this change? When will people awake and arise?
Freedom of expression is curtailed by some forms of moderation if it is for mass circulation and only the most liked by public are coming out. Though the cartoon in this case might be to emphasize a purpose, it could be moderated or disapproved in the initial stage itself. Freedom of expression in this case affect many as seen in many other cartoons elsewhere. But freedom of expression by The Hindu is superb as it alerts the law making house itself and protects freedom of expression.
It is laughable to see an utterly inoffensive cartoon being used to create a controversy. Most of the politicians in India are devoid of any worthwhile convictions and have zero intellectual content. It is strange that not a single one of them came out against the controversy.
Please Email the Editor