The speech by Mr Shashi Tharoor which he gave during a debate at Oxford University went viral on the internet. In this speech, he rebuked the argument that India was in no way benefited by British rule rather he argued that it was Britain who was the beneficiary at the cost of India's development. As expected, this speech won praise from all quarters in India, even Indian Prime Minister Mr. Modi made a special mention of this speech. There is no doubt that Mr. Tharoor is a very good writer and excellent orator, especially in English. I love the way he presents his arguments and conducts himself during any debate or discussion. His mannerisms and grasp of various issues are very impressive. Even after being in Indian politics, he shows courage to view his opinions about sensitive issues like juvenile justice bill or capital punishment. Many political parties and their leaders stay away from saying anything contrary to the general public perception about these sensitive issues but so far Mr. Tharoor has shown the courage to express his views boldly on these matters. I hope he continues to do this even in the future. I personally may or may not agree with all of his views and ideas, but I really appreciate his willingness to express opinions on matters that most other political leaders try to avoid.
Unfortunately, his own party (Indian National Congress) is crippled by its own insecurities and therefore can not make use of this brilliant public speaker as their spokesperson. According to them, it seems he has a tendency to speak some of the things which are logical and most of the time correct but not fit for messy Indian politics. Many times, some of his statements put his own party in a difficult situation because they want spokespersons who speak only politically convenient language not logical or rational things. It seems no political party in India likes this type of free mind or independent thinker to speak on behalf of them. Mr. Tharoor landed in such trouble just a few days back when he said that he is not in favor of using the disruption of parliament as a tool to corner the government. Actually, there is nothing wrong with what he said, there is no use in disrupting the parliament and stalling the important work that parliament and its members are supposed to do. It is true that the current ruling coalition NDA (mainly BJP) did this in the past, but their wrong actions of the past can not justify the same actions performed in the present by any other party. So even though Mr. Tharoor was right he faced the wrath of some of his party members for objecting to the party's political tactics. I am glad that even after all this snubbing and scolding people like him or Nandan Nilekani are trying to stay in politics. I also understand why these people have to go with the Indian National Congress rather than any other political party, the secular ideas and values represented by this party match these people's thinking which is why even after all the problems and drawbacks associated with this party they have to go with this party as there is no other equally suitable alternative for them. This explains their political choice. I consider myself politically independent and I support any political party based on issues, that is why I also face the same problems when I have to choose any single political party to cast my vote during any election. I face the same dilemma and always have to settle for the lesser evil rather than the ideal choice. Unfortunately, there is no legal choice in politics, it doesn't have to be, we need to find a party that aligns well with our basic values. This is why I say that I understand the problems of people like Mr. Tharoor, I really appreciate their efforts to remain in this system and also be able to protect their identity. Many people after entering this very robust and old political system become part of it, the system changes them, rather than them changing in the system. There are many examples of this from past and present to prove this. It is very easy to criticize the system, get frustrated, and say nothing can be done to change it, but it takes a great amount of patience, determination, and stamina to enter into it and try to swim against the current. Very few dare to do it, most of the people enter to swim with the current and reap the benefit. So don't worry Mr. Tharoor, I understand your problems but don't get disheartened by temporary setbacks, please keep on expressing your opinions and initiating discussions on various topics. Let's keep the fire of independent and free-thinking minds burning, we owe at least this much to our society.
Unfortunately, his own party (Indian National Congress) is crippled by its own insecurities and therefore can not make use of this brilliant public speaker as their spokesperson. According to them, it seems he has a tendency to speak some of the things which are logical and most of the time correct but not fit for messy Indian politics. Many times, some of his statements put his own party in a difficult situation because they want spokespersons who speak only politically convenient language not logical or rational things. It seems no political party in India likes this type of free mind or independent thinker to speak on behalf of them. Mr. Tharoor landed in such trouble just a few days back when he said that he is not in favor of using the disruption of parliament as a tool to corner the government. Actually, there is nothing wrong with what he said, there is no use in disrupting the parliament and stalling the important work that parliament and its members are supposed to do. It is true that the current ruling coalition NDA (mainly BJP) did this in the past, but their wrong actions of the past can not justify the same actions performed in the present by any other party. So even though Mr. Tharoor was right he faced the wrath of some of his party members for objecting to the party's political tactics. I am glad that even after all this snubbing and scolding people like him or Nandan Nilekani are trying to stay in politics. I also understand why these people have to go with the Indian National Congress rather than any other political party, the secular ideas and values represented by this party match these people's thinking which is why even after all the problems and drawbacks associated with this party they have to go with this party as there is no other equally suitable alternative for them. This explains their political choice. I consider myself politically independent and I support any political party based on issues, that is why I also face the same problems when I have to choose any single political party to cast my vote during any election. I face the same dilemma and always have to settle for the lesser evil rather than the ideal choice. Unfortunately, there is no legal choice in politics, it doesn't have to be, we need to find a party that aligns well with our basic values. This is why I say that I understand the problems of people like Mr. Tharoor, I really appreciate their efforts to remain in this system and also be able to protect their identity. Many people after entering this very robust and old political system become part of it, the system changes them, rather than them changing in the system. There are many examples of this from past and present to prove this. It is very easy to criticize the system, get frustrated, and say nothing can be done to change it, but it takes a great amount of patience, determination, and stamina to enter into it and try to swim against the current. Very few dare to do it, most of the people enter to swim with the current and reap the benefit. So don't worry Mr. Tharoor, I understand your problems but don't get disheartened by temporary setbacks, please keep on expressing your opinions and initiating discussions on various topics. Let's keep the fire of independent and free-thinking minds burning, we owe at least this much to our society.
Thanks for reading and please share your views on this topic.
[Copyright: Vinay Thakur. Please contact the author for re-posting or publishing]
Links:
1. Dr Shashi Tharoor- Britain Does Owe Reparations
2. Dr. Shashi Tharoor on the Juvenile Justice Bill, 2015
3. http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/hanging-yakub-memon-makes-us-murderers-too-1202042
Links:
1. Dr Shashi Tharoor- Britain Does Owe Reparations
2. Dr. Shashi Tharoor on the Juvenile Justice Bill, 2015
3. http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/hanging-yakub-memon-makes-us-murderers-too-1202042
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