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Interpreting modernity

Modernity has brought along its own interpretation to India. Here, the word means skimpy dresses, vulgar dances, table etiquette, maintaining skin-deep beauty and obscene behaviour, as far as I could see. Our thinking has not become modern, with the ousting of superstitions and embracing a scientific temperament. No, modernity has failed in inducing a modern way, a new way of thinking in us, or in the way we perceive things, events. We have not become thinkers, we have just become followers of a culture alien to us and one which doesn't suit us.
I had to write this prelude because I witnessed two contrasting events in the last two days. One was a cultural programme being conducted in front of a house in Mysore, I don't know for what reason. Two very young children were gyrating sexily to the tunes of some song which was unbearable with no apparent meaning. Their parents and other elders were enjoying the dance with a smile on their faces. Their dance was unbelievable as it was quite improper for children of their age, or any ages for that matter. Who taught them that dance and did they not stop to think whether it suits them or not?
One more event I was witness to was the annual day function of a Shishumandira in Kundapur. The tiny kids there enacted the story of Punyakoti cow and its courage in front of the cruel tiger. The kids were too young to understand the meaning of the story, but the innocent way they enacted it was beyond words. They brought to life the love of a mother towards her children and the bravery with which the cow stands in front of the tiger to be devoured by the latter. They managed to bring relevant expressions to their face which was enhanced by their innocence. It touched me.  

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