Language, region and leaders; time to think and act
Where we are moving, are we moving towards unity a national cohesive society reflecting brother hood, an unity in diversity or just apposite to it? The recent past has shown few incidents in this land which is just apposite to the basic fabric of Indian culture, and the basis of our hard earned independence.
Recent news of actress and MP Jaya Bachchan saying in a film function ‘’people of Maharashtra please excuse me. I am from Uttar Pradesh so I will speak in Hindi.” These words have sparked a rampage where Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activist tore off the posters of films featuring members of the Bachchan family. Although, she has apologized for her alleged “anti-Marhati” utterances, but the party has refused to accept her apology.
It shows where the wind is blowing in this great country of ours. On top of that Shiv Sena joined MNS in making it clear even Shah Rukh Khan has been ungrateful to Marathis. Bollywood ‘Badshah’ Shah Rukh Khan is being targeted for his Delhi origin, “Shah Rukh says he is a Dilliwala. If you are from Delhi, then why you have come to Maharashtra,” Sena Chief BAL Thackeray said in an editorial party mouth piece ‘Saamana’ on Tuesday. “You come to Mharashtra to earn fame and wealth but once you had your fill then you will evoke the name of the region from where you came from, And Marathi people are expected not to utter a word in their own state,” the Sena mouth piece said. .”If you have a sense of regionalism, then what is wrong if we also indulged in it a bit, ‘Saamana’ said.
Sad really sad, no doubt there was no need to talk like this which Jaya has said, without any apology she could have talked in Hindi no body could have felt offended. But to make an issue for a small thing to project one man leadership on the cost of unity of the country is shameful. Jaya speaking to the reporters late Monday, had apologized and said the comments made by her were completely unintentional and that no one should take them seriously. The Smaj wadi party MP had said: I am extremely sorry if any of my comments have heart the sentiments of the people here. It was casually and without any prejudice.”
But, the MNS leadership has rejected Jaya apology, saying that she had spoken before just a handful of journalists who did not belong to Marathi media. MNS leader Shishir Shinde further declared that Jaya must call a press conference where Marathi newspaper and channels are invited and then apologize before them. Earlier MNS chief RAJ Thackeray demanded an unconditional apology from Jaya for her alleged anti-Marathi utterances, failing the party would prevent screening of all films starring any of the Bachchans in Mumbai. He said the actress has “insulted” the state and the people under the guise of promoting the national language.
The whole episode is a national shame. Our leaders should be mature to understand the greater responsibility which they bear on their shoulder before they utter any word in public. That responsibility is national unity and national interest. We hope that things will settle down soon and for ever.
