Hello,
Pravin Gadhavi, born 13 May 1951, is an IAS Officer in the Government of Gujarat. A prolific writer, his collections of poetry are Bayonet (1985), Padchhayo (1996) and Tunir (2002). His short story collections are Pratiksha (1995), Antarvyatha (1995) and Surajpankhi. The last publication was given Govt. of Gujarat Award.
Background of Poem
The title of the poem "Laughing Buddha" alludes to a significant event in Indian history. On 18th May, 1974, India covertly conducted a nuclear experiment in the desert of Pokhran, Rajasthan. This particular day was chosen for the atomic test because it was the birth anniversary of the deity Gautam Buddha. The operation was named 'Smiling Buddha.' The poet is referring to this idea in his poem.
Q) What should be of a higher moral importance for governing bodies, national security or basic needs of its citizens? What do you think is Gadhvi's opinion about this?
While answering this question, we have to consider many factors. Both national security and the basic needs of the people are equally important. However, the key issue here is understanding what the need of the hour is. This poem critiques the atomic experiment conducted by the Indian government because those were the early years of independent India, and the country was still struggling with many difficulties. Economic crises were at their peak, and there were major issues of poverty and the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Keeping these factors in mind, the poet mocks the idea of this atomic test in the poem. The prime concern in the 1970s era was poverty, rather than focusing on nuclear experiments.
The issue of national security is also paramount. We are living in times when anything can happen to anyone at any time, you do not know when a country might suddenly declare war against your nation. A prime example in contemporary times is the conflict between Gaza and Israel.
Yes, it is true that the rise and fall of the significance of any historical event depend on the narrative built around it. In the context of this poem, it critiques the atomic experiment conducted in India. Such an event is crucial for any country, but the timing of the experiment was not appropriate. As discussed above, that was a time when the focus should have been on helping the poor people of India. In 1974, this experiment received significant criticism from both within and outside India. Literature took notice of this and portrayed it in a negative and unacclaimed manner.
However, a similar experiment was conducted later in 1998, which did not receive as much criticism as the first one. By that time, India was emerging as a developing country, and people's basic needs were being met. Thus, the decision was seen as appropriate and is remembered as a milestone in Indian history. This demonstrates how the way historical events are narrated in literature can affect our perception of specific events from the past.
This is significant line from the poem. From the ancient times, Indians have a ways to do specific things, like we look for specific date, time and place. So, keeping this thing in mind, we Indians have a tendency to do auspicious work on auspicious day. As far as this atomic experiment is concern, full moon day of Buddha Purnima was chosen, and it is believed to be a good day for begin any good work.
According to Henri Bergson, laughter or the comic exists only among what we call humans. For example, we laugh at a cat, but we actually laugh because we see human expressions or attitudes in that animal. On Instagram, we find many reels in which cats and dogs behave or walk like humans, and we consider it funny. We usually laugh at someone's folly or something that we do not consider ordinary or common. Such uncommon things or deeds are the subjects of laughter.
In this poem, the lines that repeatedly appear are "Buddha laughed, See, Buddha laughed." So what makes Buddha burst into laughter? There are two interpretations of this.
First, the atomic test carried out on the 'auspicious day' of Buddha Purnima is ironic. Buddha is a figure associated with tranquility, peace, and help. However, the Indian government chose such a peaceful day to conduct a violent experiment. This irony is one reason why Buddha might be laughing.
Second, as discussed earlier, 1974 was not the appropriate time to focus on national security. It was a time to aid the poor with their basic needs. Such nuclear experimentation requires substantial funding, and those who truly need the money are deprived of it. Therefore, Buddha may be laughing at the foolish decision of the Indian government.
Thank you.
.jpg)
.png)