Menu Diplomacy Dilemma
The decision to serve only vegetarian fare at high-profile Indian banquets, exemplified by the menu for the Seychelles President, has ignited a heated
discussion. Critics argue that this approach, featuring dishes like Gujarati-style potatoes and spiced paneer, might be perceived as imposing dietary preferences rather than acting as gracious hosts. Reports suggest that foreign dignitaries occasionally seek more substantial meals at their hotels after such events, with a notable instance involving French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly requesting bread and cheese post-a millet-focused banquet. This practice raises questions about whether such 'fanciful but sparse' meals align with smart diplomacy or risk sending guests home unsatisfied. The menu descriptions themselves, like those for the AI Summit dinner highlighting rajma, chawal, and bajra, have been noted for their elaborate language, perhaps an attempt to compensate for the limited number of dishes. The age-old adage, 'the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,' seems particularly relevant here, suggesting that culinary experiences play a significant role in fostering goodwill and positive international relations. The article also recalls a past incident where a perceived indifferent vegetarian meal hosted by Morarji Desai for Richard Nixon is believed to have contributed to Nixon's unfavorable view of India.
Martial Arts in Politics
Rahul Gandhi's unconventional approach to political discourse, utilizing martial arts analogies during a Lok Sabha speech, has sparked considerable interest. Instead of directly addressing the Budget, Gandhi drew parallels between jiu-jitsu techniques like grips, chokes, and surrender, and the perceived influence of the US government over Prime Minister Modi. This move highlights Gandhi's evident passion for martial arts, as demonstrated during a recent training session in Kurukshetra where he participated in agile maneuvers. He articulated his political philosophy, suggesting that in the face of overwhelming pressure, opponents should strategically evade rather than be completely subdued, emphasizing that mastery in martial arts can translate to greater political resilience. Gandhi's ambition to organize martial arts camps for teenagers in major cities has garnered mixed reactions; while some see it as a strategic initiative to energize youth and offer an alternative to RSS training, others remain skeptical about the synergy between martial arts and political strategy, questioning their practical compatibility.
AI Video Controversy
The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, faced reprimand from the BJP high command concerning an AI-generated video that targeted the Muslim community. In an effort to mitigate the fallout, the Assam BJP media co-convenor was dismissed, and the party's chief spokesperson in Delhi distanced the party from the post. This intervention by the central leadership, despite Sarma being a favored Chief Minister, was primarily driven by electoral calculations rather than ethical considerations. BJP strategists feared that the controversial video could galvanize Assam's approximately 36% Muslim population to rally behind the Congress, potentially impacting the BJP's electoral prospects. Coincidentally, following the video's release, several groups of clerics have visited Muslim-majority areas in Assam. Their narrative suggests that if Asaduddin Owaisi could effectively mobilize minority votes in Maharashtra and Bihar, a local Assamese Muslim leader could replicate this success within the state. The message implicitly encourages minorities to support Badruddin Ajmal, a businessman-politician accused of diverting Muslim votes. Despite these campaign efforts, Ajmal has publicly thanked the teams while professing ignorance about their origins.
The Star Envoy's Welcome
The recent arrival of Sergio Gor as the new US ambassador to India has been marked by an unusually high level of attention and privilege. Barely a month into his tenure, Gor hosted a reception that notably included attendance from both India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, and Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal. His presence at the US-India T20 cricket match as a distinguished guest of ICC chairman Jay Shah, and his subsequent escort by Reliance Industries head Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita Ambani, further underscored his prominent standing. Gor's visit to the Army's western command headquarters also garnered significant media coverage, with the accompanying US admiral appearing as a secondary figure in the reports. This level of preferential treatment for a new diplomatic appointee suggests a deliberate effort to highlight and cultivate strong ties with the United States.
