Many of us who felt pride on our liberal heritage and few who didn't missed any opportunity to blow the trumpets on the issue were seem to be dumbfounded when Qatar conferred its citizenship on MF Hussein. Acclaimed Indian painter after being in forced exiled by the fanatics for last few years has officially ended even the last remnants with Indian state.
Without getting into merits and demerits of what Hussein did, our citizens should have rights to express their views freely and their safety must be ensured. Borrowing Voltaire words "I may not agree with what you have to say but i will defend to the death yo? I disagree with what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it?"
But what can we expect from a nation where first change in constitution was made to gag the free airing of opinion. While first amendment to US constitution enhanced its citizens right to air their opinions.
Not to be branded cynical about our the improvement in our society and to point that things are how worse in our neighboring countries here are some lines by Poet Kaifi Azmi
"The Sindhi that came from Pakistan to India is called 'Seth'. The Muslim that left India for Pakistan is called 'Mohajir'. Bade Ghulam Ali was asked by a Pakistani luminary, Mohammed All, to sing. He started "mohe na chhedo Nandlal" and was interrupted rudely with a "kucch Pakistani music gaiye". He retorted: "Mori gardan no marodo (don't twist my neck) Mohammed Ali". Then upped and left, returned to reclaim his Indian citizenship"
But a nation that has aims to be the NEXT Superpower can't be satisfied with Consolation prize......can we????????
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