Pravin Gadhvi's Laughing Buddha

Greetings,

This blog is a task assigned by Prakruti Ma'am. In it, we will address questions related to the poem. But first, let's briefly review the poem.

About the poet: Pravin Gadhavi

Pravin Gadhavi, a prominent Gujarati poet and writer, was born on May 13, 1951, in Modhera, Gujarat. Besides his literary contributions, he serves as an IAS officer in the Government of Gujarat. Gadhavi has significantly impacted Gujarati literature through his poetry and short stories.

His notable poetry collections include "The Bayonet" (1985), "Padchhayo" (1996), and "Tunir" (2002). He is also recognized for his short story collections like "Pratiksha" (1995), "Antarvyatha" (1995), and "Surajpankhi," which won the Government of Gujarat Award. Although Gadhavi is not from a Dalit background, his work frequently addresses social issues, particularly those affecting the Dalit community, establishing him as an important voice in Dalit literature.

About the Poem: Laughing Buddha - Buddha Purnima by Praveen Gadhavi

On May 18, 1974, India made a significant leap into the nuclear era by successfully conducting its first nuclear test, dubbed "Smiling Buddha," in the Rajasthan desert at the Pokhran Test Range. This pivotal moment marked India's entrance into the global nuclear community and coincided with Buddha Purnima, the day commemorating the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, over 2500 years ago. This combination of advanced technology and profound historical importance underscored India's commitment to both scientific progress and cultural tradition.

Poem: Laughing Buddha - Buddha Purnima by Praveen Gadhavi

(Full Moon day of Buddha's birthday)

There was an

Underground atomic blast on

Buddha's birthday-a day of

Full Moon

Buddha laughed!

What a proper time!

What an auspicious day!

Buddha laughed!

At whom ?

There was a laughter on his

Lips and tears in his

Eyes

He was dumb that day.

See,

Buddha laughed!

Q & A

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?

Answer:

To answer this question, we need to look at the bigger picture. Balancing national security with the basic needs of citizens is a tough and delicate task for any government. In the 1970s, India was dealing with major issues like poverty, food shortages, and economic crises. During this time, basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter were crucial for survival. Despite these urgent challenges, India carried out its first nuclear test, "Smiling Buddha," on Buddha Purnima. This test was meant to show India's strength and secure its national security.

Pravin Gadhavi, a well-known poet and philosopher focused on human dignity and social justice, critiques this situation in a thought-provoking way. His poem "Laughing Buddha" highlights the irony of investing in nuclear power while many people were living in severe poverty. Gadhavi's view suggests that while national security is very important, taking care of the basic needs of citizens should not be ignored.

In "Laughing Buddha," Gadhavi argues that true security means not just protecting the country, but also making sure all citizens have access to essential resources for a dignified life. The poem criticizes the choice to prioritize nuclear tests over solving economic hardships during a time of crisis. Through his poem, Gadhavi calls for a balance—governments should protect the nation and also prioritize the well-being of its people.

Gadhavi’s work encourages us to think about the broader impacts of policy decisions and reminds us that a truly secure nation is one where every citizen’s basic needs are met, alongside national defense. Ignoring either aspect can lead to an unstable and unfair society.

Q ]  In light of Henri Bergson's essay titled "Laughter: An Essay On The Meaning Of The Comic" , share your thoughts about the possible interpretations of Buddha's laughter in Gadhvi's poem.

Answer

Henri Bergson’s ideas about laughter help us understand the meaning behind Buddha’s laughter in Gadhavi’s poem. According to Bergson, laughter often highlights the humorous side of human behavior and social norms.

In the poem, Buddha’s laughter might be pointing out the irony of conducting an atomic test on Buddha Purnima, a day meant for peace and calm. This contrast makes the situation seem absurd because a day dedicated to tranquility is used for a violent act. Another perspective is that in 1974, the focus on national security was misplaced when there was an urgent need to address poverty. Buddha’s laughter could be highlighting how unreasonable it is to spend on nuclear tests when so many people are in need.

Bergson also suggests that laughter involves taking a step back and seeing things from a wider perspective. Buddha’s laughter might symbolize a deeper understanding of life, showing how our material concerns and social norms are often just illusions. Finally, Buddha’s laughter could represent a kind, empathetic acknowledgment of human flaws. It suggests that Buddha is gently recognizing the mistakes and limitations of human actions.

So, Buddha’s laughter in the poem serves several purposes: it critiques societal absurdities, reflects on misplaced priorities, symbolizes deeper enlightenment, and shows a compassionate understanding of human weaknesses.

Q] The rise and fall of significance of a particular moment in history depends on the narrative that is built around it. Discuss this statement with specific reference to Laughing Buddha.

Answer:

The poem looks at India’s first nuclear test, known as Operation Smiling Buddha, which took place in 1974. How we tell and understand stories is often shaped by those in power and their viewpoints. History shows that the dominant story can influence how events are seen. In 1974, the nuclear test was controversial because many people thought India should focus its resources on fighting poverty rather than on nuclear tests. This criticism was common both in India and around the world, and literature from that time reflected these concerns. W.B. Yeats's idea that "statesmen’s lies become the truth of the day" highlights how political stories can shape our view of events. The 1974 test was seen negatively because the main story was about India needing to solve domestic problems.

 However, when a similar test was done in 1998, India had made more progress in development and better met its people's needs. The 1998 test was then seen as an achievement rather than a problem. This change shows how the way we view historical events can shift based on the context and the story being told at the time.

Q] Share your interpretation of the lines: "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!"

Answer:

In India, we often choose specific dates for important events, believing that certain days are more favorable. For the 1974 nuclear test, the full moon day of Buddha Purnima was selected, a day traditionally considered ideal for starting major projects.

The lines "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!" emphasize that this timing was seen as particularly suitable for the event. It implies that the moment felt especially lucky or fitting, with people viewing such occasions as perfectly timed for success and believing that everything was aligned for starting something important.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice of Buddha Purnima for the 1974 nuclear test reflects a belief in the auspiciousness of timing for significant events. The lines "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!" underscore the idea that this moment was seen as especially suitable and fortunate. This highlights how people often perceive certain times as ideal for important actions, believing that the alignment of timing can enhance success. The selection of such a day suggests a view that everything was perfectly arranged for the event, blending cultural beliefs with political decisions.

Thank you for following along until the conclusion.