Dhritarashtra

While I'm on the topic of India Against Corruption, I'm reminded of one more incident.

Facebook was a major coordination center for India's second Freedom Struggle. The revolution began with a few LIKES and went on to amass unprecedented citizen support to the anti-corruption movement.  Neither the ruling party - the Congress - nor the opposition - BJP - were forthcoming in their support to implementing a strict Jan-Lokpal Bill and a strong Citizen's Charter. Evidently, they all faced stakes in  the outcome. Back then, one would see enthusiastic people create their own creative versions of the political situation at that time. Just about anyone and everyone whipped their creative milk over a satirical poster or status update.

One such poster that went viral in those days mocked Manmohan Singh for being a redundant administrator. The situation was straight out of Chanakya ---- History seemed to be replicating itself. Those who have seen the television series on Doordarshan.... or have studied a book on Kautilya or Alexander the Great would know!

On my part, I couldn't help equate our PM's character with that of King Dhritarashtra of the epic Mahabharata. Dhritarashtra was blind since birth and hence had to lose throne to his younger brother Pandu. After Pandu's premature death, Dhritarashtra once again got the opportunity to rule Hastinapur kingdom -- this time, he was deemed caretaker of the throne until a more suitable King was found. This left Dhritarashtra with much insecurity. He wished to hold on as a Ruler of the State despite all his practical limitations. Forced to choose a Crown Prince for Hastinapur, he mutely supported his own son Duryodhan, despite the fact that he wasn't virtuous enough to execute judicial duties. Duryodhan's crowing was in fact, an indirect means for the blind King to remain in power over the state. This deprived Pandu's five sons of their moral right to be the heirs... as they were more heroic and righteous than any of Dhritarashtra's progenies. Dhritarashtra's lust for the crown ultimately led way for Mahabharata - the greatest war for Dharma ever fought in history.

I discussed this view with my sister who promptly posted it as a status update on Facebook. A comparison was put up between Manmohan Singh and King Dhritarashtra. Our PM is an academician who has pursued Politics until a very ripe old age. He has earned Money, experienced Power, been on the most coveted seats of the nation for more than his share of years now. What more could a man wish for in life? Yet this gentleman chooses to turn a blind eye towards the corruption of his associates and supports them by staying mute all along. The man who is clean himself, should have resigned from his post and adopted Satsang (righteous company) instead in his sunset years. But his lust for the Prime Minister's seat continues.... and he's willing to adapt to Anything to remain there. There ends the comparison.

Soon after this post went online, dozens of "Likes" and Comments came cascading. Almost everybody agreed to the equation, except a few smarty pants who began comparing Mahabharata character-to-character to the current situation. "So, our PM is Dhritarashtra, then who is Sonia? And who are Arjuna and Krishna?" Before me or my sister could intervene to salvage the situation, we had a barrage of suggestions and arguments about who's who of Mahabharata in the present scenario. A war had just begun on my sister's profile page. I'm sure Aamrapali must have been very very sorry for having translated my thoughts onto her Facebook wall.

This is a familiar scene for me by now. I have lectured on Indian Mythology to so many groups. I still have to figure out a way to handle wise men who 'know' more about Mahabharata than Ved Vyas and Lord Ganesha together would. The purpose of our ancient sacred texts is to learn from their example and correct our way of life. Mahabharata - the epic- portrays characters of every shade that we could possibly see in our own lives. Our stories are similar, the situations we fall in and out of are also similar to the script of Mahabharata. And the script has stood the test of Time for millenia. As they say, TRUTH never changes. But the whole purpose of narration is wasted if the listener concentrates on exact tally.

So... NO, Sonia Gandhi isn't Bheeshma however much she guards the Gandhi throne, Arvind Kejriwal isn't Krishna and Anna Hazare isn't Arjuna..... By any means, I do not intend to convey so at least. And I can raise a war of words to defend my stand. But somewhere deep inside, I also know that all this is so normal. It happened before, and it is happening again, and yet again. And then I smile in understanding....

Wherever there's a Dhritarashtra...... Mahabharata is imminent.

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Grihastas Vs Brahmins

 

I am subscribed to SMS updates on India Against Corruption. Something went amiss after the initial euphoria last year. With millions rallying the streets of India to support veteran activist Anna Hazare, today not even a fraction of that figure might be attending the group's regular meetings. I know, for I am one of those guilty. I read the messages, update myself on the on-goings and then resign to my daily schedule. That doesn't mean I have ceased to support the cause. I pay my taxes every year and bluntly refuse to pay a bribe, Always. Yet I wait in anonymity for another mass uprising to take place so that I can lend my support to it. Cowardice? Not really.

There would be some of us who would go about their everyday jobs and businesses to earn money. And this is not a selfish act. The working class earns from doing some service to the nation.. for Nothing useless has ever delivered money. With whatever transactions they carry out every day, they provide their land with some much-needed services, infrastructure and/or money. From farmers to traders to architects to engineers to sweepers to accountants to models to actors to artists to waiters... they're all serving their nation. Ancient texts define this category as the 'Grihasta' - the house-holder.

And then there exists a minority that gains its name, fame and livelihood through social activism.... by studying the laws themselves and then enlightening the working class about them. In ancient days, these would be called Brahman. Then too, the structure of society was similar. A large chunk of countrymen would lead normal family lives, working hard to earn their daily bread and honey. This left them with no time to pursue spiritual search. So this function to balance was assigned to the Brahmans. The Brahmans were yogis, priests and scientists who would make extensive research on the subjects of 'Astitva' (Existence) and 'Dharma' (Righteousness) and then hand-over their learning to the masses. In return for this knowledge, they were protected, nurtured and fed by the Grihastas.

As long as today's Brahmans don't get corrupted by the power of mass support, alike their ancient counterparts, I will support them like a true hot-blooded Kshatriya (warrior) should.

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The Beginning of Random Thoughts....

I earned my two seconds of glory at the Mumbai Wallbook Project.... No, actually it's two hours.

I was one of the 500 participants at the event organized by Tata Housing, Asian Paints & Brand Promotions India. The entire 2km stretch along Tulsi Pipe Road from Mahim West to Dadar Railway Station was meant to be painted in an attempt to enter the Limca Book of Records for the 'Longest Painted Wall in India'. At least that's the bait they used to fetch so many artists, designers, housewives and senior citizens to participate.

I hooked the bait too.

Limca didn't happen but media coverage of the event was good. There was BBC News, Hindustan Times, DNA, Mumbai Mirror, MidDay, RadioCity FM, Aaj Tak, Sahara Samay, Zee 24Taas, TV9 and Star Maaza (now ABP Maaza) and many bloggers and photographers. They came and shot selected paintings in the project - our colourful rooster was one of the lucky ones. So I was simultaneously providing media bytes over the two hours that I was at my work. Strangers would stop by and appreciate. Street-side Romeos would go "Cuckoookooo" at the sight of the rooster. Some of them would ask if it represented Tata Tea's Jaago Re! campaign. 

Samrat Bhogle with his Rooster Wall Art - "Subah Ho Gayi Maamu"

Whatever the reactions, I felt glad that our Wall Art did not go unnoticed! My partner Swapnil Godase is a professional metal artist and I'm known better for my sketching. Painting was an alien encounter for both of us. And this was my first social contribution project. To me, it was a feat of sorts!

(L-R) : Swapnil Godase, Samrat Bhogle & Avryl Lattin

The event left me with happy memories... it was a Sunday well-spent. Never before had I experienced the love and warmth total strangers can extend in return for a simple visual that touches their heart. People I've never met in life before coming forward to support and applaud. Their smiles could not be ignored. Their unconditional love could not be disregarded. 

Is this the reason why people seek fame? Is this what keeps artists and actors going even in their low phase? Seeing myself on television channels was another high. I will, in all probability, never again mock a Bollywood star for their "blink n you miss" appearance in an English movie..... for I've tasted the adrenaline rush of success now, and mind you, what I've seen yet is just a tip of the iceberg!

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