naked truth
Plain unadorned facts, without concealment or embellishment. For example, What I've told you is the naked truth. This expression supposedly alludes to a fable in which Truth and Falsehood went bathing, Falsehood then dressed in Truth's clothes, and Truth, refusing to take another's clothes, went naked. [Late 1500s]
- Definition in
Dictionary.com
The reason for asking the above questions about "naked truth" is as I am totally baffled with what is going on.
Let us take a Star and a Sweet for example.
Star- Sushant Singh Rajput
Sweet- Rasagola
Star
It was declared that Sushant Singh Rajput, a top highly talented and promising Bollywood actor, has "committed suicide" on July 14, 2020.
We trust the police and thought that their statement is true.
I could never believe that one of my favourite stars, who has such a positive outlook and spirit could ever do so.
The same thoughts had come to my mind when I had learned of the so-called "suicide" of Sunanda Pushkar.
But, now we know that both these "suicide" cases, and many other cases like this, are actually made to appear in such garb.
Within a few minutes of Sushant's mysterious death, despite the police knowing the truth and technical flaws in the suicide theory, they never gave an inkling of the reality- that SSR has actually been murdered.
The "suicide", mental health", "depression" news was made to spread like wildfire.
So many social media posts, videos etc now have the wrong news- suicide theory.
Problem is replication as whoever sees such wrong info in the future, continues the same theory...
I pray that may the killers of Sushant Singh Rajput be nabbed and punished and may our star get justice soon.
Sweet
It is being constantly declared for many years that the king of sweets, Rasagola or Rasgulla (or spelled in any which way- Rasagulla/Rasgola/Rasogolla/Rosogolla...) is "invented" in Bengal.
Odisha has centuries-old connection with Rasagola, but many are simply unwilling to accept the reality of this continuing tradition on the last day of the Ratha Jatra at Puri, Odisha!
Misleading info and fake news is still being spread!
Many posts, videos, articles etc. have wrong information.
This despite Odisha having earned the GI Tag and having shown that the word 'Rasagola' has existed in Odia literature even before Kolkata city was established!
Having spent more than the last five years of my life being deeply involved with the Rasagola case, I am totally at a loss for words!
Exactly 5 years ago, on July 30, 2015, had started #RasagolaDibasa- celebration of a Rasgulla Day on social media.
Last year, on July 29, 2019, Odisha earned the GI tag for Odisha Rasagola.
Yesterday, was the first anniversary of our Rasagola GI tag.
Being enthused, I shared the video of a newly-wedded Doctor that I received on WhatsApp. Doctor Babu's maiden visit to his in-laws place is to be seen to be believed! His loving in-laws have taken great efforts to prepare and serve 105 Odia dishes including Rasagola. I loved the thoughtful video oozing great honour, love, care, and the loooong list of dishes that I shared it on some groups in FaceBook.
Today, I saw many comments that informed me that some people still believe that Rasagola belongs to Bengal!
I instantly felt transported to back in time- perceptions haven't changed much despite doggedly trying to promote the truth on social media!
But, the eternal optimist in me soon saw that many had provided the correct info as reply to the ignorant comments. Hard work hasn't gone waste!
I pray that may we never have to encounter any 'debate/controversy' or give explanation or defend Rasagola-origin-in-Odisha case!
Conclusion
In both the above-mentioned Star & Sweet cases, the narrative has been decided and set.
All the conversations, perceptions, attitudes etc are based on this.
Further conversations are based on the first-hand information provided.
Thus, if an influential/wise/learned/authoritative/reliable person has stated or published something first, it is accepted as truth.
Blindly accepted and promoted as truth!
No one suspects any foul play or vested interests or cultural appropriation!
No one knows the naked truth!
Many do not care.
Lies are wearing the clothes of truth and have made their presence everywhere!
If Y, who is not well-known (but has research/experience), says something serious, you don't believe her.
But, if X, who is a well-known trustworthy culture/media personality, either says something frivolous or copies the exact thing as Y has been saying (and worse, claims to be his own original idea), you believe him!
Star & Sweet cases thus have dark and sour dealings.
If such high-profile cases with solid evidence and backing meet with a fate, then imagine how the truth will be possible for the lesser-known reality...
Truth is whose responsibility?
Please let us be responsible citizens and report correctly.
No, SSR did NOT commit "suicide."
No, Rasagola has NOT originated in "Bengal."
Why is it so tough to accept, support and promote the truth?
We believe- "Satyameva Jayate".
Truth always wins.
"Truth is still the truth even if no one believes it; Lie is still a lie even if everyone believes it."
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes."
There is hope that truth will be out one day.
But, how will this happen if we don't support/say?
What do you say?
Do share your comments below.
