A musical injustice to patients

“Why,” Bindu’s father Percy asked, “who said that there is something wrong with music?”

“Some doctors are saying that.” Bindu said.

“Why is that?”

“Why, thaaththa, they are saying that music might disturb patients at night.”

“Ah,” said Percy, “that is an entirely different matter.” “But thaaththa, I thought good music was good for our health.”

“I think so too,” Percy said, “why, has anyone said it is not so?”

“It looks like it.” Bindu said.

“Why do you say that?”

“Why, these doctors have objected to holding a musical show near a hospital for mentally disturbed patients.”

“But Bindu,” Percy tried to explain, “that’s perfectly understandable.” 

“Why is that?”

“Why, you are not supposed to even sound a horn near a hospital.”

“But this MP seems to think otherwise.”

“Why, what has happened?”

“The doctors have even gone to courts to stop the musical show.” Bindu tried to explain.

“And what have the courts said?” Percy wanted to know.

“They have also ordered that the show be stopped.”

“And then what happened?” Percy asked.

“But the MP still went ahead and had the show.” Bindu said.

“But that’s why he is called a MP, Bindu.” Percy argued.

“Why do you say that, thaaththa?” Bindu queried.

“Why, after spending millions and millions and fighting for the ‘manaapa’ among each other, what’s the big deal if you can’t even stage a musical show just because some doctors don’t want it?” Percy reasoned.

“But thaaththa,” Bindu wanted to know, “what would happen now that he has violated a court order.”

“Nothing.” Percy said. 

“Why is that?” Bindu wanted to know, “Shouldn’t he be charged or shouldn’t he resign?”

“Of course not.” Percy said.

“Why is that?”

“Why, Bindu, you don’t understand. After succeeding as a politician you don’t resign just because you break the law. After all, the whole purpose of success is to break the law without suffering any consequences.”

“But thaaththa,” Bindu said, “I think all this could have been avoided if they did just one thing.” 

“What is that?” Percy wanted to know. “They could have held that musical show on the grounds opposite Parliament instead of having it near a hospital for mentally disturbed patients.”

“No,” Percy said, “they shouldn’t do that either.” “Why do you say that, thaaththa?” Bindu asked, “Is it because of security reasons?”

“No,” Percy said, “for the same reasons that they shouldn’t have held the show near that hospital.”

Bindu didn’t disagree. 

The Jungle Telegraph

Editorial/ Opinion Contents