I am writing this blog on seeing a very touching scene which made me ponder over a lot of incidences that has been going on around us . I felt that there were some connections in all these.
I went to a funeral service of a relative whose father happened to be a prominent ex-politician . It was in a relatively rural area where political clashes are common . A large crowd was present and as usual politics was the discussion on the outer fringes of the function . While the immediate family were grieving , people from across party lanes came in hordes to console. It was either a slight touch, a Namaste or even a look in the eye . It was wonderful to see people who couldn’t see eye to eye in 99 % of matters could see through the colours and ideologies and see real humans among them . I am sure this is one function which most of them attended without expecting any increase in their vote bank . On further nosing around , I understood that most of the senior politicians were from the same college or school where they shared a common class room , canteen and even food , but had different views on how the country should be run and faith in different leaders to give them their ideal country . There was a time when the youth was highly aware of the political situation and a politician was respected for his knowledge of local and national culture , politics and economy . Only the smartest of the lot who could inspire , lead and stand for what they believed in dared to enter politics . Though there were black sheeps in them as in any profession , they knew what it is to connect with the common man or majority .
The highly educated English speaking anchors in national news channels who are ‘speaking ‘ for the people easily tend to forget that these same politicians who are blamed for the Mumbai terror attack to the reservations in premium education institutions are the ones who have got the mandate of the common man . The former was so over sensationalised that even some Americans who are used to sensationalised news were shocked . Live pictures of Anti terror activities were broadcast which gave their viewer ratings and the terrorists the edge over others . Coming back to the function , when no media were present as there was no sensation value , the politicians were united at a time of grief of their comrade without any personal gains in mind that too in busy election time .
A reservation vilification campaign was also on air for some time projecting it as the one big evil force that is dragging the country backward in this competitive world. The new generation apolitical youth also sang the same tune without realizing the intricate socio economic situation of India . After the Mumbai attack , there was also a no tax payment campaign on media by some celebrities who speaks what the media wants to hear .Serious policy matters are left to sms votes which constitute a minuscule percentage of the populace and are projected as the verdict of the people . Such irresponsible campaigns evoked by emotional mis adventures and sensation hungry media may have far reaching consequences . Senior politicians who authoritatively speak for a large section of the people are rudely cut mid sentence by 30 something anchors at their whims and fancy .
So what are the qualification of these people who assume to be speaking for the people ? Being able to speak fluently a foreign language ? Being able to bring sensation and controversy into everyday news ? Being able to glue an equally apolitical upper middle class (the market for their ads) to the T.V ‘s so that they feel they are doing something useful for their country .So after all ,the un educated ,poor English speaking , corrupt politician who is responsible for all things bad in this democracy is also a victim . So the next time you see a breaking news headline or see a tongue tied politician cut off on live television, think who is the real victim. The on screen victim , the politician or you .
