“ ‘Tis nobler in the mind…”
Looking at the objective third party facts that seem to be
emerging, it doesn’t seem like Prime Minister Modi’s gamble of demonetization
has paid off in terms of the black money conundrum. It has so far produced
arguably mixed results on the fronts of black money, preventing corruption or
counterfeiting. Further, there is a quantity of anecdotal evidence and data on
lost jobs, micro and small sector troubles and the return of thousands, if not
lacs, of rural migrants back to the homestead, in distress. Given that, it
seems to have become quite the puzzle as to why poor Indians aren’t up in arms against
demonetization.
“…Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind
To suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take up arms against a sea of troubles…”
That, Hamlet, depends entirely on how you frame the argument, as Sir Humphrey would tell you!
The entire narrative of demonetization has been masterfully constructed
by a skillful communicator to ensure that the outcome is less relevant than the
act itself. Firstly it was pitted as an act against black money, and against
black money hoarders. Very few people living in India can argue against the
scourge of black money and the fact that it has always been seen as the victory
of the rich and powerful amoral few against the vast majority of law abiding
middle class and poor citizens. Thus the argument that it will lead to the
downfall of these hoarders has met with a frank schadenfreude from millions of
humble citizens who hoped to see the mighty tremble before the law of the land.
Secondly, the PM spoke about it as his move and not that of ‘this
government’. It was “I, Narendra Modi”. Much as some of his party members may
resent the absolute power that implies, it also makes the act more relatable
and heroic. It is not a formless institution, the BJP, which is vowing to fight
against corruption and dark powers, it is one man. Institutions can be and are
seen as venal, subject to outside influence. But when it is one man pitting
himself against forces older and superior, it becomes the stuff of mythology.
Irresistibly, David vs Goliath!
Thirdly, the PM spoke about the possible danger he faced – “they
could try to assassinate me, but I will not retract the move”, he cried. And he
also spoke about the fact that if it didn’t work, he would renounce his post
and move away with his ‘bori’. While there were no public threats to his life,
his claimed willingness to risk his life serves to underline his authenticity. And
his willingness to renounce it all turns him into a saint, and one who is
disinterestedly working for the good of others rather than to line his own
pockets, as many Indians have come to expect of their politicians.
The final masterstroke was exhorting ordinary Indians, the
poor and the middle class, to join what was tantamount to an almost holy war against
venal forces. Indians have always
believed in ‘No pain, no gain’. So the inconveniences, the standing in lines
and the many days of going without money to pay for basic goods and services
was turned into the common man’s ritual purification through which he proved
his moral cleanliness and superiority over those who complained, a sacrifice he
made for the greater good. It became a nobler act to stand and suffer in
silence, rather than take up arms against this sea of troubles, because the
cause was far greater than minor inconveniences!
In Indian philosophy, morality is never black or white; it is the context and imagery around
an issue that determines its morality. If Arjuna were to kill his grandfather
when he was unarmed, in a fit of pique – would that still have been considered
moral? Or was it the context of the war in the Mahabharata, which pitted grandnephew
against granduncle? The PM understands this basic truth of the Indian psyche
extremely well and thus has turned demonetization into a Satyagraha. In a
Satyagraha, even if you lose, there is no indignity or defeat, because taking
up the cause is worth far more!
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