Thursday, March 12, 2009
RED IS THE NEW YELLOW,WHITE AND GREEN.
My memories are painted red. Which other colour would symbolize the essence of a life lived in a communist state? Spending almost 24 years of my life in Kerala, which democratically elected the world's first communist government to power, and where Marx was considered next to God - as both coexisted well.Marxism was a way of empowerment people believed in,a way to dissent the oppressor,than other complexities they were taught in party study classes.Feudalism gave way to a more egalitarian society and we had local heroes to revere, who made it possible. People lined up for red volunteer marches, seeking their rights, Gheraos, thundering slogans, the young comrades in colleges who wore Che on their sleeves, whom we looked up to, the time when silk dressed men were considered bourgeoisie and every disputes got settled in party offices which acted as a quasi state whenever the party was in power, marks the heydays of the party in my memories. But I realise now, the people were blind in their belief in Communism. The latest news to hit headlines is the corruption charges against the party chief. But this isn't the news that will shook the masses whose staunch belief made this party grow, because they have already realized the red flag fluttering is no more of the peasants’ party but of an empire like CP(I)M Inc., their latest business venture being a water theme park. The factional feud that took party by storm was nothing but a struggle for power by party's two warhorses, than any ideological conflicts, because the party seems to have long shelved the outdated ideology finding it too unrealistic to put into practice. While the communists were drunk on power, a Malayalee terrorist was shot dead trying to trespass the LOC, a few others masterminded the Banglore blasts, Godmen and Godwomen took spiritual ventures into the booming real estate market, caste-based groups mushroomed and colluded with fundamentalists tearing the secular fabric of the state. It is no wonder the state is already slipping in ranks of social indices, which we boasted were the gifts of the Marxist revolution. It must be really saddening for the masses who built the party by their sweat and hardships to realize their Red is the new yellow, white and green.
State of slumdogs.
India is a secular state of slumdogs! The statement can’t be an exaggeration if you ever happened to be at the New Delhi railway station. Considered the nodal point where people from across the country would take the India story of hope and betterment to their remote hamlets, it seems, in deep contrast, to be a place where the euphoria is dying in the stinking parallel lines of despair and agony.
I happened to be here to see off my friend who had come calling for a Delhi visit. A first timer to the capital, thrown into the chaos, he said, ‘We are not to be called a giant elephant or roaring tiger, but donkeys!’ the state of capital's railway station says it all. No basic amenities, the incompetent information officers and the mad crowd -- to board a train from here seemed the toughest job we would have ever attempted in our life.
For the 1.40 PM train, my friend waited till 2 to get the first information that the train is late by 30 minutes. My friend would have had a nervous break down had he been alone carrying three huge bags of luggage. I took the pain to jostle through the crowd seeking whatever little information I can get of the delayed train.15 minutes later we got to know about the platform for us to board the train. Since I was denied the platform ticket for security reasons ( Republic Day security check), my friend had to make it alone to platform no 5.The ordeal would be over soon, I said and all I could wish him was - to guard his pocket, luggage and life!
Finally a faint voice cried that our train is destined to reach platform no 16. In only 10 minutes stay the train had at the station, my friend had to fly from platform 5 to platform 16! In the mad crowd outside, biting my nails I said, ‘Here am, my friend wishing you Bon voyage. But what story would you take home? An emerging superpower? The shining India? Or the land of destitutes? Dannyl Boyle and the likes, we've enough stories for you!
I happened to be here to see off my friend who had come calling for a Delhi visit. A first timer to the capital, thrown into the chaos, he said, ‘We are not to be called a giant elephant or roaring tiger, but donkeys!’ the state of capital's railway station says it all. No basic amenities, the incompetent information officers and the mad crowd -- to board a train from here seemed the toughest job we would have ever attempted in our life.
For the 1.40 PM train, my friend waited till 2 to get the first information that the train is late by 30 minutes. My friend would have had a nervous break down had he been alone carrying three huge bags of luggage. I took the pain to jostle through the crowd seeking whatever little information I can get of the delayed train.15 minutes later we got to know about the platform for us to board the train. Since I was denied the platform ticket for security reasons ( Republic Day security check), my friend had to make it alone to platform no 5.The ordeal would be over soon, I said and all I could wish him was - to guard his pocket, luggage and life!
Finally a faint voice cried that our train is destined to reach platform no 16. In only 10 minutes stay the train had at the station, my friend had to fly from platform 5 to platform 16! In the mad crowd outside, biting my nails I said, ‘Here am, my friend wishing you Bon voyage. But what story would you take home? An emerging superpower? The shining India? Or the land of destitutes? Dannyl Boyle and the likes, we've enough stories for you!
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