Two reasons for the delay. I started getting news papers and it takes 4 hrs on an average to read. Next, I am active on twitter since past week commenting on every subject under the sun. This takes another 2-3 hrs. However, ideas don’t stop coming and I assure minimum one episode in a week.
Corona has finally caught up. The floor immediately below mine is sealed by TMC. Now, I am in the vulnerable age group and have association with all the three usual suspects-sugar, pressure and cholesterol albeit under control through medication, diet and exercise. Even so, by way of abundant precaution, I have prepared a note on how to divide my meager possessions between my two daughters to ensure harmony. Have mentioned the PIN nos and location of my ATM cards. God forbid, but it pays to be prepared.
This time no satire-only cartoons. To compensate for the delay of over 10 days, there are extra cartoons. But before you see them, I would like to quote from a lead article in the Times of India on 11.7.2020, by Ms Rohini Nilekani titled ‘Democracy’s Handmaiden: Humour’.
QUOTE
“In these dark times, there is no harm in easing up with some sharp humour. Like the Corona virus, humour is infectious, but can spread much needed joy.
In today’s India, perhaps we need more humour in our public life. Are our politicians able to joke about themselves? Or do they mainly use ridicule? And what about us? Do we lack a political funny bone?
Arguably today, there has been a chilling effect on our humourists. Cases of sedition have been initiated on cartoonists and others for criticizing the govt., or the ruling party. Intensive trolling and threats have inundated those who raise important issues in jest. Certainly, today’s humorists have to be braver than their profession should require them to be.
Concentrated power without feedback loops is dangerous. We all know the story of the emperor’s new cloths. When they mock elites, humourists can hold leaders accountable. They create safe place for us to think through things, to question our beliefs and to change our minds”
That’s precisely why governments and politicians don’t like humourists. They hate to be challenged. But it is also why the samaj should support humourists. We need mirrors held up to us: we need new ways to refract reality.” UNQUOTE
Humour helps relax our mind and also makes us think. So, do both right away. Being an eternal optimist I am sure ‘Acche din aane wala hain’ . How and when – Only God Almighty alone can tell. As a mere human, I am doing my bit - here goes:
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