Was part of a conversation, listening, about how some cultures (if not almost all) have been formed by torturing people into submission or attempting (perhaps successfully at times) to vanquish entire peoples.
The film Dasavataram, and particularly the first 12 minutes was mentioned, and on a tangent, how scores of Samanargal were aethi-fied on Kazhuvus just because they refused to give up their religion. This is part of the glorious Tamil culture we are expected to be proud of. I am sure, various other cultures, of various other regions of India have similar stories. While I was an RJ, I got to hear stories of massacres in Srirangam while they defended the Lord that they held dear. Interestingly kings who have been responsible for mass murders such as these have been hailed and glorified.
What culture should we proud of? A culture and a history which in several parts has not been tolerant or another human being's way of life? A culture that is dynamic, makes new rules at various times and sadly such a crazy culture is still prevalent in this day and ages. Honor killings and this despicable behaviour of untouchability, treating another human being, made of the same flesh and blood as ourselves in such a terrible manner. Denying basic rights. And authorities look the other way.
I am wondering, what do the people who are in seats of power think of? What are their pressures? Why are they not allowed to bring change? Its not possible that they cannot feel even an iota for the country that they belong to. Love for the motherland, I'd like to believe is something that would automatically pulsate through our nerves. But why is it difficult for ministers to prevent the pollution of the Ganga? How and why where the industries set up on the banks without having the backup to treat effluents? The POSCO plant is perhaps an example that maybe, just maybe, inspite of all the high and mighty signing the papers, there is still hope when people stand up for what is right. How is that the PM is even announcing that 2,900 million litres of sewage is emptied DAILY? Why can't he stop it? To a common civilian and a citizen such as me and you, these will remain mere questions.
Perhaps like one hears, politicians and ministers are not masters of their own offices. Perhaps someone else makes the decisions for them which they are forced to obey. We, on the other hand, have pretty good lives. We can go about doing relatively simpler activities, live our lives being answerable only to very, very few and finally also leave the world, hopefully, after having lived the life that we had dreamed of.
But at the end of the day, there is this pang wishing that the wrongs are righted. And things are beautiful once again. And I so wish that the line in the Alchemist comes true especially with regard to my country, first - Wish for something strong enough and the universe conspires to make it happen.
If someone tells me, all this is mere talk (or blog/tweet) and nothing will happen, I usually adamantly differ. No begging or being polite here. I know, that some day that humans will find humanity. And I so wish it will happen in this life.
And for everyone's sake I wish all the people are treated equally. Especially in India. Without Prejudice. Without hatred. Someday. And hopefully soon
24 comments:
Hi,
I would like to share my opinion. I am a 3rd generation Hindu-Indian settled in Singapore. As much as we can take the Indian away from India, we cannot take the Indian-ness away from the India. And sadly, this is not an Indian-ness in the good sort of way. From my 27 yrs of existence and interaction with Indians world over for my whole life, one thing will never change. Discrimination , prejudice to each other and the worst of all, doing things only for other people's acknowledgement and not self satisfaction. It's sad truly.
Being in Singapore, we Indians here live with two other races, the Chinese and Malays. And I have never once seen them, Chinese or Malay, have prejudice against their own race. In fact, No matter what happens, they are always standing for their own race first. For us Indians, it is a totally different story. Everything is about maanam, rosham, "what would people think", Ivungai enna solvaangai, avungai enna solvaangai". then there is the hidden Jaathi and language problem. We are Indians! But no, no one will ever acknowledge that. They are either mallus, tamils, brahmins, naidus, and the list goes on.
Even after living with people of other races for 3 generations, I wonder why is it so difficult for us Indians to learn some good cohesive living examples from them?
I just feel prejudice was born in India and it has never left. :(
Hi,
I would like to share my opinion. I am a 3rd generation Hindu-Indian settled in Singapore. As much as we can take the Indian away from India, we cannot take the Indian-ness away from the India. And sadly, this is not an Indian-ness in the good sort of way. From my 27 yrs of existence and interaction with Indians world over for my whole life, one thing will never change. Discrimination , prejudice to each other and the worst of all, doing things only for other people's acknowledgement and not self satisfaction. It's sad truly.
Being in Singapore, we Indians here live with two other races, the Chinese and Malays. And I have never once seen them, Chinese or Malay, have prejudice against their own race. In fact, No matter what happens, they are always standing for their own race first. For us Indians, it is a totally different story. Everything is about maanam, rosham, "what would people think", Ivungai enna solvaangai, avungai enna solvaangai". then there is the hidden Jaathi and language problem. We are Indians! But no, no one will ever acknowledge that. They are either mallus, tamils, brahmins, naidus, and the list goes on.
Even after living with people of other races for 3 generations, I wonder why is it so difficult for us Indians to learn some good cohesive living examples from them?
I just feel prejudice was born in India and it has never left. :(
Nidta
nicely written, taking multiple perspectives on an incident or incidents in the past/present.
I totally agree with Paulo Coelho's theory. if even one person strongly wishes for something, it sows the seed for action.
Every action starts with a thought. this thought is all it takes for a possible action at an individual level.
I am sure you already do things that benefit not just you but others but don't feel the need to publicize it. every one such act you do is an action as well.
if enough people have similar such wants to do the change, then they will all be the change that they are looking for.
you putting this blog out is one such act. I am sure our country and this world will get to that day and here's my thought and wish towards that as well.
thanks for a good post.
Good article. However I feel we (including ex-gen) are also responsible for whatever we are facing now..
even alexandar was doing the same. history talks about him still. what is the change you are talking about? dont understand this post fully
-senthil
This is so true. And I'm sure you're echoing the feelings of so many here, mine included.It completely beats me as to why people cant do what they should be doing, for the love of their country or the job or the fellow-beings or anything (other than mammon)!! Merely doing that would make things a lot better, won't it? For, we do have the systems in place, at least to an extent.
And yet, very little seems to be happening...
What puzzles is the big question - where to start? Can you and I enter politics? Is that the way to clear the mess we all are in? Or at least administration? In that case, would we, as you very rightly pointed out, have the 'luxury' to make and execute the right decisions?
What dissuades is the numerous stories one hears of all the people who did try this route and were 'silenced' - by transfer to another lame area of work or silenced forever.
So what then is the answer?
I'm hoping I'll find a way. We'll all find a way. I read somewhere (was it on your blog?) that ideas are waiting out there, we need to grab them, give them the sign that we are ready...
What is worse is wrongs perceived/done as a right thing to do in a monarchy framework/culture being righted after eras in a way that would be wrong in a democratic framework/culture.
ilike_chinmayi so much , if incase if i am elder than her i would have proposed to her but i am sorry i dont have the privilidge to do so . her voice is so pwerfull to attract any man in india . u r great . your voice is more attractive than shreya goshal shreya goshal has to learn from you . chinmayi looks so cuuuuute in any dress . really nice looking singer with 99.98% ofg singing talent who can render any kind of songs with good attitude . you are super singer of india . please comeback to airtel supersinger . you are the best singer . you have nice knowledge
this girl is really talented to host any kind of singing shows
"Wish for something strong enough and the universe conspires to make it happen."
Recent happenings in Tunisia,Egypt,Libya,Yemen reinforce this. Of course everything is a conspiracy in its own way. We dont know if all the happened for good or became worse further looking at Iraq and Egypt now.
Anyways, keep the hopes alive and your prayers.
Why are you not giving your post a title? Title is the most important thing in SEO.
We, as a civilization are experts in last minute cover-up's. So, when issues escalate to a level that it becomes difficult for us to correct it, when issues affect our personal lives, when issues affect the politicians lives, only then we might think of changing something.
We are still a defensively reactive nation. We think, what's the big loss to us, let things remain as they are.
But the attitude of progressive societies are markedly proactive. They think, if Ganga is free from pollution, how many more tourists will visit the place? So, why don't we do it now?
The vested interests that come into play are mostly ignorant of what they are doing. They think that taking short cuts like discharging effluents in the river is going to save them a lot of money, instead of treating them.
But unfortunately they will carry on the same attitude in all their manufacturing related activities and come up with sub-par goods. How can they compete with the superior western or even Chinese products, then?
The best way to eradicate such things is to convince people (especially the influential ones) that what they are doing is wrong, not only for others but also for themselves. If it is really wrong, this should not be difficult? No one can refuse facts. I think the media should play that role, but its current unfortunate state is better not said.
ES
Hi ! I am a new visitor here. I would like to say as far as our culture is concerned, it should be preserved as it is for us to see how we have evolved. Even the nasty aspects show us our mistakes. What we make of culture is a reflection of our personality. And a sense of tolerance thankfully exits today to a large extent.
Regarding our nation, yes, I used to feel pessimistic too, wishing people would embrace equality on all fronts. I'd complain about corruption. Once, I saw an old lady bribe a garbage man to clear the twigs left over by a storm.I realised that she used an evil thing as a tool to help the entire community. I saw how she turned life's lemons to lemonade. Just wanted to share it here :-)
Hi! Am a new visitor here and a huge fan. Regarding our culture, I think it is important that all aspects should be preserved, the good and the bad for us to reflect upon. As you said, as one sect glorified the people who punished, there was another sect that glorified the people who stood up against it. As both these stories intertwined, we have to turn to history for facts but our culture remains multi-faceted and dynamic and I feel that's beautiful and how we perceive is a reflection of our personality.
Yes, I used to feel pessimistic about our nation's obsession with power and discrimination. Equality between people of different religions, castes and gender remains such a dream. But I just wanted to share an incident here, perhaps to show how we have marched forth. In the aftermath of a storm, our lane became inaccessible due to a large number of broken twigs. Our regular garbage man refused to remove them telling he wasn't paid for this. An old lady paid him Rs. 50 and he did it. I saw that corruption can be used as a tool to benefit the entire community at large. That lady wasn't even part of our street! She made me realise how to make lemonade from life's lemons. I think we have to make the best of what we have whilst we wait for our Utopia.
Hi! Am a new visitor here and a huge fan. Regarding our culture, I think it is important that all aspects should be preserved, the good and the bad for us to reflect upon. As you said, as one sect glorified the people who punished, there was another sect that glorified the people who stood up against it. As both these stories intertwined, we have to turn to history for facts but our culture remains multi-faceted and dynamic and I feel that's beautiful and how we perceive is a reflection of our personality.
Yes, I used to feel pessimistic about our nation's obsession with power and discrimination. Equality between people of different religions, castes and gender remains such a dream. But I just wanted to share an incident here, perhaps to show how we have marched forth. In the aftermath of a storm, our lane became inaccessible due to a large number of broken twigs. Our regular garbage man refused to remove them telling he wasn't paid for this. An old lady paid him Rs. 50 and he did it. I saw that corruption can be used as a tool to benefit the entire community at large. That lady wasn't even part of our street! She made me realise how to make lemonade from life's lemons. I think we have to make the best of what we have whilst we wait for our Utopia.
Hi ,
All these wishes might come true only when every individual in this country realizes that he is responsible for the formation of the society.
To my knowledge Individuals are there across the length and breadth of this country where they don't caste their vote, if not atleast fill in the 049 form during the elections.Rather than they support for all agitation against corruption for their own publicity.
Even though i have a strong feel that the present situation will not change in the near future, let me hope all those wishes of yours come true!
In India,equality will be restored easily,if people follow the basics of life.diverting fundamentals such as not taking care of own children,relatives and friends by richpeople only create such biass in society,hope everything change soon,your essay is torch in the dark path
Well articulated. History as they say is a double edged sword!! I feel its all because of insecurites we as induviduals as well as collectively as a society posses!!
And ofcourse making all things right is a slow process that is gonna take a long time!! One can only hope that education makes ppl more socially aware and politicians more responsible!! Thats a distant dream, but small steps sure are being taken in the right direction!!!
Wonderful that a celebrity like you finds time to blog some really sensible stuff. I nvr knew that you were such a wonderful blogger. Really enjoyed ur blog!! Possibly u can do a bit more with your twitter posts to create more interest amongst ppl abt blogging!!
hi, chin. just curious, thou u sound different with each song that u sing, i somehow could not relate you to maiya yeshotha and vizhigaliley from kulanari kutham.(a personal veiw).how did the music directors inspired you for both this song? tc.cheers* mayoori.
I would highly recommend that you read "Breaking India" by Rajiv Malhotra to understand how, in a huge way, there are external forces that have influenced the way we live and interpret things in our society.
For example, one Mr. Risley during the colonial times classified and stratified the castes in India during the 1901 census, and brought a totally new life and form to it. And of all things, one of the major basis for his classification was the size of the nose. We all know how much the caste system plays a role in today's politics, education and everyday life.
This is not an attempt to point fingers. While I agree that this disparity has to be exterminated at all costs, it is extremely critical to understand the roots of today's misguided prejudices, and also to understand the larger forces at work, in order to effectively go about this mission.
Hi chin,
Nice thought neat presentation good to see ur interest towards our INDIA
1st time i read ur blogg lastweek really responsible person you are :) :) :)
keep blogging & hearty congrats on winning AWARD in ABROAD.
Nice to see u in tv live for audio function in black gorgeous black dress n singing egiripo song sung at exact 8:57pm.
N now iam starting listening to all songs of urs chin this month decided :) :) :)
Wanna guess me???
UR outstanding guttsy woman,
Iam not against our country but against our rusty laws still could? ok iam nothing in big ocean hope u got me
thanx chin
plz dont twitt but mailme waiting waiting waiting to my 1st two names combined n followed by gmail thatsit plz.
Happy may day :)
I think the issues which you mentioned in our culture prevails in almost all the cultures. (Japanese/Chinese/Arab/American Indian). I think all the cultures are changing with time as people are getting used to the changes of the time.
Regarding the change, I think it needs to happen at the individual level. It needs to happen at a family level. At the end of the day, most of the people are still tied to their family, they justify their actions (their corruption especially) saying that they are doing it for the family. Why can't the family consisting of parents, wife, kids raise their voice and change ?
The well-educated, well bred Indians behave very well according to the rules of the countries where they live. (Find one person who trashes in Singapore or in USA) but the same set of people when they land in India behave otherwise. Why cant they incorporate the change to their immediate family and friends which they have undergone ? But not that may people is ready for confrontation.
At the end of the day, an individual's attitude needs to change. "Siru thuli perum vellam" - Small changes will go big if it is incorporated inthe right place.
My 3.5 yr old son is in montesoori school and according to their philosophy, "change is possible with order,consistency and repetitiveness". He has changed our habits for good because he does not think that other way exists. It took some time but he did convert us. Similarly, if each and every individual starts making efforts to do one thing, change is definitely possible.
Regards
Bhuvana
USA
Hi Chinmayi,
Read in a news that " Vagai Sooda Vaa" is being felicitated at an international film festival and the awards category include best play back singer also. I hope the same is for "sara kathu" song!!!!.
Hey chin,
Iam balam praveen meru dynamic allrounder melaga a hardwork passion sincearity gurinchi chala adagalani undi but may b mailo matladochemo chepandi..... meku ok anipistay mail cheyandi or else ignore this one
balampraveen@gmail.com
ok naa take care happy friday chin my fav day in week :) :) :)
I would like to bring in a different perspective.. The external reality a.k.a. society/world is just a reflection of our interiority a.k.a our inner world (mind).. J.Krishnamurti says "You are the world and the world is you!"... Unless we bring in a transformation to ourselves this is not possible.. There is no use in blaming politicians or others... They are in the clutches of unconsciousness.. Recall that, Jesus on the cross said "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" - this essentially means people who do such evil acts are doing it because of their own unconsciousness.. They are also victims of a different kind... So, you could ask me how if an individual (say you) brings in a total inner transformation, the world will change? Yes, it will because we are all connected via a the spiritual dimension. The word individual originally meant "Indivisible" - which hints at the fact that the entire humanity is just one consciousness (which can't be divided any further). So, if you want to change the ways of the world, it is high time for you and me to look at the violence inside us (a.k.a anger, anxiety, fear, desire etc) and set ourselves free from it first. Once we do that and then if we talk about changing the world then it will make a lot more sense. In other words, we need to first put our house in order and only then we can talk about keeping the streets clean!!!
I suggest you to look over this series (of dialogue with J. Krishnamurti) to understand what I am trying to say here: "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYAYgU2w9I4&feature=relmfu"
It is not easy to watch this big series and you need a lot of patience to watch them.
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