Holi: the Festival of Colours

Window Seat 

Holi, the vibrant festival of colours, is more than just a celebration—it is a symbol of joy, unity, and renewal. As people come together to smear each other with bright hues, the festival dissolves barriers of caste, class, and age, fostering a sense of togetherness. It is a day when old grievances are forgotten (remember the iconic Holi song- Holike din…in iconic film Sholey), and friendships are rekindled.

Rooted in mythology, Holi signifies the victory of good over evil. The legend of Holika and Prahlad reminds us that faith and righteousness always triumph, reinforcing the idea that darkness is temporary and light will always prevail. This spiritual essence of Holi goes beyond its playful nature, offering a moment for reflection on personal growth and transformation.

Colours, an integral part of the festival, hold deeper meaning. Red symbolizes love, blue represents divine energy, yellow signifies knowledge, and green stands for new beginnings. As we immerse ourselves in these colours, it becomes a metaphor for embracing life in all its diversity.

One Nation - One Election

I recently participated in a seminar on ‘One nation - One Election: Media Perspective’ at Puri.

‘One nation - One Election (in simple terms simultaneous elections, of the LokSabha and State Assemblies) – as a concept is welcome. In fact the first general elections to the LokSabha and State Assemblies were held together in 1951-52, a practice that continued for three subsequent general elections in 1957, 1962, and 1967.

However, this cycle of synchronised elections was disrupted in 1968 and 1969 due to the premature dissolution of some State Legislative Assemblies. 

Several times, many distinguished persons and institutions including the Law Commission spoke in favour of ‘one nation-one election’ from the 1980s because of some obvious economical and logistical advantages.

However, it was the BJP government who attempted to fast-track it and that attracted opposition. A High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, was constituted by the Government of India on 2nd September 2023 headed by former President Ram NathKovind. Its primary objective was to explore the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections for the LokSabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The committee after consultations with different bodies and stakeholders favoured this idea with several recommendations including constitutional amendments.

However if this is to be made a mandated practice- then there are several complex legal, logistical and political issues. My take on this somewhat aligns with former CJIUULalit’s view: don’t rush. Don’t fiddle with the basic structure of the constitution. The concept has its merits and people will eventually adopt it. In fact in recent times it is being practised in Odisha since 2000 till 2024 elections. 

Match-Box Labels

I came across an on-line exhibition of pre-independence match box labels. It was interesting to see the way the national heroes were idolised on match box labels. This happened across the country.

Gandhiji’s call for ‘use indigenous products’ kick started several small industries, some of which eventually became large. Many of them (including a cigarette brand named Kali) foregrounded nationalism to sell their products. They liberally used Gandhi’s photo and messages to this end.

Subhas Chandra Bose was another popular figure, especially after his dramatic escape. His attempt to free India militarily made him a folk hero. Rabindranath Tagore was another popular figure to adorn brands of several products - from hair oil to match boxes.

Language

I just published Odia translation of the first short story in Hindi language, ‘EkTokriMitti’ written by Madhav Rao Sapre (1871-1926) and  the first Hindi short story written by a woman writer ‘Kumbh me ChotiBohu’ written by BangaMahila.

Madhav Rao Sapre was Marathi by birth. BangaMahila is the pen name of Rajendrabala Ghosh (1882-1951), who was a Bengali by birth.

 That is the beauty of India where languages have never been barricaded. It flowed and grew.

176 Years of ‘Safety Pin’

Walter Hunt created the safety pin in 1849. After 176 years, it still looks almost exactly the same as when he invented it.

Crafted from a single piece of wire with a coiled spring and protective clasp, his design was both simple and effective.

Sadly, Hunt, needing to settle a $15 debt, sold the patent rights for just $400 — far less than the fortune it later generated. Other companies made millions of dollars off the product.

Beyond the safety pin, Hunt developed early sewing machines, repeating rifles, a streetcar bell, and even a precursor to the Winchester rifle. Though his inventive mind greatly influenced various industries, he rarely profited from his creations. Yet, his legacy lives on, with the safety pin remaining a staple in households worldwide.

The next time you use one, think of Hunt.

Tailpiece: Holikabhai?

If any of you happen to go to Ramgarh, please tell Gabbar Singh that holi is on 14^th March.

Poor fellow. He has been asking that for last 50 years, holikabhai? Kabhaiholi? (When is Holi?)

(Courtesy: Social Media)