The Misuse of Sengol: A Symbol of Good Governance or Egregious Election Gimmick?
Recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) installed a sengol in its election campaign, presenting it as a confidence-building measure. However, the rhetoric surrounding the installation of sengol has sparked controversy and sparked discussions about the semantic and symbolic misuse of this traditional Tamil symbol.
Sengol, a term meaning 'sceptre' in Tamil, holds significant historical and cultural importance for the Tamil people. Historically, it was a symbol of leadership and authority in Tamil kingdoms, representing sovereignty and wisdom. Yet, in contemporary Indian politics, it has become an electoral tool used primarily for symbolic gestures rather than genuine governance.
Tamils and Their Pride in Sengol
Most Tamils are familiar with sengol only through their school curriculum, where it is often associated with ancient Tamil kings. Beyond this, it is not a widely known symbol of Tamil pride. Therefore, the BJP's attempt to use it as a symbol of Tamil identity and cultural strength has massively misrepresented its significance.
Thirukural, a revered Tamil text, is celebrated by Tamils and is one of the few symbols that genuinely evoke pride and joy. Thiruvalluvar, the author, dedicates a chapter in Thirukural to the concept of "The right sceptre", which emphasizes the importance of fairness, impartiality, and rectitude in governance. These values are in stark contrast to the current political discourse surrounding sengol.
The Reality Behind the Symbolism
The BJP's promotion of sengol as a tool for Tamil pride is worrying when one considers its actions in recent times. The party has made controversial decisions, such as releasing rapists for being 'Sanskari' (cultured), promoting a propaganda movie that discredits one of the most progressive states, and interfering with the legislative processes of Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the governor of Tamil Nadu has a prevailing attitude of obstructionism towards state legislations, even questioning the validity of the name "Tamil Nadu."
The BJP has further fueled its campaign with false narratives, including claims of Taliban-style persecution of migrant laborers in Tamil Nadu. This systematic propaganda not only misleads the public but also undermines the values of good governance and equality.
The Symbol and Reality of Governance
The installation of sengol by the BJP is not just a misguided attempt to connect with Tamil identity; it is a clear example of misusing symbols to spark divisiveness. By installing a sengol, a symbol of good governance, in an attempt to polarize Tamil sentiment, the BJP is failing to address the real issues of inequality and injustice faced by the Tamil people.
It is high time that political leaders and their foot soldiers, such as Sangh Parivar members, recognized the significance of symbols and their impact on society. Instead of trying to impose their will through symbolism, they should work towards genuine policies and governance that reflect the values of fairness, impartiality, and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity.
The misuse of sengol is not just about Tamil Nadu; it is a broader issue concerning the misuse of symbols to divide and conquer. It is a reflection of the Sangh Parivar's obsession with controlling narratives and imposing their version of history on the people.
Conclusion: The symbol of sengol should be about celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu and promoting governance that is fair and just. However, the current political discourse surrounding sengol serves to inflict more harm than good. It is essential for all political parties to move beyond such patronizing and divisive tactics and focus on the genuine issues affecting the people they represent.