Debate Sparks Over Vasco da Gama’s 500th Death Anniversary Commemoration, Shashi Tharoor reacts

A discussion has erupted on social media about whether Kerala should commemorate the 500th death anniversary of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route to India. Entrepreneur Kuldeep Sharma proposed the idea on Twitter, tagging Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP, and Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala’s Chief Minister, suggesting an event to mark the historical milestone.
Sharma highlighted Vasco da Gama’s monumental arrival in Kozhikode on May 20, 1498, which revolutionized global trade with India. He also noted that Vasco da Gama passed away in Kochi on December 24, 1524, making it a significant date in history.
Tharoor’s Thought-Provoking Response
Responding to the suggestion, Shashi Tharoor posed a challenging counterpoint, asking what exactly would be commemorated. He raised critical questions:
Would the commemoration celebrate exploitation and the colonial oppression that followed Vasco da Gama’s arrival?
Should it focus on the “discovery” of India by Europeans, a term that discounts India’s pre-existing global connections?
Would it simply acknowledge an unchangeable fact of history, detached from its consequences?
Tharoor’s response underscored the complex legacy of Vasco da Gama’s voyage, which opened India to European trade but also ushered in centuries of colonization, exploitation, and violence.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The debate has drawn mixed reactions:
Supporters of Commemoration: Some argue that Vasco da Gama’s journey was a turning point in global trade and should be remembered for its historical significance.
Critics: Others, echoing Tharoor, highlight the darker consequences of his arrival, including the beginning of colonial domination and the exploitation of India’s resources.
Historical Context
Vasco da Gama’s landing in Kozhikode established direct maritime trade between Europe and India, significantly impacting both economies. However, his expeditions were also marked by acts of violence and coercion, which laid the foundation for European colonization in India.
The Larger Question
The debate brings to light a broader question: how should India remember historical figures like Vasco da Gama, whose actions had both transformative and devastating impacts? The discussion reflects the complexities of interpreting history, balancing recognition of significant events with acknowledgment of their consequences.
Whether or not Kerala will choose to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s death anniversary remains to be seen, but the discourse underscores the importance of critically evaluating history in its entirety.