Apr 16, 2007 01:01 PM
2267 Views
Character is that which reveals moral purpose, exposing the class of things a man chooses or avoids.
Shame on Richard Gere: Monday 16th April 2007 morning brought a jolt in Indian media as Hollywood Star Richard Gere kissed Bollywood Star Shilpa Shetty in a public function. This function was organized for AIDS awareness. It was not like normal gestures as the reaction or rather say discomfort of Shilpa Shetty was very much visible. He held her tightly and then kissed her. She was feeling uncomfortable on stage and she could only manage to say that, “Ye kuch jyada ho gaya”. He also tried to catch her while she was coming down from the stage. This kind of behavior was not at all expected from an actor like him. I had liked him a lot in “Autumn in New york” and later I found that he is very fascinated about Indian culture. He is also a devoted bidhist from more than a decade and he often visits India for several social events. But this shameful behavior shows his real character and he should surely apologies to Shilpa on this.
Men show their character in nothing more clearly than what they think laughable.
Character of Richard Gere: This event may be a normal event for Richard but he should understand that this is not acceptable in India. The sentiments of Indian public are different than that of US and if you are in India you should behave like that. When we Indians go to any other country we follow their customs and their traditions. We get several cultural and custom related trainings before visiting any other country as a professional. We get to know the table manner and the kind of behavior we should do. We also learn the salutation of countries where we visit. We follow it religiously so we expect others also to follow when they visit India. If the person is like Richard Gere then the expectation becomes higher. This is not his first visit and surely he knows the Indian customs. But after knowing everything he is behaving like this then I’m sorry to say but he fails to maintain his character.
Indians aiming for USAnization: If you look into the other part of the story and if you sit calmly and think why others are not respecting our customs then you will find the fault at our end only. We are running blindly behind the USAnization of India and these events are of course result of that blind race. People, specially residing in Metros and cities like Pune, Bangalore, Ahmedabad doesn’t even bother to think about our culture or tradition. Freedom is what they like and they want it at any cost. Even at the cost of their character. I have seen guys/girls in Pune, Mumbai and Kolkata and I must say the kind of attitude our generation next has these scenarios are not at all unexpected. We will have lots more cultural change in near future. Nobody knows when and where this blind race will get over.
Shilpa-Jade Issue and response from India: I was in UK when Shilpa-Jade controversy was in air due to Jade’s comment in Big Brother. There was a overwhelming response for Indians in UK. Obviously from NRIs but generation next in India was finding it normal, again a shame for us. I’m not against any culture or I don’t want to divide the human beings on the basis to race and region. But surely I want to make my points very strongly and clearly that we shouldn’t forget what we are and from where we have come. The survival of any region or any race depends upon the values it has. If we won’t respect our values the world will never do.
You are also in the courtyard Mr. Prime Minister: If US government can raise it’s voice over the insult of an American in any part of the world why not an Indian government do the same. I’m not saying to copy anybody but if you are already copying everything why not some good ones. Indian government also has some social, cultural responsibilities. They are not in parliament to quarrel over Mandir-Masjid and Boforce-Tehalka. They are also there to protect Indian values and strongly condemn any such act which tries to demolish them. I have never heard anything from our current government on any such issues. I’m not saying that the Prime Minister should talk on each and everything but surely the concerned minister should not miss to have his say. Also there should be a defined rules and regulations for every organization which calls international celebrities to India. They should make their guests aware of Indian customs and also they should be able to make sure that it is followed properly. A big celebrity shouldn’t come to enjoy Indian tradition. If they are really interested and if they have respect for it then they should follow it properly. Elizabeth Hurley shouldn’t marry in India for formality and for enjoyment. If they can’t respect it they shouldn’t be allowed to enter it.
Humble request from Indians: If we want others to respect our culture and our values the first thing we should do is to respect them and follow them on our own. If we want others to praise our temples to praise our customs, we should start doing it. If we will laugh on our tradition obviously others will do the same. I have seen people blaming our ancient “Rishi/Maharshis” for so many reasons(cast system / multiple festivals / family structure). I would just say they did what they could have done their best. If you feel there’s any problem then surely it can be improved like Raja Ram Mohan Roy did for “Sati Pratha”. We too can improve our culture but surely not by adopting something else and blaming ours.
This was a quick reaction came out because of the recent news. Your comments on this are most welcome.
