We Indians seem to run out of our sense of humour. That is a sad state indeed. We have suddenly become all too serious a nation. Not that we don’t enjoy comedy in movies, on the stage and in periodicals. In real life however, there is no place for wit and sparkle.
Otherwise, why should we make a mountain of our dear Shashi Tharoor’s molehill? His own party has condemned him in no uncertain terms. “We totally condemn it. The statement is not in sync with our political culture. His remarks are not acceptable given the sensitivity of all Indians. Certainly the party does not endorse it. It is absolutely insensitive. We find it unacceptable and totally insensitive." That is what the AICC spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan had said while reacting to Shashi Tharoor’s innocent comments.
That means, in other words, that Shashi Tharoor has not understood our political culture. He is indifferent to the ‘sensitivity of all Indians,’ which includes you and me! The BJP which is supposed to be the cream of India’s wisdom also found Tharoor’s comments tantamount to a deep injury to the self respect and esteem of millions who travel economy class. The BJP spokesman, Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy, alleged that Mr Tharoor had not only "blatantly insulted", but had also - mysteriously - "tantalized", a large middle class: "ostensibly mocking their austere lifestyle."
Shashi Tharoor yesterday met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to give his ‘explanation’ and was asked by the party to be cautious in his comments and actions.
And, what is the ‘unpardonable sin’ that Tharoor committed? On the social networking site 'Twitter', he had dubbed economy class travel as "cattle class". I am told the Oxford English Dictionary lists cattle class as a term to describe economy seats on an aircraft. Tharoor had this, or rather these to say: ‘learned belatedly of fuss over my tweet replying to journo's query whether i wld travel to Kerala in "cattle class". His phrase which i rptd.’; ‘it's a silly expression but means no disrespect to economy travellers, only to airlines for herding us in like cattle. Many have misunderstd.’; ‘i’m told it sounds worse in Malayalam, esp out of context. To those hurt by the belief that my repeating the phrase showed contempt: sorry.’; ‘i now realize i shldnt assume people will appreciate humour. &u shouldn't give those who wld wilfully distort yr words an opportnty to do so.’
Late realization for an upright gentleman, who honourably served the UN as Under Secretary for five constructive years! He was India’s official candidate for the office of the UN Secretary General. He is a prolific author, columnist, journalist, human rights advocate etc etc.
Our Prime Minister was perhaps the only leader who came forward to understand Tharoor. Manmohan Singh termed Shashi Tharoor’s remarks as ‘just a joke.’
It is indeed a grim commentary on our times that humour has to come with big caveats like this. Now, Tharoor would have realized that politics is a different kettle of fish.