Sam Pitroda, the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has once again found himself embroiled in controversy due to his recent remark regarding the appearance of people in the eastern part of India, likening them to the Chinese. His comment, made during an interview with the Stateman, has sparked criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which condemned it as “racist and divisive.”
Pitroda, often referred to as Rahul Gandhi’s mentor, made the remark while discussing India’s diversity and unity. He emphasized the country’s ability to coexist harmoniously despite differences in appearance, citing examples of people from various regions.
“One view canters around Ram Temple, god, history, heritage, bhagwan, Hanuman, Bajrang Dal and all kinds of issues… there is another group which says our founding father fought the British Raj, not for a Hindu Rashtra, but for a secular nation… We are shining example of democracy in the world,” Pitroda stated in the interview.
He went on to elaborate on India’s diverse population, highlighting how people with different appearances coexist peacefully. “We have survived 70-75 years, in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside few fights here and there. We could hold the country together, as diverse as India — where people on East look like Chinese, people on West look like Arab, people on North look like maybe White and people in South look like Africa. It doesn’t matter. We are all brothers and sisters,” he remarked.
However, Pitroda’s comments drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused him of making divisive statements. Himanta Biswa Sarma, a BJP leader from the North East, rebutted Pitroda’s remark by asserting his identity as an Indian despite his appearance. “Sam brother, I am from the North East and I look like an Indian. We are a diverse country – we may look different but we are all one. Please learn something about our country,” Sarma responded.
Similarly, BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut condemned Pitroda’s remarks as racist and divisive, alleging that they reflected the Congress party’s ideology of divide and rule. Ranaut criticized Pitroda’s association with Rahul Gandhi, portraying him as a mentor who espouses divisive rhetoric.
This is not the first time Pitroda has courted controversy with his remarks. In a previous instance, he sparked outrage by discussing inheritance tax in the United States, which the BJP interpreted as a Congress party proposal to confiscate property and distribute it among Muslims.
Pitroda’s latest comment underscores the delicate balance between acknowledging India’s diversity and promoting unity. While his intention may have been to celebrate the country’s multiculturalism, his choice of words has ignited a debate about the appropriate language to use when discussing differences in appearance and ethnicity.
In a diverse and pluralistic society like India, where people of various ethnicities, cultures, and religions coexist, it is crucial for public figures to exercise caution and sensitivity in their language. Comments that inadvertently reinforce stereotypes or perpetuate division can have far-reaching consequences, undermining efforts to foster inclusivity and national unity.
As the political discourse continues to evolve, leaders and policymakers must prioritize dialogue and understanding, seeking common ground while respecting the diversity that defines India’s identity. Only through respectful engagement and constructive communication can the nation navigate its rich tapestry of cultures and forge a path toward a more cohesive and harmonious future.
