- There exists an unwritten rule for the ruling dispensation, whether at the central or state government, to further what the establishment believes as upholding the cultural, traditional, and widely accepted mores of its ideologies. Harping back onto past heroes and historical figures is a common phenomenon even though the relevance of such a much invites debates. Of course, there are a few extremely defining personalities whose path-breaking contributions hold sway even now. Not surprisingly, readily usurping those legacies by the present political parties has indeed become quite a norm.
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- None so clearly exemplified by the way the legacy of Sardar Patel and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose plays out presently. As you are aware, both these historical luminaries are the products of the Grand Old Party of India, the India National Congress whose rise to equal fame alongside that of the Nehru-Gandhi pair somehow failed to gain traction leading up to the Indian independence struggles as well as subsequent years too. No sooner did the Bharatiya Janata Party assume governance at the centre, Sardar Patel and Netaji Subhas Bose were not only accorded due prominence but also widely projected as heroes who were deprived of wider recognition at par with those bestowed upon Nehru-Gandhi.
- Whatever the dynamics prevalent during those defining years of freedom struggles, conveniently ignoring equally significant contributions of these two leaders post-Independence is a fact that cannot be questioned. No wonder, the legacies of Sardar Patel and Netaji Bose have assumed greater connotation of late in the form of symbols, statues, nomenclatures, naming, and aggressive propaganda highlighting contributions made by them towards the nation. Against this backdrop, Netaji Bose’s 125th birth anniversary assumes importance as several chief ministers from across the country pay tribute in glorious terms. It was all topped by the Prime Minister unveiling Bose’s hologram statue at India Gate.
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- Not surprisingly, the new statue as much as the preceding relocation of the Amar Jawan Jyoti from this space to the National War Memorial has set off a fresh round of heated debate over India’s history whether it is being erased or enriched, diluted, or diversified. Similarly, the removal of one of Gandhi’s favorite hymns ‘Abide With Me’ from this year’s Beating Retreat ceremony is being criticized as yet another insult to minorities and the Mahatma, and simultaneously defended as welcome phasing-in of tunes like ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon’ that have wider connect with citizens. However, contrary to whatever the vituperative attacks emanating from opposite sides suggest, such contestations over historical meanings are not new, or necessarily bad.
- Accept it as part of the rough and tumble of a diverse democracy, and contestations over meanings as well as readings of history are mere signs of healthy life in the public space. Every political party in government exercises the capacity and inclination to promote its own heroes and other assorted historical and cultural preferences. Nonetheless, the quest for power by convincing voters is one of the defining features of democracy, and a natural process to boot. Opposition or not, these so-called culture wars are simply a manifestation of politics. Mind you, the younger generation will get to learn more about hitherto not-so-well-known historical figures in the bargain. No complaints should be forthcoming on this front!
