Congress MP Shashi Tharoor recently articulated his views on the. Legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru and his role in modern Indian politics. He emphasized that while it's crucial to acknowledge the mistakes of India's first Prime Minister, it's entirely wrong and unfair to hold him solely responsible for every problem the country faces. Tharoor also commented on the Modi government, stating that they're certainly 'anti-Nehru,' even if he wouldn't label them 'anti-democratic.
Nehru's Legacy and Critical Appreciation
Tharoor expressed his deep admiration for the ideas and vision of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, while he hailed Nehru as the founder of Indian democracy, who established it firmly. However, Tharoor also clarified that he can't uncritically support every belief and policy of Nehru. He believes it's essential to adopt a balanced perspective, acknowledging Nehru's contributions while also critically reviewing his policies or decisions. This nuanced approach is vital for understanding history and learning from it, ensuring. A comprehensive view of historical figures rather than an uncritical acceptance or outright rejection.
The Author's Journey: Shashi Tharoor's Literary Life
The Congress MP also offered his opinion on the policies and approach of the Modi government. He stated that he wouldn't say the Modi government is anti-democratic, but they're definitely 'anti-Nehru, while ' According to Tharoor, Nehru has been made a convenient scapegoat, with the blame for the nation's current problems often being placed on him. This observation highlights the ongoing debate in Indian politics regarding Nehru's legacy, where current administrations frequently attribute issues to past governments, particularly those influenced by Nehruvian policies, rather than taking full responsibility for contemporary challenges.
Tharoor spoke about his life as an author at the fourth edition of the Kerala Assembly International Book Festival (KLIBF) on Thursday. He revealed that a childhood battle with asthma led him to books, while in an era without television or mobile phones, books became his closest companions. He also shared that his first novel, written at a very young age, was unfortunately destroyed when ink spilled on it. His 28th book, a biography of Sree Narayana Guru, shows his extensive literary journey and commitment to diverse subjects, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and prolific writing career.
Promoting a Culture of Reading
Tharoor also shared his thoughts on reading habits. He noted that while reading habits are declining in many parts of. The world, Kerala continues to lead in fostering a culture of reading. He explained his motivation for writing 'The Great Indian Novel' in 1989, stating that the genre of satire was almost non-existent in India at that time. Addressing the younger generation, Tharoor advised that shorter books with fewer pages might be more effective in today's world, as people have less time for reading. This commentary underscores the evolving nature of modern lifestyles and reading preferences, advocating for adaptability in literary consumption.
Shashi Tharoor's Notable Past Statements
Shashi Tharoor is known for his outspoken remarks, which often generate public discussion. On January 1st, in Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, Kerala, he asserted that he had never strayed from the party line and had good relations with his colleagues during his 17 years in the party. On December 27th, discussing foreign policy, he stated that a Prime Minister's defeat is akin to India's defeat and that India shouldn't take security threats from Pakistan lightly. On December 25th, he supported the government's action against illegal immigrants, stating that securing the country's borders and managing immigration properly is the government's responsibility, while on November 4th, in an article criticizing dynastic politics in India, he remarked that politics in India has become a 'family business,' and true democratic governance can't be achieved as long as politics revolves around families. These statements collectively illustrate Tharoor's diverse and often candid views on various political. And social issues, cementing his image as a prominent and articulate public figure.
