The caption in TOI says:CARD-CARRYING INDIAN: M F Husain, who has recently taken Qatari citizenship and has had to surrender his Indian passport, shows his Overseas Citizen of India card in Dubai. It denies him voting rights but the artist claims he was never interested in the political process anyway
This is a rather telling statement. I absolutely do not understand how the word 'citizen' is used in such a card when individuals are not interested in the political process. Husain was candid about it, and we know from his stint in the Rajya Sabha that he came up with caricatures/illustrations of politicians and Parliament proceedings since he said that he was an artist and that is how he could make a statement. (Are Rajya Sabha MPs nominated to convey statements? That is another issue.)
What about all those overseas Indians who want to intervene in every aspect of political life in their home country? There has been a demand to grant them voting rights too. If we pull up electoral candidates for not knowing their constituencies, then on what basis must we permit expats to vote for someone they know precious little about or political parties that have outgrown their memories of it?
These are people of Indian origin and not citizens. They have chosen another country, another passport.
As for M.F.Husain, much in the manner we dig up our ancient Indian heritage, he is more Pandharpur than India to flaunt his commitment to the soil.
What about all those overseas Indians who want to intervene in every aspect of political life in their home country? There has been a demand to grant them voting rights too. If we pull up electoral candidates for not knowing their constituencies, then on what basis must we permit expats to vote for someone they know precious little about or political parties that have outgrown their memories of it?
These are people of Indian origin and not citizens. They have chosen another country, another passport.
As for M.F.Husain, much in the manner we dig up our ancient Indian heritage, he is more Pandharpur than India to flaunt his commitment to the soil.
"These are people of Indian origin and not citizens. They have chosen another country, another passport."
ReplyDeletePerfect.
Hence - and I go off the topic here - I don't really understand why everyone has to go into party mode if M Night Shyamalan gets an oscar or if Steel Mittal makes shit loads of money or some Indian dude gets into US congress etc. I mean, it is a big deal for them on an individual level but why give it an "Indian achievement" angle and throw gulal to nasik dhols?
Right. That's why I don't.
ReplyDelete