Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Old is gold....not in today's world

I hate to curse my darling actor, Aamir over and over. But when it comes to the matter of eye-opener-Satyamev Jayate it can't be neglected. Here it becomes essential to open my loudmouth just to express my feelings.


The last episode was the reality of life of the old people who are discarded from the house by their children on the pretext of so called busy life. Initially, the topic seemed interesting but gradually found that the script was totally messed up. On some occasions it was extremely difficult to understand whether Aamir was supporting the idea of getting rid of parents or was against it.


The Actor was stressing on the concept of old age homes and things of that sort in every state. He felt it necessary that the number of old age homes with variety of entertainment centers in-built are essential. Not only this, it showed some of the old age homes how they try to make these old people happy and carefree.

Every minute I felt as if it was a medium through which they were tempting us to take that horrifying step of just leaving our parents like orphans. Were they trying to impose the culture of dusting our responsibilities towards elders when they need us the most? Its truly a shame on our part when there is an increase in such old age homes which only shows our selfish nature. No person can live such a beautiful life with whatsoever pleasures when given if he is kept away from his/her family.


Add to that innovative ideas like remarriage, live-in relationships and what not, so that elders can become 'independent' (good riddance!!). The medicine is more dangerous than the disease.


I too find it very difficult to behave so, but sincerely pray on everyone's behalf that, none of us ever get this evil thought of separating our parents from the most beautiful place of their life-Home Sweet Home.


Finally, a pure selfish reasoning behind why we should actually avoid making them happy through the above "other means". Right from the Kautilya Arthashastra (http://satyameva-jayate.org/2011/03/01/sukhasya-moolam/ slightly modified)


1. Sukhasya moolam Dharmah
Meaning – The basis of “sukha” or all true pleasantness  is “dharma” or righteous conduct.
2. Dharmasya moolam Arthah
Meaning- The basis of all “dharma” is “artha” or wealth. (empty stomach knows no righteousness)
3. Arthasya moolam Rajyam
Meaning – The basis of all “artha” is “rajya” or the State (only a well managed state can ensure that people can earn good wealth).
4.  Rajyasya moolam Indriya Jayah
Meaning – The basis for the stability of the State lies in control over the “indriya“ or sense faculties providing pleasure (only those with  high self-control can take wise decisions without falling prey to sense faculties).
5.  Indriyajayasya moolam Vinayah
Meaning – The basis for control over the sense faculties is in “vinay” or humility. ( humility cleanses you from within)
6. Vinayasya moolam Vruddhopasevah
Meaning – The basis for humility is service to those grown old through wisdom.
7. Vruddhopasevaya Vijnanam
Meaning – Through service of those old people, one attains knowledge (through their vast experience).


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Relations Forever....

Back in the late 80's and 90's there was just Doordarshan but still there was plenty to look forward to. Hindi films songs based programmes like Chitrahaar, Chayageet were among my favourites. Absolutely no plans were made on Sundays as this was the day of Hindi Movies.

I remember faintly of watching the movie 'Aandhi' as a kid but had found it totally boring. 'Tere bina jindagi se koi shikwaa nahi' is one of my all time favourite song and so the strong desire to watch it once again rose. Finally, I managed to get the dvd last Sunday and was delighted after watching it. Thanks to Gulzar and Kamleshwar for such an amazing script. The sensational, humorous dialogues make the movie more alluring.

In the movie A.K.Hangal's dialogues; Na milne se kya rishtey tootatey hai? Woh rishta hee kya jo haath chutaney se toot jaay? were definitely heart-warming. Now I was fully determined that relations are made in heaven and come what may, they are forever. Then why the hell we are afraid of losing a person? There may be so many incidences in our life that we tend to detach from some of our precious people for various reasons, but if we think a bit we never loose them as every person in our life is a god sent with some purpose. Once the purpose is met he/she disappears. Not supporting the unrestrained lifestyle here, but yes, nobody is a show-stopper....

It is rightly said that Relationship is an art; each relation represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until that person arrives, dismantled after that person makes an exit.