Indira

After one month, and some intense practice in verbal reasoning (result - moderately improved), I have found a topic worthwhile to write on Shatranj. Indira.

Yesterday I was asked about my political stance on the independence of Bangladesh. Despite being pro-liberation, I was unable to articulate my argument to the degree Indira has done so in this interview with BBC. This interview amused me a great deal, to a degree where I felt the controversy stirred by Indira Gandhi - at the time - could potentially be compared with the likeness of a present-day political government (reclusive to the actual motive) intervening in support of the causes presented by The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The Guerillas.

To this date, many Bengalis state that Indira Gandhi and India's intervention in this war was solely to hit back at Pakistan. It is plausible, yet what does appear vague is whether East Pakistan was capable of fighting it's own war in 1971. Indeed, it wasn't a new war; the struggle for self-governance was one which was spewed out from the day when East Bengal fought for the language movement in 1952.

Though my knowledge of Indira Gandhi is severely limited, including instances not knowing as to why she was known as the 'Lady Hitler' and the storm revolving around the forced sterilization programme, I have tremendous respect for her. Surely she was a lady of substance who was absolute for the sake of argument? A rarity of a politician, she was passionate. Her profound legacy has left me indebted, in the name of identity.