Tavleen Singh writes: Birthday blessings or a bad idea?

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday last week sparked a debate over his request for diyas to be lit across the nation. Initially considering the gesture, reporter Tavleen Singh ultimately chose not to light a diya, citing the potential negative impact on those who would collect the oil to cook for their families. She questioned Modi's awareness of the festival's implications, especially in light of recent flooding in Bihar and Assam.

The Prime Minister's choice of birthday gift raised concerns about the neglect of essential services like good schools and proper governance, issues that have plagued India since its independence. Tavleen Singh expressed disappointment with the excessive tributes, particularly one that portrayed Modi as a deity, questioning whether it was genuine praise or mockery.

Despite recognizing Modi's achievements in infrastructure, the Swachh Bharat mission, and digital governance, Singh wished he had highlighted other significant contributions, such as ancient Indian innovations in medicine and mathematics, that are often overlooked. Ultimately, she lamented that Modi seemed to have forgotten his roots as a leader elected by ordinary Indians, who voted for him due to the perception of him being one of them.