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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 9:59:04 pm

Cheap Shots

The continuing campaign to caricature Vinayak Damodar Savarkar says rather more about the impoverishment of India’s political discourse than it does about Savarkar himself. A recent viral video mocking him proffers the familiar spectacle of those who believe that reducing a complex historical figure to a punchline constitutes serious political argument. The most revealing aspect of the latest mockery is its casualness. It treats the man as though he were merely a political opponent from...

Cheap Shots

The continuing campaign to caricature Vinayak Damodar Savarkar says rather more about the impoverishment of India’s political discourse than it does about Savarkar himself. A recent viral video mocking him proffers the familiar spectacle of those who believe that reducing a complex historical figure to a punchline constitutes serious political argument. The most revealing aspect of the latest mockery is its casualness. It treats the man as though he were merely a political opponent from yesterday, rather than a revolutionary who spent years confronting the British Raj and endured the extraordinary brutality of Cellular Jail in the Andamans. The conditions of Kala Pani were marked by punishing isolation, hard labour, oil grinding and coir pounding, which were instruments of punishment designed to break prisoners physically and psychologically. The argument over his mercy petitions illustrates precisely this problem. Critics cite them as proof of capitulation while Savarkar’s defenders point to the circumstances in which they were written and reject the conclusion that they erase his revolutionary record. But even more telling is the erasure of the human cost borne by Savarkar and his family. In 1909, while he was in London, his four-year-old son Prabhakar died of smallpox. His brother Baburao was imprisoned and the family was subjected to severe persecution. Savarkar could not simply return home without exposing himself to arrest. At Brighton, amid this personal catastrophe and exile, he composed Sagara Pran Talamalala, a cry of longing for his motherland. One need not share Savarkar’s politics to recognise the human tragedy behind it. There is also a delicious irony in the selective memory surrounding him. India itself has never treated Savarkar as an uncomplicated historical footnote. It was the government headed by Congress scion Rahul Gandhi’s own grandmother - Indira Gandhi – that had issued a commemorative stamp bearing his portrait and the Cellular Jail. The country’s historical establishment has, at different times, recognised his place in the freedom struggle even while disagreeing profoundly with his politics. But today’s political class appears less interested in such complexity. Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders have repeatedly used Savarkar as a rhetorical punching bag, apparently calculating that attacking him is an easy way to attack the political tradition they oppose. A democracy does not become more liberal by making contempt its substitute for history. Savarkar does not need protection from criticism. It is Indian history that needs protection from intellectual laziness. The man can be debated and his ideas challenged. But what should not pass for political courage is the cheap denigration of someone like Savarkar, whose life was marked by sacrifice, imprisonment and extraordinary historical consequence unimaginable to his detractors. In fact, the real weakness of Savarkar’s detractors is not that they criticise him. It is that, so often, they seem incapable of doing anything more serious.

Bhutan: Where Happiness is a Way of Life

Writer: Archita Redkar
Archita Redkar
Mar 26
3 min read

From misty mountains to fluttering prayer flags, every corner whispers peace.

Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan feels like a place where time slows down and life breathes in harmony with nature. Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon", Bhutan is not just a destination—it is an experience that touches the heart deeply.


Geographically, Bhutan is a small, landlocked country bordered by India to the south and China to the north. Its terrain ranges from subtropical plains to snow-covered Himalayan peaks, offering breathtaking landscapes at every turn.


The pristine environment is protected by strict conservation policies, making Bhutan one of the world’s only carbon-negative countries.


Easy for Indians

One of the most beautiful aspects of Bhutan lies in its unique relationship with India. The bond between the two nations is warm, respectful, and deeply rooted in history.


India is Bhutan’s closest ally, supporting its economic growth, infrastructure, and development. For Indian citizens, this relationship translates into ease of travel—no visa is required, and Indian currency is widely accepted alongside Bhutan’s official currency, the Ngultrum. The near-equal value of both currencies makes travel financially comfortable and convenient.


The best time to visit Bhutan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During spring, the valleys bloom with vibrant rhododendrons, while autumn offers clear skies and stunning mountain views. Festivals, known as Tshechus, are held during these seasons, bringing the country alive with masked dances, music, and spiritual celebrations.


Bhutan is home to some of the most mesmerising places in the Himalayas. The capital city, Thimphu, blends tradition with modernity, offering monasteries, markets, and cultural sites. Paro is famous for the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside—a sight that leaves every traveller in awe. Punakha, with its stunning Punakha Dzong, offers a serene blend of history and natural beauty.


Sharing Humanity

It was during a quiet morning in Paro that Bhutan revealed its true essence to me. As I began the steep hike towards Tiger’s Nest, I noticed an elderly monk slowly making his way up the same path. His steps were unhurried, his face calm, and in his hands, he carried a small prayer wheel. At one resting point, I sat beside him, catching my breath, while he simply smiled. Without a word, he offered me a sip of butter tea from his flask. That simple gesture—so pure, so unassuming—felt like a silent lesson. In that moment, surrounded by mountains and prayer flags, I realised Bhutan isn’t about reaching destinations; it is about sharing humanity, even in silence. That brief encounter stayed with me far longer than any photograph ever could.


Bhutanese cuisine is simple yet bold in flavour. The national dish, Ema Datshi, is a fiery mix of chillies and cheese that reflects the country’s love for spice. Meals are often organic, wholesome, and deeply connected to the land.


What truly defines Bhutan, however, is its people. The Bhutanese are known for their warmth, humility, and deep sense of contentment. Their lifestyle is rooted in tradition, with most people wearing national attire—a gho for men and a kira for women. Life here is guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, prioritising well-being over material wealth.


Domestic animals play a vital role in Bhutanese daily life. Yaks, cows, and horses are not just livestock but companions that support agriculture, transportation, and livelihoods in mountainous regions. In high-altitude areas, yaks provide milk, wool, and fuel, becoming indispensable to survival.


Spirituality forms the soul of Bhutan. Monasteries, or dzongs, are not just architectural marvels but centres of faith and community life. The presence of monks chanting prayers, the scent of incense, and the sight of prayer wheels create a deeply calming atmosphere.


Travelling to Bhutan is not just about seeing new places—it is about feeling a different way of life. For Indian travellers, the journey becomes even more special due to the ease of access, currency advantage, and cultural familiarity. Yet, Bhutan still feels wonderfully different—quieter, purer, and more mindful.


In a world that constantly rushes forward, Bhutan gently reminds us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the present. It is not just a destination on a map but a place that stays in your heart long after you leave.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)


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