Guha, Roy (and Premchand)
Posted by Aashish on November 7, 2010
We have often read the two of them. Debated and discussed them, agreed and disagreed with them. Been amazed, at their ability to bring hitherto neglected views and issues right in the front of the face of our flawed polity. Allowed them to inform us on a range of topics, sometimes allowed them to shape our opinions also. Been angered sometimes, at their inability to see logic in a particular instance, or frustrated, by their attempts to simplify complex issues.
Perhaps now, 10 years after their debate started, we need to point out a particular passage from Premchand to both of them. It appears in the story, “The Road to Salvation.”
It is a mystery why there is so much hatred among the good as there is love among the wicked. A scholar at the sight of another scholar, a holy man at the sight of another holy man, and a poet at the sight of another poet tend to sizzle with animosity…But if a thief sees a fellow thief in trouble, he always extends a helping hand. All men hate wickedness, so the wicked always love each other. The entire world praises virtue, so the virtuous are forever squabbling with each other. What does a thief gain by killing another thief? Contempt. What does a scholar gain by insulting another scholar? Fame.
Both of them could, then, shed some light on this mystery. Maybe in the process they will realize that there is a better way to debate, than in the way they have in the past 10 years?
