Zohran Mamdani addressed a crowd in New York on Wednesday, drawing on historical references to illustrate his political victory. He quoted Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous speech from India’s independence in 1947, stating, “A moment comes but rarely in history when we step out from the old to the new.” Mamdani, whose family background includes prominent figures in film and scholarship, previously incorporated Bollywood themes into his campaign to connect with his South Asian heritage. His victory celebration featured songs relevant to his historic election as New York’s first Indian-origin mayor.
Mamdani’s invocation of Nehru’s words underscored parallels between India’s past and his own political journey. Nehru’s 1947 speech, delivered just before India’s independence from British rule, expressed the weight of responsibility that accompanied freedom, promising the service of India’s people and a commitment to ending suffering and inequality.
Nehru’s speech, considered one of the most significant in history, commenced with his assertion that a “tryst with destiny” had been made, highlighting the intense emotions of that moment. While the night was marked by celebration, it also coincided with the eruption of communal violence and chaos across India, resulting in one of the largest population migrations in history.
Seventy-seven years later, the different context of Mamdani’s election introduces questions about the potential for political transformation. The significance of Nehru’s commitment to unity and service continues to resonate as Mamdani takes on the challenges associated with his position, suggesting a new chapter in New York’s political landscape.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cew48pywl1ro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss