Pandit Nehru is to unveil the stature of Mahatma Gandhi, at the Marina – that too on the Tamil New Year Day.

May be it is accidental, that the function is arranged on that day, but the public seems somewhat interested in the coincidence.

The people of Tamil Nad contrast the function, arranged on Tamil New Year Day, with the reluctance of the ruling party to rename this State as ‘Tamil Nad’.

Requests, appeals, implorations, explanations, - all have fallen on deaf ears. But the function is arranged on Tamil New Year Day.

Is it a repentence for the omission they have done or a step towards rectification? Nobody is sure!

But rumours are rampant in political circles, about the motive of this function.

Pandit Nehru, one called by Mr.Jinnah as the “Showboy of the Congress”, called himself some months back as “the performing animal!”.

Perhaps, out ministers are interested in making him perform this ceremony, probably in a most ceremonious way.

Perhaps he might, as usual, preach about unity of this Sub-continent, if he happens to be in good mod. But, if irritated a bit, nobody knows what sort of vituperation and vindictiveness, he might emit!

Anything is possible and everything depends upon the circumstances!

We are not much worried about this, for, we have seen so many slanders and they have proved to be blunt, and outmoded, incapable of putting off the flame of nationalism, lit by the Liberation Movement, the D.M.K.

Our attention is drawn towards another aspect of the Pandit’s visit and the function at Marina

The ministers of this State often go about calling us as utopians, who feast the masses with imaginary programmes and illusory policies.

We have replied them in many a platform and through the press at our disposal. And therefore, we do not intend to repudiate those tilters at the wind-mills.

But we, undeterred, go on in our way, making more and more of the Dravidians rally around our banner.

If at all we are dragged to the imaginary world, it is now, - that is, when we think of the function arranged at the Marina for the Pandit!

“It the Statue could speak….?” – that is a subject, which is interesting for imagination!

Whether we imagine or not – whether those at the helm of affairs think about it or not – whether the new recruits of the ruling party fancy that or not – the public is apt to be compelled to think over, at least, for a moment!
And what would be the feeling that would come out of such pondering?

Simplicity was glorified by Gandhi, but glaring ostensity prevails in administration – and those at the helm of affairs call themselves, as his indisputable heirs!

Political freedom, if not followed by economic uplift, would be no freedom at all, said that sage politician – but we see, and there are testimonies galore, to show that the condition of the masses is deteriorating, day by day.

Gandhi carried on a crusade, as it were, against caste system – but not only the castes are left to have their sway on the society, but they are exploited by the rulers for political purposes.

Purity in public as well as private life was preached and practised by Gandhi – but there is a wide gap in the policy and practices of our plutocrats. Scandals, corruption, nepotism, all sorts of impurities are prostituting our politics.

Rigorous rules were prescribed by him for every Congressman; he defined in clear terms! But, no! The definition is thrown off in high winds, and the Congress, acting just like a geisha, invites and entertains anybody with currency!

In spite of having been laughed at by Churchill as “half-naked fakir”, Gandhi was dressed on dhoti and towel, and remained the symbolic representation of the masses. But we hear, that Vinobha burst in tears a week back – being unable find even a single selfless worker!

Such are the things that come forward before the eyes of the discerning public!

As far as Madras is concerned there is another heart-rending thing – there are about 7,000 families dwelling on platforms, laid bare to all sorts of nature’s odds!

If at tall Gandhi would have been alive and seen this thing, would anybody think that he would accept the garland of those now at the gadi! No, definitely not!

The emphasis on ‘No’ would be strengthened when we recollect the January 6th of last year!

When Pandit Nehru arrived here, repressions were unleashed – partymen were hunted and put behind the bars – tears gas shells were used freely – mounted police chased the people in brutal ways – lathis tasted the blood of many and the climax was reached when two persons were shot dead!

That was an unforgettable day, not only in the history of the city, and annals of the D.M.K., but also in the life of Pandit Nehru, who is now living in Olympion heights.

His hands are smeared with the blood of those people dead and injured, and would anybody expect that if the statue of Gandhi could speak, it would accept the garland, willingly, without anything to say?

No! If it could speak, it would express its feelings with tears of blood rolling down on its cheeks – with moving words it would console the people and condemn the Plutocrats!

An awakward situation would arise!

Pandit’s apprehension, Kamaraj’s critical condition, Bhathavathsalam’s pathos, Subramaniam’s ‘sixes-and-sevens look’ and Gandhi’s refusal to accept the garland – all are portrayed in the cartoon in the cover page.

When we portray this, we may be laughted at as living in an imaginary world, as usual – but this imagination is worthwhile. Isn’t it?

(12-04-1959)