Republic Day Celebration of a different kind!

CONFUSION, CLASH OF INDIVIDUAL EGO
MAR 2012 REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION
AT RANGAT GROUND

The 63rd Republic Day celebration at Rangat had been under the cloud of confusion, which later took the shape of “an ego clash” over who would hoist the national flag at the official function at Rangat ground - the Adhyaksh N&M Andamans (Congress candidate) or the Pramukh Rangat (BJP candidate). As per the prevailing practice Pramukh, Rangat Samiti had been hoisting national flag at the official function at Rangat ground. But this time, it was speculated that Adyaksh N&M Andamans would take the honour. The speculation turned out to be true as the Adhyaksh N&M Andamans emerged on the dais and hoisted the flag at the Rangat ground on the appointed day. Thus shattered the honor and privilege, bestowed upon the Pramukh Rangat samity 16 year ago when PRI system was implemented (1995).

The dejected BJP functionaries surprisingly kept their nerves under control and watched the proceedings from the gallery in disdain along with members of the general public. They displayed better sensibility and patriotic fervor by not boycotting the flag hoisting ceremony but walked out en-masse after the flag was hoisted. They also skipped the evening reception as a mark of protest. Similarly, the party MP, its State President and a few party dignitaries too joined the issue and expressed displeasure by not attending the “at home” reception at Raj Nivas.

Undoubtedly the incident had set a bad precedent on the other it unmasked the wicked face of our elected representatives. The grudge they keep in their hearts for members from rival groups and the opposition party stood exposed! The state became casualty since the incident marred the state function which was hitherto celebrated with pomp and gaiety.

Aggrieved, BJP did what ever they thought could protect the honour of its elected party functionary. Discussed the issue publicly, issued strongly worded letters/press notes etc, put up a (not so impressive) dharna, shouted slogans at Rangat, but in democracy, numbers decide winners, and it did.

Contrastingly, none of the other political parties supported the cause since it was the BJP candidate whose privilege was at stake. The cause could neither garner public support nor ring a bell anywhere outside.

Ironically the authorities bound to uphold the interest of the state above individuals, party and politics, as usual remained cool, calm, collected and showed no concern for what is being said by the MP or its party on the streets of Rangat or in private media since they were privy to the fact that the revised arrangement had the “all important approval” of the island administration.

The turn of events thus makes one ponder, is it the way a state function should be conducted? The incident indicates the vulnerability that our system faces wherein those in power could arm-twist to get personal agenda take precedence over set norms and get away with it. The incident therefore deserves serious consideration at the highest level and not to be swept under the carpet since interest of the state is of paramount importance.

The situation warrants an “unambiguous” and “defined” protocol for celebration of Republic day, Independence day and all other state functions. So that who-o-ever is designated to hoist/unfurl the national flag is able to do it without causing a flutter or not accused of encroaching upon others privilege. Else in the coming days more and more “individuals with connections” would seek repeat of the Rangat formula!


This post was carried in the Echo of India dated 03/02/2012
and in the web edition of Andaman Sheekha dated 07/02/2012

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rising Ferry Fares in Andaman: 10-Year Analysis of Policy Failures and Impact

Image
A Decade of Rising Ferry Fares, Declining Services : Andaman & Nicobar’s Not-So-Funny April 1 Ritual By Debkumar Bhadra Every year on the  1st of April , the world observes April Fool’s Day—a day associated with harmless pranks and laughter. But for commuters in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the date over the past decade has evoked anxiety rather than amusement. This is because ferry fares unfailingly rise on this day, affecting local economy and the cost of living. This article examines the pattern of fare revision during the past 10 years, including administrative policy framework and the systemic inefficiencies, unravelling the gap between approved norms and actual implementation. The irony is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. When fare revision takes effect unfailingly on a date globally associated with playful deception, it raises an uncomfortable question. Is the timing chosen a mere coincidence or a carefully chosen date? A closer look reveals not just the ...
Read more

Transition in A&N Island’s Higher Education Framework Pushes Students into Academic Uncertainty

Image
By Debkumar Bhadra The decision to establish the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL) as a deemed-to-be university marks a defining moment for higher education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. For decades, the islands have aspired to build a locally administered university ecosystem. In principle, the creation of a university within the islands is a welcome and long-awaited step toward academic autonomy and regional development. However, the manner and timing of its implementation have pushed the island's students into academic uncertainty that merits thoughtful consideration rather than outright dismissal. The transformation from affiliation under Pondicherry University (a Central University) to a newly constituted Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL), a deemed-to-be university represents a fundamental shift in the island's academic landscape. Establishing a university from scratch is not merely a matter of no...
Read more

Beyond the Deemed-to-be-University Debate, a Democratic Milestone for the A&N Islands

Image
What began as a demand for a Central University has transformed into a democratic awakening among students By Debkumar Bhadra The recent developments concerning higher education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may ultimately be remembered not merely as an institutional transition but as a defining moment in the democratic evolution of the islands themselves. The islands being a UT without legislation, have over the years functioned under a governance structure driven by bureaucratic decision-making headed by the Lt Governor. In such a framework, policy decisions emerge from administrative corridors with limited-to-no consultation with islanders, their elected representatives, including their lone Member of Parliament. This has created a perception that decisions affecting the lives and future of islanders are taken without adequate stakeholder engagement. The latest and most consequential of such decisions has been the establishment of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose I...
Read more