Thursday, June 27, 2002

We Indians

Now that Dr.Kalam is in the news, I was re-reading his article. Though to some extent, more towards the later part, I understand, admire and identify with his visions, I was intrigued by his statements on vision of freedom. He says for 3000 years we have not conquered any other country. Who is this 'we'?

India, as this one entity is relatively modern. And there have been many wars - conquests, plunders, amongst the various empires, kingdoms of this region. It is rather simplistic and wrong to say these kingdoms didn't have any wars except for those inflicted upon them by 'outsiders'.

Even if we decide, for our convenience to consider this 'we' as the modern india, and deem the wars of kingdoms within - internal rife, there have been empires like those of Ashoka and Rajendra Chola whose boundaries have included modern day Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Ceylon etc. 'We' have grabbed their land, possibly their culture and we have propagated, if not enforce, our ways of live on them.

1857 is another story.

Monday, June 24, 2002

Love

Kishore's quote says "Love isn't about finding someone perfect; it's about learning to love an imperfect person perfectly". I have also often come across quotes in relationship advice columns and books about how you should not try and overhaul the other person and how you should learn to love the imperfections.

Though it doesnt quite say it, it sort of implies that tolerating your loved ones' imperfections is a virtue To me if I am tolerating a bad trait in someone's character it means I dont care enough about them or that I dont think they are open enough to deal with the change. Indeed love isn't about finding someone perfect. To me love is also to constantly endevour to make each other perfect, however hard it may seem at times

Thursday, June 20, 2002

Parents

Unlike their American counter-parts, Indian parents are not big on showing baby pictures. Though they have other equally interesting traits. One classic line, mainly by parents of toddlers and mobile babies is - "Oh, if I just let him/her down, in one minute, he/she will explore and plunder this whole area". Delivered in a proud tone, this is often followed by a "At home she/he is very different", if the poor child sits quietly, shy of strangers.

I have often wondered what would happen, if, instead of politely smiling and admiring their child's research capabilities, I said something like, "Really? So you think you are failing as a parent by bringing up such a brat?"

Barred out of society, thats what will happen. Parents - funny creatures!