REQUIEM FOR THE MOVIES

A decision has been made. I do not intend to watch any more movies. I occasionally used to watch a movie or two. That too will be more infrequent hence forth. The last three movies watched by me have been more than a waste-of-time and made me feel otherwise very strongly. If I don’t take this extreme step I may end up being an optimistic addict, watching one movie after another in the hope of watching one good movie someday.

Once in a theatre, I accept the limitation to move around. But watching a movie (nowadays) gives me the same helplessness as I would be if I left my life at the mercy of destiny; because I am not only restraining myself physically and mentally but emotionally as well. My imagination is limited only to thoughts of what else could have done with the time I am butchering and wallowing in self pity.

So I have decided to take refuge in books. To analyze them at my own pace; the endless options that lay in the next pages making me the ‘script writer’, to internalize the beauty of words, imagine the sets and the characters as if I am the ‘creative designer’ of my own movie and to give my characters their own life and emotions as a ‘director’ would.

So do let me know when there is a movie in town which will turn my opinion around and I will definitely let you know when there is a good book out there to be experienced.

Prejudice

Prejudice

To you,

Could be just a word

a preconceived opinion

a mindset

a bias.

But to me, It’s

shattered dreams

snatched opportunity
unnecessary heart ache

grave injustice!

A lesson, an eye opener

on how not to live life

to see both sides of the coin

to give everyone and everything

A FAIR CHANCE.

A humble request
nourish your soul

free yourself of prejudice
and dense mindsets

will ya?

Land of Indians

India, earlier known as Hindu-stan (land of Hindus), has been a rich county both economically and culturally. From Ancient times, the community in India has been divided into 4 major sections. The 4 layered social order (aka caste) according to precedence is given below:
1. The Brahmins -- those engaged in sacrifices, and priestly functions
2. The Kshtriyas -- Rulers and warriors
3. The Vaishyas -- Merchants, farmers, and tradesmen
4. The Shudras -- Laborers, craftsmen, service professions

The caste system began with the arrival of the Aryans in India. Since then the classification was so strong the people from one strata would not take up the responsibility of another. The non-allegiance of Vaishyas to assist Kshatriyas is suspected to be the sole reason for the defeat of India to the hands of Alexander, the Great.

Once India freed herself from the British rule, the government wanted to avoid being a capitalist or socialist economy but at the same time being a secular country. On the contrary, due the complex social development and prevailing conditions of post-independent India, the caste system has morphed, and even developed. Every Indian knows about her own caste as well as the caste of his acquaintances. Caste was a deciding factor in decisions involving marriage, job opportunities, and religious sacraments.

In today’s economy there is only place for merit. Darwin’s theory of “survival of the fittest” is far more accurate in this situation than anywhere else or anytime else. The reality of caste seems to be a myth inspite of the motive of political parties using Caste and Social Strata to give themselves political mileage.

Like the way any organization aligns itself to the changing dynamic market, India too has altered and transformed her customs and beliefs to retain its affluence both in economy and culture. Perhaps it is accurate to say caste system is on the decline rather than saying undergoing radical transformation. India has become a “Land of Indians” in the truest sense.