MaBaTha sees Hindutva as an ally, India must not serve fanatics in Myanmar

Summary

This script provides a lesson on various legends and myths, emphasizing the importance of investing rather than just saving. It recounts historical and cultural narratives from Myanmar, focusing on significant events such as colonial rebellions and ethnic tensions. The script also discusses the current political and military situation in Myanmar, including the role of the Buddhist clergy, the rise of nationalist movements, and the military's alliances. It concludes with a critique of using religious nationalism to drive foreign policy, highlighting potential repercussions for India.

Takeaways

• 📢 Never practice nunchucks in a crowded room.
• 🚗 Avoid eating choli before a road trip.
• 👕 Take your shirt off before ironing it.
• 📞 Do not take a call near a swimming pool.
• 💸 Saving is not the same as investing; invest in mutual funds.
• 🔥 A villager in 1909 Myanmar believed that a man's arm could produce fire, leading to superstitions and myths.
• ⚔️ Myanmar's history includes numerous revolutions and wars, often influenced by ethnic and religious tensions.
• 🇮🇳 The Myanmar military has sought help from India amid an ongoing insurgent campaign.
• ⛪ Far-right monks in Myanmar have supported the military coup, leading to violent suppression of opposition.
• 🛡️ The Buddhist nationalist clergy in Myanmar view the military as protectors of Buddhism and the Bamar race.
• 🌍 Movements in Myanmar and Sri Lanka see Hindu nationalism as an ally against perceived threats from modernization and secularization.
• 💡 Myanmar's political landscape is deeply intertwined with ethnic and religious identities, often leading to conflict.

Q & A

What are some key pieces of advice given to 'Legends' in the script?

Legends are advised not to practice nunchucks in a crowded room, avoid eating choli before a road trip, always take their shirt off before ironing it, and not to take a call near a swimming pool. Additionally, they should understand that saving is not the same as investing; Legends invest in mutual funds.

How did the villagers react to the incident involving Mong Pan in 1909-1910?

The villagers were excited and believed that Mong Pan's arm catching fire was a supernatural event. They thought it signified that Mong Pan was destined to be Myanmar's new king.

What was the British colonial authorities' approach to managing unrest in Myanmar?

The British colonial authorities attempted to manage unrest by recruiting immigrants from India to create a new elite that controlled land, capital, and administration, which led to deep racial bitterness.

What role did religion play in the ethnic Bamar national leaders' struggle during colonial Myanmar?

Religion played a significant role, as ethnic Bamar leaders considered it more important to free their country from the 'kalar' (a derogatory term for Indians and Muslims) than from the colonizers. They associated being Burmese with being Buddhist.

How did the Myanmar military seek to gain support from India in recent years?

Facing a successful insurgent campaign, the Myanmar military has sought support from India, engaging in diplomatic talks and inviting Indian military delegations, despite ongoing violence near the border.

What strategy did the Myanmar military use to control the influence of the Buddhist clergy after the 1962 coup?

The Myanmar military established the S May Mahan Nayaka Committee, a state body to regulate the activities of monks, requiring them to carry government registration cards and making defrocked monks subject to prosecution in civilian courts.

What is the 969 movement, and how does it relate to Myanmar's political climate?

The 969 movement, led by monks like Ashin Wirathu, promoted Buddhist nationalist ideas and alleged a Muslim plot to convert Buddhist women and take over the country. It played a significant role in mobilizing support for the military and fostering communal tensions.

How have recent changes in Myanmar's political landscape influenced its relationship with India?

As Myanmar's military regime faces increased resistance, it has sought closer ties with India, seeing Hindu nationalism as an ally against perceived threats from Islam and Western influences.

What impact has the presence of non-governmental organizations had on the influence of Buddhist monasteries in Myanmar?

The rise of influential, often foreign-funded non-governmental organizations has undermined the traditional influence of Buddhist monasteries, which were historically key providers of charity in rural communities.

What challenges does India face in balancing its foreign policy interests in the region?

India faces the challenge of balancing its national interests with the religious and ethnic agendas of neighboring countries, particularly in maintaining alliances with Muslim-majority countries while addressing the growing influence of Hindu nationalism in its foreign policy.