IN the just-concluded session of the new parliament, there was one odd historical coincidence and remembrance that created some noise but not enough debate. Om Birla, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, immediately after he was elected on June 26, moved a resolution condemning the Emergency of 1975. He also led the observation of a two-minute silence, quite unprecedented, and described it as a "dark period" in Indian democracy.
What Birla did was seize the opportunity that June 26 offered-the day Indira Gandhi inaugurated her dictatorial rule in 1975. This was not just an annual reminder, but also marked the beginning of the countdown to the 50 years since the Emergency was proclaimed. Symbolism was written all over Birla's move. Expectedly, it did not go down well with the Congress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's words on the occasion unambiguously captured the significance of the act of mourning the historical happening. For him, personally, and for his 10-year-old regime, constantly accused of being authoritarian, it was about turning the tables on the Congress and pulling them down from the moral perch they had come to occupy during the election campaign.
Modi said: "It was also a wonderful gesture to stand in silence in honour of all those who suffered during those days ... It is important for today's youth to know about it because it remains a fitting example of what happens when the Constitution is trampled over, public opinion is stifled and institutions are destroyed. The happenings during the Emergency exemplified what a dictatorship looks like." Obviously, his target was the younger generation, who he suspected to have innocuously walked into frames created by the Congress against him.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Peter Dinklage joins Roofman
THE cast of the upcoming film Roofman is getting bigger with the addition of Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage.
Tom Holland to star in Christopher Nolan's next?
PREVIOUSLY, we reported that Christopher Nolan has set his next film at Universal Studios, with Matt Damon cast in a prominent role.
Beyond the Boundary
LIFE doesn't always give you second chances, but when you get one, you ought to make the best Tamil appearance, Swaswika has now made a smashing comeback with the sports drama Lubber Pandhu, in which her performance has garnered unanimous appreciation.
Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone join cast of In Memoriam
EARLIER, we reported that actor-stand up comedian Marc Maron is starring in a film titled In Memoriam, an independent comedy from writer-director Rob Burnett. The latest development about the project is that Sharon Stone and Lily Gladstone are all set to join the cast.
Culinary heritage preserved in GI tags
TAMIL Nadu is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its food history too. The state is a foodie's dream destination with each region giving a unique gastronomic experience. This vibrant food scene includes festival delicacies, temple prasadams, street food, and snacks made from the finest local and seasonal ingredients making each dish a culinary masterpiece.
Sips of success
FROM the vibrant petals of floral arrangements to the rich aroma of spiced chai, Navanethan Ponniah's entrepreneurial journey is an example of adaptability and innovation. His transition from the floral business to creating chai-making machines showcases creativity. What began with crafting beautiful bouquets for South Asian weddings evolved into a quest to bring the comforting taste of chai to the Canadian market.
M-powering
Transitioning from a drab healthy alternative to a trending everyday superfood, millets have emerged as a popular choice of grain
Impressions of Chettinad mores
EVERY corner of The Folly, Amethyst was loaded with aesthetics on Monday as we entered the venue lured by the aroma of filter coffee served in a davara set five-foot wooden cupboards with glass doors, brass utensils, lantern-shaped chandeliers, wooden cradles, and rows of fashionable attires inspired by the heritage of Chettinad. The outfits are part of 'Payanam', the latest collection by Anavila, a luxury womenswear brand.
THE BALANCE IS BROKEN!
In 'saving' Blue Water, and neglecting Green Water, humankind has put a dent in the laws of nature, as the water cycle, for the first time in recorded history, has gone off balance
Budgam village loses the healer in terror attack
WE have lost the healer and an honest man,\" said Abdul Gaffar, an elderly resident of Nadigam village of central Kashmir's Budgam district. Dr Shahnawaz was among seven persons killed on Sunday in the terror attack on a workers' camp at an under-construction site belonging to APCO Infratech company at Gagangir in central Kashmir's Ganderbal.
