By D.N.Singh
Contrary to the prevailing air of political acrimony that has embittered the relationship between BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik and former BJD veteran Dr.Damodar Rout, Patnaik made a personal visit to the residence of Rout to express his condolences and pay homage to Rout’s wife who died on Thursday.
The visit may be customary but it had its moments of emotion when the chief minister placed the wreath at the feet of the body and paid his respects to the departed soul. Subsequently, visibly an amazed Damodar Rout, slowly yet reluctantly, inched towards Patnaik, perhaps, to express his gratitude, a moment that inspires awe.
However, before that Patnaik was seen expressing his condolence to the bereaved husband. Such gestures often neutralise political animosity and that too after a barrage of attacks by Rout on the BJD chief since last few months.
It was a good moment of emotional union of two bitter enemies where politics pales into insignificance. Dr. Rout’s body language was reflecting dignity in grief regardless of what he politically means.
There are moments when emotions can make even tombstones cry and the humility that was noticeable in Rout’s gesture was a mark of culture we espouse, which cannot be prejudiced by professional avarice.
