Two contrasting state funerals
IN recent weeks, we witnessed live telecast of the state funerals of two uncommon world leaders, Dr Manmohan Singh and Jimmy Carter. Both statesmen were equally renowned for their humility, integrity and simplicity. Dr Singh served for 10 years as the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy, while Carter held for four years what is arguably the world’s most powerful elected position — President of the United States of America. When they departed at the ripe age of 92 and 100, respectively, they were extolled for successfully guiding their nations with wisdom, humanism and decency.
Astonishingly, their funerals were a study in stark contrast. The former PM’s passing was marked by an acrimonious debate between leaders of the ruling party and the Opposition. Manmohan Singh was an epitome of sobriety and grace. The opposing political parties squabbled over the very venue for the last rites, Nigambodh Ghat, considered too crowded for the vast number of distinguished admirers of the great Sikh. It was startling to observe that there was inadequate seating space even for the wife and daughters of the departed leader.
The TV cameras focussed on the leading lights of the ruling dispensation rather than on the members of the grieving family. For the prime occasion, the electronic media had been unable to garner eulogies from Dr Singh’s prominent friends and colleagues. It was a day later that one saw vignettes showcasing his remarkable achievements, and especially the personal touch that was sadly missing at the ceremony.
Beamed worldwide, Carter’s funeral in Washington, DC, was a professionally presented international event. The gathering included former Presidents and their wives, besides the incumbent and the President-elect. As per tradition, almost every gentleman wore a black tie, the exception being Donald Trump, who chose to sport a blue necktie, the colour of his Republican Party. The eulogies were short, crisp and emotive. The grandsons of the late ex-President occupied a pride of place. They fondly remembered him by narrating personal anecdotes.
The most sparkling tribute was by Steve Ford, son of Gerald Ford, an adversary who had lost to Carter in the 1976 election. Steve read out a eulogy that his father (who died in 2006) had composed; it was meant to be read out if Carter were to outlive Ford — and he eventually did. The two archrivals had become so close that they had composed a eulogy for each other. As the tributes were read out one after another, I could not make out the political affiliation of any of the speakers. All were together in celebrating the life of their ex-President.
The accolades at the US event recreated for the viewers a living image of a great human being. Our media and leaders have missed a great opportunity. Wish we in India would learn from the American example.