Bold and Bald Bapuji

Bapuji, neon installation, Tania Sen

In the twilight of the British Empire, a figure emerged, his smooth bald head and round gold-framed glasses becoming symbols of a revolution. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known affectionately as “Bapuji,” walked the earth with nothing but a loincloth, a law degree from London, and an unyielding spirit. His mission was simple yet profound: to promote homespun cotton and challenge the might of an empire. Churchill, with his characteristic wit, dubbed him the “naked fakir of India,” but Gandhi’s influence was anything but humorous.

Adored by his followers, Gandhi’s choice of a bald head was a testament to his ingenious simplicity, devoid of vanity. Fast forward to 1979, and another bald icon graced the screens: Aristotelis “Telly” Savalas. Known for his deep, resonant voice and his portrayal of Lt. Theo Kojak, Savalas embraced his baldness with a boldness that resonated with many. His shaven head, sometimes waxed to a gleaming sheen, became synonymous with confidence and style, earning the term “Kojacked.”

Neon Installation, Tania Sen

In San Francisco, however, the term “Kojacked” remains a mystery to many, who prefer the more straightforward “shaven head” or “polished head.” Yet, the appeal of a bald head transcends borders, known as “tonsure,” in parts of Europe, a ritual of religious initiation denouncing vanity. In India, the “Mundan” ceremony marks a boy’s entry into a patriarchal role. Today Aging men embrace a clean-shaven head as dignified escape from the inevitability of hair loss.

Gandhi’s baldness was purely practical, but his legacy is far from simple. The statue of Gandhi near the Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco has faced its share of adversity, from stolen eyeglasses to roosting pigeons. Recently, protests have called for its removal, citing Gandhi’s alleged oppression of various Indian minorities. The statue, under the purview of the Arts Commission, now stands at a crossroads, with potential replacements like Dr. Ambedkar and Nelson Mandela being considered.

As history is reexamined through the lens of modern sensibilities, the narratives of once-revered figures are being rewritten. Protests, though sometimes unfounded, reflect the non-linear evolution of consciousness. If we erase the past entirely, we risk losing the very essence of human civilization, much like a head “Kojacked” of its history.

This October 2nd, he will still be remembered for his 155th birthday!

Co-created wth ChatGPT