The desperation of both the BJP and the TMC is breaching all previous levels. Visva Bharati University has once again become the centre of news, for not so right reasons. There has been unauthorized occupation on the University land. The first mistake was calling it ‘illegal encroachment.’ A list was released of the defaulters, including Dr Amartya Sen, a Nobel prize winner and a Bharat Ratna awardee. The University could have nobly included the excess land of a mere 13 decimals into the lease to Sen’s family and have ended the matter.
But civility and gracefulness are not for election times when every party tries to exploit every other’s acts of oversight, commission and omission. Soon the social networking army from both the parties, the BJP and the TMC went into action attacking and defending either the University or Sen.
The controversy was godsent for the State government, inflicted by the deep wounds of defection. Didi jumped into the fray, reverting to her ‘outsiders’ attacking the ‘insider’ Sen. Once again Sen was shackled as a Bengali and so was Tagore, forgetting their spread worldwide. Rallies began, with customary rants, both BJP and TMC accusing each other. The State responded viciously with taking back a crucial road in the University area, sending a signal that the institution will be relegated to an out-of-bound-island.
Didi also wrote a letter to Sen, emphasizing his blood-brotherhood with Bengal by addressing Amartya’ da,’ the prefix for respect and brother. Sen also promptly responded to Didi, eulogizing her as the oppressor’s saviour and thanking her for her support. The letters were meant to soothe the lowly moods of either and for the media and the public.
While there is no doubt that electoral battles increasingly become uncivilized, this entire episode seems silly and avoidable. Every actor did their roles badly; the University did not maintain respectful confidentiality, leaked the matter, and was thus the first offender. The State headed by its mercurial CM in making a mountain out of a molehill was undiplomatic. Dr. Sen, who instead of maintaining a graceful and dignified silence befitting his stature, responded to Didi’s letter with a political slant, precipitating the issue.
I have to strongly disapprove the diatribes on Sen’s previous marriages by a few BJP leaders, which are so distasteful and unlike our tradition and culture. One cannot do an ‘a-la-broken bust’ every time! The State must realize the danger of converting every dispute into an ‘us and them’ and ranting a grievous injury to the Bengali pride and culture. The claim is imaginary, exploitative and divisive.
Shanti Niketan, a peaceful abode and temple of learning must not become any another university, despite claims contrary by the State. All must stay away from Shanti Niketan, a world’s place of pride in Bengal. There may not be many left! Please stop making Dr. Sen a pawn in the game of political chess as well!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
