Shashi Tharoor’s visit to the erstwhile royal family in Trivandrum invited criticism on social media on Monday. Visiting Gouri Parvathi Bayi and Gouri Lakshmi Bayi of the erstwhile Travancore royal family, the former union minister wrote: “Called on Princesses Gouri ParvathiBayi &Gouri LakshmiBayi of the Travancore Royal family this morning. As always, I was moved by their warm welcome, &glad to apprise them of my views on some of the issues at play in the coming elections.Respect for tradition is integral2society. (sic)”
Social media criticised Tharoor for calling them as “princess” of “Travancore Royal family” and not mentioning “erstwhile.”
Twitterverse started criticising Tharoor and educating him about the Indian Constitution.
“Please be aware of article 18 of Indian Constitution – abolishment of titles,” replied one user.
“No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State. No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign State. No person who is not a citizen of India shall, while he holds any office of profit or trust under the State, accept without the consent of the President any title from any foreign State. No person holding any office of profit or trust under the State shall, without the consent of the President, accept any present, emolument, or office of any kind from or under any foreign State Right to Freedom,” reads Article 18.
“There are no kings and princesses in India. Nehru and Indira Gandhi saw to that. As a congressman, at least know your legacy,” reminded another user.
Saffron kurta, obeisance to royalty, next what? A peg of gomutra?
— Sasidharan Pazhoor (@inquestioner) March 26, 2019
What exactly is Tharoor doing here? Clearly he knows that the terms “princess” and “royal family” have no relevance in a Republic. He is demonstrating his loyalty to H Rashtra and titillating the sanghis.
— Balgit Zharma (@BalgitSharma) March 25, 2019
Princes? 😤
No wonder why you morons supported savarna brigade in Sabarimala issue.
Read at least the preamble of Indian Constitution, mr MP. We are a “SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC”.
— #VoteForLDF (@RebuildKer) March 26, 2019
You can take an NSS ammavan out of the karayogam, even all the way to the UN.
But you still can’t take the karayogam and rajabhakti out of the NSS ammavan.
— The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) March 25, 2019
Respect for Constitution is important for the country!
Princess who? https://t.co/fJf1z97A2Z— Arya Prakash (@aryaprakash) March 25, 2019
I think the most appropriate English translation for “prahasanam” is “pasquinade”.
From the dictionary:
Pasquinade (noun) – a satire or lampoon, displayed or delivered in a public place.
E.g. “What a pasquinade, Shashi!”
“Enthu prahasanamaanu, Shashi!” pic.twitter.com/hd9l7WmVdA
— The Last Caveman (@CarDroidusMax) March 25, 2019
Discussion about this post