“Modi Sir” – A Good Idea with Doubtful Intentions!

On the eve of Teacher’s Day (5^th September) in India, Narendra Modi Government decided to reach out to “All” the students in India, through every school and live interactions. All earlier Indian Prime-Ministers (PM) have been interacting with few selected school students in a formal set-up, on every Children’s Day (14^th November). It was a brilliant idea, to take the message across, from leaders like Modi (for his great oratory skills), to each and every school student in India. With the advent of technology, interaction with the Prime-Minister of India shouldn’t be for few fortunate (though bright) kids. Earlier PMs have had been exercising this constructive activity, but never envisioned it to be a great PR opportunity. PM Modi’s team, through this interaction on Teacher’s Day, helped adding more feathers to the Modi’s brand image.

Though from a bird’s eye view, it all looked inspiring, yet there seems to be an underlying attempt of political vendetta. Amusingly and questionably, why Mr. Modi and his team chose to interact with children on a Teacher’s Day? Teacher’s Day is the day to appreciate and express gratitude to all the Teachers across India. Earlier PMs used to award outstanding Teachers across India, on this occasion. To interact with children, just 2 months away, we have “Children’s Day”. Mr. Modi could have also planned this interaction on Children’s day?

And here enters the politics. 14^th November, “The Children’s Day”, is also the birthday of India’s first PM, Jawahar Lal Nehru or Chacha Nehru. And incidentally, this year, will mark 125^th Anniversary of Chacha Nehru. In an attempt to decimate both the Nehru legacy and “Nehruvian” ideology (and Nehru family too), I believe Mr. Modi preponed this interaction with children. As much as I know of Mr. Modi, he would either like to make 14^th November a hush-hush affair, or would escalate his brand Modi into “Chacha Modi”.

Mr. Modi should focus in creating his own persona through his actions and efforts, and not by erasing the legacy of past great leaders. Nehruji, even though a political opponent of RSS, is among the greatest Prime-Minister we ever had, and should be treasured. I am keenly waiting for 14^th November this year, to see if my political reading goes correct. Although “The Cynic” in me, loves to get surprised, by Mr. Modi, every time.