In a world increasingly divided by borders, politics, and opinions, there comes a time when we must look across cultures and continents for wisdom. While former U.S. President Donald Trump has often turned to social media (and the mirror) for advice, perhaps it’s time he tuned into India’s longest-running sitcom: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC).
Yes, you heard that right. The quirky residents of Mumbai’s beloved Gokuldham Society may have more life lessons to offer than some presidential briefings. Here are 10 lessons Trump could learn from this legendary Indian TV soap.
1. Learn to Laugh at Yourself — Like Jethalal Does
Jethalal Gada, the bumbling but lovable electronics shop owner, finds himself in sticky situations almost every day. Yet, he handles it all with comic timing and a big smile. Trump, who’s been known to bristle at even the mildest jokes, could benefit from Jethalal’s humility. Imagine Trump responding to late-night TV jabs with a “Aiyyo Popatlal!” instead of a 2 a.m. tweetstorm.
2. Diversity Is Strength, Not a Threat
Gokuldham Society is a masterclass in unity in diversity — Gujaratis, Maharashtrians, South Indians, Sikhs, and even Biharis all live together, fight together, and dance garba together. Trump’s immigration policies might have been more inclusive if he’d spent time watching Sodhi shout “Oye balle balle!” next to Dr. Hathi’s “Sahi baat hai!”
3. Women Run the World (And the Household)
From Daya’s garba diplomacy to Madhavi’s business savvy and Anjali’s health crusade, the women of TMKOC keep everything in order. Trump, known for his complicated history with gender politics, might do well to binge-watch a few episodes and see what true matriarchal strength looks like — no hush money required.
4. A Little Tapu Sena Goes a Long Way
While grown-ups argue, the kids — Tapu Sena — step up to solve problems and unite the community. Whether it’s organizing events, catching thieves, or teaching moral lessons, these kids outdo many political advisors. Trump could have used a Tapu Sena to handle PR during, say, a certain global pandemic.
5. Apologize — and Mean It
When a Gokuldham resident makes a mistake, there’s often a long monologue, folded hands, and a heartfelt apology. Trump, on the other hand, treats apologies like expired cheeseburgers — best avoided. A sincere “Sorry, folks. I goofed up” could’ve gone a long way.
6. Unity in Crisis
Power cuts, property issues, ghost sightings — Gokuldham Society handles everything as a team. Trump often claimed to be the “only one” who could fix things. Maybe he missed the part where teamwork makes the dream work.
7. Don’t Take Credit for Everything
In TMKOC, even if Jethalal accidentally solves a problem, he never hogs the limelight (okay, almost never). Trump’s famous for taking credit — from the stock market to the invention of rain. Maybe it’s time to admit that sometimes, good things happen even when you’re not tweeting.
8. Respect Your Elders (And Their Wisdom)
Champaklal, Jethalal’s father, is the moral compass of the show. He’s often the calm voice of reason and traditional wisdom. Trump could use a little Champak chacha in his life — someone to say, “Beta, ab bas karo.”
9. Laughter Is a Powerful Tool — Not Just Rallies
TMKOC has used humor to address everything from civic sense to environmental issues. Trump, while charismatic, tends to use platforms to fuel anger and division. Maybe he should try stand-up — with a positive twist. After all, even Dictator Hitler was a character in a TMKOC episode. They pulled it off. With laughs.
10. Less Drama, More Dharma
Ultimately, the show is about community, love, and values. It’s goofy, yes, but grounded in Indian traditions of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family. Trump might benefit from less “fake news” and more “Gokuldham News,” where the worst scandal is Bhide losing the society keys again.
Final Thoughts
Politics is serious business. But sometimes, wisdom comes wrapped in laughter. If a fictional society in Mumbai can teach us about unity, respect, and joy, perhaps even the most polarizing global leaders can take a page — or a full episode — from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
And who knows? One day, we might see Trump at a Gokuldham cultural program, doing garba in a Modi kurta, shouting, “Daya, mujhe dandiya sikhao!”
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