Pravin Gadhvi's Laughing Buddha

 Pravin Gadhvi's Laughing Buddha

 Pravin Gadhvi's "Laughing Buddha"

This blog is a task assigned by Prakruti Ma'am for the course 202 - Indian English Literature Post-Independence Unit 1. Here, I'll explore the questions related to the poem "Laughing Buddha." Let's start with a brief overview of the poem.

 Background

For more information, you can visit the teacher's work: [Click Here].

“Laughing Buddha” by Pravin Gadhvi is a poem that serves as an ironic commentary on India's atomic bomb test conducted on May 18, 1974. The poem's fifteen lines, with the repeated phrase “see Buddha laughed,” highlight the central irony.

 Higher Moral Importance: National Security or Basic Needs?

What should be prioritized by the government: national security or the basic needs of its citizens? What do you think Gadhvi's stance is?

This question is complex because the importance of national security and basic needs can vary depending on the situation. In the 1970s, India was still recovering from the partition and dealing with social unrest. At this time, the country's focus should have been on basic necessities: food, clothing, and shelter—"Roti, Kapda, Makaan." However, national security was also crucial to establish India's position on the global stage.

Gadhvi's poem suggests that basic needs should take precedence. Literature often sides with the underprivileged, and Gadhvi’s use of irony in Buddha’s laughter underscores this belief. He critiques the government’s priorities by juxtaposing the Buddha's peaceful image with the destructive nature of the atomic bomb test.

Buddha’s Laughter: A Bergsonian Perspective

Henri Bergson’s essay "Laughter: An Essay On The Meaning Of The Comic" can provide insights into the interpretation of Buddha’s laughter in Gadhvi's poem.

Bergson explains that laughter often arises from highlighting and ridiculing societal deviations, serving as a gentle corrective. In Gadhvi's poem, Buddha’s laughter is ironic:

“There was a laughter on his

Lips and tears in his

Eyes.”

This juxtaposition reveals Buddha’s mockery of the atomic bomb test conducted on Buddha Purnima, a day celebrated for its message of peace. Buddha laughs at the absurdity of humans believing they can ensure security through such means. He also mocks the political hypocrisy and power dynamics, as the bomb test was done secretly, and people were informed only later.

This laughter is tinged with pain, reflecting a deep sorrow over the harsh realities. Just like the laughter of the narrator in Nikolai Gogol’s "The Overcoat," which reflects the irony and despair of the protagonist’s situation, Buddha's laughter in Gadhvi's poem is a response to an unbearable truth.

Significance of Historical Narratives

The importance of historical events often depends on the narratives constructed around them. Discuss this in relation to "Laughing Buddha."

The poem mirrors the real-life event of the 1974 atomic bomb test. Narratives shape how we perceive history, often controlled by those in power. The story of the 1974 "Smiling Buddha" operation is told in multiple ways—one narrative emphasizes India’s emerging strength, while another criticizes the government’s actions.

George Orwell's "1984" highlights how the manipulation of historical records can control societal perceptions. Similarly, Gadhvi’s poem critiques the dominant narrative, highlighting the plight of the common people over the glorification of national security.

Interpretation of "What a proper time! What an auspicious day!"

This line contains a hidden pun. "Proper time" refers to the early morning, and "auspicious day" refers to Buddha Purnima, celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. The irony lies in using a day known for peace to conduct a destructive bomb test. 

The question of what constitutes an auspicious time is problematic. The full moon is considered auspicious in Hinduism but is the crescent moon in Islam. This line questions the standards of what is considered "proper" or "auspicious."

These are my reflections on Pravin Gadhvi's "Laughing Buddha." I hope you found them insightful. Thank you for reading!