Disclaimer: The below write-up is a work of fiction and
bears no resemblance to any individuals living or dead. The views expressed are
entirely mine and has no allegiance to any organization.
It was a sunny afternoon during the winter season; I was standing close to the podium of the ‘pandal’ where one of the many fire-brand leaders of our country had just delivered his speech. More than a speech it was a salvo of accusations, challenges and insults targeted towards the minority community. Seneca said ages ago – ‘Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false and by the rulers as useful’. The Indian political class is adept in latching on to this usefulness.
It was a sunny afternoon during the winter season; I was standing close to the podium of the ‘pandal’ where one of the many fire-brand leaders of our country had just delivered his speech. More than a speech it was a salvo of accusations, challenges and insults targeted towards the minority community. Seneca said ages ago – ‘Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false and by the rulers as useful’. The Indian political class is adept in latching on to this usefulness.
This speech was from
a saffron clad ‘saint’ who was supposedly devoid of any worldly pursuits and
ills. But his jingoistic appeal to the masses and the choice of words defied
all norms of sainthood. However, the crowd loved the performance and showered
praises and flowers on their leader. After all, he is the protector of their
ancient culture, religion and dharma. Alas! I wish they all knew what ‘Dharma’
actually means.
Anyways, I had come to attend this rally as a press photographer
and was winding up along with the others. There was a team wrapping up the
pandals, posters and banners. A different team was piling up the plastic chairs
and was loading them into the van. Suddenly a sight caught my attention and gave
me a reason to stop longer than usual. At a podium that has just been witness
to a speech bashing his religion and community was standing a Muslim worker! The
sight was among most contrasting ones I have ever seen in my life! A follower
of Islam with a white cap covering his head standing on a podium clad with
saffron and embellished with many related religious symbols.
I got curious on what made him come here and what’s he doing
on that stage? I moved closer and found out he was the one who amplified this
speech to the ones gathered and also to the millions others through media
telecasts. His name was Rashid and he was the sound technician, packing the
microphones and speakers after they have been used for the function.
I gathered some courage and went ahead to ask Rashid, “So,
what do you think about this speech? Didn’t this rhetoric against your religion
bother you?” Being the impatient soul I am, I myself replied – “I am sure it
would have! But then what makes you work HERE?” He paused for a moment and
stood firm to answer my question. His replied assured me that we as a country
are still not finished yet!
He said ‘O Saheb, what do you think, we do not understand
these things? It’s all about this, he patted his belly. He gets his food by
hurling abuses –so be it. I earn by fixing sound systems and that’s what I am
doing. And yes, rest assured, there are similar leaders on the other side too
and I work for them as well. It’s just that the microphone and speakers should
get tinges of green instead of saffron.’
I photographed him as he turned back and walked
away with a smile. I didn’t want to have his face published, lest the humanity
is damaged yet again by ‘Gods’.
