Prof. Nutan K Resutra
Jammu: It is a matter to be proud of. for, someone to become famous, a national figure. Not because he did something great by contributing towards to the sufferers and needy’. Not because he became the so- called- public representative by having steered through the electoral process. Friends: I have purposely used the words “so-called”. Also, not because I take up cuddles against social evils and problems. And definitely not because I raise genuine public issues amongst authorities, guiding and assisting them politely, respectfully in finding their proper solutions in harmony with them. No Sirs, not at all. It is a matter to be proud for me that I use abusive language and habit of threatening public servants, and other opposition leaders I reportedly want to become a national hero! I have been discussed on different national TV Channels and finds precious space in many leading papers. Senior journalists are seen too busy talking about whether the Public Safety Act slapped on me is right or not; or rebuked in assembly or Parliament giving me even a more unwanted coverage. And I salute them for this.
I am reminded of a couplet recited by nationally acclaimed Urdu Poet Munnawar Rana, that too again in a TV programme. He advised someone by saying:
Kitni jaldi khud ko mash hoor kar liya hum ne, Kisi bade aadmi ko badi si gaali de kar! I am perplexed to witness this new culture in public life. Many people abuse seems to have the easiest way of gaining name and fame. And this is not a new thing. I start with 2014 when Chaiwala jibe was used against Modi Ji by Mani Shankar Ayyar. This seemed to lay the foundations of Gaali- Culture in public life. Time and again, Modi Ji became the focal point of increased intensity of abuses of his opponents; each set of abuses giving him more strength as well as more success in his mission. The red-line of decency whatever left was crossed when in UP elections, Raj Babbar abused the respected mother of the Prime Minister of India. I have purposely used the words “Respected Mother”. It does not need to say that a Mother is indeed the most respected entity created by God. There goes a famous saying: God could not be everywhere; so He sent Mother! Same is true when we say that Maa ke Kadmon mein Jannat hai. The ensuing Bihar elections have once again witnessed this most unacceptable trend of again abusing the most respected mother of the highest elected personality of the biggest Democracy of the world. Something to be indeed ashamed of.
I am too amused to make a mention of the Gaali- culture due to the latest incident that has happened in our own Province. The so-called elected Public Representative used the most- foul language not only against a Public Servant’s person but also against his personal beliefs. Why? Because the said Public Servant was guilty in their eyes of performing his genuine official duties. And also because that Officer being upright and a no-non-sense-one did not bow to the unreasonable statements of the leader; not to make a mention of other allegations submitted in the official Dozier that are available in print media. The act of performance of official duties by the Deputy Commissioner made the me lose his temper and he used all those foul words that no reasonable person would dare to repeat or get printed. Besides, I also tried to prevent government officials from performing their statutory duties; again, as stated in the official Dossier like many other leaders of the country..
And this is not the first time that we have used foul language. During the Assembly Session, and Parliamentary sessions, this Public Representative used abusive language against; let me use the often stereo-typed jargon; a particular minority community. Since every public representative has immunity on the floor of the House, nothing happened. This was akin to the behaviour of Arvind Kejriwal who is too famous to use baseless allegations and charges against any one he feels happy about! Later on, Mr. Kejriwal has tendered apologies many times also. But the issue does not end her
I too have the right to abuse bureaucrats, opposition leaders. Opponents as I am living in a Democratic Country.
(The author is former Principal GGM Science College and former Chairman, J&K BOSE)