Where the Mind is Without Fear...

These lines by Tagore, have always inspired awe in me. I was in sixth standard, or maybe seventh; when i read this poem for the first time, in my english textbook, the 'Gulmohar Graded English Reader', and i remember trying to hum it in a weird crude tune (I always have had this mad streak in me). But nostalgia apart, this poem still leaves a longing in my heart, for a country that could be just that. And the belief that India does possess the mortar to be this and more, is more or less subdued by the missing gumption.

In the movie Swades, when Mohan Bhargaw (SRK), claims at the public meeting that the slogan Mera Bharat Mahaan, is merely lip service. he goes on to say in the face of shocked villagers that we are not a great country, but we do possess the fibre for greatness. I wonder how many people would have given second thoughts to those pregnant words.

Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way

Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit

It was sitting in Trade Logistics lecture and in the gray stupor that generally wraps me in the monologous lectures; i heard the professor tell us that we are a nation capable of producing a million Vivekanands, but alas to recognise them as Vivekanands, we require the approval of the US of A.

I am not preaching patriotism, neither is this a critique of neo imperialism. But yes, think of Yoga, and Vaastu, Organic Farming (our poor farmers have been using the dung fertilizers since ages) et al; did they not get popular post their re-import from the distant shores?

We talk about the 'Head held high'. We write odes singing 'Saare jahaan se achcha'. We shout about the superior culture and values, and yet at the drop of a dollar (no devaluation here) all the facades of granite crumble like cheap plaster of paris.

The problem is not about the belief in 'them'. It is more of a lack of conviction in 'us'. Its about seeing and not believing, till it is aired on CNN. And its about cursing Naipaul, for he criticizes India and then paying 500 Rs. to the line-man, so that the telephone keeps working.

Where the mind is led forward by thee

Into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father,

Let my country awake.