I am situated at strategic crossroads yet common people ‘see’ me only when the GPS instructs them to take a turn at my location. And sometimes not even then.

I am otherwise remembered  on 14th April when I am spruced up and bird droppings are washed off me in preparation for *Ambedkar Jayanthi. A garland is placed around my neck by a political big-wig and  he starts spouting my praise in spite of the little he knows about me. A smattering of applause follows.  For the rest of the day, the loudspeakers bellow out some film music meant to commemorate my life, but I know better. It is a public holiday and people enjoy a break thanks to me.

Oh, yes, I am also remembered during election time for vote bank politics revolves around me. I am the face of the Dalit movement and their plight fetches votes among both the downtrodden and the intellectuals. It pays to support the underdogs, purely for selfish reasons.

Despite being the father of the constitution of India, I didn’t expect so many of me sprouting all over. I don’t see the relevance nor understand the ‘statue politics’ being played out. This is not what I envisaged for my country.

Why this sudden angst after seventy-odd years, you might ask me?

I came to understand quite recently that I have another of me coming up in Mumbai. They have named it the Statue of Equality.  Once completed, I would be the third tallest statue in the world after the statue of unity and Spring Temple of Buddha.  Now, I really don’t understand how that is going to help my country.

I am not gung-ho about this new project. The money could be better spent on my pet peeve, for the benefit of the poor.   The plight of the migrants’ during the lock down moved me to tears.

Moreover, I too have a vain side. I am quite bored with my appearance.  Every single statue of mine has my index finger pointing out to the world and my left hand holding onto the constitution of India. I am really more than that. I was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer, who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables particularly the Dalits. I have been declared the number one scholar in the world.  Unfortunately, my teachings have been hijacked for political gains.  I am curious, besides being the father of the constitution, does anyone really know me?

Coming to the positive aspects, none will dare desecrate me. The political parties across the spectrum irrespective of their ideologies know which side of the bread is buttered and I am the side that is buttered.

As an aside, if you are determined to have more of me, why not have some variety when you commission the sculptors?   Meanwhile, I will be spruced up in a month or so.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.

If you enjoyed the above flash fiction, do stop my collection of flash: Vignettes – a slice of Life.