Devaraje Gowda, the father of Manoranjan D, one of the individuals involved in the recent Lok Sabha security breach, has found himself at the crossroads of loyalty and accountability. As his son's actions shook the foundations of Parliament during the winter session, Gowda's response reflected a blend of unwavering paternal support and a deep-rooted reverence for the sanctity of national institutions.
In a resolute yet conflicted tone, Gowda expressed, "Hang my son if he has done wrong." He unequivocally affirmed his son's dedication to societal well-being, citing Manoranjan's adherence to honesty and truthfulness. Yet, he stood firm that if his son had erred, he should face the consequences, emphasizing, "He is not my son if he has done wrong."
Gowda's poignant words echoed the gravity of the breach while reaffirming the significance of the Parliament as a symbol painstakingly constructed by revered leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru. His sentiments encapsulated a father's bewilderment at the actions of a son he thought he knew, lamenting the intrusion into a revered space built by the collective efforts of the nation's luminaries.
Describing Manoranjan as a 'good boy' shaped by ideals gleaned from the works of Swami Vivekananda, Gowda grappled with comprehending his son's motivations. He shared Manoranjan's educational background, his pursuits after completing his engineering degree, and his involvement in tending to the family's farm, attempting to paint a picture that deviated from the image of an intruder.
The breach itself, perpetrated by Manoranjan and another individual, Sagar Sharma, involved an intrusion into the Lok Sabha chamber, where yellow smoke canisters were released, causing pandemonium among the assembled MPs. The incident was marked by shouted slogans and a moment of chaos before the intruders were subdued by the MPs.
Gowda's complex stance, torn between a father's love and a citizen's allegiance to national integrity, signifies the multifaceted nature of such challenging circumstances. It underscores the delicate balance between personal sentiments and societal accountability, encapsulating the inherent conflict faced when an individual's actions clash with the values they were raised.
