Editor,
Once there were these three families. They traced their descendancy from a document called the 6th Schedule of the Constitution. Ever since they have been living a free uninhabited lifestyle. They were least bothered how they spent their meager resources or from where their next meal came from. A busy body called the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India tried to control their spent thrift and wayward ways for decades but failed miserably. Then to top it all, everyone pretended they never heard of the need to organize themselves and streamline the intake of administrative personnel. They all inducted members into the family without justifiable reason. Freedom or autonomy they called it but it came at a cost that eventually found them running out of funds. Even putting rice on the table no longer seemed possible. Total collapse stared them in the face.
This is where this benevolent Uncle (Kni, who prefers to be called Govt) stepped in. In true Tribal practice he took upon himself to temporarily help (so he claims) ease their sufferings. No strings attached he solemnly proclaimed! (Don’t know why the 2028 ADC elections keep popping up in my mind). The Uncle expected global and universal applause for his help. Instead, a huge universal hue and cry erupted. (Any parallel drawn to what Trump Tariffs are facing is purely coincidental). Neighbours, Clan members and friends of the starving families, who till now were totally indifferent to their fate, raised a howl of protest. “Exploiting starvation for his own vested interest”; “Elimination of ADC autonomy”; “Deep state ploy to destroy Tradition” are the current accusations in vogue against the Uncle. So Dear Reader, welcome once again to the land of the Thlen, Taro and Skalchaá worshippers. You try to help and you immediately come under suspicion. The Jolly Menshohnoh Uncle is once again on the prowl. He has to be caught. We’ll all join in the chase and enjoy it, so play on.
Now hang on a minute. What happens to the three starving families, the supposed victims in this hulla gulla? All three seem quite happy with Uncle’s help. Not a cheap protest out of them but no thanks either! No expression that they will try to mend their erring ways! No resolutions to shed off the excess fat! Rumors from within report instead of smug satisfaction in the belief that “There you see. You just can’t get along without us. You can’t afford our collapse because we are the guardians of your culture and identity! Autonomy is our Right to do as we please”. Well (L) Kris Kristofferson did croon that “Freedoms just another word for nothing left to lose” and Dear me I find that we really have nothing left to lose. Everythings was sold out between the Three families and their loving Uncle.
Toki Blah
Via e-mail
