Twist In the Script

There is more than one twist to the Tamil film Parashakthi (Supreme Power) after its delayed release as the censors called for several cuts. The film has received mixed reviews and has done only moderately well at the box office. Set in the background of the 1965 anti-Hindi stir in Tamil Nadu, the film closely follows the vocabulary and imagery of the agitation and while the ostensible target of the stir as depicted is Congress, there is a language subtext that plays to the DMK’s confrontation with BJP. DMK has made its advocacy of the two-language formula an important part of its election rhetoric and has positioned itself principally against BJP.

The bone of contention, of course, is the National Education Policy (NEP) and PM Shri Schools. Despite BJP’s explanation that any third language, not just Hindi, can be chosen by students, DMK has harped on “Hindi imposition” as the language is not taught in state-run schools in Tamil Nadu. Since Hindi has not been offered as a subject—except in private schools—the lack of familiarity with the language cuts across almost all social classes. As BJP in partnership with AIADMK looks to make a mark in the forthcoming state elections, the film has raked up old memories and stirred resentments that are often not far from the surface. Political observers feel that BJP would be well advised to sidestep the issue and reassure the electorate that it is not tone deaf to sentiments and that no language will be made compulsory.

Lula’s Agenda

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had a consequential agenda in India recently. The India-Brazil agreements on rare earths, plans for the final assembly of the commercial jet Embraer in India, and a defence partnership are important. Lula and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a good equation and this was evident with the Brazilian leader saying he had paid attention in choosing songs that would appeal to Modi when the latter was in Rio de Janeiro in July last year.

Vijay Impact

Actor-politician Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ continues to await release with some reports pointing to June, well after results of the Tamil Nadu election are out. There is a view that the actor’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is a threat to both alliances. He may, it is felt, hurt DMK by drawing younger voters, and not just from his Christian community. He offers an interesting alternative as an “anticorruption crusader” and the message does resonate with regard to DMK while AIADMK’s own record in office on this count isn’t great.

Invisible in Delhi

After his reported move to Punjab where a residence has been readied for him, there is little news of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The completion of the BJP government’s one year in office in Delhi saw AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Saurabh Bhardwaj address the media but there was no sign of Kejriwal who seems to be busy in Punjab and Gujarat rather than his former stomping ground.

Vaishnaw In the Middle

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union IT minister, was active at the India AI Impact Summit. The work required was demanding and the summit saw record footfalls. The the venue was packed with participants. India may lack the financial clout required to propel AI development as compared to the US and China, but the government’s commitment to policy support might seed AI projects, with Vaishnaw spending time with private sector and government officials as talks centred on security and governance.

The UAE Bond

Although seated ahead of Mukesh Ambani at the AI Summit, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit attracted less attention. But his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were an important review of a growing strategic partnership with focus on AI, technology and investment. The cooperation is important and it includes needed finance to develop AI and fund projects that can impact business, public services and innovation, and utilise India’s human resources.

Serious Gambhir

As India progress through the T20 World Cup, its “high risk, high gain” tactics are under close scrutiny and in focus is coach Gautam Gambir who is not shy of calling a spade a spade. While he can come across as blunt in media interactions, he takes his job seriously and could be seen during the team’s net sessions parked right behind the batter, watching every move intently as the outfit prepped strategies. Ahead of the Super 8 match with South Africa it was apparent the tactics were about dealing with spinners.