Dear Mr. Tharoor

Recently, Shashi Tharoor has become a media favourite. The news channels, and consequently, our dear politicians, are just waiting to pounce on his latest statement, or even better, his latest tweet.

I feel a little sorry for him. I love reading his books and articles. I absolutely admire his knowledge. More than that, I admire his wit. A few years back, I had the honour of meeting him at some corporate event, where I had a dance performance. I remember talking to him and being completely awed by his personality. (And by the way, he quite handsome too! :P ) I wish I could meet him today and say this...

Dear Mr. Tharoor,

To begin with, let me tell you , I am a big fan of yours. But recently, I have read your name more in controversies rather than in any substantial news.

I daresay you have never given an HSC board English exam. I think that is the stem of all these problems. No, please don't misunderstand me. I am not trying to say you are illiterate. In fact, when you were elected, I was really happy; at least some of our politicians are well-educated. But you see, there are some things in India that just cannot be done otherwise. You just have to follow 'protocol', and the thousands of unwritten rules....
I feel confident in advising you in this matter because I have just given my HSC boards. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is. I clearly remember being told to simplify my English vocabulary if I expected to get acceptable marks.
To get an idea of what was expected, I took the opportunity of reading the paper of an 'ex-English topper'. The answers and the essays, all written in rather appalling English, did not exactly encourage me. Nonetheless, they provided for some excellent entertainment for me and my friends. This is just one example, but there are thousands of other instances which would suffice to make one understand, that excellent English is really not the way to get to the Indian heart (in this specific case, the Indian HSC examiner's heart).

I feel it is unnecessary to talk about the average IQ of Indian politicians. Barring a few, do you really think any of them will appreciate good political humour? Why political humour, how about just plain humour? How many politicians would appreciate a good joke? It is an unsaid rule that all politicians have to be serious and formal, and mostly go about their lives with a dour look on their faces. And you really thought you could make a joke and get away with it, eh?
Dear Mr. Tharoor, how could you forget your own article? I quote from "Indian Political Humour: Nothing to Laugh About" - "...and you will have to admit that, as far as political humour is concerned, our national cupboard is bare."
Let me add to it. The cupboard is not only bare but it has been chained and locked, and the key thrown away.

I hope you understand that this deadly combination of great English and quick wit is quite unlucky. Here, the right to freedom of speech exists but in theory. It is hardly ever put in practice. A politician has no right to voice his frank and personal opinion, while an HSC student like me has no right to pen a creative essay, fearing that the examiner will just not understand it. Nonetheless, I have not given up hope that people will learn to enjoy a good joke, whether it comes from a politician or anyone else. I have also not given up hope that someday, students will be able to use language creatively without the fear of getting low marks for not being dumb enough.

Thank you for listening to the ramblings of a frustrated HSC student, who is really looking for some lighter moments to ease the studies. And I also thank you for providing some of those through you writing.

Regards,
Vallarie


My dad once said to me, "For there to be intelligent political humour in India, you are forgetting that we need two essential things. One is intelligent politicians, and the second, intelligent politicians with a sense of humour." And God knows, we need to lighten up a bit. Mr. Shashi Tharoor does provide that, but I hope not at the cost of his political career. Because we really cannot afford to lose the few "intelligent politicians with a sense of humour" that we have.
I'm pretty sure that the day I get really good marks for my really creative essay, the parliament will be laughing heartily at a really good political joke. Ah, wishful thinking.... Well, let that day come, while I get back to my studying....