I’ve turned 22, and suddenly am feeling extremely restless. We had a large number of students from foreign schools down on campus for Confluence. By and large, all of them have done so much, experienced so much, I feel naïve in comparison. One of our exchange students has modelled in Paris and Milan, waitressed at restaurants and is now majoring in economics and math. Feeling restless that I’ve never really struck out on my own and explored, or truly lived!
Classes, which somehow seemed magical in term 1, now are losing their sheen. High attendance requirements get us to the classroom, but it takes a great prof to keep us riveted. More often than not, this doesn’t happen. And the system is designed such that there is no time for reflection or learning. You prepare for class, but there is no feedback on that preparation. As such, outside of our group meetings, there is not too much learning. There is no reflection on whether this approach can be tweaked. And somehow, I feel I’m never really getting my hands dirty doing real work. After a few terms of marketing, apart from being able to spew meaningless jargon, I don’t feel I’d have really learnt much.
Tomorrow, in our ISPE class, we are scheduled to have a debate on secularism vs Hindu nationhood. The professor contends that one group believes that we should have one religion and one way of life. The other believes that secularism is the way to go. The prof also gave us the impression that the latter is mostly pseudo secularists. Outside, in discussions we branded them hypocrites. While the former are tentatively branded fundamentalists of sorts.
I don’t know why I feel so uncomfortable in my gut. I don’t want to attend the class (though will have to) and I definitely don’t want to be a part of this debate. People are not allowed to opt out of the debate and have to pick one of two polarized positions. In the profs words “It is time to stand up and be counted”. Fine, grand words indeed. But discussing hindutva scares me. Somehow, people who believe they can impose their way of living on others freaks me out!
This may make me one of the so called pseudo secularists but I truly believe there is not “us” vs “them”. Another source of confusion is where I would belong. I’m hindu by birth, but I believe in God rather than a hindu one. I don’t think the average muslim/christian/sikh/jain/xyz is any different from me. I celebrate valentine’s day and wear jeans. I don’t think anyone has the right to tell me what to wear or how to behave with members of the opposite sex. I don’t think mainstream politics is right. Its extremely marginalized with fighting amongst various factions each claiming superiority due to historic wrongs done to them. I think this is a bad thing. But homogeniety with one hindu way of life is not the answer.
I’m proud of India’s secular nature. As tentative and weak as secularism’s hold remains. Call me a hypocrite, but I prefer this place with its crappy newspapers and loud parliamentary arguments to a religious fundamentalist state like the US or Saudi Arabia. I like that I have the right over my body and constitutionally I have the right to practice whatever I want. I don’t think the state should decree that I can’t eat beef or that Krishna can’t be made fun of in a movie.
Agreed, there are a lot of things wrong with India. And the urban middle class India needs to stand up and be counted. But I don’t want to pick one of two extremist positions and defend myself. And I don’t want to go to class the day after that with someone who believes that Muslim’s should accept the Hindu way of life.. To tell the truth, the very thought of such fundamentalism, scares me!
3 Happy Things
3. I’ve been going for a walk in the evenings for the past few days. About half an hour by myself. And the road. Its an awesome feeling. And for the first time since I’ve been here, I’m getting some exercise.
2. I found an old song I used to listen to when I was a kid. Hawa Hawa, Khusbhoo Luta De. Been listening to nice music lately.
1. My cousin had a baby boy a few days back. That makes me a proud first time aunt. I’ll be the one who takes the kid out for chocolate ice cream and lets him stay up and watch cartoons. Looking forward to seeing the lil bundle in a few weeks.
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33 comments:
"...but it takes a great prof to keep us riveted. More often than not, this doesn’t happen. And the system is designed such that there is no time for reflection or learning..."
I know exactly what you mean. These are the "premier" educational institutions in the country ... there's something wrong!
I guess so ur b'day was sometime somewhere now so "belated b'day wishes" hope you had a blast. and congratulations on upgrading to an aunt. Darn it...I must stop hanging around with my comp.
"...but it takes a great prof to keep us riveted. More often than not, this doesn’t happen. And the system is designed such that there is no time for reflection or learning..."
Oh wait, lemme see, why have I had such thoughts too... right, I'M in a premier educational insti as well!!!
And I think your sis has a head-start on the "favourite aunt" slot, she's already seen the kid ;)
Hi, I came across your blog few days back. You write straight from your heart: thats great. Anyways, regarding the secularism debate, I dont know much about hindutva, even though I am a Hindu. But, I am big fan of vivekananda and he was also a supporter of secularism. In his address at the Parliament of religions, he said:
"The seed is put in the ground, and earth and air and water are placed around it. Does the seed become the earth, or the air, or the water? No. It becomes a plant, it develops after the law of its own growth, assimilates the air, the earth, and the water, converts them into plant substance, and grows into a plant. Similar is the case with religion. The Christian is not to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a Christian. But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve their individuality and grow according to their own law of growth."
You can find the complete article at: http://www.vivekananda.org/readings.asp
let me know if you find it useful.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry. The people who agreed with me are from the institutes that are known as the best in India. At the risk of repeating them... something is wrong!
And do you know why I'll be coolest aunt ever? Cos I (unlike certain Jenna Come Lately's who managed to go to the hospital and see the kid) have actually seen one grow up. The advantages of being a first - born i guess :)
Anupam, i agree.. we all retain our individuality and try to learn the best of what other cultures/religions have to offer!
u go grl..suze i also believe strongly in the whole u have the right to do wat u want thing..trust me i have avoided that hindutva-secularism discussion for ages..
You know, when I think about it, I think the "coincidence" is BECAUSE of this "premier" crap... These places are so hyped that I think mebbe we suffer from over-expectation... I mean, look at everyone else. They LOVE their colleges :)
Oh well, even-steven then, between your sis and you :)
everyone else :p
no not really
as proud as i am of my UG college.. the thing i'm proudest of is the fact that i got to do whatever i wanted. But the learning and kindering of intellect just did not take place. you may be right on the "expectations" bit. I think more often than not, others LOVE the fact that their education does not challenge them.. and they're happy cos they never expected to be. I know that's how i felt through m undergrad days.
After taking all the effort to get to grad school however, i feel a lil disillusioned in term 2. But then again, as usual.. you get out what you put in!
Hi Suze,
This was your best post _ever_ ! Not coz you didn't like IIM-A...and other people who didn't get in 'A' could think - "Oh, so 'A' is no great shakes either"...it was b'coz of the way you look at religion.
On a different note, I wonder why you went to 'A'? I remember you writing about - 'An A's and A and not a B' stuff...Did you have any other options...which would you would have _loved_ to do in hindsight...or was the magnestism of 'A' too much to resist...Puhleaze, don't treat this as a _questioning_ your choice for going to 'A'...I was just wondering...what people who have to choose between _choices_ consider...(Do reply!)
By the way, I saw that you uploaded your photo...Geez, u look cool...I wish that smile is planted on your face always!!
Anon, don't get me wrong.. I'm not running down my institute. At the end of it, coming to A was one of the best decisions I've taken. Saying that "IIM A is not gr8 shakes" - I strongly disagree!!
Why You Should Study at IIM Ahmedabad :
* Because it is the best place to gain a mangement education
* It trains you to hit the ground running. Any problem, any situation, you are trained to be able to take it in your stride and handle it.
* The people here are by far the most collectively brilliant group I have seen. With varied experiences.
* The competition, for CP, grades, jobs - is pretty intense. Consequently, surviving it is a worthy accomplishment
* It opens doors for you that not many other degrees do
After the intellectual pampering of term 1, maybe we come to expect a lot. Yes, in every institute there will be some boring profs, some mundane course requirements and some arbit sessions. And yes, I wish it weren't so! But compared to the vast majority of institutions that dot India's educational landscape, the IITs, IIMs and IIM A in particular, offer you a best in class education. That's for sure.
Do i regret coming here - No way! I had a whole host of options with regard to pursuing an mba. Other IIMs, and a job offer at an IT company. I chose to come to A for a variety of reasons.. both personal, based on "fit" and based on the brand equity of A. Now that i'm here, i feel my expectations have been fulfilled, my concerns have been assuaged, and i truly think it's a great place to be. If you ever get an opportunity to spend two years here - don't pass it up :-)
On another note, people ALWAYS have to make choices : A vs B, IBD vs Markets, Firm X vs Firm Y, etc etc
Some things that usually help me are :
1. Perspective - How much of a difference will this make in 1 yr, 5 yrs, 10 yrs to my life. Which decision is irreversible. (The first one is, the other two are not)
2. What are the pros and cons of each. Why am i even considering option 1 or option 2. Is it some fear associated with the other choice.
3. Fact based analysis. Remember, seniors opinions and BW rankings are NOT facts! when you see institute X ranked high on faculty research, think about the last time it impacted your life. How does the turnover of a firm affect an interns prospects. Focus on what affects you, not the perceptions of people around you.
And as for religion, more often than not I prefer to stay away from debates regarding it.
Like most angsty teenagers, I went through the phases of questioning beliefs, questioning God and questioning the system. At the end of the day, I believe that religion, like sex, is a deeply personal issue that each person and each family unit has to resolve on their own. It is no business of the state or 24/7 media. (or for that matter, me)
Seeing that you consider the professor to have "polarised" the debate, I cant but help wonder if you have yourself understood what 'hindutva' or 'hinduism' means. Peel away the layers of orthodoxy, jingoism and fundamentalism that some sections may be preaching, and make an honest effort to understand Hindu (Indian?) philosophy. "I’m hindu by birth, but I believe in God rather than a hindu one." A hindu cannot but believe otherwise. "I’m proud of India’s secular nature." It is but the inherent hindu ethos of assimiliation and tolerance that has made this noble quality possible in this nation. This is a religion (faith? way of life?)that places intellectual pursuit of the truth above blind faith (and leaves no scope for misinterpretation) but still doesnt disown those who do not question. Or those who do not do either.
To tell you the truth, hinduism is the bedrock of this nation; its invisible spirit; the unseen spring from which issues the inherent goodness of its people - and it is my belief that an attempt choke it off, either by a virulent pretender or by an apathetic shrugging off of its truth, will be the slow death of this country and its identity.
Dear Anon, my problem is this.. with the sentence you wrote :
"and make an honest effort to understand Hindu (Indian?) philosophy."
I know its fashionable to assume that twenty somethings in tiny tees can't fathom what Sanatana Dharma means..
Trust me, we understand.
But, the Hindu way of life - however tolerant it is - is NOT the INDIAN way of life. India is in its multitudes, in its diversity. Its in beef steaks and call centers and valentines days. Its also in the religious pilgrimages and tumultuous politics.
My understanding of the Hindu way of life is a way of life that is practiced by hindu families, that is similar to the Muslim way of life practiced by muslim families, is usually legal, and most importantly, none of my concern.
I have my own way of life, in a country that is secular, and I believe this is so because of the nature of INDIA and NOT because of the nature of Hinduism.
As for the professor, my dispute was more with the way the debate was structured and conducted. That is a completely different story. Something, that i'd rather discuss within the institute than on a public blog :) (I'm sure you understand the virtue and benefits of anonymity are not available to me here)
In your final paragraph, you seem to conclude that we are apathetic or something to that effect. The point is, I may be a devout Hindu (or a perfectly moral atheist) but that is within the four walls of my house. Outside, I am a person, a woman, an engineer, a management student, a blogger, a south indian, a feminist etc etc. I don't wish to impose my religion or my way of life on anyone else. Not out of moral superiority or a sense that MY religion is somehow tolerant or better. But simply because I'd rather not do unto anyone what i would not have done unto me.
For year, Hinduism has been one of the most inclusive faiths around. This is the secret of its resilience. The marginalisation of a vast majority of Hindus as not being "pure" is as dangerous to the faith, as the marginalisation of anyone who practices his/her religion as a "fundamentalist", is to India.
'But, the Hindu way of life - however tolerant it is - is NOT the INDIAN way of life. India is in its multitudes, in its diversity. Its in beef steaks and call centers and valentines days. Its also in the religious pilgrimages and tumultuous politics.'
See, there exactly lies the point. IMHO, an Indian life 'does NOT independently exist'. It coexists with the Hindu life. Laws cannot be made irrespective of religion. It is an extension, and the tolerance it offers is why we are able to sway slightly, and still remain perfectly in harmony.
Also, if hindu fundamentalism was anywhere close to the others(names of whose I wouldn't prefer mentioning..), God forbid..! It would have been a topsy turvy..
PS: Landed here from anand(ducky)'s blog..Gather from your posts that you've 'summering' at Merrill Lynch..congrats..! And all the best..
i don't think the Hindu way of life tolerates India as it is today. The fundamental argument is that religion is NOT above the law. Something that Girish said in class as well.
The law is above all religions and beliefs.
Your statement is similar to saying tambrams tolerate the societal setup in TN. It is not their fiefdom to tolerate jacksh%t. :-)
Religion is a personal belief. There is NO hindu way of life IMO since your way of life may be vastly different from mine. Just as no two protestant families are alike!
Laws SHOULD be made irrespective of religion. They are not based on personal beliefs (however in/tolerant they may be). They are based on two things :
* Giving each person as much liberty as possible. with the caveat that each person gets an equal amount.
* Without infringing on anyone else's liberty or pursuit of happiness.
PS : ya am "summering" (:)) at ML.. Thanks!
There it goes again...
LOL
And as i did in class too, i shall make this one comment and stay mum afterwards ;)
1st para, last line -> the TRUTH!
and one of the disadvantages of being at a place like this, burdened with expectations, running wid everyone else to god-knows-where...and then landing up at that place after lot of struggle and realizing and questioning - "is this where i wanted to be? is THIS what i wanted out of my life?"...and then that moment of truth hurts like nothing else...
though this place has a lot of positives too...but that, the world discovered aeons ago...:p
Yknow, its funny, everyone assumes that all of us here are here b/c of peer pressure, or expectations.
I've faced no burdens of expectations. I know my family would support me even if i wanted to consider tap dancing as a long term career. I chose this because finance interested me. And so does investment banking. Pretty exciting stuff.
And while all of this is what i wanted and what excites me, there is still a restlessness looking at peers who've actually gone out and seen the world. The difference is that the students from US schools are 27 -28 and have had the time/opportunity to explore the world. Something i also hope to do by that time. Just that at 22, you do feel restless :)
Don't know about other people's moments of truth though. In that respect, anon, you may well be right! :)
din wanna share any thought on the debate..but hawa hawa hai hawa khushboo luta de..nmy fav childhood song too. where did u get to listen?
As Suze said, religion is a system which guides us in how to live and help us by forming a community. I think so.
Though I am Hindu, I don't try follow any religion. No religion has this much power to overrule the feelings and desires of a man. When it becomes larger than life, its the time to really think about it.. and follow your heart.
Mob never had any brains.. there is no use following them.
got it off the lan anon :)
Sujan,
Your family reads the blog too. Yes, we would support in you in whatever you wanna do. But, tap dancing? Whew! We need to think about it!
Dad and Mom
hm.. violin classes, bharatnatyam, swimming, tennis, gym, french lessons, jet skiing, water skiing, scuba, dance lessons, guitar, carnatic classical music...
yup, i think tap dancing will fit right into THAT list appa :)
re: "I know its fashionable to assume that twenty somethings in tiny tees can't fathom what Sanatana Dharma means.."
No, there weren't any implicit assumptions there about twenty somethings in general, and i hope you weren't arrogating the representativeness of all twenty somethings. It is indeed fashionable to mark out any post in my vein to be call to arms for Hindus. My only statement was that I would prefer your views to be made in the light of knowledge of Hindu/Indian philosophy.
re: "My understanding of the Hindu way of life is...".
Firstly, this is probably a rather limited understanding of what one understands by Hindu philosphy or outlook. Please note that i wasnt referring to rituals, practices or customs by 'way of life'. It was to the ethos, principles and values.
re: "As for the professor,"
Cool, but it was just a tangential reference from me.
re: "In your final paragraph.."
I didnt gather what you are apathetic towards. In my last para i was referring to apathy towards what exactly is Hindu thought and philosophy (not customs or traditions).
re: "For year, Hinduism has been one of ,..... resilience"
Yes, correct.
re: "...marginalisation of vast.. "pure" .."
No, no one is marginalising any one. Ref. last 3 sentences of 1st para of what i wrote. One only hopes for a greater awareness of and appreciation fo r(i guess from your words, that the latter exists) indian philosophy.
Yes, there are many pieces that make up this patchwork quilt that India is. And we can coast along without knowing the underlying motif. But knowing it will help the fabric stay unfrayed for longer.
dear anon,
you seem to be arrogating a claim to understanding the hindu ethos and principles and values
i laid no claim that the hindu way of life does not include the above
more importantly, your posts frequently substitute the words hindu and indian for each other
eventually, it boils down to the fact that i disagree with that..
"arrogating a claim"? novel use, i must admit.
I used Hindu/Indian as adjectives for philosophy and thought. I doubt if it woudlbe fruitful to clarify the phrase and context now.
I guess this series is only going to bump up the little counter on the first page, and do precious little else.
good bye.
Its rather saddening to see that you reduce Hinduism to some sort of Dogma which
(a)Prevents you from eating beef.
(b)Prevents you from wearing jeans
(c)Prevents you from making fun of Krishna.
Honey,if you fancy eating beef *SO* much,pls go ahead and knock yourself out.There are many places which will serve you quality beef and I assure you nobody will come knocking on your door the following day.
dm
often we read rather more into someone's words than they meant. maybe the person perpetuating stereotypes is not me.. but you?
it's not about beef or clothes or humorous asides. I will not reduce my religion into a set of rituals. Its more than that. But before you patronize me, you might want to consider my basic point.. (which i'll repeat so you won't have to wear your fingers out scrolling) - Religion, like sex, is a matter to be celebrated/discussed within my four walls. It is NOT the business of the state and is NOT the business of the law. India and Hindu are NOT the same thing. Indian law should be reviewed so that NO religion is above it.
That's That :)
whysshould sex be celebrated inside the four walls?
one must celebrate sex,love etc..loud and clear.
reminds me of what kamal haasan said once,
'in this country,the places occupied by religion and sex must be interchanged.then,evrything else will then fall in place'
dino, i simply meant it is the business of only two people within their homes. not anyone else's business to preach/moralize/condemn/judge etc
"....I don’t think the state should decree that I can’t eat beef or that Krishna can’t be made fun of in a movie"...well, it's your right to have your say and have fun, but not at the cost of others sentiments....you obviously know that religion is a stronlgy held belief system in India and it's considered a way of life for millions here....would you tolerate if someone made fun of your mother or your dad?? well, everything within limits can be tolerated but it becomes unpalatable when it goes to extremes!! i hope you take it in a right spirit
strange most of what the exchange students have experienced is not considered an experience at all in india.. so why lament.. did not read beyond the first para.
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