1. Some thoughts on what makes @BhimArmyChief such a compelling figure based on the speech he made today, and on observations by my smarter half.
Caveat: others know far, far more, I am speaking from the shallow knowledge of one incident, nevertheless he made an impression.
Caveat: others know far, far more, I am speaking from the shallow knowledge of one incident, nevertheless he made an impression.
2. He was moving in a band of supporters, there was palpable, loud enthusiasm for his presence, even a few high-pitched shrieks of joy (from the male side of the crowd, though there might have been a woman there).
His composure, therefore, was striking.
His composure, therefore, was striking.
3. He was confident and self-assured, but not arrogant.
When the sound system (inexplicably) continued to make warbling noises, he waited patiently, and then finally just stepped up to speak.
He asserted himself without pushing anybody down.
When the sound system (inexplicably) continued to make warbling noises, he waited patiently, and then finally just stepped up to speak.
He asserted himself without pushing anybody down.
4. There have been reams of commentary about his 'style', and he certainly has it.
Upon getting up on the stage he got rid of the garlands, took the simple blue scarf around his neck, and wrapped it on his head. A simple, clean gesture of confidence, a man aware of himself.
Upon getting up on the stage he got rid of the garlands, took the simple blue scarf around his neck, and wrapped it on his head. A simple, clean gesture of confidence, a man aware of himself.
5. What I found most striking were his tone and his words.
As my smarter half said, it was a speech he could have given to any audience - meaning it was both deep in its subject matter, but accessible to a lay listener.
He neither pandered nor condescended.
As my smarter half said, it was a speech he could have given to any audience - meaning it was both deep in its subject matter, but accessible to a lay listener.
He neither pandered nor condescended.
6. When he spoke to the women of Shaheen Bagh he did so in terms of respect, as an equal, as one worthy of their love and taking it for granted, and giving his as well, with no hesitation.
He took pride in the pride he had in their achievement, as a member of a family.
He took pride in the pride he had in their achievement, as a member of a family.
7. When he spoke of Ambedkar and his work on women's rights, he did not set up - as many people do - caricatures of other politicians.
He spoke simply of Ambedkar's achievements, on which all Indians can lay claim, be proud of.
He spoke simply of Ambedkar's achievements, on which all Indians can lay claim, be proud of.
8. Maybe the question itself is wrong. Why should we ask why Azaad is so popular?
Shouldn't we ask why such a charismatic, intelligent, and sympathetic person is not better known?
How many Azaads are we missing? How many Rohith Vemulas?
Please read my pinned tweet.
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Shouldn't we ask why such a charismatic, intelligent, and sympathetic person is not better known?
How many Azaads are we missing? How many Rohith Vemulas?
Please read my pinned tweet.
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