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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