OPINION: Nobody Remembers Naraz Phuphas

Sulking uncles may be a common element of Indian weddings but they are easily forgotten. People always go back with memories of a happy union. The Naraz Phuphas can join New India's grand march or become a footnote.

"Koi Naraz Phupha to nahi?' is a common query of relatives and guests attending a traditional Indian wedding. The sarcastic question arises because it is expected that there will be a sulking uncle sitting in some corner of the gathering expressing his displeasure at all the arrangements and the fact that he is not being accorded the pride of place he deserves. After some efforts at pacification, the sulking uncle is forgotten as attention shifts to the actual wedding.

What people carry back with them are memories of the celebrations, the song and dance, the lavish feasts and of course the happy union. Not very different from where the opposition led by the Congress party stands today. They are sulking in a corner while Indians just witnessed a moment that comes but once in the life of nation.

After 75 years of independence, we have a temple of democracy built by our own elected government, by our own proud workers. A structure that stands tall as the hallmark of a resurgent, self reliant, unapologetic, aspirational New India. Though India became independent from British rule seven and a half decades ago, the markers of colonisation are still visible all around us.

While the physical markers are being phased out one by one, it is the colonization of the Indian mind that remains the biggest challenge. It is this challenge that Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to in his Independence Day speech last August while giving the mantra of Panch Pran.

That a section of the opposition chose to stay away from this momentous occasion shows they have opted to be on the wrong side of history. It is expected that they may have serious points of difference with the way the event was being solemnized. But they could have voiced it by coming and articulating their thoughts.

By staying away some of these opposition parties have given the message that they will only participate when things are organized 'their way'. Not quite democratic, is it? But then the Congress, and the parties which have come out of the Congress in the past, were used to having things their way.

All this would not have mattered so much had it not been for the 'sour grapes' attitude displayed by the Congress talking heads on the legacy of the 'Sengol'. With no answers as to why it blacked out this glorious episode of India's independence from public memory and how the Sengol came to be labelled as Nehru's 'golden walking stick', the Congress responded by questioning the authenticity of the entire episode. This despite the minute details provided by the Adheenam, experts and the testimony of the jewellers.

However, the Sengol which symbolizes righteousness and justice has found its rightful place in the new Parliament building. This building is also a state of the art structure designed to harness technology for smooth functioning. This proves we are as proud of our civilisational, cultural heritage as we are raring to adopt the latest technology to empower the nation.

As New India climbs newer heights, the Naraz Phuphas have to take the call whether they want to join or not to join the grand march. They can be a part of history or just a footnote.

(Smita Mishra writes on politics and current affairs)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of OneIndia and OneIndia does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.