Hello- just a second... let me just turn on the nerd mode- And a very good morning to everyone who has shared their precious time to land their presence here today.
On this momentous day (aka the most unproductive day of my life), I would like to take the pleasure (not that anyone can stop me... unfortunately) to share a word or two (more like a hundred or two) on my beloved motherland India on the great occasion of Republic Day.
And phew!! Turned it off!! Trust me; it’s boring not only to read but to write it myself. How about we turn on the... party mode!! AND HUMANS GET ON THE TIRANGA DANCEFLOOR WHILE WE STAND ATTENTION TO A TOTAL BOP!! OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM!!!
And off... wow, I have a literal ton of different options to force my spider fingers to bend its legs and type stuff in different styles!!
Now that I’m done taming my spider fingers, onto the question! India as I see after 10 years. Now there are two different interpretations that I can infer from the posed question. Firstly, my predictions on the existing data available on India’s growth rates, economy, society, polity and other aspects that build up a country. Secondly, where I want to see India, 10 years into the future.
And just to keep it interesting and not bore you with numbers, statistics, and other third dimension stuff that I cannot understand for the love of god, imma go with the latter.
But before I take up the role of “The forsaken fortuneteller, but not.” I shall deem it my duty to actually talk about the aspects that I believe require change (while keeping in mind this is coming from a 14-year-old with no interest in current affairs, and thus I most probably will miss the parts that I find more “complicated” such as politics, economy, education, health and other factors which I don’t specialize in and thus choose not to speak on)
Just a question from the forsaken fortune teller here, do you know what’s the more saddening part of the little “segment” at the beginning, if I must say so myself?
Well… the different buttons and modes represented people, who were different. And unfortunately, difference is not accepted in India.
One of the first things that I want to completely uprooted from the Indian Society is colourism. For those who don’t know what that is, it is basically a prejudice put forwards to those with darker skin tones who are usually of the same race or ethnicity.
What makes it different from racism? Darker skin tones are looked down upon by people of the same race rather than of different races.
It’s nearly impossible to find a person who hasn’t been affected by this disgusting concept. The Indian markets are filled with products that prove to make your skin like five shades lighter.
India’s Entertainment Industry is literally flooded with these degrading norms. Popular film songs such as –
a)Kala Chasma – “Kala Chashma Jachda ae, Jachda ae gore mukhde te” which translates to “Black sunglasses suits your white face”
Apparently sunglasses only look good if you have fair skin…
b)Chittiyan Kalaiyyan – “Oh meri Chittiyan Kalaiyyan Ve oh baby meri white kalaiyyan ve” which translates to “Oh my white wrists”
Yeah… having white wrists totally makes you the best person in the world.
The sad part is, as a young kid I too believed in this. It was just engraved into the minds of the youth. I sang these songs, I too believed having fairer skin somehow made you better.
But it all changed when I questioned these alleged “norms” and educated myself. To everyone reading this, I would suggest watching documentaries on this, there are good ones on YouTube and they cite many more examples and experiences of local Indians with the issue of Colourism.
Secondly, I need someone to bring sense into the population. What do I mean by that? Well… “Don’t wear too revealing clothes!” or “Pull your shirt down all the way till your thighs!” or “Go into the other room when the plumber or the Electrician comes!”
I understand the genuine concern but it’s not the victims who have to change but the actual criminals!! (And I do not specify this statement with any gender cause people of all genders and ages are victims to crimes)
Finally, discrimination. All kinds, gender, sexuality, religious, caste, skin tone, place of birth etc. We all are one, why is there any need to not treat everyone equally? It would just make the world a better place if equality prevailed!
So, spread awareness and remain open minded yourself! Question these stereotypical norms and fight against injustice, fight for what’s right!
#AgainstDiscrimination!