Events

The gentleman at the second row commented, “I wasted my time and money in watching this wretched movie”. But it is a good film reflecting the realities of our society, I argued. “Reality?  Nonsense. Who does not have agony, suffering, pain etc. in his life? We do not go on lamenting all those in public. People come to watch movie for amusement, relaxation-not to carry a heavy head back home to add to his overburdened misery. Cinema is for entertainment. Don’t you agree?”

This encounter occurred some forty years back when I, along with my friends, had gone to a show house to watch a newly released movie. I argued for the sake of argument, but he was correct. “Human kind can not bear very much reality” Eliot writes. How true! But there are movies with tragic ending which move us as deeply as some hilarious ones. The poet writes, “Our sweetest songs are those which tell us the saddest story”. I am reminded of a great poet-Sarojini Naidu

‘The bridal-songs and cradle-songs have cadences of sorrow, 
The laughter of the sun to-day, the wind of death to-morrow. ‘

The couplet has a sad note but leaves a deep impression. Basically, to my mind, it is the presentation and the treatment of the theme that affects our psyche and leaves a deep scar. That of course does not nullify the fundamental - art, whether literature, film, painting, dancing or any other art form is to give pleasure, to amuse and entertain. While posting the blogs it occurred to me that I deliberately avoided narrating my experiences in handling unjust interference of power centers. Quite true and that is the reason for raising the question-whether literature is for pleasure or otherwise. Having resolved the question in favour of the former, I would seek the indulgence of my readers to allow me to present the pleasant only with minor digression.

I started my service career as a lecturer just after completing my Post Graduation. This assignment offered me the opportunity to read more books as the college had a rich library. Students from eastern states had enrolled in this institution as it was a regional college. I had to prepare a lot before engaging a class mainly because it was my first assignment and secondly the students were young, inquisitive and very keen to participate in the concluding interactive schedule. I enjoyed their company.

Annual play competition was an attractive itinerary in the extra-curricular activities. One of my colleagues was an excellent Director. I had some experience in the dramatic activities in my school days where I acted and directed a small play. We decided to stage an innovative Odia play. We selected the book as well as the players. I remember, I had to spend the entire evening and part of the night at Nandan Kanan (open wild life zoo of the state) to record the bird songs and the sounds of wild animals at night to give sound effect of nocturnal-forest. I had to request my cousin (who was an AIR artiste then) to render a solo song without accompaniment for the supporting actress. Air-rifle of my uncle was borrowed to replicate the gun shot. The play was adjudged the best play of the competition. The Chief Guest, an eminent writer, actor and educationist was overwhelmed and embraced us for such beautiful production. The experience was simply charming.

Much water has flown in between. After a brief stint in education, I moved to Finance where I continued till my superannuation. Life moves on. You have lived much of your life, I told myself. Be patient to see the remnant. Don’t buckle or bend, stand erect to say goodbye at the end.