Mahua wrongly corrects PM Modi, calls Sarojini Bose ‘Sarojini Naidu’
In a recent incident in the Indian Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the story of Sarojini Bose, who vowed not to wear her gold bangles until the ban on ‘Vande Mataram’ was lifted in the early 1900s. However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra quickly intervened, trying to correct the Prime Minister by shouting, “Naidu, sir”. This attempt at correction has sparked a heated debate, with many questioning Moitra’s knowledge of Indian history.
For those who may be unfamiliar, ‘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 during protests and rallies against British rule. However, the British government banned the song in the early 1900s, deeming it seditious. It was during this time that Sarojini Bose made her vow, refusing to wear her gold bangles until the ban was lifted.
Sarojini Bose, also known as Sarojini Devi, was a freedom fighter and a close associate of Rabindranath Tagore. She was known for her bravery and her contributions to the Indian independence movement. On the other hand, Sarojini Naidu was a different personality altogether. She was a poet, politician, and women’s rights activist who played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. While both women were prominent figures in Indian history, they were distinct individuals with their own unique contributions.
Moitra’s attempt to correct the Prime Minister has been met with criticism, with many arguing that she was wrong to conflate Sarojini Bose with Sarojini Naidu. BJP’s Pradeep Bhandari took to X to express his disappointment, saying, “She doesn’t know Bose and Naidu were two different women…she should pick up a book.” This statement highlights the lack of knowledge that Moitra displayed in her attempt to correct the Prime Minister.
This incident raises important questions about the state of historical knowledge in India. It is alarming that a member of parliament, who is expected to be well-versed in the country’s history, would make such a basic mistake. It is essential for public figures to be aware of the country’s rich history and the contributions of its freedom fighters.
Moreover, this incident highlights the importance of education and the need for accurate information. In today’s digital age, it is easy to spread misinformation and half-truths. It is crucial for individuals, especially public figures, to verify information before sharing it with others. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for critical thinking and fact-checking in all aspects of life.
In addition, this incident has sparked a debate about the role of women in the Indian independence movement. Both Sarojini Bose and Sarojini Naidu were trailblazers in their own right, and their contributions to the movement should be recognized and celebrated. However, it is essential to acknowledge their individual achievements and not conflate their stories.
In conclusion, the incident involving Mahua Moitra’s attempt to correct Prime Minister Modi has highlighted the need for accurate historical knowledge and the importance of education. It is essential for public figures to be aware of the country’s history and to verify information before sharing it with others. As we move forward, it is crucial that we prioritize education and critical thinking, ensuring that we do not spread misinformation and half-truths.
News source: https://x.com/pradip103/status/1997964203391410410
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