Lessons in dignity: What India can learn from the Vatican funeral of Pope Francis

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat

Ethics and aesthetics are the cornerstones of our identity and history. They define who we are and how we are remembered. I have often observed these values in Europe during significant events, and I wonder why we, in India, struggle to emulate such dignity and authenticity. Instead, we often find ourselves caught in the artificiality of performative gestures, waiting for the camera's gaze or the allure of live television. Our leaders, or Netas, rarely pay genuine tribute to the people; instead, they seize these moments to push their agendas.

The recent passing of Pope Francis was a poignant reminder of how events can be conducted with grace and dignity. World leaders, monarchs, presidents, and prime ministers gathered at the Vatican for his funeral. The event was meticulously planned, evoking a sense of awe and reverence. Such grandeur and order are reminiscent of royal ceremonies in London. Every society has its unique style, reflecting its traditions and history. While I respect this diversity, there are lessons our administrators and planners can take to heart.

In India, the passing of a prominent leader often devolves into chaos. For days, it becomes a political spectacle, with supporters weeping, shouting slogans, and creating unnecessary drama. This has become our norm. The recent last journey of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh highlighted this issue. The vehicle carrying his body sped through the streets, with people dangerously running behind. Such scenes are not only disorganized but perilous. Why can't we adopt a more structured approach? Instead of encouraging people to chase vehicles, we could organize tributes at designated venues or cremation grounds, ensuring safety and dignity.

Another area where we can learn is the sense of responsibility and maturity often displayed by the Christian community and the Western world. Their leaders speak with wisdom and restraint, unlike many of our Dharmgurus, who often resort to provocative and irresponsible rhetoric. While Christianity has its flaws, it has shown a remarkable ability to learn and evolve. Pope Francis exemplified this with his courage and conviction. He stood with the people of Gaza, called for an end to war, and initiated reforms within the Church, even in the face of opposition. His leadership showcased the Church's diversity, with representation from Africa, Latin America, and Asia, breaking the stereotype of European dominance.

The funeral of Pope Francis was a masterclass in dignity. Leaders from over 130 countries attended, yet there was no VIP culture. Cameras did not focus on individuals, and no one received special treatment. The procession through Vatican City and Rome was marked by discipline and respect. The prayers and choir resonated in traditional languages, not English, preserving the authenticity of the occasion. This stands in stark contrast to the melodrama and political messaging that often mar similar events in India.

As we reflect on these differences, it is clear that we have much to learn. Moving away from VIP culture, sloganeering, and political opportunism is essential. The Vatican funeral was a testament to unity and respect, reinforcing faith in the institution of the Papacy. Pope Francis's legacy of outreach and reform should inspire us to strive for a more dignified and ethical approach in our own traditions and ceremonies.

---

*Human rights defender

Comments

Gujarat minority rights group seeks suspension of Botad police officials for brutal assault on minor

By A Representative A human rights group, the Minority Coordination Committee (MCC) Gujarat, has written to the Director General of Police (DGP), Gandhinagar, demanding the immediate suspension and criminal action against police personnel of Botad police station for allegedly brutally assaulting a minor boy from the Muslim community.

On Teachers’ Day, remembering Mother Teresa as the teacher of compassion

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ It is Teachers’ Day once again! Significantly, the day also marks the Feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta (still lovingly called Mother Teresa). In 2012, the United Nations, as a fitting tribute to her, declared this day the International Day of Charity. A day pregnant with meaning—one that we must celebrate as meaningfully as possible.

Targeted eviction of Bengali-speaking Muslims across Assam districts alleged

By A Representative A delegation led by prominent academic and civil rights leader Sandeep Pandey visited three districts in Assam—Goalpara, Dhubri, and Lakhimpur—between 2 and 4 September 2025 to meet families affected by recent demolitions and evictions. The delegation reported widespread displacement of Bengali-speaking Muslim communities, many of whom possess valid citizenship documents including Aadhaar, voter ID, ration cards, PAN cards, and NRC certification.

A comrade in culture and controversy: Yao Wenyuan’s revolutionary legacy

By Harsh Thakor* This year marks two important anniversaries in Chinese revolutionary history—the 20th death anniversary of Yao Wenyuan, and the 50th anniversary of his seminal essay "On the Social Basis of the Lin Biao Anti-Party Clique". These milestones invite reflection on the man whose pen ignited the first sparks of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and whose sharp ideological interventions left an indelible imprint on the political and cultural landscape of socialist China.

Gandhiji quoted as saying his anti-untouchability view has little space for inter-dining with "lower" castes

By A Representative A senior activist close to Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar has defended top Booker prize winning novelist Arundhati Roy’s controversial utterance on Gandhiji that “his doctrine of nonviolence was based on an acceptance of the most brutal social hierarchy the world has ever known, the caste system.” Surprised at the police seeking video footage and transcript of Roy’s Mahatma Ayyankali memorial lecture at the Kerala University on July 17, Nandini K Oza in a recent blog quotes from available sources to “prove” that Gandhiji indeed believed in “removal of untouchability within the caste system.”

'Govts must walk the talk on gender equality, right to health, human rights to deliver SDGs by 2030'

By A Representative With just 64 months left to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global health and rights advocates have called upon governments to honour their commitments on gender equality and the human right to health. Speaking ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), experts warned that rising anti-rights and anti-gender pushes are threatening hard-won progress on SDG-3 (health and wellbeing) and SDG-5 (gender equality).

Is U.S. fast losing its financial and technological edge under Trump’s second tenure?

By Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra* The United States, along with its Western European allies, once promoted globalization as a democratic force that would deliver shared prosperity and balanced growth. That promise has unraveled. Globalization, instead of building an even world, has produced one defined by inequality, asymmetry of power, and new vulnerabilities. For decades, Washington successfully turned this system to its advantage. Today, however, under Trump’s second administration, America is attempting to exploit the weaknesses of others without acknowledging how exposed it has become itself.

Bhojpuri cinema’s crisis: When popularity becomes an excuse for vulgarity

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* Bhojpuri cinema is expanding rapidly. Songs from new films are eagerly awaited, and the industry is hailed for its booming business. Yet, big money and mass popularity do not automatically translate into quality cinema or meaningful content. The market has compelled us to celebrate numbers, even when what is being produced is deeply troubling.

What mainstream economists won’t tell you about Chinese modernisation

By Shiran Illanperuma China’s modernisation has been one of the most remarkable processes of the 21st century and one that has sparked endless academic debate. Meng Jie (孟捷), a distinguished professor from the School of Marxism at Fudan University in Shanghai, has spent the better part of his career unpacking this process to better understand what has taken place.

Counterview

Search This Blog