Mahua wrongly corrects PM Modi, calls Sarojini Bose ‘Sarojini Naidu’
In a recent session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the story of Sarojini Bose, a brave woman 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 an attempt at correction by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, who shouted “Naidu, sir” in an effort to rectify the Prime Minister’s statement. Unfortunately, Mahua Moitra’s correction was misguided, as she mistakenly referred to Sarojini Bose as Sarojini Naidu.
For those who may be unaware, Sarojini Bose and Sarojini Naidu were two distinct women who played important roles in India’s struggle for independence. Sarojini Naidu was a prominent Indian independence activist, poet, and politician, while Sarojini Bose was a lesser-known figure who made a significant contribution to the freedom movement through her courageous act of defiance against the British colonial authorities.
The Prime Minister’s mention of Sarojini Bose’s story was meant to highlight the sacrifices made by ordinary Indians during the freedom struggle. By vowing not to wear her gold bangles until the ban on ‘Vande Mataram’ was lifted, Sarojini Bose demonstrated her commitment to the cause of Indian independence and her willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater good. Her story is an inspiring example of the many unsung heroes of the freedom movement who played a crucial role in shaping India’s history.
Mahua Moitra’s attempt to correct the Prime Minister’s statement, however, was not only inaccurate but also reflected a lack of knowledge about India’s rich history and the contributions of its freedom fighters. By shouting “Naidu, sir”, Mahua Moitra demonstrated a failure to distinguish between two important women in Indian history, reducing their unique contributions to a mere footnote.
BJP’s Pradeep Bhandari was quick to respond to Mahua Moitra’s gaffe, taking to X to express his disappointment at her lack of knowledge. “She doesn’t know Bose and Naidu were two different women…she should pick up a book,” he tweeted, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding of Indian history among the country’s leaders.
The exchange between Prime Minister Modi and Mahua Moitra highlights the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in public discourse. As leaders, it is essential to be well-versed in the country’s history and to be able to distinguish between fact and fiction. By failing to do so, Mahua Moitra not only embarrassed herself but also did a disservice to the memory of Sarojini Bose and the many other freedom fighters who contributed to India’s struggle for independence.
In conclusion, the incident highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of Indian history among the country’s leaders. It is essential to recognize and respect the contributions of all freedom fighters, regardless of their level of recognition or fame. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more informed and nuanced public discourse that values accuracy and attention to detail.
As we reflect on this incident, it is worth remembering the words of Sarojini Naidu, who once said, “We want a flag that will symbolize our national unity, and a national unity that will be the symbol of our flag.” Today, as we celebrate our independence and the bravery of our freedom fighters, we must also strive to create a sense of national unity that is built on a foundation of knowledge, respect, and appreciation for our rich history.
News Source: https://x.com/pradip103/status/1997964203391410410
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