Shiban Khaibri
Ever heard in the past that the constitutional post of state Governor, otherwise supposed to be held in due esteem in this country, being pushed into staging protest or even getting emotional and openly wiping tears ? TN Governor staging a walk out from the Assembly and not reading out the address .Kerala (the then) Governor Arif Mohamad Khan accusing CM Pinarayi Vijayan of conspiring to physically harm him , he further suspected a nexus between the ruling Left Front and SFI and PFI. West Bengal the then Governor) Jagdip Dhankar breaking down into tears in front of the media after interacting with the victims of post poll violence in that state etc etc. Unbelievably but that actually happening , with this rate of our fast depreciating level of politics , are we fated to see and watch more of such unwarranted and unexpected burgeoning of the disregard for the gubernatorial post under the alibi of protecting “the tradition and culture of our state” and upholding the tenets of “elastic federalism ” , “cultural autonomy” or any other ground that suits the occasion and the whims of the politicians. Is not such a stand getting buttressed by the narrative peddled from the platforms of foreign countries by our own politicians that “India was not a nation but a union of states”. The question as to what political mileage is sought to be derived bysuch type of politicians by trying to making nation subservient to the union of states and whether ”union of states” did not mean ultimately a nation? In fact, in common parlance, a nation is in itself a country as people are living in different areas throughout the territory having their own Government, customs, language, traditions, legacy, history, culture and what not.
This narrative, perhaps, when analysed critically, could be deduced to have been necessitated due to the frustration of there being a particular Government in power and not the one craved for even if the people did not want that , not in the least. Going further deep into the questionable and hypothetical narrative, by that standard, a nation cannot be supposed to have its own Government , system, laws etc like a country can have . Further, the purpose of a country primarily is to unite the people as it is made up of many people and has its purpose as also the beginning because of this very fact. Verily, therefore, segregating nation and country had ramifications of confusing the people and planting ideas that even could lead to weakening of the structure of the country and different equations which the constitution of the country does not allow.Paradoxically , at the same time, lavishly displaying red covered book — ostensibly the copy of the constitution – but going against the very spirits of it is well beyond comprehension.
Those who feign to have ”extra love” and unquestionable regard for the constitution of India were, again, seen to be mysteriously silent over the National Anthem reportedly not played at the start of the Tamil Nadu Assembly session on its very first day, as the customary address by the Governor was to start with playing the National Anthem and at the end of the address. The Governor , not taking it lightly registered his protest by walking out of the assembly – perhaps, an extreme step -which he thought could send due and concerted message to the concerned. Agreed, the state could , as usual, also play its state anthem which too deserves due regard as we all are proud of Tamil culture, traditions and legacy being integral part of our composite traditional and historical heritage like that of any other state of the country but ”nation first ” must be our priority . Cultural autonomy is supposed to be fully protected only when our country stands united. It should not only be in theory but look too to be so and that is paramount.
However, by not playing our national anthem, does it not tantamount to disregarding and disrespecting it? Has our politics boiled down to such levels so as to make the symbol of Bharat’s identity, heritage, unity and above all patriotism getting embroiled in controversies hence causing it to be disregarded? Is it not the prime and fundamental obligationand duty of each and every citizen to intrinsically respect it ? That, just rising up for just a minute during its recitation as a mark of respect should unfortunately be felt as casual and quite optional even stubbornly a blunt refusal augers well not for any reason or purpose even if held in deep esteem.
Adopted on January 24, 1950, the anthem is our identity which means our traditions, history, glory, greatness, traditions and beliefs. Our cultural heritage envisages unity in diversity whichis aptly described by the anthem hence all states and areas of our country are adequately represented and described by it leaving no scope for putting regional aspirations and beliefs above the anthem so as to discard it or playing it at secondary level after the regional or state level anthems or glory songs. Cultural glory and autonomy of any state does not get diluted in its importance by playing the anthem but lends to it greater importance and sustainability.
Do we, after more than seven decades, still need to reiterate that the National anthem was close to our hearts and psyche as it all is about highlighting extreme and emotional sense of patriotism reminding us each time about the greatness, the beauty and glory of our country? Our civilization , dating back to thousands of years , conservatively placed at above ten thousand years , has survived amidst many getting drowned in sheer oblivion .We were ruled by looters and invaders from other countries for nearly 800 years till 1947 and this anthem is a great expression of our country’s independence and sovereignty. When we rise up to sing it together, it fosters unity and cements the ties of remaining together among the citizens as one cohesive force. Last but not least, it also is used to show our indebtedness to and support coupled with intense regard for our valiant armed forces that are guarding our country every second, every minute , day and night. There can be no issues , no objection , even in the least, in playing the Tamil Nadu state’s own anthem which is invocation to Mother Tamil but why should only the Tamil Nadu state anthem be sung and not the national anthem and that too at first place,is an important and sensitive question.
It is not the first instance that the Governor had to stage a walk out but the recent one , reportedlyis his third one which the state Chief Minister termed as ”childish”. On the other hand , the office of the Raj Bhawan described the incident as ” The constitution of the country and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly . Respecting the National Anthem is among the first fundamental duty as enshrined in our constitution , it is sung in all the state legislatures at the beginning and at the end of the Governor’s address. Today on arrival of the Governor , only Tamil ThaaiVaazhthu (invocation of the Tamil Mother) was sung , while the Governor fervently appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister who is the leader of the House and the Hon’ble Speaker for singing the National Anthem, they cussedly refused, It is a matter of grave concern and the Governor is in deep anguish….”
Should there be bitter or better ”relationship ” between the state Government and the state Governor and whether , now, the need of an ombudsman type of an authority needs to be statutorily appointed to ”settle” disputes between the two ? These are such fears that nurse the feelings that this country is still found wanting in to be one with uniform practices and customs across the country that govern the running of the Governments both in states and at the centre . In the instant case, an avoidable controversy built on just an unwarranted ego has surfaced giving an impression , perhaps, that the National Anthem was being ”imposed” or ”thrust” on the people of the state like that of the manufactured ”thrust” or ”imposition” of Hindi language which could not find any place in the state even after more than seven decades while there was no problem with alien languages like English etc spoken and used . How can the integration and unity of the people, of the country be achieved from such narrow and inelastic approach which otherwise is extremely cardinal for the country in its marching ahead to emerge as a world power.
Our strength lies in cogent unity, respecting and following the constitution in letter and spirit, coordination between different but connected constitutional posts and institutions. Every time, iconic patriotic warriors like Tukaram Omble alone should not create history for this country , politicians too should play their part in whatever capacity. Rail Roko, blocking roads, calling for frequent Bandhs , Hartals and demonstrations , walk outs and the like under the alibi of ”constitutional rights” do no good to the country, instead impede and put brakes to the speed of development. Can we continue to afford that luxury?
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