Mahua wrongly corrects PM Modi, calls Sarojini Bose ‘Sarojini Naidu’
In a recent address to the Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the courageous act of Sarojini Bose, who vowed not to wear her gold bangles until the ban on ‘Vande Mataram’ was lifted in the early 1900s. However, his statement was met with a swift, yet incorrect, correction from Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra. In a surprising display of historical ignorance, Moitra shouted, “Naidu, sir,” attempting to rectify the Prime Minister’s statement.
For those unfamiliar with Indian history, ‘Vande Mataram’ is a patriotic song that was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1870. The song became a symbol of the Indian independence movement and was often sung as a form of protest against British rule. The ban on ‘Vande Mataram’ was a significant event in Indian history, and Sarojini Bose’s courageous act of defiance was a testament to the strong will and determination of Indian women during the freedom struggle.
However, Moitra’s attempt to correct the Prime Minister was not only unnecessary but also incorrect. Sarojini Bose and Sarojini Naidu were, in fact, two different women, both of whom played important roles in Indian history. While Sarojini Naidu was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, known for her poetry and her role as the first woman to become the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Sarojini Bose was a lesser-known figure who made a significant contribution to the freedom struggle through her courageous act of defiance.
BJP’s Pradeep Bhandari was quick to point out Moitra’s mistake on X, saying, “She doesn’t know Bose and Naidu were two different women…she should pick up a book.” Bhandari’s statement highlights the importance of historical knowledge and the need for politicians to be well-versed in the subject. It is surprising that a member of Parliament like Moitra would attempt to correct the Prime Minister without verifying the facts first.
This incident raises several questions about the level of historical knowledge among Indian politicians. While it is understandable that mistakes can happen, it is essential for public figures to be aware of their country’s history and cultural heritage. The fact that Moitra attempted to correct the Prime Minister without knowing the difference between Sarojini Bose and Sarojini Naidu is a cause for concern.
Furthermore, this incident also highlights the need for politicians to be more mindful of their words and actions. In today’s digital age, information spreads quickly, and mistakes can be amplified rapidly. It is essential for public figures to be more careful and thoughtful in their responses, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like history and culture.
In conclusion, the incident involving Mahua Moitra’s incorrect correction of Prime Minister Modi is a reminder of the importance of historical knowledge and the need for politicians to be more mindful of their words and actions. While mistakes can happen, it is essential for public figures to be aware of their country’s history and cultural heritage. As Bhandari said, Moitra should indeed “pick up a book” and learn more about Indian history before attempting to correct others.
News source: https://x.com/pradip103/status/1997964203391410410