Kisi ke baap ka hindustan thodi hai!!

Mahua Moitra’s rousing speech in the Indian parliament listing the signs of rising fascist doctrines in India is an iconic oration. It is not only a strong voice of dissent against increasing totalitarian odds, it is also unwavering and forthright in it’s intent of identifying the parallels in history and the current political temperament of 'New India’. It takes the cockeyed narratives of narrow minded narcissists head on and shows temerity in it’s truth telling on xenophobic intolerance. It is well informed by a documented template of early fascist propaganda and its awe inspiring articulation commands attention.

Mahua Moitra’s maiden speech in the Indian Parliament.

While it can be argued that the intensity of the impassioned deliverance could be suspect of over-dramatization it's precociousness in being cautionary cannot be disregarded. Just because we are not diseased yet does not mean we should not look for signs of infection. History is testament to the fact that experiments in constrictive ideologies and unilateral nationalism have not bode well for humanity. Mahua's speech reminds us that it is incumbent on us to protect the plurality of India as codified in it's constitution.

The over ten minute monologue ends with a couplet from Dr. Rahat Indori's verse that serves to warn the abusers of popular mandate of the transience of a democratic verdict. It defiantly declares that the pluralistic Indian constitution cannot be translated to a monistic narrative and that no single group can claim dominion over the diverse denizens of India.

Here is the full verse by Dr. Rahat Indori from which the couplet is borrowed:

Agar khilaaf hai hone do jaan thodi hai
Ye sab dhuaan hai aasman thodi hai

Lagegi aag to aayenge ghar kai zad me
Yahan pe sirf humara makan thodi hai

Main jaanta hoon ke dushman bhi kam nahi
Lekin humari tarah hatheli pe jaan thodi hai

Humare muhn se jo nikale wahi sadaakat hai
Humare muhn me tumhari zuban thodi hai

Jo aaj saahibe masnad hain kal nahin honge
Kiraaydaar hain jaati makaan thodi hai

Sabhi ka khoon shaamil yahan ki mitti me
Kisi ke baap ka hindustan thodi hai