CM Nitish Kumar Gets Naughty & Sexist In Bihar Assembly; Later Issues Apology
It is just as well that Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has issued an apology for his sexpressions in the Bihar Assembly. Speaking on the importance of girls' education and its strong co-relation to adoption of family planning practices, Nitish seemed to go overboard with his language and gestures.
De(r)mon - What A Demo & A Sermon Make Of An Otherwise Benign Man
Nitish Kumar may have his faults, but is certainly not a very unpopular leader. Folks may have their issues with him, as is possible with any person who may hold different views, especially in politics. But he is surely not a person who the average Indian citizen would find revolting as a few others of his ilk easily may. But his speech has made a De(r)mon of him if one goes by the reactions.
Talking Of Women's Education & Empowerment Important
It is good that leaders take every opportunity to talk about critical elements that build society and nations. Therefore, Nitish talking about education of girls (that also empowers them) is welcome. Using data to showcase the positive role of educated women in the success of the government's family planning programme cannot be questioned.
The Subject Itself An Important One Surely
Had Nitish restricted himself to the above points, his speech and the reception it received would have been different. India as a whole is doing favourably well on demographics with a youthful population and decreasing fertility rates. Much of this is due to the efforts of states with higher scores on women's progress, notably in the South. However, some others, including some of the 'BIMARU' states, surely need to improve on a few things.
Sex Education Best Nuanced; Some Things Best Left Understated & Under Demo-ed
Girls' education, women empowerment, sex education, family planning and socio-economic happiness are all surely inter-connected. Nitish may not ne naughty-ish enough to deliberately indulge in an immature demonstration of the night-ish behaviour of his citizens. It may not have struck him that if done without taste and thought, the rudimentary often appears rude and derogatory.
What We Mean in Jest May Be Taken Seriously & Vice Versa
Even normal humans have their tasks cut out in normal day-to-day situations. What is meant in jest is misinterpreted in seriously. The reverse is also true. Something meant in right earnest (such as a declaration of love) is in some sad cases received flippantly by the object of one's affection. Life can be cruel. As the central actors in our own play, it is wise to keep a watch on our audience's reactions.
When Your Audience Is Appalled, Just Apologize
When we are public figures, it is all the more vital to keep our senses fully wired into the audience. How is the public taking our communication? We may easily have immediate 'feelers' even if not feedback is not quickly offered in black and white. Before we dig our grave completely, we may take preventive actions by dropping our current line of thought and changing tack. But sometimes we realize reality much after we have bestowed our views on an unsuspecting world. In such situations, it better to swallow our pride and follow courtesy rather than court disaster. Thankfully, Nitish has seen the positives of this train of thought and chosen to apologize for his 'dermonic' deed. At least this 'BIMARU' Chief Minister is not suffering from a false sense of 'self-righteousness'.
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