Bhubaneswar: I used to believe, based on my own schooling that annual day functions are meant to be held during day time and was a test of skills in various field events. I believed that they were also meant to showcase cultural synergy, the hallmark of a respected school with students from diverse backgrounds. Apart from that, it was also an opportunity for the entire school to bond as a family.
However, recently in three instances, I saw schools nonchalantly using the word “International” in any order. They celebrated their annual events in the evening under artificial lights and manipulative darkness. They appeared to be more of an interpolated version of parties, loud music and socio-economic status. Students along with their parents were all dressed up as if for a party. Performers took up the stage and danced to the latest DJ mixes of Honey Singhs, Mikas, Sheilas and Munni(s). The kindergartens were not to be left behind. They may not have perfected the steps, but the teacher who choreographed the performance, ensured they perfected their pouts, hip movements and gyrated without a flaw. As if this was not enough, after the children, their moms took centrestage and danced to item numbers from Hindi films, while the daddies ogled. Where are we heading to?
I was left awestruck with the way we have progressed. Isn’t it amazing? Am I disturbed? Hell, yeah! I only wish I was an alien on a transit through this parched earth or in a bad dream waiting to be shattered by a terrible accident of the bus I am travelling in now.
If this is the kind of foundation we give to our children, how can we expect to have a society free of gender bias, in which men would respect women?
[Disclaimer: Swastik Chowdhury is an actor/producer. The views expressed by the author are his own and do not necessarily represent those of the web portal]
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