PUPPETS OF POLIICS : CONTROVERSY OVER FASHION BY ISHITA AGARWAL

  CONTROVERSY OVER FASHION 

When it comes to fashion and dress code, there is a lot of controversy accompanying it especially in the parliament. For years women have not been allowed to dress as per their liking.Though women of today hold more liberty and freedom of choice to decide their clothing, there are still some restrictions when it comes to representing oneself in the Parliament.

Although it is quiet understandable that there should be some etiquette and dress code to be followed to represent a party in the parliament.

Often we see politicians dressed in simple kurta’s, pyjamas sarees or bandhgalas. The parliament decorum holds them back from wearing jeans or revealing clothes and sometimes these politicians fall prey to heavy criticism if they violate the decorum.

The combination of light colour kurtas with waist coats and pyjamas never go out of style. not only it gives a formal look but also looks elegant in its own way along with representing the indian culture.The jacket is even known as "Modi Jacket"

prominent politicians and their fashion statement

Contrary to the suit and tuxedo popularity in the west, worn by politicians, indian politicians have made sure to reflect indian culture by wearing indian traditional wear on international stages, they are not much influenced by western ways are are not embarrased to flaunt their own culture. 

Sme politicians still have their own style statement. Like Sonia Gandhi whom we always see in a saree with hair made into a neat bun. Or Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee who is mostly always seen in a white saree with slippers and hair bun.  

Talking about the male politicians we have Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal who is also known as the "Muffler man of India", which originates from him wearing muffler very often. it can be called his style statement.

The muffler combination with the iconic party cap got viral when he was seen wearing the same on multiple occasions. 

                                                            Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal - the muffle man 

Fashion could also act as a symbol of ideology or could reflect one’s political thoughts and background. For example, the color saffron or ‘Kesari’ is known to be the symbol of the leading BJP party, likewise green is used to symbolise Mamata Banerjee’s TMC party. Even politicians have something to say about how their dressing sense reflect their political thoughts.

Politicians will always try and reflect the aspirations of their people. If you observe that there is a change of style among them, that's probably because his or her constituent has also evolved in terms of fashion or style," says Milind Deora, a young Congress MP.

Very recently actress-turned-politicians Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan were heavily criticized over social media for showing up with western attire in the Parliament. The two women representing TMC Party were both backslashed for not wearing indian clothes. 

Nusrat and Mimi posing outside the Parliament in western attire 

One social media user commented: "Parliament is not a photo studio", while another user slammed Mimi saying "she is not suitable for the position". Another comment read: "You should wear some Indian attire in Parliament. You are going for people not for movie promotions. And keep some respect towards your Bengali society."

If this was not enough, Madhya Pradesh Minister Kamal Patel called for ban of ripped jeans in India

“It is our duty to save our culture. We should maintain our dignity. Our culture never promoted ripped and short clothes. In our culture, women used to wear a lot of clothes but people from western countries used to wear short clothes or no clothes. By following western culture, people are spoiling our own culture,” he said.

He added, “Women and girls are our pride and parents should stop their daughters from wearing ripped jeans for their safety. With the adoption of western clothes, the crime against women has also been increased. The ripped should be banned in India."

References :

muffler man

parliament dresscode

PUPPETS OF POLITICS : POLITICAL COMICS BY ISHITA AGARWAL

 POLITICAL COMICS 

In the recent years, modern journalism has evolved with a lot of innovative techniques to make it enjoyable for the audience. Using cartoons as a way of expressing political events is one such trend.

A political cartoon is a type of editorial cartoon which uses graphic depiction to express political opinion. It could be in form of a sketch, digital art or even an outline of a figure. These cartoons not only showcase the artistic skill of the artist but also represent satire in order draw attention to corruption, political violence and other such political events.

This trend of pictorial satire was first developed in England by James Gillray referred to as the father of political cartoons. British periodical “Punch” which was founded in 1841 led to popularising the term political cartoon and its widespread use. One of the most prolific cartoonists was John Tenniel, chief artist of the Punch. 

James Gillray’s The Plumb-pudding in Danger (1805). The world being carved up into spheres of influence between Pitt and Napoleon.

By the advent of 20th century, many newspapers from all across the world started featuring political cartoons as a way of political expression. Modern political cartoons can be found on the editorial page of many newspapers. They contain metaphors and symbols which reflect the artist’s uniqueness.

These cartoons sometimes also intend to mock or crack a joke about a political party or event. Such cartoons are called pocket cartoons.This practice is very common in Indian newspapers such as The Hindu, the times of india, Indian express and many more such prominent newspapers.

Cartoon by Surendra published in The Hindu, also the most viewed in 2019.

Editorial cartoons and editorial cartoonists are recognised by a number of awards, for example the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning (for US cartoonists, since 1922) and the British Press Awards' "Cartoonist of the Year 

These cartoons sometimes also stir controversy among the political party it is targeted at. Sometimes the party followers find it disrespectful to being made fun of especially if it is a serious issue. The freedom of press is put to danger if such cartoons catch eye of the political leaders. Cases of defamation are common in cases where controversial matter is published. Examples include the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy and Charlie Hebdo shooting (stemming from the publication of cartoons related to Islam) and the 2007 Bangladesh cartoon controversy. Even then these newspapers are continuing fearless journalism and setting new trends.

 

References :

The Hindu most viewed comics

image source

PUPPETS OF POLITICS - WOMEN POLITICIANS SETTING FASHION TREND BY Debosmita Mandal

 

 "All set to go"

(picture courtesy - google)

In the last few months, a trend has emerged: The wardrobes of Washington, D.C’s most powerful women are inspiring the type of excited fashion interest that was previously reserved for celebrities or style influencers. After Kamala Harris wore Timberland boots(with pearls) search for the shoes increased on search fashion platform, while demand for the brand rose as compared to the week before.

(Video of Kamala Harris carring out different way of fashion)

More examples like – Hillary Clinton style statement with her powersuits hitting headlines across the world and US politician Rep. Alexandria Ocasia Cortez showed her Telfar bag on Instagram. The fashion platform is not the first to use the word “influencer” to describe a political figure.

                   

" Being bossy & classy"

(Picture courtesy - twitter and google)

                                                          

Once, The New York Times ran an article titled “Cuomo, Fauci, Birx: The New Influencers,” in which it talked about the public’s fascination with White House.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/fashion/fauci-birx-cuomo-style-influencers.html

Recently, Elle (worldwide lifestyle magazine) puplished an article, “How politicians Became 2020’s Biggest Fashion Influencers,” leaving no doubt that political leaders have become figures to watch for elegant choices. It’s not entirely surprising, fashion and politics go hand-in-hand. In fact, the statement “fashion is political” has been used so often – including, recently, when referencing Nancy Pelosi’s matching masks and pantsuits – it has become a cliche.

https://headtopics.com/us/how-politicians-became-2020-s-biggest-fashion-influencers-1622

6604

Picture courtesy - google ( from the article)

 One of the most iconic women in American history, Michelle Obama was always very concerned about her fashion sense. She never plays game when it comes on her style. Not only has she been an icon since she stepped in the White House, but the former first lady was also serving up jaw-dropping looks back to back while promoting her book 'BECOMING'.

 (Video of Michelle Obama trendy looks)

 

For many, it has been inspiring on an aesthetic level to see Nancy Pelosi(Speaker of US House of Rep.) embrace masks and make them into a fashion statement – which has since become a common sight on the political stage – before many of us discovered the fun of shopping for a face mask that could express our personal style.

"Start to a new fashion statement with your mask"

(picture courtesy - google)

White on white: On the runway, on the street, even in the White House, fashion is bleaching it out as women wear all white ensembles to make a statement. White can make a fashion statement as well as a political one.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/white-on-white-how-to-make-sense-of-fashion-s-spotless-trend/story-22QwV35YgBdqWJyf3FpNjP.html

(picture courtesy - intsagram)

(picture courtesy - google)

PUPPETS OF POLITICS - POLITICAL BATTLE IN BENGAL BY Debosmita Mandal

 

 

 

"all ready to goal"
(Source - google)

During the poll campaigns and through social media, both the Trinamool and BJP have been raising the slogan ‘Khela Hobe’ to challenge each other. With just a few days left for the much awaited West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 to begin, the political game in the state has started with each team gearing up to beat the opponent.

  

"All together for the battle"

(Picture courtesy - facebook and google)

   In this political battle, the bitter rivalry among parties is being played out not just through war of words but also colourful and catchy jiggles and slogans that are making headlines and doing the rounds on social media.

(Khela hobe song video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZXoAYkPHZo

    The slogan has been turned into a song by Trinamool Youth Congress general secretary, Debangshu Bhattacharya, which is being played at political rallies of the ruling party. The opening lines of the song plays up the ‘insider-outsider’ theme – “Baire theke bargi ashe/Niyom kore proti mashe/Bondhu ebar khela hobe!”

"On the battle ground"

(Picture courtesy - google)

Another example is, PM Modi addresses the ‘Brigade Cholo Rally’ in Kolkata for Supporters  to gather on the ground on the World Blood Donor Day. Later many memes came out regarding this slogan. For example – 'Tumpa Brigade Cholo'

               

                                                                               

Meme on brigade cholo song

(picture courtesy - instagram )

(Source - facebook)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFJAJWu9wZY

"MORE POWER TO BENGAL"

(Source - facebook)

PUPPETS OF POLITICS: KASHMIR AND IT'S STATE OF TOURISM by Bidita Chanda.

  

The empty valleys of Kashmir.
Source: avoid-crowds

Jammu and Kashmir. The union territory where the beauty of nature is at its peak. But the constant lockdowns and communication blackouts hampered their tourism extensively through already hit militancy, then the political up heal in 2019 and now the Covid pandemic. In 2017 Kashmir tourism was going through the worst crisis in over two decades. Even with hotels were offering discounts as high as 70%, occupancy rates were less than 5% at a time when the tourist season was at its end. 

The downfall of Kashmir further declined on 5^th August 2019, following the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Nearly 4,000 people have been arrested in the disputed region. Among those arrested were more than 200 local Kashmiri politicians, including two former chief ministers of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, along with more than 100 leaders and activists from the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. The restrictions finally ended on 5^th February 2021 with 4G services being restored on the whole union territory.

In Srinagar during the covid lockdown.

Source: time.com

But around the third month of 2020 a new reason for lockdown arose. The Covid pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown. It’s like they have been stuck in the world’s longest lockdown.  

In the month of June 2020, after the Covid lockdown, announced at the end-March, began easing up, the tourism sector attempted a revival, with th

e administration holding awareness campaigns and roadshows. As the first wave of Covid began abating, tourists started arriving by December 2020. Over 125,000 domestic and foreign tourists—the highest in more than 17 months, arrived in Kashmir in the first four months of 2021. Hotels and houseboats saw heavy bookings as well.

Even though Kashmir tourism has been affected time and time again, it is still trying to revive and catch its breath. The only Muslim majority union territory of the country the constant political uprisings along with the already existing problems along the borders of the country shared by Pakistan, the fight to maintain normalcy becomes a tough job. But things seem better as Figures show 19,000 tourists visited the Union Territory in January 2021, compared to only 3,750 tourists visited Srinagar in January 2020.

The empty shikaras.
Source: Hindustan Times

PUPPETS OF POLITICS: THE 'SWEET' BATTLE OF POLITICS by Bidita Chanda.

Sweets of different political parties selling like hot cakes.

Source: Al Jazeera 

During the fierce war of who was going to win the land of roshogolla, the sweet shops were coming up with some interesting and creative ways to help people support these parties. Be it, sweets, with political slogans written on them or 'sweet' statuettes of PM Modi, Mamata, they were gaining popularity among the masses. 

Balaram Mallick Radharaman Mallick, one of the iconic sweet shops of Kolkata launched a Sandesh with the two slogans written on them, “Khela Hobe" vs “Jai Shri Ram". While “Khela Hobe" was written on the Sandesh in white and green, the “Jai Shri Ram" Sandesh was in white and orange. “Khela Hobe", meaning “Game On", a slogan first given by Trinamool Congress as many of its leaders switched to the BJP, pitching Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against all the opposition faces. The slogan became popular with a pop version of it being played at TMC rallies and hoardings coming up across West Bengal. The opposition parties also launched their own versions of the slogan, making it a flavor of the poll season. 

Sweets resembling the major political party symbols. 
Source: AFP

Another prominent sweet shop, Felu Modak in Rishra, which had previously launched delicacies themed on popular political campaigns, was also selling such desserts. There were three types of Sandesh with the “Khela Hobe" slogan — in white, green, and orange. Voting is the best festival of democracy. So Rasraj, a confectionery store in Kolejpara, Raiganj made sweets with the symbols of different political parties to welcome the great festival. There were a variety of delicious sweets with slogans like "Khela Beh", "Tumpa Sona" and even "Sonar Bangla”. 

The fierce political contest in Bengal found a reflection in a sweet shop in Howrah. It made 'sweet" statuettes of top campaigners from three major parties and alliances in the election - Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and three leaders of Sanjukta Morcha. 

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was campaigning in a wheelchair due to injury sustained in Nandigram and her statuette in the sweet shop accurately portrayed her. The statuette of PM Modi showed him wearing a half-kurta with the BJP symbol of Lotus. The Sanjukta Morcha includes the Left, Congress and Indian Secular Front (ISF) and the shop have portrayed them together through a three-headed statuette. 

Even though the competition and the campaigns were reaching new levels, these sweet shops didn’t miss a beat and came up with something creative and attractive in no time. It also symbolizes that how much these political leaders diss each other the sweetness of it all is preserved in mishtis and Sandesh.

Sweets Statuettes.

Source: India Today

Puppets of politics : Veganism in politics by Rittika Samanta

 

Veganism in politics

This picture shows how how we humans are killing animals for our needs.

Veganism is particularly viewed as an and controversial form of political participation as it is conducted to address the ethical concern and to change market practices. The production of animal products is already leading to several environmental problems like global warming. Most prominently meat consumption contributes to global warming with around 20% of the greenhouse gas emission streaming from animal agriculture. Vegan diets or at least the massive reduction of consumption of animal products a step we can take to counter this negative trends. Chinese government has announced a plan to reduce meat consumption by 50% and till 2030 a decision endorse in a popular YouTube by Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Cameron.

This is the picture of the diet of a vegan person.

Scholars increasingly argue that the beggar lifestyle reflects a border pattern of how political behaviour is becoming more of individual  and private. By means of an original standardized survey proposed in Switzerland by 648 vegans the result surprisingly shows 3 political dimension those are:-

• Politically motivated vegans live Vegans more strictly and are more politically active than vegan motivated by personal concern.

• A vast majority of the vegans is politically motivated and aims to induce change in society at large.

• They are highly engaged in a broad variety of political activities.

Here is the example of fruits and vegetables what  vegan person generally prefer in the diet

Veganism has largely become a political movement. At the moment it is nowhere near  that anywhere in the world and the fault lies with Vegans themselves. The amount of food needed today’s that he’ll represent a massive waste of land and grains, with 80% of the world Soymeal used to feed animals. The world is in its end  stage and it has taken just 200 years of carnism to get there.  Veganism must be in a form of boycott with individual communities refusing to put money into harmful industries. One can no longer be a Jain who is  vegetarian at home and has a factory that produce plywood. 

Vegetable allowed in veganism

 This is how people restrict them politically as well as personally in there vegan diet.

How is veganism go hand in hand with politics

https://youtu.be/ZXNtnEPRLNc

Veganism and politics

https://youtu.be/X3ABES1xcuE

Puppets of politics : Man vs wild with PM Modi by Rittika Samanta

                        Man vs wild : PM Modi

The above picture shows Mr Bear Grylls with PM Modi heading out to there Jim Corbett National park journey. picture source : https://images.app.goo.gl/16zoLNazxcHZXWvs5

Discovery channel came up with very refreshing episode of man versus wild hosted by Bear Grylls on August 12 , 2019 at 9 pm. Prime minister Narendra Modi was set for a special feature of a special episode of man versus wild- A natural survival show. The host Bear Grylls and Prime minister Narendra Modi has set to discover the Jim Corbett National park in Uttarakhand.

The initial announcement of the appearance created a stir among a huge audience and even still today it create a buzz among the people. The highly talked-about episode, which went live on August 12, ended up breaking worldwide viewership records. The episode clocked a whopping 3.6 billion impressions in a two-weeks run time which made it the world’s most-trending televised event. Grylls announced the big success on Twitter. Even bear Grylls twittered that this particular episode has been officially the most viewed as well as trending television event of the world.

This picture shows they walked the whole journey to explore the Jim Corbett National park, Uttarakhand.

Picture source : https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.hindustantimes.com%2Frf%2Fimage_size_960x540%2FHT%2Fp2%2F2019%2F08%2F12%2FPictur

Man vs wild host Mr. Bear Grylls set his foot at Jim Corbett National park in Uttarakhand with Prime minister modi . during this episode Mr. Grylls taught Modi about the survival tricks in this natural ecosystem. From crossing a river in a makeshift raft to learning the art of making a spear and sharing stories of the past, the episode gained a lot of traction all over the world.

  This picture featured Grylls and PM Modi sharing a cup of tea against a picturesque setting of a river in the woods. PM Modi enjoyed his adventurous trip sans any security cover, that too deep inside the world-famous Jim Corbett National Park, left millions of viewers of this super hit series in India — and across the world — spellbound.

This picture is when Mr. Grylls offering a cup of tea to PM Modi.  Picture source : https://images.app.goo.gl/MQqNiNGA23aQh4Y17

Even the audience of the show got to see The politician Narendra Modi smells elephant dunk in this adventurous trip. The rain and cold weather gave a real adventurous scenario during this episode.

This picture was taken when Mr grylls and PM Modi smelling elephant dunk in the foot of the jungle.

Picture source : https://images.app.goo.gl/zFK19pB345kpZkxi6

India's tourism minister decided to make wild life as its theme for incredible India campaign for next 2 month after the huge success of the show.

Here are few moments captured during this mesmerizing journey: 

This picture is from the gallery when Mr grylls and PM Modi heading out in the river with the self made boat.

Picture source : https://images.app.goo.gl/ecEeBr6Z2RqsWdJd9

This picture was taken at the end of the journey when Mr .Bear Grylls saying goodbye to PM Modi with the sweet selfie. Picture source : https://images.app.goo.gl/wKBKru7MY1s6fs6eA

This is when PM Modi was learning making basic tools for hunting. 

Picture source : https://images.app.goo.gl/f7chtPPpk4sqoLnf7

This picture is from that seen where Mr. Modi telling Mr. Bear Grylls about his childhood.

Picture source : https://images.app.goo.gl/TvnqiRNL6E4ZUzjz6

Man vs wild with PM Modi teaser

 https://youtu.be/aw4q9EqTWvk

Video of how Modi and Bear travelled through there self-made boat

https://youtu.be/9uCcS2XeO5w