I am the common man of India. My story is very similar to millions of other citizens, however there is a small difference. The difference is that I AM STILL ALIVE. This statement may seem weird to many, but then it IS weird. I, myself find it weird. But then it is also THE TRUTH. The term 'Being alive' is perceived differently by different people. For me it means that my conscience, my sanity, my rationality, my very self still exist.
Let me explain the term a bit more clearly as per my definition of 'being alive'. In India, 'being alive' is not a casual matter. The rising population, prices, corruption, immorality etc etc etc kill you much sooner than you know. It seems to be a matter of time for one to become just another face in the crowd. It wasn't easy for me. However, once you decide to take a single step, destination is not far. Once you decide to be a HUMAN who loves Humanity, it doesn't take long to start being an individual again who is not just the part of the crowd.
I was a part of the crowd as well. I wanted others around me to accept me and the only way to do that was to be like them. When I had drug-addicts around me, I did drugs. I did drugs for nearly 7 years. When I had politicians around me, I became a faithful party worker. I voted on fake names. Was arrested for fake voting. Was released in the evening without any case registered as the party I voted for won the election. Policemen congratulated me before telling me that I was free to go. I became a music lover because people around me loved music. Though, after some time those people faded and music overtook my life. I played bass for a Death Metal band. I can go on writing and it will never end.
Let me tell you how everything changed. I was born in a minority religion and a low-caste, as per Hindu religion and Indian government. When people came to know this my talent, my acceptance, my love for them, nothing prevented them from moving away. Though they did this slowly but steadily, till I was left alone to wonder. It was then that I kicked the drugs, spat on the politicians, and became MYSELF. Though, music and my band remained with me till another individual who was the vocalist of our band committed suicide. Now I was completely alone. Being alone was a very different experience but I found that it was now that I was actually using my own mind and not walking with the crowd. Still it took me 4-5 years more to understand 'Who am I?'.
So 'Who am I?'
Quest to understand one's real self has been a never ending quest for Human Species.
When you ask, "Who am I?", the answer is "Who am I".
Just the question mark is the difference between the question and the answer. That is the only difference between asking and knowing.
The answer is, "WHO AM I".
The only difference is that some are living while some are merely surviving.
And now I AM ALIVE.
Let me explain the term a bit more clearly as per my definition of 'being alive'. In India, 'being alive' is not a casual matter. The rising population, prices, corruption, immorality etc etc etc kill you much sooner than you know. It seems to be a matter of time for one to become just another face in the crowd. It wasn't easy for me. However, once you decide to take a single step, destination is not far. Once you decide to be a HUMAN who loves Humanity, it doesn't take long to start being an individual again who is not just the part of the crowd.
I was a part of the crowd as well. I wanted others around me to accept me and the only way to do that was to be like them. When I had drug-addicts around me, I did drugs. I did drugs for nearly 7 years. When I had politicians around me, I became a faithful party worker. I voted on fake names. Was arrested for fake voting. Was released in the evening without any case registered as the party I voted for won the election. Policemen congratulated me before telling me that I was free to go. I became a music lover because people around me loved music. Though, after some time those people faded and music overtook my life. I played bass for a Death Metal band. I can go on writing and it will never end.
Let me tell you how everything changed. I was born in a minority religion and a low-caste, as per Hindu religion and Indian government. When people came to know this my talent, my acceptance, my love for them, nothing prevented them from moving away. Though they did this slowly but steadily, till I was left alone to wonder. It was then that I kicked the drugs, spat on the politicians, and became MYSELF. Though, music and my band remained with me till another individual who was the vocalist of our band committed suicide. Now I was completely alone. Being alone was a very different experience but I found that it was now that I was actually using my own mind and not walking with the crowd. Still it took me 4-5 years more to understand 'Who am I?'.
So 'Who am I?'
Quest to understand one's real self has been a never ending quest for Human Species.
When you ask, "Who am I?", the answer is "Who am I".
Just the question mark is the difference between the question and the answer. That is the only difference between asking and knowing.
The answer is, "WHO AM I".
The only difference is that some are living while some are merely surviving.
And now I AM ALIVE.
No comments:
Post a Comment