In Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Anand, the dying protagonist speaks a line to a healthy, grumpy young man in his thirties, "Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi." In a way, life is about moments. These moments, like salt and pepper, are sprinkled all over the flesh of life. No matter, how appropriately you are grilled, it's the seasoning that matters.
It was a bright and sunny day here in Paris. It was that kind of a day, which falls on the tail of winter; a signal that spring isn't far away. For an Indian, the first winter in Paris runs a chance of being extreme. It is not only cold, but dark and wet. So when the Sun decides to get out of bed, it is sure to be welcomed.
Among many things which set Paris apart from most of human civilization, is its honest betrothal to art. The French might have done a lot to degrade the living conditions on this planet, but it would be highly unjust to them, if their contribution to preservation of Arts is not recognized. It should be noted here, that each and every recognition matters. History can be an inanimate river for those who build dams to disturb its flows; and yet, it can turn into a monstrous hooded flash flood if ignored for too long. The French do understand the value of History. It becomes obvious with the number of museums they have dedicated for the future; and what is History if not a means for dealing with the future?
Back in school, there were always few guys who would write letters for their princesses, with blood. I never understood this sentiment for two obvious reasons. One, we had enough money for ink. Two, I never thought it was wise to hurt myself. In my country, people are in love with religion, so much so, that they are not afraid to shed blood for it, be it their own or someone else's.
I had been to the museum of Asiatic arts today. Given that it's a multi-storey building, we could only manage to cover the first two floors in about three and a half hours. I realized History has a unique way of communicating. It is a great story-teller. Let's take the following example. In the Vietnamese-Champa section, one gets to learn that most of their 'Hindu' sculptures and temples were destroyed by the Chinese Han empire. Knowing only this fact can make one think that the Hans might have been a barbaric tribe, with no regard for art and religion. But when one moves to the Chinese section, you get to see the contribution to art that the Hans have made. Surely, the Hans did not have disregard for art. So why did they have this hatred for something that was not theirs? Isn't this a point to ponder upon? Specific to the Hans, there might be political reasons behind their actions. This is not so different from Islamic rulers destroying Buddhist symbols, or the whole of South-East Asia having Hindu traditions, South America being an extension of Spain or the whole of France being so French. Buddhism was a major force among the Hans, by the way. Why are human beings so obsessed with forcing their own culture on everyone else? Why do neighbours bicker over boundaries? Why do lovers spend a lifetime to mould each other?
Spiraling through the staircase today, I ended up at the same point where I always have been. Acceptance. Why can't we learn to accept the existence of pluralism? Yes, this very logic can be turned upside down and I might have to answer, why I can't accept people's disregard for pluralism. I have no answer. I have no answer when I wonder why non-violence always has to be protected by violence! What is so deeply unsatisfactory about our own lives that we try to influence others? Why do we always want to see the whole world as a reflection of ourselves? In this regard, a smoker, a writer, a painter, a killer, everyone is the same! Whether an intention is 'good' or 'bad', everyone wants to add numbers to his/her own circle. Why?
While we are always fighting to convince others, it might be peaceful to be convinced instead. I was also made to realize today, that when I question others' conventions, I am tightly holding onto mine. One small pinprick on the right nerve can send shivers down the spine. Human beings will do better to listen to each other. It is when an idea runs over our self-moulded image, that we decide to question ourselves. These questions are all the salt we have. The rest is only flesh.
p.s. If you are wondering what happened to pepper, don't bother.
