RANG DE BASANTI: A UTOPIA WE MUST SEEK

BY KARISHMA UPADHYAY

Latest computers, the coolest phones and the newest designer brand to hit the Indian market… these are some of the things that 99.99 percent of today's youth is clued into. Oh! And, their biggest concern is also getting the highest paying job possible. After all, who cares about Bihar or Nagaland (is that in India?!)? While I was watching Rang De Basanti on the country's 56th Republic Day, the thought struck home. No one cares.

The politicians or the civil services definitely couldn't be bothered(and unfortunately no one expects them to), but what is really, really sad is that neither do the people who live in this country. The same people who complain about everything and anything in the country, wouldn't spare a minute to think about what they can do to make things right.

A simple example of this can be seen every day in Mumbai, one of country's premiere cities. Whether it's a businessman in his shiny Merc or an advertising executive in a local train, neither will think twice before littering the city. After all, how many will take the pain to carry the rubbish to the closest dustbin? Or as my husband and other friends insist – 'The city is one big dustbin, another chocolate wrapper or plastic bag will not make a difference'.

Life came to a standstill in Mumbai on July 26th, 2005 when the city was flooded after unprecedented rains. While the blame game started the next day, Mumbaikars refused to take any responsibility for the tonnes of garbage that clogged up the already inadequate drains in the city. After all, it's the government's job to clean up the city and we pay our taxes (at least most of us to). So why should we act? That was the government's job.

Getting back to Rang De Basanti, the film essentially talks about a group of five friends who have given up on the country. A simple twist in the script changed life as they know it and suddenly their passion for the country takes centre-stage. Wonder what it would take for the DKNY wearing 20 somethings in the country to wake up? I believe that the film is a must watch for young India. Even if hundred youngsters look beyond the film's basic entertainment value and think about it's
message, it would be worth all the effort that went into making the film.

It's not just about something as basic as keeping your city clean but it does start there. Bigger issues like poverty, corruption, illiteracy or unemployment can be tackled at a macro level but do anyone of us do anything at all for the city/country that we call ours. Don't need an oracle to answer this one.

Just ask yourself. And, be honest.

Bee Gee's note: Karishma works with the DNA. Having worked with her before, I have had the privilege of spoiling her birthday and making her file articles all through that special night and the next! We continue to be friends therefore. And she continues to be as mad as ever.