Death manages to inspire only cliches even among the best amongst us. But it takes a particular genius to be inured to it; to be so unmoved as to only offer a cyclostyled statement.
Below are the condolence messages issued by two weighty Karnataka worthies—Uttarakhand governor Margaret Alva and Union labour minister Mallikarjuna Kharge—in the wake of the Mangalore air crash.
They offer a small insight into the creative juices that lubricate the mind of the average Indian politician; but they also throw a giant spotlight on the value they place on human life also known as voters.
First, Margaret Alva’s statement, issued under the letterhead of the “information wing” of her Raj Bhavan:
“Raj Bhavan, Nainital, 22 May 2010: Mrs Margaret Alva, governor of Uttarakhand, has expressed deep shock and grief at the heavy loss of lives in the air crash at Mangalore Airport today morning. She has wished speedy recovery for the survivors who have been injured due to the mishap.
“Mrs Alva expressed her deep sense of sorrow and sympathy for the deceased and their grieving families. ‘May God grant strength to their families to bear the irreparable loss,’ is her prayer.”
Next, Kharge’s statement, issued under the government of India’s ministry of labour:
“New Delhi, 22 May May 2010: Mr M. Mallikarjuna Kharge, minister for labour, has expressed deep shock and grief at the heavy loss of lives in the air crash at Mangalore Airport today morning. He has wished speedy recovery for the survivors who have been injured due to the mishap.
“Mr Kharge expressed his deep sense of sorrow and sympathy for the deceased and their grieving families. ‘May God grant strength to their families to bear the irreparable loss,’ is his prayer.”
Tags: Anuja Chauhan, Churumuri, Mallikarjuna Kharge, Margaret Alva, Nikhil Alva, Niret Alva, Sans Serif
22 May 2010 at 7:37 pm
Bastards. Both….
22 May 2010 at 8:47 pm
As long as they mean it, it’s okay if they use a standard format.
22 May 2010 at 9:11 pm
Copy Hodithiddare.. Ibbarannu Debar madibidi..
22 May 2010 at 10:11 pm
Same form, same content and same lack of meaning!
23 May 2010 at 7:18 am
Very sad! What has been the reaction of the central Govt. during this Plane crash and during the one in which the Congress brass died in AP recently.
Human life of a lay mane is taken for granted, but that of a corrupt politician is very precious!!
What a paradox!
23 May 2010 at 6:12 pm
politicians’ dirty heart beats with the same rythm. they have got heart, but not sensations. in fact, their condolence is meaningless.
24 May 2010 at 4:05 pm
What would you have done, if you were in their places?
24 May 2010 at 4:42 pm
It’s is work of the poor PAs. The VIPs will read/hear it on the media. It’s foolishness to expect hearty feelings from leaders,especially politicians.