Emotive Issue

Theatre of the absurd

The Pulwama terror strike (ref post of February 16) became an emotive issue with a section of the Club today making a strong pitch for postponing the Club’s Annual Day function scheduled this week-end.
“I feel it is not right to have the function now,” Shekhawat said, summoning everybody around after the exercises. “My conscience does not permit it. This kind of attack on our jawans does not happen often. We need to stand up in solidarity with the victims’ families and not be making merry. I am told Celebration Club is also not having their function on February 23.”
Shekhawat’s words instantly struck a chord with Angad Singh, also an armed forces veteran. “I am with you, but I do not agree

Nahid Khan gets us special
cookies from Lucknow

that we should go by what Celebration Club does. Let others do what they think fit. We need to decide for ourselves independently about whether or not to postpone our annual function.”
Karun Sharma brought up another significant point. “To have the function on February 23 will invite a lot of criticism and show the Club in poor light. Contrarily, deferring it would raise our standing in public eye. Perception counts in today’s times.”
There was a fourth argument yet. Dilip Babani pointed out the very real possibility of trouble erupting in the audience should “even one person” protest against us celebrating while the nation mourns the deaths of the 40 jawans at Pulwama. He should know as he has already faced the wrath of a trouble maker last Sunday (ref yesterday’s post).
Bijoy Gupta rose up to say that he will take care of the trouble maker while Siba Prasad Maitra assured that if necessary, he will solicit the presence of the local MLA and better police security. He added that still, if the function is to be postponed, he’d absolve himself of his responsibilities. Yusuf Rassiwala warned that a postponement at this stage would amount to cancellation.
A show of hands forced the issue. But for security concerns, no point was raised or discussed. The show must go on.

Siba Prasad Maitra:
I am equally connected emotionally with Pulwama attack on our CRPF jawans. But when I see all other cultural and entertainment shows are going on, we could also have our programme on 23rd. All the members and many children have come forward and rehearsed their role in drama and other activities. Unfortunately this incident at Pulwama took place. I am equally pained by it and if you all feel we need to postpone or cancel our program, I have no objection. It is immaterial whether I can give any further time to discharge my responsibilities or not. We must take the right decision.

Bihari Milwani:
* Total Dhamaal is releasing on 22nd February. Then why not 'small dhamaal' by Big Laaf on 23rd February?
* We can postpone the birth(day) of Karun Sharma, but not the small dhamaal of Big Laaf.