I’m in an old school friends’ group where the admin routinely posts a reminder whenever someone shares politics, satire, or commentary: “Avoid political messages.” No one pays much heed—such posts keep appearing like uninvited relatives at a wedding, while the admin keeps repeating the same mantra.
Recently, I shared a Tamil poem imagining a post-2026 Assembly election scenario: Congress abandoning DMK, aligning with TVK, and helping form the government. Predictably, the admin responded with his familiar line: “Avoid posting political messages.”
I replied: “This isn’t politics; it’s a snapshot of Indian democracy today. Anyway, as admin, you have every right to delete anything that violates the group’s decorum.”
He responded publicly: “Yes, but this time I’ve decided not to delete it.”
Since the group’s original purpose was simply to share personal updates among school friends, I deleted my own post for everyone. Soon after, someone else shared another political message. I asked jokingly: “So, is this political or not?”
Admin: “I just saw it.”
(Whether he’ll delete it or merely recycle the reminder remains to be seen.)
These little exchanges made me reflect on something deeper. In India, life has never really existed in neatly sealed compartments. The idea of completely separating religion from politics—or politics from everyday life—is largely a Western framework. Indian civilization traditionally viewed life as an integrated whole.
Gurus, acharyas, purohits, and even sannyasis often shaped society and governance. Think of Chanakya guiding Chandragupta, or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj inspired by the fiery wisdom of Samarth Ramdas. Even Tipu Sultan, despite conflicts with Hindu powers in some regions, continued patronage of institutions like the Sringeri Matha. Even today, Yogi Adityanath serves both as a sannyasi and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh—proof that the dhoti hasn’t entirely surrendered to the suit.
Of course, personal insults and cheap provocations should be avoided; they’re about as useful as a paper umbrella in a monsoon. But thoughtful reflections on larger social currents—currents that shape our collective lives—should not automatically become untouchable subjects.
Personally, I don’t have much time for political arguments anyway. Debating politics often feels like trying to herd cats while riding a scooter. So I’m planning to post less frequently.
Let me end with a thought:
“Great souls live by conviction; small minds merely circulate opinions. Conviction may demand sacrifice. Opinions usually produce only temporary irritation—which people scratch for a while and then move on from.”
Ashram May 12, 2026
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