Firstly, thanks a lot for the considerable response to my last blog post (positive and negative). To the people (and they are in majority) who found it great/ interesting/ readable I thank them for the like-mindedness, though this is inherent, not cultivated. Also thanks for speaking out to say that I have a right to publish whatever I wish. We need more, many more such heads in India today.
To the naysayers and constructive critics that sit in the minority opinion (there were a few who haven't commented on the post) I acknowledge and respect their opinion and their right to it. Meanwhile I must reassert my position that I am entitled to any opinion I wish, and even more so, entitled to publish it anywhere which constitutes my space. Some of you have decided to "stop talking" to me after this post and an argument. Apparently it is something blasphemous and derogatory that I have written.
I do not think it is. I like the fact that I can write without inhibitions. Those who cannot (or do not want to) need not complain. More upsetting is the fact that people who most certainly form part of society's "classes" found the post revolting. To these critics, I must say this- you cannot complain about half the things around you being unfair and undesirable if you cannot summon the guts to come out and speak out, a bare minimum essential to enable any kind of change, whether in society or in politics. If you are so deep in the closet- for example if you make remarks at college girls with coloured strands of hair- calling them names- I'm sorry you do not deserve the change you want in India. Change cannot be lopsided or only in part. It has to be universal and preceded by a change in the basic mindset of the populace, an entire paradigm shift, a transformation in social dynamics. This change can only begin at the micro level. We the youth of this country need to lead by example.
I am not perfect in any way whatsoever. But I feel for certain issues, and my imperfections cannot come in the way of dealing with them in the way I possibly can.
My only appeal to my disgruntled friends is- do not be judgemental. Do not be stuck with preconcieved notions of things, people and ideas. Do not presume and then read. Do not presume at all.
All of us suffer from presumptions and stereotypes- whether it is of the life in a small town, the corrupt nature of a politician, or the South Bombay girl across the street wearing a miniskirt and walking with such confidence that unnerves many. This is where we need to unclutter our minds.
I've discovered some things in the last few months. I am still firebrand, I still get absolutely livid with certain happenings all around me. But there is a growing sense of satisfaction coming from a spiritual liberation that is slowly beginning to happen. I have started seeing various things in a different light over these few months. I have been more active in these months than in the past several years. I hope it gets better. Life is so much more fun when you can see all sides of a picture.
I hope those who have shut their eyes tight and existed in pitch darkness for long finally open their eyes and draw back the blind to the light outside.
Of course, all of this is my personal opinion and unbinding on anyone. I have been quite utterly shocked by some of my friends' comments and their (issue-based) support for some unbred, goonlike, sexually frustrated Mr. Anonymouses in the comments list. They very carefully registered their "dislike" for the dirty, vile, abusive language used by Mr. Anonymous, while exhibiting defeaning silence when asked about the content of his/her post.
As for Mr. Anonymous, I saw no reason to give you undue respect with a befitting reply to your despicable post. You seem to be one of the million trolls roaming the cyberspace, your unworthy tummies filled with malice and impunity. Period.
P.S.: I had informed a very good friend of mine that my next post after Confessions would be on my use of English and Hindi and my unhappiness with the latter dominating my talk nowadays, in spite of me not being great at it. Now that will be the next post.
Regards,
Pranav
