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

Modi’s Israel visit strengthened Pakistan’s hand in US–Iran truce: Ex-Indian diplomat

By Jag Jivan M. K. Bhadrakumar , a career diplomat with three decades of service in postings across the former Soviet Union, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, and Turkey, has warned that the current truce in the US–Iran war is “fragile and ridden with contradictions.” Writing in his blog India Punchline , Bhadrakumar argues that while Pakistan has emerged as a surprising broker of dialogue, the durability of the ceasefire remains uncertain.

Manufacturing, services: India's low-skill, middle-skill labour remains underemployed

By Francis Kuriakose* The Indian economy was in a state of deceleration well before Covid-19 made its impact in early 2020. This can be inferred from the declining trends of four important macroeconomic variables that indicate the health of the economy in the last quarter of 2019.

Incarceration of Prof Saibaba 'revives' the question: What is crime, who is criminal?

By Kunal Pant* In 2016, a Supreme Court Judge asked the state of Maharashtra, “Do you want to extract a pound of flesh?” The statement was directed against the state for contesting the bail plea of Delhi University Professor GN Saibaba. Saibaba was arrested in 2014, a justification for which was to prevent him from committing what the police called “anti-national activities.”

Why Indo-Pak relations have been on 'knife’s edge' , hostilities may remain for long

By Utkarsh Bajpai* The past few decades have seen strides being made in all aspects of life – from sticks and stones to weaponry. The extreme case of this phenomenon has been nuclear weapons. The menace caused by nuclear weapons in the past is unforgettable. Images of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from 1945 come to mind, after the United States dropped two atomic bombs on the cities.

Food security? Gujarat govt puts more than 5 lakh ration cards in the 'silent' category

By Pankti Jog* A new statistical report uploaded by the Gujarat government on the national food security portal shows that ensuring food security for the marginalized community is still not a priority of the state. The statistical report, uploaded on December 24, highlights many weaknesses in implementing the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in state.

The soundtrack of resistance: How 'Sada Sada Ya Nabi' is fueling the Iran war

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* The Persian track “ Sada Sada Ya Nabi ye ” by Hossein Sotoodeh has taken the world by storm. This viral media has cut across linguistic barriers to achieve cult status, reaching over 10 million views. The electrifying music and passionate rendition by the Iranian singer have resonated across the globe, particularly as the high-intensity military conflict involving Iran entered its second month in March 2026.

Lata Mangeshkar, a Dalit from Devdasi family, 'refused to sing a song' about Ambedkar

By Pramod Ranjan* An artist is known and respected for her art. But she is equally, or even more so known and respected for her social concerns. An artist's social concerns or in other words, her worldview, give a direction and purpose to her art. History remembers only such artists whose social concerns are deep, reasoned and of durable importance. Lata Mangeshkar (28 September 1929 – 6 February 2022) was a celebrated playback singer of the Hindi film industry. She was the uncrowned queen of Indian music for over seven decades. Her popularity was unmatched. Her songs were heard and admired not only in India but also in Pakistan, Bangladesh and many other South Asian countries. In this article, we will focus on her social concerns. Lata lived for 92 long years. Music ran in her blood. Her father also belonged to the world of music. Her two sisters, Asha Bhonsle and Usha Mangeshkar, are well-known singers. Lata might have been born in Indore but the blood of a famous Devdasi family...

'Batteries now cheap enough for solar to meet India's 90% demand': Expert quotes Ember study

By A Representative Shankar Sharma, Power & Climate Policy Analyst, has urged India’s top policymakers to reconsider the financial and ecological implications of the country’s energy transition strategy in light of recent global developments. In a letter dated April 10, 2026, addressed to the Union Ministers of Finance, Power, New & Renewable Energy, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and the Vice Chair of NITI Aayog, with a copy to the Prime Minister, Sharma highlighted concerns over India’s ambitious plans for coal gasification and the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR).

Labour unrest in Manesar trigger tensions: Recently enacted labour codes blamed

By A Representative A civil rights coalition has expressed concern over recent developments in the industrial hub of Manesar in Haryana, where a series of labour actions and police responses have drawn attention. A statement, released by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR), said it stood in solidarity with workers in IMT Manesar and other parts of the country, while also alleging instances of police excess during ongoing unrest.

Search This Blog