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Shapath Grahan

This strange consonant soup signifies the ceremonial oath taking of/by a person in the Indian political context (usually).  But given I have some knowledge of the etymology of said words I get confused.  Not saying much but bear with me.

Shapath is an oath.  Grahan is an eclipse.  The two together actually are ironical given that Shapath Grahan actually signifies the taking of an oath and do so what the oath expects you to oath about.  To have this moment eclipsed by whatever may befall the oath is not exactly an opportune thing  (in reality it is the consumption of the oath but who is watching?).

There are thousands invited to witness this spectacle - and that it is, given how insane the whole thing is.  The fact that it involves using ancient texts (I suspect people may be swapping them for playboy or other paraphernalia these days - I mean who is to say that they actually checked what was under the cover - in a manner of speaking?) to provide reinforcement to the oath is another jackass moment.  Thousands show up in person and many more watch it televised - knowing that the government machinery is in full operational swing and that one of each of the witness may get to ride that swing.

No one actually knows what is in the oath supporting book and whether it is true yet to promise citizens about doing something (perhaps the greater good) based on a fantasy is well - a fantasy!

In English it would be the equivalent of Swearing In ceremony.  Equally moronic.  Similar setup and similar results.  I cannot get enough of this maddening event so astute readers might have a feel of deja vu.

Speaking of introduction of these lame ass French, Latin and other words in the English lexicon I think it is time I swear to bring 'Shapath Grahan' into the colloquial context for westerners to appreciate.

After all there are people learning Mandarin now in American schools to get ready for their next century of business and trade.  They better know that if they do not know how to Grahan a Shapath they are facing Maha Pralaya.

Comments

  1. RajendraMay 30, 2014 at 9:08 PM

    Kahin grahan na lag jaaye, hai..(on the lines of Kahin daag na lag jaaye)

    ReplyDelete

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