Two Real Ratnas

Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s epic poem ‘Bharat Tirtha’ welcoming the incoming flow to India from all corners of the world and to be proud of our assimilated history, Pranab Mukherjee has all along stressed the importance of diversity in equality and tolerance towards all beliefs and faith.

While indirectly condemning the current dominant force practicing intolerance and hatred in crudest manner possible with sole emphasis on a particular religion, Mukherjee boldly bats for pluralism and secularism since his presidential years.

Mukherjee advocates for multiplicity of opinions so as to make India a vibrant democracy. He has also always pointed out that ensuring happiness and welfare of people should be the first priority of any ideal State. Common Indians need food shelter, education, medical care, justice and peace. Sooner the authorities concerned, obsessed with statues-moon exploration-flags-Gomata-mass Yoga-Bullet trains, learn a bit from Mukherjee; the better it is for the future of the country.

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was also another jewel harbouring such a welcoming mindset of mutual love and respect for all. To remain true to his Asomiya roots, he did not shun the country and the world. And to embrace all things national or international; he did not forsake his indigenous identity, language and culture as well. All things Assam, India and the world were embedded within his Himalayan personality.

Also Dr. Hazarika’s ballads always cried for the helplessness of Durbol Manuh (weak people) who form the overwhelming majority in our society. Urging all to nurture a cooperative attitude of Manuhe Manuhar Babe(human beings for each other), he has expected us to lend our helping hands towards the hapless billions who remain starved, illiterate and tortured everywhere.

His heart cried not only for the hungry and the exploited souls (like the bearers of dola or palanquin), but also for those tortured refugees who are forced to ‘sleep’ under the merciless sky after getting barbarically evicted from their homeland as is currently being experienced by the hapless Rohingyas.

If we really try to imbibe the thoughts as propagated by Bhupenda and Pranabda raising their voice against intolerance violence hatred and communalism; perhaps the society will learn to tolerate the cultural and religious diversities and make the world a peaceful one, thereby unifying it through the bond of humanity only.

These two humanitarian real Ratnas of Rabindranath Tagore’s dream ideal all-embracing Bharat indeed richly deserved the highest honour.

Kajal Chatterjee,

Peerless Nagar, Kolkata