The Hindu Business Line : Royal splendour

The recent description of Rahul Gandhi as ‘Yuvraj’, or prince, has been criticised by political parties. It has been observed that such usage is not in consonance with a democratic set-up. India, which was the land of Maharajas, is still fascinated by royal charm. Otherwise, how can one explain the names of Royal Challengers, Super Kings, Kings XI and Rajasthan Royals given to the competing cricket teams in the Indian Premier league. This explains the rationale for the regal treatment meted out to present-day rulers.

Even Europe holds monarchy in great awe. The British Royal family continues to be veterans of sensational media attention. British Queen’s train ride in a steam engine during a private visit got much more news value than Gordon Brown’s pronouncements. Queen Elizabeth II, who is 80, had an incognito ride in a miniature steam train. The Queen took the one-and-a-half mile 20-minute trip around the estates of the Leopold de Rothschild in Hampshire’s New Forest; members of the public were around at that time but it seems they did not bat an eyelid. It was a private visit. She came with few people and wore a rain-coat, head-scarf and glasses, British media quoted Exbury Garden spokeswoman Annie Bullen as saying.

Inclined to monarchy

There was considerable attention to detail on how Queen Beatrix of Netherlands would celebrate her 70th birthday this year. The Queen celebrated her official birthday on April 30 by dancing in the streets along with her family. The entire country sports “orange” clothes for the occasion, reflecting their loyalty to the dynasty.

Europe can boast of a number of sovereigns who still seem to be the centre of attraction, and the Netherlands is one among them. The Dutch seem to be favourably inclined to monarchy, as revealed by a recent poll in which 79 per cent supported the Royal family with only a minority opting for a curb to limit the Queen’s role in forming coalition governments. The septuagenarian queen has every intention of reigning till her 30th Jubilee in 2010 and has no desire to follow her mother’s example of abdication, according to Reuters.

In Asia, Japan continues to have its monarchy and the Chinese Prime Minister deemed it a diplomatic necessity to include a meeting with the Emperor during his ‘warm spring’ visit to Japan.

Princely travel

Anything connected with royalty has its special aura. So also does a train journey on the “Palace on Wheels”, a luxury train of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways. This truly royal train, recreates the splendour of princely travel with its rich décor, wall-to-wall carpeting and specialty restaurants, Maharaja and Maharani. The week-long sojourn aboard this legendary train in royal ambience is an experience to cherish. Air-India, for long, had he Maharaja as its logo and icon. The consumer movement has as its motto ‘consumer is king’ implying that he is to be pampered.

Celebrations to mark important occasions by political parties have their own variations to display the admiration for royal excellence. The structures often resemble fortresses and the leaders are ‘crowned’ with floral decorations. Though democracy is worshipped as a form of government ushering in equality, the yearning for royal treatment still persists!

(The author is a former Financial Commissioner, Railway Board.)

More Stories on : Politics | Impressions

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

Stories in this Section
Wider waiver

The UPA’s unfinished agenda

Strategy to stave off oil crisis

A matter of six months

Royal splendour

Scoring in the second innings

ADB: Fighting for survival, but losing focus

Fuel pricing