Laughing Buddha is a poem by Pravin Gadhvi. It was written on the nuclear test that was conducted on 18th May 1974. In this poem, Gadhvi criticise the government for their ill timed experiment as it took place on Buddha Purnima, a day celebrated for peace. This blog is a thinking activity based on this poem, assigned by Prakruti Ma’am. To know more about it click here - Laughing Buddha explanation map.
Poem -
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!
1. 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?
I believe for governing bodies, the first priority should be their citizens. It is responsibility of these authorities to make sure the people’s basic needs are met. National security is an important issue which they should focus on, but not when people are suffering to get their basic needs met. If the country is under attack or suffering grave danger, then without question putting national security first is the right decision. However, without any such immediate threat, the basic human needs of the citizens should be of utmost importance.
Pravin Gadhvi writes his poem ‘Laughing Buddha’ in an ironic tone. He seems displeased by the government’s decision to test nuclear weapons when many people of the country were suffering because of economic crisis. The decision of funding such experiments when the people of the country are suffering shows the priority of the ruling government.
To know in detail about this nuclear test, check out the video given below -
2. 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.
In his essay, Bergson discusses how laughter is generated. He explores what makes us laugh. You can read the essay here - Laughter by Henri Bergson.
Two elements that generated laughter that I found notable in this essay were: Incongruity and Detachment. In a situation where reality differs from our expectations, laughter is generated. Bergson also points out that to laugh at a situation, a certain amount of detachment is required.
Here the first reason for Buddha’s laughter could be because on his birth anniversary, a nuclear test is conducted. A day meant for peace is celebrated with preparations for violence. This element of incongruity makes the situation humorous.
The laughter of Buddha also portrays his detachment. He is the one who attained enlightenment and he is not disturbed by such worldly matters. This could also be the reason for his laughter.
3. The rise and fall of significance of a particular moment in history depends on the narrative that is build around it. Discuss this statement with specific reference to Laughing Buddha.
To understand the statement, we must keep in mind that history is not a collection of facts. It is often influenced by perspectives and interpretations of those who record it. History is often influenced by biases and sometimes it changes the way we view any historical event.
If we take the example of the poem “Laughing Buddha”, we notice that this nuclear test is recorded by the poet with a very harsh sentiment. He seems displeased by the authorities and their decisions. However, we notice a shift in the narrative when we think of the nuclear tests done under the Vajpayee government. When we view “Operation Shakti”, we see it in a favourable light.
There are two reasons for this. First being, the economic crisis that was at its peak during 1974. The decision of conducting an experiment during times like that gives the government a dictatorial vibe. It feels like the problems of the citizens do not hold any importance for the government. During 1998, this problem was not there. Hence, those experiments are not criticised as heavily as these ones.
Second reason is the difference between the way people saw the leaders of those times. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a popular and well-loved leader. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was a popular leader but she was not loved as much as she was feared. This lack of public’s positive support also influence the way we view decisions made by these leaders.
4. Share your interpretation of the lines: "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!"
The above given lines seem to be written in an ironic manner. In my opinion, they capture the very essence of this poem. The entire reason why Gadhvi felt the need to write this poem was this use of “auspicious time”.
Buddha Purnima is celebrated to honour the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha. He was the founder of Buddhism, which is largely recognised as religion of peace. It is the day when people reflect on Buddha’s teaching of nonviolence, compassion, and kindness. For some reason, the government saw it fit to perform a nuclear test on this day. This choice of day seems to trigger Gadhvi and motivate him to write this poem, criticising this act. Hence, the lines: “What a proper time! What an auspicious day!”, are important.
It is also necessary to remember that Indians are largely superstitious people. If a particular work is done in good and auspicious time, then the public might look at it through a favourable light. Buddha Purnima is significant for the Buddhist people, whereas Poornima or full moon holds great importance in Hinduism. The selection of the day is done in such a manner that it would be “auspicious” for people of two religions.
In conclusion, Pravin Gadhvi's poem "Laughing Buddha" serves as a poignant critique of governmental priorities and the ironies embedded in political decisions. Ultimately, the poem invites us to reflect on the deeper moral obligations of governance and the impact of historical narratives on our understanding of significant events.
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