Slumdog has swept the Oscars this time and in turn helped a few Indians make mark at Oscars. Ever since its release the movie has generated extreme responses. There have been many who have created a furor regarding its depiction of India’s poverty, calling it “poverty porn”.
I being a proud Indian can’t quite understand the objection of these self-proclaimed patriots. I am sure that the citizens as well as the tourists are not blind to miss the ever so prominent slums not only in Mumbai but also in all major metros. No matter how much we resent a foreigner highlighting the evident and overwhelming problem, the slums are here to stay.
I agree that India is growing and will be a major economic force ten year down the line, however we cannot be called a developed nation till we move at least 90% of our population above poverty line. It is not a mean task, for this each and every individual will have to give 200%. We have to make a collective effort to address the problems that we are facing today, we have to be responsible and not responsive to the issues that we are currently facing and would be facing in future. We will have to pressurize our political system/leadership to take concrete steps towards real progress. This is the time to make sacrifices and stand up to be counted.
We should be proud of our diversity and not make it an excuse for yet unsolved problems. So what if someone has partially shown the real face of our country. I feel instead of complaining we should be motivated to make things better. We should resolve to make an effort to uplift the underprivileged. We should not be satisfied as yet with what we have achieved, instead we should focus on what we can and have to achieve.
Getup 100 million!! Make a real effort to be a developed nation spiritually as well as materially. Do not be distracted with what others think about you or the way they depict you. Know your own worth as individual and as a nation. Stop being hypocrites and unleash the tremendous power stored in us to take India once again into the golden era. Be like Rehman and Gulzar and sweep the world of its feet.
Jai Ho!! Jai Ho!!
