A retired IFS person recently developed a bond with me while I was taking an evening stroll in the DDA Park. Some oldies whose number shrink in chill, but they swarm like mosquitoes in the evening of Celsius time, sit huddled together on benches in one corner of that park. Life has given them well earned break after retirement. They discuss everything from health to politics and seem to confront with lot of problems. They are nearly twenty of them and tweet in loud voice which is generally within the earshot of the passersby.
“Have you heard these oldies as to what they talk?” My friend asked. “Give an ear to their talk and I hope you will get enough material for your book,” he told me without letting me reply to his previous query. Next day I sat close by and lent my ear to their talk. “Mr. B wants to be the Chairman of any association, it may be of lunatics.” “Ha ha ha.” Their remarks though terse, didn’t make any of them uncomfortable. They had a penchant for humour. Time hangs on them, they enjoy in togetherness and remain spared from the onslaughts of their wives, if they are lucky to keep their company.
They are gregarious and there is no doubt about it. They feel outraged on occasions but become normal when they discuss their personal problems and others listen to the spokesperson intently. Their discussion is not on any particular subject, they own the charge of all the ministries right from Home, Agriculture, and External Affairs to Education, and even the politics of developed countries like USA and Europe. Their mind remains pre-occupied all the time in solving their problem, particularly those, which are linked to India.
“The construction for the Venues of the World Cup is getting delayed; Sheila Dikshit has not proved herself up to the mark. She has become old and it is high time that a young person should hold that post,” spoke out Mr. A while initiating the discussion.” “Can we post Mr. B to manage the affairs in a better way?” “I can give lot of surprises and assure that public will appreciate my work.” “I have no confidence in your abilities, otherwise I would have posted you there,” said Mr. C, within raucous laughter from all of them. They changed the topic immediately to discuss another item as if there is a long agenda before them.
“There is a news item about what Bal Thackeray stated about Rahul Gandhi, Gen. Secretary of Congress party. He states that Rahul Gandhi could not get a bride even when he is in his forties. He has turned nutty and utters nonsense out of his stupidity that Maharashtra belongs to Indians and not to Maharashtrian’s alone. He is still a child, he must read history and he will come to know that many dignitaries in the past apologized for their utterances about Maharashtra. He warned Mr. Gandhi, whom he addressed the prince of his Italian mummy, not to repeat past mistakes which the big leaders of Congress had made in the past.” “Let Mr. B, who is aspiring for the post of President in the next election give us the tips to get out of this twist.”
“Our Government and the Judiciary is too weak to handle lawlessness. All these divisive forces should be destroyed ruthlessly, otherwise this war of words will spread like wild fire and it will be difficult to bring back normalcy.” “Mr. B should keep in mind that we are living in a democratic set up and we cannot solve these issues without discussing them in public. This is only a war of words and they have not committed any crime. It will be difficult even to put them behind bars?” “You recall the wording of President Bush when he spoke on television, “My country is burning and you expect me to consult UNO.” He immediately issued orders to bombard Afghanistan and arrest the tyrant ruler,” spoke another contender.
“So you are firm in your decision to restrict the breaking out of war like atmosphere, where the leaders who instead of saving the nation are taking it towards total disaster. They want to enforce division in different communities to grind their own axe.” “You mean divide and rule.” “Thackeray doesn’t want the Jan sang leaders to teach nationalism to Maharashtrian’s and instead wants to revive the rift between two communities who are presently not windy and stay calm. They are harpooning public with their divisive speeches, awakening the minority communities and the terrorists to see the destruction of our country.”
Mr. Chairman, we have taken much time for this item, when there are so many items on the agenda to be discussed. All the issues are very important; the members are submitting motions to draw the attention of the House. The astrologers predict disaster, and thus it is better to be vigilant or face the consequences later. Sir, when will we discuss these items which are being repeatedly added to the agenda on daily basis?” “The only solution is to abolish democracy and turn to dictatorship.” “It is not possible. You will have to change the constitution for that and people who have the right to abuse high-up will not like the change. Think sir, think. We are going to be doomed, if you don’t move.”
“It is 6.45 P.M and the house is adjourned.”All of them got up to leave, some of them limping, straddling to keep their balance with their walking sticks in cacophonous rhythms. I appeal to the younger generation not to position senior citizens for a grueling time when they are supposed to enjoy their retired life. It is unpredictable when these emeritus who are assets for their families are also considered necessary by the Almighty to run His system of running the world.
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