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NEW DELHI -- Javed Akhtar's farewell speech in Rajya Sabha had quite a few knocks and punches for the Modi government and the Opposition over India's fair share of problems, but his stern message was delivered with grace and good humor.
The celebrated poet made only one exception.
Akhtar blasted Asaduddin Owaisi, a Lok Sabha lawmaker from Hyderabad, who recently said that he won't say "Bharat mata ki jai" even Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, puts a knife to his throat.
Owaisi also said that the Constitution did not require him to say "Bharat mata ki jai."
Mocking Owaisi for describing himself as a "national leader," Akhtar said, "The constitution doesn’t tell him to wear a sherwani and a topi."
"Saying 'Bharat mata ki jai' is not my duty, it my right and I say Bharat Mata ki jai, Bharat Mata ki jai, Bharat Mata ki jai," Akhtar said. "I condemn his remark and his idea in the strongest possible manner."
Akhtar said that he also detested another slogan: Musalman ke do sthaan: kabristan ya Pakistan (Muslims have two places: cemetery or Pakistan).
Akhtar, a noted lyricist and scriptwriter of the Indian film industry, concluded his six years in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
In his 15-minute speech, he talked about how India's potential is being curtailed by its political leaders, who are preoccupied with furthering their political agenda instead of advancing the interests of the country.
"Just stop caring about the next election and everything can be achieved," he said.
The poet, who received the Padma Bhushan in 2007, urged the Modi government to reign the "growing fringe," which is a threat to minorities and free speech in India.
Akhtar said that India was at the crossroads, where it would have to decide whether it wants to become like those countries where people tongues and cut out and they are executed for speaking their mind, or whether it would follow the example of those countries where films such as The Last Temptation of Christ are made without fear.
In a democracy, Akhtar said, the majority and a minority point of view can never be permanent. "There can be no democracy without secularism," he said.
This snake also called Daboia, is named after Patrick Russell, a Scottish herpetologist who possibly was the first to distinguish and describe Indian snakes. Commonly found in Punjab and Bengal, this aggressive snake has earned a reputation for being one of the deadliest snakes. While several venomous snakes will deliver dry bites, Russell's viper always attempts to deliver a maximum venom dosage. (credit:utahmatz/Flickr)
Indian Krait(02 of10)
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Part of the 'Big Four' (the four venomous snakes in India responsible for delivering the most snake bites), the Indian or blue krait is a largely nocturnal snake by nature. It is often found in water sources, and delivers a bite that can be mistaken for something less fatal. (credit:Wild Clicks/ YouTube)
Saw-Scaled Viper(03 of10)
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A (smallish) snake, the saw-scaled viper is found in the rocky regions of Maharastra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. It is largely nocturnal by nature, and extremely aggressive if aggravated. It has rough-looking scales with lightly coloured rounded patches on top, and undulating lines that extend from its head to its posterior. (credit:Frupus/Flickr)
Spectacled Cobra(04 of10)
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Also known as Naja naja, this cobra should not be mistaken for the King cobra. It comes under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. A heavy-bodied snake, it can be easily identified by its hood that features a significant marking at the top of its hood. Cobras are mostly shy by nature, but can deliver a fearsome bite -- their venom contains neurotoxins that can lead to respiratory paralysis and cardiac failure. (credit:Rahul Alvares/Flickr)
King Cobra(05 of10)
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Equally revered and feared, the King Cobra is possibly the worlds longest venomous snake. This snake is unique from other cobras in a number of ways: it feeds on other snakes, has a narrower hood, and features different markings on its head. When aggravated, this snake can raise one-thirds of its body, however by large is of a placid nature. It is also the only snake in the world that builds a nest for its young. (credit:viperskin/Flickr)
Hump-Nosed Pit Viper(06 of10)
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Often found in dense jungles and coffee plantations (especially Kerala), this type of viper features smooth scales and a wide triangular head that is distinctly broader than the neck. It's name is given on account of its snout that is wide and slightly upturned. Largely nocturnal by nature, this snake's bites can systemic toxicity and fatalities. (credit:Dr. Caesar Photography/Flickr)
Malabar Pit Viper(07 of10)
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This type of viper features a prehensile tail that can grasp or hold objects, and is commonly found in Southern and Western India. Mostly found during the monsoon season, these nocturnal snakes are capable of fast strikes. (credit:balharsh/Flickr)
Bamboo Pit Viper(08 of10)
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This brilliantly-hued nocturnal snake features folded fangs (so the snake won't bite itself). Bites from this snake result in acute pain and swelling, and it is often hunted for its attractive skin colour and venomous nature. (credit:Dr. Caesar Photography/Flickr)
Yellow-Lipped Sea Krait(09 of10)
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A venomous sea snake found in Indo-Pacific waters, the yellow-lipped sea krait regularly take to land to drink fresh water. This snake's tail is often mistaken for its head by oncoming prey, which it uses to its advantage. A beautiful and shy animal, this slim snake is extremely venomonous, and can be confused with eels. (credit:wildsingapore/Flickr)
Indian Rock Python(10 of10)
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Called Ajgar in Hindi, this type of python can grow up to almost 10 feet in length on an average. These snakes, in spite of their giant sizes are timid by nature, and quite at home in the water. Often hunted because of its size, and tough but beautiful skin, the python (like most other pythons) is non-venomous, and kills its prey by crushing it with its coils. (credit:Pandiyan/Flickr)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.