Hastinapur Blues': Know What, How, When & Why

Hastinapur Blues': Know What, How, When & Why

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 30th Jan 2015

This election season is a commotion amongst top leaders while they pose tough challenge for their own as well as challenger candidates in fray to reach out and persuade voters amid noise and confusion. It is also a test for voters as well on whether the Hastinapur boys (& gals) will catch bird's eye as per the art of yesteryears or miss the same for the woods. The bird's eye in politics is about identifying where one's self interest lies & is best addressed. Very often we see voters being swayed by the approachability and availability of candidates for the voter & other sundry supporters and the attitude of the leaders being among other things taken into account. This tends to become a test of identity politics which is about how many doors candidate can or will get opened in case of need (of supporters/voters) and their past behaviour / credibility displayed in this regard and we clearly see loud noise around this type of politics. The voters also should be to comprehend a leader's/party's articulated approach and priorities towards generic problems as these matter much more since they affect they way of life where we need to interact with government and with each other as per rules set by government. The businesses tend to be much more impacted since it tends to impact their functioning, opportunity set, profitability and vulnerability. As far as candidate is concerned, he needs to manage to display his face or lay their personal claim towards candidature/victory by managing to get his message to voters by rising above the high decibel noise/s being raised by the 'large portraits' dangling artistically around him with payers being sung in their honour by coterie of 'bhakts'.

Often identity politics attempts to create mirth that a leader (candidate or his mentor) is excellent problem solver and then shielding the leader from public questions (and leaders' often willingly falling prey to this as happened to some). The leaders often tend to ignore such facts and sometimes encourage creation of a demi-god status rather than being human and humble. This is done with understanding that being shielded will result in image being maintained and people's voting pattern doesn't change unless the image really takes a beating. Often such behaviour is encouraged and supported by closed coterie which tries to gain an upper hand by playing the role of a bridge which would otherwise be unfathomable in case of availability of the leader to masses. The result is that the problem solver tends to become unavailable even to voters even for consolation or is only visible from distance playing a concocted act which tends to dis-enchant the people. The public touch is lost and so is the expected pattern vote while the coteries of supporters hold sway during the midst.

We also see history, civics, geography and political science being raked in debates with other social sciences like economics, anthropology etc. taking back seat even though their role is political decision of voters may be equally important if not more. Accordingly what we see is questions being raise about What and Why (often related to history etc.) rather than What, How & When (which may be more relevant for economics, others) with leaders unwilling to articulate their positions publicly towards the same. And of course, the identity politics then chips in, where questions about the 'credibility of verbal promise/s' vs 'written oaths and affidavits' and mutual mud-slinging is resorted to, instead of 'current issues, past deliveries and misses by the leaders towards public', which are relegated to background to be picked up by those who may not be finding a feet on the ground due to identity politics. Now often the candidate himself may not be in question but the portrait around him being debated hotly. The result is Mahabalis & Yodhas from all across willing to chip in 'voluntarily', manage to snuggle in while some other Portraits & House Veterans/Pitamah etc. extend their 'coffee break' having being relegated to irrelevance or unwillingness to match rhetoric. And we have our commercial news media in role of Sanjay proclaiming that Arjun is fighting for the irrelevant or playing Krishna on other occasions, to stay relevant.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

"Hastinapur Blues" is a compelling narrative that delves into the rich and complex history of Hastinapur, an ancient city that holds significant cultural and mythological value, particularly in the context of the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Know What: "Hastinapur Blues" primarily focuses on the transformation and current state of Hastinapur, a city that was once the capital of the Kuru kingdom and the setting for many pivotal events in the Mahabharata. It explores how the city has evolved over millennia, juxtaposing its ancient grandeur with its modern realities. How: The story is told through a blend of historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and fictional elements, allowing readers to experience the city's past and present in a vivid and engaging manner. The narrative often shifts between different eras, highlighting the contrasts and continuities in the city's cultural and social fabric. When: Set in both ancient times and the contemporary era, "Hastinapur Blues" captures the essence of the city from its mythical origins to its current status. This temporal duality provides a comprehensive view of how the city has been shaped by various historical and socio-political forces. Why: The underlying theme of the narrative is the exploration of the city's identity and the impact of modernization on its heritage. It raises important questions about the preservation of cultural landmarks, the role of tradition in a rapidly changing world, and the emotional connection people have with their historical roots. Through its nuanced storytelling, "Hastinapur Blues" invites readers to reflect on the balance between progress and the preservation of the past, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

Hastinapur Blues': Know What, How, When & Why

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 30th Jan 2015

This election season is a commotion amongst top leaders while they pose tough challenge for their own as well as challenger candidates in fray to reach out and persuade voters amid noise and confusion. It is also a test for voters as well on whether the Hastinapur boys (& gals) will catch bird's eye as per the art of yesteryears or miss the same for the woods. The bird's eye in politics is about identifying where one's self interest lies & is best addressed. Very often we see voters being swayed by the approachability and availability of candidates for the voter & other sundry supporters and the attitude of the leaders being among other things taken into account. This tends to become a test of identity politics which is about how many doors candidate can or will get opened in case of need (of supporters/voters) and their past behaviour / credibility displayed in this regard and we clearly see loud noise around this type of politics. The voters also should be to comprehend a leader's/party's articulated approach and priorities towards generic problems as these matter much more since they affect they way of life where we need to interact with government and with each other as per rules set by government. The businesses tend to be much more impacted since it tends to impact their functioning, opportunity set, profitability and vulnerability. As far as candidate is concerned, he needs to manage to display his face or lay their personal claim towards candidature/victory by managing to get his message to voters by rising above the high decibel noise/s being raised by the 'large portraits' dangling artistically around him with payers being sung in their honour by coterie of 'bhakts'.

Often identity politics attempts to create mirth that a leader (candidate or his mentor) is excellent problem solver and then shielding the leader from public questions (and leaders' often willingly falling prey to this as happened to some). The leaders often tend to ignore such facts and sometimes encourage creation of a demi-god status rather than being human and humble. This is done with understanding that being shielded will result in image being maintained and people's voting pattern doesn't change unless the image really takes a beating. Often such behaviour is encouraged and supported by closed coterie which tries to gain an upper hand by playing the role of a bridge which would otherwise be unfathomable in case of availability of the leader to masses. The result is that the problem solver tends to become unavailable even to voters even for consolation or is only visible from distance playing a concocted act which tends to dis-enchant the people. The public touch is lost and so is the expected pattern vote while the coteries of supporters hold sway during the midst.

We also see history, civics, geography and political science being raked in debates with other social sciences like economics, anthropology etc. taking back seat even though their role is political decision of voters may be equally important if not more. Accordingly what we see is questions being raise about What and Why (often related to history etc.) rather than What, How & When (which may be more relevant for economics, others) with leaders unwilling to articulate their positions publicly towards the same. And of course, the identity politics then chips in, where questions about the 'credibility of verbal promise/s' vs 'written oaths and affidavits' and mutual mud-slinging is resorted to, instead of 'current issues, past deliveries and misses by the leaders towards public', which are relegated to background to be picked up by those who may not be finding a feet on the ground due to identity politics. Now often the candidate himself may not be in question but the portrait around him being debated hotly. The result is Mahabalis & Yodhas from all across willing to chip in 'voluntarily', manage to snuggle in while some other Portraits & House Veterans/Pitamah etc. extend their 'coffee break' having being relegated to irrelevance or unwillingness to match rhetoric. And we have our commercial news media in role of Sanjay proclaiming that Arjun is fighting for the irrelevant or playing Krishna on other occasions, to stay relevant.

This political article offers a truly insightful and illuminating examination of its subject. The writer's writing style is both sophisticated and direct, demonstrating a deep understanding of political dynamics while ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. Their ability to distill intricate political concepts into understandable prose is a significant strength, showcasing a rare blend of academic rigor and communicative flair. The structure is thoughtfully organized, dissecting the political issue into digestible components and presenting them in a logical sequence that enhances the reader's comprehension of cause and effect. This systematic approach allows for a nuanced exploration of the topic. Furthermore, the outstanding clarity of the analysis is a hallmark of this piece. The arguments are presented with such precision, and the implications so plainly laid out, that the article becomes an indispensable resource for understanding the complexities of the political arena.