First of all, let me ask you a basic question: Do you know why Modi is so popular among the common citizens, who despite the hardships they suffered during the demonetisation drive, still continue to exalt and support the Prime Minister? The answer actually lies in a simple psychological concept. It is, in fact, a concept that is not foreign to any human being, whether he is rolling in illegal wealth or fighting to meet his daily ends meet. The concept is called ‘Schadenfreude’.
What is Schadenfreude? And why and how it explains the common man’s support of Modi’s anti-corruption drive?
Schadenfreude is actually a German loan word that has been borrowed in English, which etymologically speaking is made up of two words: ‘Schaden’ (that is, “Harm”) + Freude (that is, “Joy”). It literally means to take joy at someone else’s misfortune. In other words, it explains the happiness one feels when someone else fails. In fact, schadenfreude explains many a human emotion; such as why people laugh when someone falls down or why human beings rejoice when the hero defeats the villain or why we borrowed our national motto ’Satyamev Jayate’ from the Mundaka Upanishad. They all actually make a lot of psychological sense!
Which is why, it is not surprising to see Modi’s success being scripted through the concept of schadenfreude. In fact, one could have predicted it down to the tee. You see, Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to fight tooth and nail against the menace called corruption. Be it his stern actions against hoarders or his demonetisation drive, his stern and relentless action to flush out the societal scum won him lots of applaud from the common man. After all, there is nothing sweeter in this ordinary life but to see the mighty bad man fall in front of the mortal hero. If nothing else, it instills a sense of faith in ‘Satyamev Jayate’.
However, as expected there is yet another side to the story. After all, not everybody wants Modi to pursue his anti-corruption drive. Any guesses who they are? Actually, that is a rhetorical question so don’t bother answering. We all know who they are! After all, the only people who will be afraid of or against an anti-corruption crusade, will be the ones that are corrupt.
Unfortunately, just like the villain is a powerful force in a movie, the corrupt also are a force to be reckoned with. After all, there is little much that money and power, when combined, cannot help achieve. Especially when all the villains look ready and willing to combine their collective strengths to take on the mortal man. Thus, there are many forces at play that continue to work against the man who decided enough was enough!
This is why, the youth of this country needs to take a collective vow: to help the Prime Minister in his anti-corruption drive. Because if Narendra Modi fails now, no other David, no matter how strong, will ever be in a position to take on the mighty Goliath(s).
