The bifurcation of the government of 400 million people was to happen in 70 days, reminisces Talbot. August 9, 1947. Karachi. “Still essentially a camel-cart town,” describes Talbot, arriving there along with other correspondents, ‘a day before the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was to be convened.’ He provides a graphic description of the first week: “Officers who arrived by air worked without secretaries. Stenographers had no typewriters. The governmental public relations officer lacked an office; he sat under a tree at the Palace Hotel writing instructions with a borrowed pencil or pen.”

Among the Pakistanis there was ‘a good deal of resentment’ owing to a belief that Delhi had obstructed ‘the shipment to Karachi of even the simplest governmental equipment before August 15’ – the duplicating machine.

August 15. Did you know that some astrologers had said that the morning of the day designated for the transfer of power ‘was an inauspicious time’? Partly for this reason, there was the midnight session to assume authority, states the book. However, many good things happened…

Another distinguishing feature of Indian independence was the cordiality demonstrated towards the British. The third impressive feature, Talbot declares, was ‘the country-wide expression of Hindu-Muslim cordiality… excepting the unfortunate Punjab’. People used the excitement of celebrations to try to break the vicious cycle of communal attacks and retaliations, he reasons.

“If even a portion of the potential new energies are released and only some of the tolerance and goodwill shown during the last week remain, well-wishers of the country can be more hopeful than before.”

Fond wish?

http://BookPeek.blogspot.com

More Stories on : Books | Say Cheek

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page