Evils of Reality, Competition and the Mainstream

Taare Zameen Par, meaning Stars on the Ground, is one of the gems of Bollywood. In the face of all the muck that is being produced, this stands out as one of the best films ever made. I can go on and on about the movie, but i want to focus on the aspect of Competition in this world and the Individuality.

The film focuses on Children, and the subject is upon a kid with certain learning disabilities. He does not do well in subjects like Science, Maths, Langauge, English, History and other subjects. Instead, he is a great painter and his thoughts are the world that he lives around. Everyday happenings, natural stuff and the elements that make up this beautiful nature are his stuff.

The message is quiet clear. EVERY CHILD IS SPECIAL. There are qualities in each and every one of us, and we should think what brings up happiness. A dialogue in this film states it all. It says that there are some gems in this world, that had their faults, but they persisted and thought in their own way, and they had a big impact on the world.

Even children with defects have something special in them. But, the unfortunate thing in normal human beings like me and some millions is the fact that we can NEVER understand them. There are few who will donate their services to help them, but in this world of today, Money only talks. Patience, empathy and kind-heartedness are all in a premium.

This film has implications for the Adult world as well as brings to light the evil of the mainstream, Capitalist dominated world of today. Of course, let us not be mistaken that this critique could be expanded to any other ideology other than Capitalism also. The curse of this competitive world is being felt by children and by teenagers.

Children are under constant pressure, and teeeners, instead of enjoying their secret ambitions, are forced to indulge in another career only for the sake of money. Life becomes an assembly line of events, and this is transmitted to generations. After Education, find a job, earn money, earn more money, get married, settle with wife and kids and alienate parents and continue to live like a machine

This cruel world will ensure that people do not maintain their niche, and do things that will satisfy some vague power elite. If one slips up even slightly, the selfish others will destroy that person and ensure he/she doesn't get up. Every person is special, as mentioned, and some contribute in their own way with their own time.

Over some posts, I have stated that mainstreaming is important so that social tranquility is achieved. But, mainstreaming is a curse if a person's individuality is destroyed. Under the guise of money, life will be dictated and their ambiion stagnate. Decisions which will give individuals happiness and contentment will be sidetracked under the guise of money and competition.

The world of today is such that individuality will burn out and there will only be Robots with Blood working like machines. The author, in the future, will try and establish his own niche and be safe, because he has concluded that the world is indeed a cruel place to live. He will have to face taunts, because he is not ambitious.