A New Thackeray

Do you know what film producers Vashu Bhagnani and Yash Chopra have in common with Uddhav Thackeray? They all tried to initiate their sons into the family business with a flash and bang. Unfortunately, their well-intentioned efforts were in vain, considering their sons' launch vehicles sputtered, hiccupped and then crash-landed back on earth soon after ignition.

Let's take Aditya Thackeray's case in point. He came across a book which had some passasges that were offensive to the Sena. Like a good son, he protested against it and got it banned. I say 'protested' because everyone else says 'protested'. Frankly, he looked more like a rich brat throwing a tantrum at his birthday, because he didn't like the gift he got. That in itself was not surprising since Aditya is only 20 years old and his biggest influence is his family. Need I say more?
Nope, Aditya Thackeray's juvenile attempt at making headlines was nothing new and certainly something you would expect of a Sena offspring. But, it was the reaction of Mumbai University that raised eyebrows. It was downright painful to watch an esteemed institution, that's older than Independent India, cater to the whims and fancies of a political prodigy. Apparently, a few torn books and burnt effigies at its gates is all it takes to bring a 153 yr old institution down to its knees.

If Aditya Thackeray wants to make a successful foray into politics, he seriously needs to rethink his strategy. First and foremost, he needs to step out of his family's shadow and be his own man. How can he be a leader, if he is simply following in their footsteps? He should also try something new, something the Sena has never tried before... like actually helping people! If he is truly a son of the soil, he should go adopt a village, meet the villagers, talk to them about their problems and maybe try to help them survive. That would be a much better use of his time, rather than strutting his stuff in college campus.
But we can't blame Aditya for what happened. I blame his team of advisors or consultants or whoever else was behind this hare-brained plan. You know what... maybe he should fire the people who suggested the silly book-banning stunt and hire me instead. Now, there's an idea!

Aditya probably does not realize just how lucky he is. I myself aspire to serve my country in any which way I can and I envy him. What I wouldn't give for the kind of power and platform that he has! And there he is, forwarding his party's agenda of book-banning, stone-throwing and effigy-burning. What a waste!

Mumbai or Bombay? Who cares?

Why are all these political parties protesting against the use of "Bombay"? After all, Bombay is just a name, not an expletive for God's sake! What is so offensive about it? So, the name of the city has changed... big deal! Does that mean every society, institution, organisation or even clubs that have the name "Bombay" in it, have to change their names too? That is just so inconvenient. Not to mention, its bloody ridiculous!
And these parties are protesting against the use of this name like its an insult to them or something. What is going on here? Can someone please explain to me if there is any logic behind all this madness?

If you've read my previous blogs, you'll know that I've said this before. But I'm still gonna say it again...

Doesn't this country have more than enough "real" problems already? If you don't believe me, pick up any newspaper and you'll know what I'm talking about. People are uneducated, jobless, starving to death! And all these so-called political parties are worried about is Bombay being called Mumbai or Mumbai being called Bombay or whatever! And painting the signboards in Marathi! Yes, that is a life and death situation right there! (in case you didn't get it, i was being sarcastic there)

What is the point of raking up non-issues like this and creating a ruckus over it as if the future of our country depends on it? I think these people need a serious reality check. Can someone please pass them a newspaper? Maybe they can find some real issues worth fighting for...