Page 34 - EW-June-2024

Expert Comment

A resounding lesson

from marginalised poor

RAJIV DESAI

MID THE EXPLOSION OF CHOICE MADE As results pour in from General Election
possible by technology and business, a welcome
development is the alignment of television, 2024, it's clear that semi-literate, rabble
Alaptop, cell phone and entertainment. But such rousing bigots cannot endlessly deceive
choice means little without content.
Fortunately, content is blossoming with nostalgic a huge nation of diverse cultures and
programming on television in recent times. The fare traditions. They should not be allowed
available is comforting reinforcement of continuity: the
idea that the past and present is a continuum. A click to set the agenda based on dubious
of the remote and one is transported back to the 1970s understanding of Hindu religion
America of tight, patterned shirts, brick-coloured bell
bottoms, platform shoes, long hair melded into droopy
moustaches and mutton-chop sideburns. factories but to the neglect of literacy and public health,
Though popular tastes of those polyester days were a schools and hospitals…and a number of other issues the
bit trying for the eyes, there were some distinct oases in current muscular culture side steps. There’s a risk that
the desert that had overtaken popular taste. For example: such reminders will be ignored and dumped into the bin
savouring the elegance of Lindsay Wagner as The Bionic as Luddite complaints. It’s a curious position to be in
Woman; the familiar comfort of watching Jack Lord for those of us who championed the cause of modernity
of Dr. No fame in Hawaii Five-O; the laugh riot Mash against tradition that militates against inclusion, against
starring Alan Alda; and one of my all-time Peter Falk diversity.
favourites, Columbo. eanwhile, as results pour in from the recent General
It’s not just American television of the 1970s. On tap as MElection 2024, it’s clear that semi-literate, rabble-
well are channels that show black- and-white Hindi films rousing bigots and bhakts cannot endlessly deceive a huge
of yore: Raj Kapoor cavorting with Nutan and dealing nation of diverse cultures and traditions. Try as much
with Mrs. D’Sa, his landlady played by the formidable as they will, Mr. Modi and his saffron gang cannot and
Lalita Pawar in Anari; Dilip Kumar in Naya Daur should not be allowed to set the agenda based on dubious
standing up to the soul deadening forces of modernity, understanding of Hindu religion. There are also larger
and, evergreen hero Dev Anand romancing a lovely young issues about his social interaction with world leaders, one
Sadhana in Hum Dono. And also the wonder Hollywood of which was raised when he told Bill Gates that Indian
films of yesteryear starring Sophia Loren, Audrey children are “advanced” because in many regions of India,
Hepburn and a bunch of male heroes. What a treat! the word for mother and advanced technology — AI — is
Realisation of this joy nevertheless requires fancy the same.
moves with the remote control device. Though I’m not Modi has enjoyed two unquestioned terms at the
a technophobe, struggling with various remotes while top of the heap. From the looks of it, the result of the
reading a book is a tough call. Luckily I don’t have to current election is likely to put a spoke in his wheel.
struggle much, thanks to an attentive granddaughter His government has set India back dramatically,
ready to leap to the rescue the minute she witnesses disfiguring governance in a rapidly developing nation
confusion. Amazing how pre-teens make it look so easy. with a steaming economy and a compassionate welfare
As I look at her with gratitude, she anticipates my thank- state. After a decade of Modi rule, India has acquired
you bleat with a smiley “You’re welcome, Grandpa.” the reputation of a violent monocultural country with
Not to digress, the relationship between technology, no room for minorities and socially and economically
choice and taste is a fascinating study. Also it’s especially disadvantaged groups.
heartwarming for those of us, who back in the day It's been quite a turn from an admired system that
had warned about the focus on technology and lack of had fired the engines of global growth and established
attention to content. I recall at a technology conclave in the world’s largest welfare system. As evidenced during
Pittsburgh, some of us warned that the sterile fascination the Covid pandemic lockdown, Modi and his saffron
with technology is akin to marvelling at the elegance of supporters disregarded the poor — making them walk
the physics concept of interchangeability of parts without from urban centres all the way to their villages. General
considering the implications of gun culture with its wars Election 2024 has given them the chance to speak their
and murders. piece. The result is likely to be a resounding lesson.
It is not dissimilar to the warning against Prime
Minister Modi and his saffron party’s preoccupation with (Rajiv Desai is president of Comma Consulting and a well-known Delhi-
“development.” The objection is not to expressways and based columnist)

34 EDUCATIONWORLD JUNE 2024