Mahendra Singh Dhoni. One of the greatest Indian icons ever. Someone who has served the country with distinction on the sports field for years and, among other things, even participated in active army exercises. In fact, his love and respect for the Indian army is well-documented, and there is no institution that commands greater respect and glory in this country. And yet, the faceless bigots on social media have decided to attack Dhoni for not going to Ayodhya on January 22. Some even called him “dhobi ka bacha” and “mullah” while attacking him.
As I write this piece, the abuse is still going on. Are these trolls delusional? Who are these cowards and fanatics to question someone of the class and stature of Dhoni, who has done India proud on the global stage for years, apart from being a role model for millions and millions of Indians worldwide? And how is it that social media allows such scumbags to exist?
Has Dhoni ever disrespected Lord Ram? Has he said a word that could be construed as disrespectful? The fact that he couldn’t go on January 22 doesn’t mean a thing. It could well be that he goes another time, with family, and prays to the almighty. It could be that he, along with millions of others, prayed from the confines of his home, or from a temple of choice. Even if he didn’t, that’s his prerogative.
Whatever be the case, to attack Dhoni and abuse him with casteist slurs is as low as it can get. Such abuse is actually a stain on everything this country stands for, and everything good that sport teaches us. If someone can abuse Dhoni for his caste, or call him a mullah or fixer, then one wonders where the line is drawn going forward? And the question is: just how much such abuse will social media platforms turn a blind eye to while raking in profits?
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Dhoni, who braved pain and ill health while playing for India for months and years, is a role model by every yardstick. He even fought with the ICC during the 2019 World Cup over his wanting to wear armed-forces insignia on his wicket-keeping gloves. That’s the index of his patriotism. Of what he stands for, and what he believes in. And to bring his caste into the equation is the most abominable form of public behaviour. In fact, the abuse heaped on Dhoni is one more reason why social media has little credibility. Too often, it amplifies the views of the imbecile.
For an Indian sports fan, Dhoni is a national treasure. He earned India and Indians enormous respect on the world stage. If silence is interpreted as disrespect, then God save us all. For the army jawan serving on the border and guarding the country against the enemy, how do we judge his Indianness? He too couldn’t be physically present in Ayodhya on January 22. Is the jawan any less Indian and any less of a nationalist?
Only a handful from our armed forces were in Ayodhya. That doesn’t make them less Indian or less respectful of Lord Ram. Rather by disrespecting Dhoni, these social media miscreants have abused the idea of India we stand for. The idea of India the Prime Minister showcased in Ayodhya. A strong, resilient and self-sufficient India that stands for moral uprightness and integrity. Dhoni displayed these qualities when he played the sport for the tricolour. Each time he used to sing Jana Gana Mana on the ground, he was standing up for this idea of India.
To seem him and his loved ones get abused is a national shame. And to see his caste brought into the equation is the most deplorable thing I have heard in a long time. Dhoni is, and will always be, a national hero. One of the greatest Indians ever, and someone who carried the flag for years. The abuse exposes the deep rot that has sent in on social media and the invisible dangers we are confronted with. Covid-19 was tough to deal with because it was invisible. These trolls and bots are equally dangerous for the same reason. They are a virus, highly transmissible and infectious, and we badly need a vaccine against them.
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