Holi brings with it a lot of fervour and celebrations galore.There is something about this festival that ropes in people from all walks of life. Some sort of invisible unifying spirit. I remember having a blast on this day when I was a kid.I no longer enjoy smearing faces. That indulgence is gone. Lost somewhere in the corridors of time. But this day never fails to amuse me even today.
Yesterday was no different. It was that time of year again. I was watching kids
play from my balcony. Spraying coloured water on each other with gay abandon. I could hardly tell Pintu from Rahul. The revelry between them was unmistakable.All covered in layers of red n green. For some strange reason I got the feeling, this world has come to utopia. This is how it should be. But then I realized, in a few hours from now, colours on their faces will go down the drain. They will retain their original colours.. and grow with it.. to be segregated by the society.. to fall into some "category" .. which they are blissfully unaware of right now..
There has been barrage of articles on the recent racial splur involving a popular celebrity show. Our very own shilpa shetty was subject to some racial abuses. We took it personally and created huge brouhaha out of it. We were obviously hurt at insensitivity of the westerner in question. The reason why we were all rooting for Shilpa has to do with our own complexes. Her victory became a nations victory over other.
If we drill down the whole issue to Indian context, the scenario is no different. How often have we heard people hurl derogatory remarks at “others” ? I have had the opportunity to live in different parts of India. Anyone from southern part of India became a “madrasi” to a north Indian , irrespective of what state he came from. Coming from north, I invariably became a “northie” to a south Indian.
Segregation doesn’t end here. North has its share of ghaatis, biharis, and bengalis. While south has mallus, kannadigas and telugus. The list could go on. I guess this has got something to do with the human psyche. Everyone in their capacity tries to distinguish themselves from “others”. Could there possibly be a place where people are treated for what they are and not their cultural identity ? Will there be a time when Pintu and Rahul will grow up to share the same bonhomie ? I have my serious doubts.
Until then someone please render me colour blind …
