From The Hoot:
NDTV India did a random survey of members of parliament to see if they knew something about India’s history. What is the order of colours on India’s flag? What was Mahatma Gandhi’s full name? Who wrote the national anthem? Lots of blank faces around, but no red ones. Our MPs apparently think history is for the schoolbooks, and did not seem particularly embarrassed at their ignorance. Najma Heptullah referred to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee as Bumkum Chottopadhya.
BTW, I asked 10 random young folks in my office – who wrote Jana Gana Mana. 4 of them said Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Hi, Silkboard… says a lot about our so-called ejkashun! Frightening (though a better percentage than the MPs). Perhaps we should collaborate on one of those ‘All you wanted to know and were too embarrassed to ask’ lists. What say?
late reply, but yes, shall we? Mail me your list, I will mail you mine. And then we can cross-post the merged mother of all lists.