Amma

Death, it is said is the ultimate truth of life. The circle of life takes intervening closure with death. Despite being the most unbiased equaliser, death sometimes imparts immortality to certain souls. Jayalalithaa Jayaraman attained immortality with her death owing to her monumental presence in the Tamil psyche for more than five decades. Hugely popular as a movie star, her prominence was fueled by her illustrious political career. She left an indelible mark in the male-dominated political scenario. The journey of Jayalalithaa to Amma is one of the most riveting occurrences of Indian political history.

North India came to know about her when her name flashed in cases of corruption and acquisition of disproportionate asset. I read about her in the landmark case of B. R. Kapoor v. State of Tamil Nadu. Supreme Court quashed her appointment as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu by this judgement. However, no controversy could diminish the love of common people for Puratchi Thalaivi who heralded an era of welfarism in the State. Ranging from Amma canteen to Amma water, her schemes endeared her to the masses at large. 

Emotionally animated responses of the people on the death of their beloved leader are not a mere exaggeration. They are reflective of the love people may harbour for leaders who really work for them. Accused of winning elections by distributing freebies, the phenomenon of Jayalalithaa was extraordinary. Exuding confidence, her persona connected with people and her presence assured marginalised classes of a dignified existence. Amma has resigned from this world and her followers find themselves as orphans riding a rudderless ship.

Some might attribute it to the affinity of Tamilians towards larger than life existence of their heroes. Impact of Jayalalithaa is exceptional in the manner that it is not bound by any sort of parochial interests. It is not a small thing that people die for you. Creating such a void in the life of others by someone’s absence is something that human society witnesses rarely. Amma exalted her persona to such enormous magnitudes that even her colossal cut outs could not do justice to the power she really exercised. 

For Allahabadis, who are overtly political and critical of political system such an unabashed display of loyalty is indeed a novelty. In fact, such sort of mania for any person is seldom witnessed in North India. There is and shall always remain a difference between an admirer and a fan. Amma enjoyed hordes of latter and that made her the Puratchi Thalaivi which she was. Unsullied by various charges hurled upon her, she changed the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. Power of democracy having an authoritative base could be easily be inferred her case. She indeed provided intellectual fodder to the researchers to ruminate upon. 

Personalities like Amma descend on Earth to live their destiny and shape that of others. People may dislike her style of politics but can not afford to ignore her ineffable presence. Amma would now be resting near Marina Beach and assess the evolution of her party, state and country in her absence. Though enveloped with the power she perhaps led a lonely life. Maybe, the footprints on Marina shall ensure her that people still rally behind her. 

Undoubtedly, Tamil Nadu shall not be same in absence of strong originally Kannadiga lady who democratically ruled it as Chief Minister for four times! Adieu, Amma!

– Prashant