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.
This is sharp. It shows how statues and public symbols become less about what someone really stood for and more about photo-ops, politics, and money. Also makes you think: do people remember the person’s ideas, or just the statue’s shape?
I never understood the idea behind putting statues at every crossing and then letting them get dirty with bird droppings, it just shows they are just symbols.Your writing hits hard.
So true. I read about Dr Ambedkar last year, it changed my perspective towards his life. I couldn’t get over the wow factor for days. He deserves better than this pomp and show, real reverence and a path that follows is ideology and thought process.
I love this! I do not doubt that these very thoughts and questions would rise if Dr Ambedkar could ask them now! Satire at its best! Brilliant writing!
Indeed. I can imagine Dr. Ambedkar saying the same. Why him, every statue at the crossroads, for that matter! The ones that are cleaned for a day and neglected for the rest of the year. And all their capabilities and learning have been reduced to this. We are all equally responsible for this.
Such a smart and clever writing; an eye opening post. Only if it could reach the men in power. Wasting money on statues never made sense to me. Loved the satire behind the post!
Oh, the satire here. Uff. And these lines, ” their plight fetches votes among both the downtrodden and the intellectuals. It pays to support the underdogs, purely for selfish reasons.” Loved it Chanrdika ji. Keep it up
I remembered a scene from Lage raho munna bhai where he talks about statue. Your words are thought-provoking and what powerful lines! Loved it.
Dear Chandrika, this is something which I really liked.. because I also love this pattern of writing where I make the unheard words heard in this manner. Have you been to Kolkata and in the ShyamBazar More …. that big Netaji Statue… it gets the chance to get a garland on 23rd January and rest 364 days he remained unheard and only as a landmark for passerbys in summer, rain, winter…. No one cares… Is this what we call as respect towords these once powerful and now historic leaders of India?
Chandrika, your flash fiction brilliantly captures the irony of “statue politics” and the disconnect between a leader’s ideals and public symbolism. The satire is sharp, thought-provoking, and timely — making readers question reverence, representation, and political motives behind monuments.
Dr Ambedkar would probably not approve of how his name is being used now. He was a smart, well-read and intelligent man who wanted only the best for his people and created opportunities for them for it. Now it’s all about freebies and politics.
I have been to the Statue of Unity, and it is impressive indeed. It is 305 meters tall, while the Statue of Liberty is only 93 meters. It is great how you gave voice to a statue and a national icon.
What a compelling piece! I loved how you packed so much depth and insight into such a short story. It’s fascinating to see the dynamics of power and influence explored through the lens of motherhood. Truly thought-provoking!
What an interesting post – enjoyable and good point.
i too do wonder what is the point of all the status, we dont even know who they are most of the time.
This is seriously satire at its best! Loved reading this piece!
What a brilliant piece of writing, reading more about him made me understand he is more than just holding the constitution.
Your thoughts ring true – what a lot of wastage these statues are, with no thought given to the substance of Ambedkar’s teachings.