The tricolour flutters in the monsoon breeze. Its bright colours dazzle in the backdrop of the grey skies. It happens every year as it infuses a fresh dose of patriotism into our weary minds. Preparations for the Independence Day celebrations start off days ahead with much-needed fervour. But this year, something seems different. The atmosphere is charged, the spirits high and the tricolour ready to dominate the skies in full glory, announcing its presence to the world.
The other day while watching TV, I saw the ending of an ad where the once-upon-a-time big-screen diva Madhuri Dixit was saying something about boys don’t make others cry. As I had not seen the complete ad, this little teaser intrigued me and I wanted to see the whole of it. I sat in front of the idiot box, like an idiot, waiting for the ad to reappear. It was sometime before I was able to break free from its hypnotic grasp and think.
Ever since the Govt declared the Agnipath scheme, it’s been in the headlines more for the violence it has triggered across the nation than for what’s it about. So much so that there are more news articles telling us what’s burning where rather than what’s the reason for such anguish. Even before we could understand the proposal, our overzealous unemployed brethren have gone on a rampage destroying the Govt property of the very same Govt they want to work for. It’s really confusing, at least for me.
What do we plan to leave behind for the generations to come? An exhausted and pillaged planet? Loads of plastic waste? A world divided on petty and frivolous excuses? Or do we want them to feel grateful for their inheritance? Maybe a better quality of life? A proud heritage? A rich cultural legacy? Individual decisions are based on individual circumstances but as a generation of people what are we leaving behind? I’ve often wondered about this and the answers are always different.
It took Russia to attack Uzbekistan for our newspapers and news channels to change their headlines. Ever since the hijab ban controversy spiralled out of control, everyone (with any or no knowledge) was giving their unwarranted advice/suggestions/opinions. So I decided it’s time to express my feelings too. I mean why should I not, whether it makes sense or not to others is totally secondary and inconsequential. So here goes, and you don’t have to agree with what I say.