Provoked

I am a proud Indian. Someone who is proud about her culture, tradition and heritage. The rituals and practices performed and followed from yesteryears have always amazed me. Everything has a reason, and everything has a significance, whatever is done, is done for a good cause and a valid reason, I believe. Well, that’s my mind-set and it hasn’t been forced on me, it comes to me naturally, it runs in my blood, it’s a genetic ‘present’ from my fore-fathers to me, the ‘present’. And that’s the best part about being an Indian, and living the Indian way. (By saying ‘Living the Indian way’, I do not wish to classify ourselves in any category.) One thing follows the other naturally. Sometimes I see this being mixed up with “narrow- mindedness” or “not-being-modern” or “backward-ness”! Why? Just because we are a developing nation? Or because we don’t have a say for anything? Or just because we are so strong about something that people start thinking of it as our weakness? That’s bullshit!!!!!!

And excuse me! To all those people who think so, I feel that ‘you’, yes “you” are aping western culture by thinking so! You might be a die-hard-fan of Casanovas like Barney Stinson of “How I Met Your Mother” or Charlie of “Two and a Half Men”, but, “seriously!!!” it’s their lifestyle and their way of living, not ours. Being Indian doesn't just mean celebrating Independence Day or Republic Day, it’s sad but these days are seen to be as mere holidays for recreation and nothing more. I rarely see the true spirit of being an Indian in India anymore.

We have our way of living. You think Indian culture is not cool..?! FINE!!! Stop bitching about it. Everyone has their sentiments; learn to respect it, firstly. Secondly, if you can’t contribute to it, don’t do any harm to it. Being responsible grown-ups, it’s our duty to teach our siblings, children etc. our culture.

Marriage. Over 90% of the Indian marriages are still arranged, and less than 5% end in divorce. Only at the age of 18 I came to know that a concept of love marriages, and if it existed I knew that it was a disastrous situation or something synonymous of world war :-P. Why is it that people think that love should precede a marriage? Can’t it be the other way round? Love can be arranged. No, it’s not an agreement or an arrangement. It’s a practice, and that’s how it has been since yesteryear's. There is a right time for everything. Too much thinking outta the box, is not gonna help, my friend. Again, I don’t intend to say that my thinking is universal. It’s just my thinking and I’m highly opinionated about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8X97OL06OY

The Ramayana is one of my favorite reads till date. I idealize the “Rama-Sita-Jodi”. Every girl dreams of getting married to a guy like Shri Ramachandra (*Forget Prince Charming on a horse/ Vampire in a Volvo for the time- being* :-P :-P). And yes, I totally appreciate what Savithri did for saving her husband Satyavan’s life, from Yama- The Lord of Death. An Indian woman is loyal, committed and trustworthy. “One man, one life”. She is powerful. She is daring. She is charismatic. She is nurturing. She is devoted to her husband. (*Tuj mein rab dikhta hai, yaara mai kya karu types :-P :-P*)(*If you are thinking about infidelity, stop reading this post right now, and just get the hell outta here*)

God. Yes, he is present. Omnipresent. Everyone due to a religion divide in India follow (*don’t think twitter*) different Gods. Even I do. But, I do believe that there is an enormous energy that guides us throughout our life. This energy controls the universe, sometimes this energy is manifested in an idol, or a sculpture, or a picture or a scared scripture. That depends on you. But, it does exist. What’s with these atheists these days? That’s not cool! Rather “kewl”!! Gimme a break guys!

Prayer. It generates positive vibes, for me, atleast. And in turn, affects us in a good way. It’s a way to connect to the energy we believe in. Chanting shlokas and mantras makes us powerful, stronger from within. Again, it should not be confused with blind- faith. Haven’t you heard, “Faith can move mountains!”. It’s a way of the finite to connect with the infinite. Get connected! Trust me, it’s better than your 3G Reliance connections! Huh ! Coz, when everything turns topsy-turvy, you think of your last resort, God.

Family. The concept of nuclear family is increasing day by day. Joint families are no more common. Well, personally I would not give my opinion on this, but it is a great feeling to live with all your chacha-chachis, mama-mamis, foofa-buas [hindi]/ chithi-chitappas, athai- atthimbers, thatha-paatis[tamizh]. It is a great way to learn from childhood, to adjust and adapt and mainly, to live and love different kinds of people. The children who  grow up in such an environment are smarter and resistant to many things in life, in the long run, I feel. This generation overlooks family-bonding and prefers privacy. Way to go, guys! Bring up your kids in isolation and make them aliens. HUH!
 

We have our own identity as Indians. 

And it is our biggest strength. 

We should protect our heritage and culture. 

And must be proud of it. 

Love yourself with your heart and soul for what you are 

and from where you belong. 

Only then you will sense the true spirit of being an Indian. 

Be static from the inner, it will make you dynamic from the outer. :-) :-) :-)

Celebrating Being-Indian & More!

27-09-2011