Anil, first Chamar to become a Chatri
Dear Editor,
I note with interest this recent historical and unprecedented development where a member of one caste is elevated to the apparent status of a Chatri.
I have discovered in my readings that the ancient Chatri warriors of India have much in common with the Samurai warrior class that existed in Japan many decades past. The famous cry of the Samurais has always been “death before dishonour”. The tradition of the Samurai dictated, much like the Chatris, that rather than to continue to heap shame, disgrace and dishonour upon your family, office and any fraternity which you purport to represent, that you must invoke hari kari and, using your ceremonial weapon, take your life. In this case, a broken rum bottle may be more appropriate.
Upon learning that the Honourable Mohabir Anil Nandlall, now Singh, M.P., Notary Public (self-appointed), S.C. (soon-to-be), had clothed himself with the attributes of the Chatri warriors of old, I immediately checked the sacred Hindu texts, the Vedas, Mahabharat and the Bhagavad Gita, and then to ensure that no stone was left unturned, I also checked the Holy Koran and the Holy Bible.
I discovered that this was indeed unprecedented and it was the first occasion that a chamar had become a Chatri. I must share my vivid recollection of the last glorious battle fought by this thoroughbred. As I recall, it occurred on the floor by the Bar of the Everest Cricket Club where this thoroughbred was being spanked like a baby and bitten on the leg by one Charles Rishiram Ramson, S.C., M.P.
I have no doubt that many within the PPP, like myself, await the announcement that this “ Chatri warrior” has, in keeping with tradition, committed hari kari. In this vein, the Ministry of Public Works, on Saturday, November 1st, worked assiduously throughout the night to ensure that the road leading to the Good Hope cremation site was paved with bitumen, no doubt in expectation of this impending honour.
I have, in my research, similarly been unable to find any precedent where a member of the noble Chatri class has ever descended to becoming a pimp or procurer of the opposite sex or engaging in pilfering from the kitty.
Honour is a badge to be worn proudly at all times. It is not to be discarded at 4 p.m. upon exiting the gates of one’s office or subject to new found rules of Privacy.
The office now occupied for such a short time by this “ thoroughbred “ was once held by the Honourable then Attorney-General Mr. Doodnauth Singh S.C. He did not have to announce that he was a Chatri nor voice threats of doom to critics. His battles were fought in the Courts on a daily basis where he attempted to represent the State to the best of his ability as opposed to a few occasions by the present occupant who becomes visible whenever proceedings are instituted for the purpose of subverting the Legislature.
In tribute to Mr. Doodnauth Singh S.C, he was always surrounded by many junior lawyers, several of whom have gone on to distinguish themselves individually. His clashes at Cabinet meetings with the “Honourable B.J.” are legendary, where he tendered his resignation on several occasions which was refused. His efforts to obtain better conditions of service for members of the Bar, in particular those on the Bench and within the A.G and D.P.P’s Chambers, were worthy of a Chatri Warrior.
Mr. Doodnauth Singh S.C. has passed to the great beyond where the Chatri warriors go after death. There is not even a remote possibility that this “thoroughbred” and Mr. Doodnauth Singh will ever cross paths again.
Bhanjat Siddhu Singh
