What Motives Lurk Behind PM Modi's Appearances in 'Man vs Wild' with Bear Grylls?

British adventurer and television host Bear Grylls, renowned for his series Man vs Wild, recently commented on the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appearance alongside him in the episode. Bear Grylls stated that the episode was more about an environmental discussion with Prime Minister Modi, a great admirer of nature who cares deeply about the well-being of our planet.

Pro-motor in Nature and Environmental Advocacy

According to Prime Minister Modi, when one falls in love with nature, nature reciprocates. Recognizing the potential that this Man vs Wild episode has to promote India's rich culture and tourism, he embraced the opportunity to share his values and inspire environmental cooperation. In his own words, Modi believes that if you genuinely engage with nature, it responds positively.

Apart from promoting India's natural beauty and cultural heritage, another main objective was to showcase that even a world leader like Modi can harmonize with the wild without the need for modern conveniences. This underlines his dedication to leading by example in environmental stewardship.

Nature's Beauty and a Spiritual Journey

Man vs Wild offered a unique platform for Modi to demonstrate his love for the environment. The episode not only highlighted the natural splendor of India but also depicted a spiritual journey. Modi's handling of the jungle trip with Grylls reflected his calm and composed demeanor amidst challenging conditions.

The Man vs Wild episode was also seen as a promotional strategy for India's tourism. Much of India's natural beauty is hidden from the world, and this episode aimed to showcase these hidden gems to potential visitors from all over the globe.

Dual Motives: Tourism and Politics

From an outsider's perspective, it might seem like the primary motives driving Modi's participation were dual-fold. On one hand, there is the clear attempt to promote tourism and to foster a love for nature within the Indian populace. On the other hand, the episode's staging could be perceived as a political move designed to capture public sentiments and to build a narrative around Modi as a leader who is in touch with the masses, especially during election periods.

The episode seemed to depict Modi as a man who is capable of withstanding the pressures of the natural world, thereby reinforcing his image as a strong and resilient leader. The opportunity to portray this image was particularly timely, coinciding with the recent election triumph of the BJP party.

The Disorientation of Democracy

Following the airing of the episode, several political developments ensued, including a significant shift in the political landscape. In Sikkim, for instance, ten opposition members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) switched parties to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a move that could be seen as a political manipulation tactic. This was part of a broader strategy by the BJP, which has been engaged in political defections to consolidate its power in various states.

Ironically, this 'Smash and Grab' approach by the BJP contrasts sharply with the BJP’s public image. Constructed over years of discourse and strategic interviews, the BJP’s image is carefully crafted to portray Modi as a modest, patriotic leader who has been tirelessly working for the country. The Man vs Wild episode was just another tool in this image-building campaign, designed to showcase Modi's close connection with the people and nature.

The question remains: Is it worth submitting to the grandeur of this facade without considering the internal affairs? As viewers and citizens, we must ensure that our judgment is not swayed solely by political or promotional images and instead, focus on the underlying issues and the integrity of governance.

Conclusion

The cooperation with Bear Grylls in Man vs Wild was a multifaceted effort aimed at promoting both environmental awareness and tourism. While it presents Modi as a man of the people, it also reveals the strategic and political manipulations underlying such public appearances. As citizens, it is our responsibility to maintain a clear and critical perspective, ensuring that the actions of our leaders align with our values and aspirations for a better nation.