JANA GANA MANA

                    

NOTE: This story is based on Author's fiction. It does not apply to any true life incidents nor historical references.

MADRAS UNIVERSITY

12 SEPTEMBER 2022

8:30 PM

Around 8:30 PM on 12th September 2022, people were busy contesting for the upcoming Chairman election, a few left-wing party elements enter inside the university and tries to kill a 25-year old young man, only to be chased out by him. The young man recounted a quote said by a famous person: "There will be no heroes or villains in real life. A person will be a person. It is our approach towards him that makes him hero or villain."

One of his friends sees this young man fighting up with the left-wing students. He alerts everyone stating: "Guys. Come on. Someone tried to attack Sai Adhithya." They takes him to a nearby hospitals to check, whether he is alright. While, the young man asked to the guy sitting sadly at the chair: "Sir. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. For us, Sai Adhithya was everything. Why was he attacked? Who is behind this?"

The man introduced himself as Pranab, Sai Adhithya's younger brother. He further stated: "Are you Adhithya's friend Sakthivel? Do you remember me?" Sakthi becomes furious. He tried to leave from the place, blaming Pranab as the main reason for Adhithya to turn into an animal.

However, Pranab asked him to wait for a second. He said: "Before leaving, tell me an answer for this question da Sakthi." As he said, a moment of silence were maintained in the room. Sakthi turned back and asked him, "What's the question that he wanted to ask him?"

"What do you think about Patriotism? What does it mean?" He is unable to answer this question correctly after which Pranab said: "You thought Patriotism means only to serve for the nation by joining Defence Intelligence agency, RAW, Indian Army, Indian Administration service and Indian Police service." Pausing for a while he continued to say: "Patriotism is the quality of being patriotic, devotion to and vigorous support for one's country." Stopping for a while, Pranab said: "For you Sai Adhithya is a hero. But, for me he will be the villain, no matter what."

"I still don't know why he is villain in your life!" Sakthivel said to Pranab. Pranab recounted his childhood life with Sai Adhithya.

PALAKKAD, KERALA

1998

Sai Adhithya and I were identical twin brothers born to Challa Raghavendar(Mysore, Karnataka) and Geetha. Both of our parents studied in IIT university. Due to our father's government job, we studied at various places like Chennai, Kollam, Warangal and Hyderabad. When Adhithya was three years old, he lost his speech ability due to a regular insulin at the age of two and a half years. This caused another psychological disorder: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder.

While I studied in a school at Palakkad staying with my father, Sai Adhithya was with my mother for three and a half years in Chennai. He slowly recovered from the illness and came back to me. However, things worsened. His result progress in academics were very poor, often worrying my parents.

They eventually forbids him to spend regular holidays like me. He rarely came for trips- Rameshwaram, Travancore, Thiruchendur, Tirunelveli and two more places that he have loved so much. His journey becomes a hell-bent as I was put in hostel to study. Several of my brother's friends mocked his mental health and made fun of him. This made him aggressive and he often reacts violent to his friends.

Although he forgets several things, he was a brilliant student in the upcoming days, winning Gold Medal for academic brilliance in Physics. Co-Incidentally I studied along with my brother in the school. This caused an ego in my mind initially. My frustration and grudge increased at Sai Adhithya, when he read a lots of other subject like literature, history, philosophy and international affairs extensively, besides being a trained boxer. He trained in boxing after one of my school teachers insisted him to join, feeling impressed with his fighting skills.

Although I was brilliant in academics, my father continuously reprimanded me about my lack of involvement in sports and other extra-curricular activities. Continuous appreciation went to Sai Adhithya, who wasn't much bothered about it due to his slight upset in the forbidding of his enjoyment.

Without my father's knowledge, my brother saw blue films and sex scenes from multiples of films whenever he is scolded for some mistakes either by my mother or father. Deep grudge grew with my mother. Since, she was partial towards both of us, which I didn't bothered much. As it's usual, that I understood at an very young age.

While, Adhithya, having grown up in their family, was so angry and the frequent insults in front of his relatives affected him psychologically. To cope up with his anger, he eventually started to abuse one of my uncle's relative Sowmiya sexually. He smartly did this without making her to realize that, "He is indeed harassing her sexually." Since, she was only eight years old.

I was somehow finding a right point of time to avenge Adhithya for his joke against my body weight and mannerisms in front of everyone in the class, due to which my friends insulted me. During this point of time, my mother was waiting to separate we three somehow so that she could go back to spend some time with our relatives.

Also, one more point is that, Adhithya was very fond of a few town buses, which have some kind of tone, that deeply impacts him. He feels an electric shock inside his brain, when he hears that tone. Using this to my advantage, I eventually spoilt the leave plans of Adhithya with the help of my mother. Since, she too wanted to bring him under their control.

In the hospitals with my father, Adhithya suffered poorly. Usually, he would cry for the problems, that he have faced. But, in the hospital, he was continually scolded and humiliated. He assumed no one have understood his pains and sufferings. The only person, whom he understood was his father. He was everything to him. Then, he respected me.

Adhithya was sketching a plan to dethrone me and my mother from my father. He undergone a violent change. He doesn't cry or regret for any kind of mistakes, that he is going to do. Since, I was the one to prevent him from attending 10-B reunion party, he stopped talking with me.

PRESENT:

At present, Sakthivel was really shocked to hear the dark side of Adhithya. He asked Pranab: "He used to degrade you and your mother with lots of profane words earlier. But, I never expected that he went to the extent of having sex with your aunt's daughter. How could he go that cruel? And he is talking about rape against woman?"

Pranab laughed and said: "I personally feel that no human is a hero or a villain. All of us have our grey sides, and that is why grey interests me. Because it's more human, more life-like. My brother later regretted and repented his sins. Still now, he is repenting for his mistakes."

2012 TO 2020

ERODE DISTRICT

Since our father got one more transfer job to Erode, we were shifted to a big school in the district. There, I was more involved in studies. While, my brother continued to grow interest in other subjects despite being brilliant in academics. He was more influenced by the right-wing political ideologies. Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, Subash Chandra Bose, Narendra Modi, K. Annamalai were his inspirations.

Now he disrespects my mother in house. He used the words, "Di", "Useless", "Trash", "Waste" "Retch" "Deceiver" and "Donkey." I could forgive these kinds of profane words. However, I would never forgive him for using this word to my mother. He said: "For deceiving your own son, you could go as a sales girl. You get big salary for that." Seeing her not reacting, my brother added: "You and your family never felt ashamed of anything right. So, you won't take this much serious." He laughed while eating the food.

My father sat without speaking anything. But, anger in his eyes. Because, he is unable to talk against Sai Adhithya. Since he is now topper and excelled everywhere. However, I am unable to withstand his profane and hurting words. Seeing my mother hurt and crying, I violently hit him and trashed him up. In retaliation, he broke my nose.

As Sai Adhithya is crossing his limits, my father angrily trashed him up with his belt and said him an "inhumane" and "ruthless" to which Adhithya laughed and said: "Dad. Every human is born as a good in this earth. But, why does he turn bad and evil?" Looking closer to his eyes, he said: "That's because of this society's deception and ill-treatment. I turned evil because of circumstances. What reward did I got by giving immense respect to everyone around me?" My father and I myself were unable to give answers. However, Adhithya said, "You won't get any answers today. But, you would get answers for this question in the future."

Adhithya know that, he won't be successful until our mother is there with him. Henceforth, he leaves home at once and for all, joining in the hostel during the college days of second year(2017). He joined in RSS to get himself trained for entering into politics, during the Corona pandemic. Joining with them, Adhithya and his friends created an awareness about the novel corona virus pandemic. They also helped police voluntarily and played a vital role in checking the lockdown violators in the city of Erode for six months.

Additionally he and his friends distanced themselves from watching movies and started to write more articles about this issue. More than me, Adhithya was very much serious. While, I was busy in flirting with my girlfriend Janani and playing video games such as Project IGI: The Convert strike. Then, I frequently watched movies of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. This helped me to develop fluency in these languages.

While, Sai Adhithya got friends through Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. They helped him to learn these language with accuracy and fluency. Even though being talented and fluent, he still showed his attitude and arrogance to me and my mother.

My mother was already apprehensive of Adhithya's support to Citizenship Amendment Act and Revocation of Kashmir special constitution and Article 370. However, this irked the wrath of Sai Adhithya who lashed out at my mother by telling: "When your own relatives, that fucking**** nonsense and useless people does these things, will you support them as a shameless brat? I don't care a dare about anything. You bloody, nonsense, idiot! Go to the hell."

Unable to tolerate these kinds of words, my mother cursed him severely saying: "You would never prosper in your life da. Those who degrade their mother never had the history of success. You would repent for your sins Adhithya. I curse you. Your journey won't be successful. Telling me as a traitor. Then, who are you? Forgetting about my role in saving you!" Angry at her words, he said: "Who forgot about your role in three years? I never forgot. I still have that in my mind. Due to that only, I supported you in every journey to your hometown right. For that only, I got money like a scapegoat for you right. What did you do again? Deceiving me!" He holds the neck of my mother. I was unable to do anything. As he was already aggressive and violent. It was my father, who prevents him from this act. He questioned him: "You are unable to tolerate your own mother's wrongdoings. Then how are you going to save our nation da?"

Things became worse when Adhithya spoke against film personalities like Vijay and Suriya, especially criticizing their degrading remarks on Hindu culture and religious sentiments. He further criticized the left-wing politicians and their hypocrite politics in the name of doing welfare to the people through false promises. This invited trouble through police, which Adhithya handled smartly with right-wing politicians and opposition party's help. This surprised and impressed my father. When Adhithya started writing poems and stories against corruption, sexuality and lots of subjects, my father said him: "If you write two to three stories, are you a big author?" However, he bagged many awards and recognitions, following which my mother felt very happy.

However, she stayed quiet. Since, her son would never forgive her nor seek her blessings. Adhithya slowly became popular in the college through his right-wing political ideologies. He slowly inspired the youngsters to fight against the corrupt system and formed groups. They made Rabindranath Tagore's "Jana Gana Mana" popular in the Madras university.

Through this organization, Adhithya asked the students: "What's our ideology?"

"To support right-wing populism, Conservatism, Neoliberalism, Nationalism, Hindustan and Integral Humanism." Students said and Adhithya asked them: "Our ultimate goal!"

"To free India from anti-social elements, corruption and terrorism." They chanted the slogan "Jana Gana Mana" and said: "Jai Hind!" I slowly understood and realized my mistakes. My school friend Harnish scolded me for: "Insulting and abandoning Adhithya." He referred to the Karma and said: "How Karma played a boomerang in both of our lives." I believed my mother's words and became a mastermind behind forbidding Adhithya's plans to attend reunion party with our friends. This deeply pained him and he didn't even forgive me forever till date.

I yearned for his love and affection, just like my mother, However, he was keen to develop the National party in Tamil Nadu.

PRESENT:

At present, Sakthivel smiled a bit. He questioned Pranab: "Okay. What's the difference between this left-wing and right-wing politics? I seriously don't understand. I am generally neutral in politics." Pranab looked at him and said about the differences between left-wing and right-wing politics.

.PRESENT

At present, Pranab said to Sakthivel: "Sakthi. You may notice some of these things appear in both sides. The point I am making here, is that sometimes a middle ground is the solution to bring the best out of various ideals. The sooner we can accept that, the sooner we stop seeing 'the other side' as the enemy. I am sure I have missed points. I am no left wing or right wing voter, but within my age group as a young adult, I tend to feel surrounded by left wing supporters."

After enquiring about Janani, Sakthivel asked Pranab: "Hey Pranab. Didn't Adhithya love any girls in his college and school life?"

Pranab laughed and said: "No Sakthivel. He didn't have much time to love girls. He was more interested to campaign for politicians, during his mid post-graduation course. But, one girl have completely changed him."

05 SEPTEMBER 2021

On 05 September 2021, Adhithya was very much busy in campaigning for the upcoming constituency elections in Chennai, where he is now studying his post-graduation course. When discussing about creating an awareness about New Education Policy, some of my friends witnessed a girl, slapping a student left and right, which is witnessed by so many students. Henceforth, I and Adhithya went there, where she says: "Hey. I am not a dumb girl to repel for your mischievous activities. Because I am Malavika." Curbing his hair, she said: "Women are wiser than men. Because they know less and understand more. According to me, a girl should be two- who and what she wants."

With the help of his friends, Sai Adhithya learnt that her name is Malavika and is an post-graduate Sociology student in the same university. Initially, Adhithya was rejected by his class friend Darshini back in 2016 during his college days. Even her sister have given him a strict warning about staying away from her. Since then, he never wished to love any girls. Adhithya became close with Malavika. He developed a brother bonding with her, rather than falling in love.

She helped him in the upcoming college elections as the Chairman spreading awareness on right-wing populism and promised to bring changes to the college. However, the same time, our mother died in her sleeps. Adhithya was completely devastated and started to repent for his sins. He recalled the words of his mother about Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. He feels guilty and sad about hurting her. But, it's too late for him.

Since dad blamed him as a reason for her death. Because, Sai Adhithya never gave her respect for the past five years. He degraded and insulted her at every point of time. Though hurt, she would tolerate just because of her love and affection towards him. But, he misunderstood her affection to relatives as a shower of partiality towards him. Despite my pleads, dad didn't asked him to come again to the house. Since then, he never wished to come back and continued his political activities.

PRESENT

Sakthivel realizes his mistakes and apologized Pranab for misunderstanding him. Now, he asked Pranab: "Finally, do you think Sai Adhithya was a villain?"

Pranab smiled to this question. He replied: "Sakthi. Everyone is the villain in someone else's story. In mother's story, Sai Adhithya is the villain. In Sai Adhithya's story, left-wing politicians and corrupt people are the villains."

Pausing for a while, Pranab recalled the 2008 superhero movie The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan. In this movie, Dent have said: "You either die a hero or you just live long enough to see yourself become the villain." Comparing this one with Sai Adhithya, Pranab quoted: "Sakthivel. In an evil society, a villain is the hero. Because only the villain can speak the truth. Hence, Sai Adhithya is a villain, as per my viewpoints."

Meanwhile, Sai Adhithya comes out of the hospital room, checking his health status with the doctors. Seeing Sakthivel, he said: "Sakthi. Get ready da. It's time for us to work for the upcoming elections."

"Adhithya. Listen to my words. We have to be very careful. Let's inform to the Opposition party leader Vimalanathan before we could step into campaigning." He eventually agrees to this. Further, Adhithya indirectly ordered Sakthi: "Sakthi. To me, everyone's safety is important." Turning at Pranab, he said: "Hence, I think a few could stay away from these things." As Sakthi turned at Pranab, he immediately leaves the place. Since, he understood what Adhithya comes to tell him.

When going to the college, Sai Adhithya's friend called him to inform something, that shocked him terribly. He and Sakthivel rushed to the college campus to find Malavika, stabbed brutally by left-wing party student leaders. They are Sanjay's henchman, who actually works for the ruling party candidates.

"Malavika. Your brother have came here, right. Nothing will happen to you. Look at me. Hospitals are near." He asked Sakthivel to rush the car to the hospitals. But, the car didn't start. Since, it ran out of fuel. Adhithya becomes devastated. While, Malavika tells: "Brother. I realized the importance of patriotism and Jana Gana Mana slogan only because of you. I didn't feel sad for dying. But, felt sad that, I am dying without seeing the change in our state. It's dark, selfish and…cruel…We…have to change it."

She recalled the Jana Gana Mana slogan of Rabindranath Tagore and left her last breath. As she died looking at Sai Adhithya's face, tears flew from his eyes. He recalled the brother-sister bonding with her for the last few months. Despite getting consoled by Sakthivel and Pranab, Adhithya entered into Sanjay's house and beats him up severely alongside his men. As he went on to stab Sanjay, he recalled his oath to reform the nation. Henceforth, Adhithya backed off.

Now, Pranab tells everything to Raghavendar, who said: "Let him suffer as cursed by your mother. Karma never leaves everyone Pranab." Angry, Pranab reminded him about how Sai Adhithya made everyone socially responsible and how he brought changes into the college. For the first time, Pranab accused his mother for ruining and shattering Sai Adhithya's happiness and dreams, which caused him to turn "villain to her." He further pointed out and blamed Raghavendar for failing to understand Adhithya's emotions when he was in the hospitals with him, taking care of his health.

Raghavendar finally understands his mistakes. He wished to see Sai Adhithya once he completed the college election campaign. During the election, Sanjay's uncle gave some advances to Adhithya for studying in Oxford University of USA, which he have been wishing since childhood days. However, he refused his offer and asked him to stay away from his corner. Since, he very well know his intentions and motive behind the offer.

He angrily left the place and asked Sanjay to win the college elections somehow to save their reputation from people. While, Adhithya and Pranab worked for the elections rigorously in Madras University. Soweto student revolt against the apart held in South Africa, Student Upsurge in France, Emerging Black panthers movement in the U.S.A fighting's started at Naxalbari and Srikakulam etc. inspired Sai Adhithya. Janani also joined hands with Pranab to help Sai Adhithya.

Even the veteran freedom fighter Subash Chandra Bose's quotes: "Give me blood I will give you freedom" inspired him a lot. Along with Pranab and Janani's support, he formed Patriotic Students Union(PSU), a student body on the campus of Madras University. He sent a famous quotes, which became an inspiration for many college students and leaders.

"Learn to die if you wish to live or learn to fight at every step of the way. Jai Hind!" Raghavendra accepts Adhithya finally and eventually forgives him. Adhithya further apologized to his mother in the tomb for failing to realize her true love and affection. In the later days, he fought against the discrimination in the university and society, and strived for the welfare of poor and downtrodden. Adhithya thought the society needs a change and he would bring that change. His ideologies and reformatory ideas reached politically and academically. On the orders of Indian Prime Minister, his association was given Y-security and Z-security fearing for the ruling party of Tamil Nadu.

 On 14th October 2022 when Adhithya and Pranab was getting ready to contest for the college campus elections, Sanjay came to meet them with his friends. He said that, he have realized the importance of nation and patriotism because of Sai Adhithya in tears. However, he suddenly takes a knife and stabbed Adhithya's abdomen and left chest. Then, he laughed and said: "I would never allow India to prosper in the world Adhithya. Let us see sooner. Bye!" Going near to his ear, he said.

Students beats up Sanjay and his political henchman, going to the extend of making them naked and nude. Tying those brats, Sakthivel and the students ripped off those guy's chick and saw them die a brutal death. While, a tearful Pranab went to Sai Adhithya and said: "Adhithya. Nothing will happen to you. See. I and Janani is there here."

Loudly calling the names of Harnish and Sakthivel, Pranab asked them to arrange ambulance. However, Adhithya asked him to wait. Looking at the Indian Flag to the left side, Adhithya asked Pranab: "Pranab. Now tell me what is meant by Patriotism?"

Pranab protests. However, Sai Adhithya forced him to tell the meaning of patriotism, after which he told: "Patriotism. This means- it's our responsibility as citizens to address the inequalities and injustices that linger, and we must secure our birthright freedom for all people."

Despite the injuries, Adhithya gets up and said in the mike addressing to the students: "Hey. Don't worry about my death. I think you all remember our ideology and ultimate goal. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Jai Hind!"

"Jai Hind, Jai Hind, Jai Hind!" After saluting the Indian Flag, Adhithya fell down. As Sakthivel holds him, he chanted the slogan of "Jana Gana Mana." Recalling some of the memorable moments spent with Malavika, Adhithya closed his eyes slowly and died in Pranab's arms.

"Pranab. Adhithya's pulse didn't work da." Janani said. Sakthivel and Harnish are heartbroken and devastated. Alongside Pranab, students mourn the death of Adhithya. His father is informed about the death of Adhithya. During his funeral, Raghavendar said Pranab: "Pranab. You remember? Once you and Adhithya watched Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. In this film, Dent would say: "You either die as a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain. But, Adhithya became the villain and then died as a hero."

Pranab took the oath to serve for the nation. While, the Opposition party on the orders of PM, gives due respect to Adhithya and apologized to his family for failing to safeguard him. They decides to cause a widespread protest against the atrocities and cruelty of the Tamil Nadu ruling party.

As Adhithya's corpse is about to be cremated, students and political party leaders recites in silence. During the cremation, they chants "Jana Gana Mana." A reflection of Malavika and Adhihtya smiled at them before disappearing in the clouds.