The White House is a name loaded with significance: from its colour to its history. It’s like the bridal gown that does a lot for a bride. White often symbolizes purity, peace, innocence, and cleanliness.
In contexts like weddings, white is associated with purity and commitment, while in architecture (such as the White House), it can represent transparency, integrity, and a sense of dignified authority. Don’t worry; you won’t be charged for smiling without smiling.
Recently, India—or at least some Indians—celebrated the return of their “Trump Card” to this iconic address after a gap of four years – which itself was just the second time in US history – with a landslide. Here in Mangalore, the word is more often associated with the events on the Mangalore-Bangalore highway or the Mangalore-Mumbai rail line. This association can help us understand the implications of the victory…
Either way, they got what they wanted—a person of Indian origin, if not an Indian original, living close to the White House, if not in it. If not the President or the First Lady, then at least the Second Lady. Small mercies.
“Small Mercies” is the title of a 2023 novel by Dennis Lehane, set in 1974 Boston. It’s a story of race, community, and a mother’s determination to find her missing daughter during a tumultuous time of desegregation. An apt title, given the current landscape in the USA!
While the Second Lady will live a 15-minute drive away from the White House, at Number One Observatory Circle, the queue of Indian-origin Green Card holders and aspirants is just as long. Will her presence near the White House shorten the queue or lengthen their anxiety?
In India, saffron is the card of choice or compulsion, but in the U.S., anyone offering a Green Card is a friend. Ironically, it’s called a “Green” Card—sounds like an instrument of terror that originated in our friendly neighbor’s backyard! Back in India, such a green sentiment might land you behind bars (real ones, not the ones that create [bar] counter-terrorists!)
One thing’s certain though: anti-abortion laws, religion, and immigration—all key themes for him in his re-election bid—echoed across borders, ours too! But we need not worry, as he often reminds us, India is a “great friend,” especially when it comes to defense imports; the friendship, however, seems absent in Indian exports. Still, India is not worried. After all, he is right, and we are right…
And there is nothing that a bear hug cannot set right. That we can surely write!
Incidentally, with his re-election, the onus for ending the wars that the US didn’t start but supports in the Middle East and Eastern Europe has shifted from New Delhi to Washington. That may not go down well with the Indian media, but it is what it is.
In a disputed phone call to his counterpart in Russia, Trump said, “Ucan Putin an end to the war!” What he has said to the neta in the Middle East is still a wild guess, and yours is as good as mine! Be as wild as you dare!
Meanwhile, back home, the Chief Justice has retired. He had two years to create a legacy. His legacy will be remembered by different people differently. The best way to summarize it is to say that he did what he could, within the limitations of the system that we have. He didn’t change it, nor did he try to disrupt it. Just iced it!
The new Chief—does he prefer just ice or justice? Well, time will tell… if time is allowed to talk! TIME is allowed. It’s published from New York!
Such divergence of thought is expected in a culturally, ethnically, linguistically, religiously, and socially diverse nation such as ours. Our hearts are one, but our minds, well, they can never be one. Or can they? A scientific experiment is on, and there might be a breakthrough shortly!
A lot of effort has gone into proclaiming that we are of one mind because we are one nation. From a committee to the media, “The Power of One” reminds us that every transformative movement begins with a single step taken by a single individual. It’s a testament to the belief that one person truly can make a difference.
That single step is one election (not in one phase though) and one civil code (with multiple clauses). What this oneness will be followed by depends on the Power of the One! and only.
Given this scenario, let’s add one to everything we do… it’s the way to go!
In relationships, let’s add one act of kindness and one moment of active listening; professionally, let’s add one improvement and one moment of reflection; personally, let’s add one skill and one goal; when it comes to our health, let’s drop one bad habit and add one good habit; and in determining our purpose in life, let’s add one moment of meditation and reflection and one act of giving more than we received—whether it’s time, money, or effort.
Believe me, all these “ones” will add up to one beautiful nation. A nation with one heart, but different minds!
Mind it!
Disclaimer: This is satire, meant purely for entertainment. Any resemblance to real persons or events is coincidental. The views expressed are not intended to offend. Reader discernment and a sense of humour are encouraged.