Blokesblogin

Celebrating the Mahatma's Bday
Who would have thought let alone guessed that there are a bunch of nuts like me who actually remembered the Mahatma on his Bday and put together a celebration?! That too in the heart of capitalistic silicon valley- for the silicone, u need to drive 400 miles south to LA ;-) Thank the Lord, both the Mahatma and my thatha, a staunch Gandhian are long since departed from this planet.

The children sang and danced. Choral groups from churches and non-profits sang bhajans and sangeeth. There was an art contest for kids and another generation was introduced to the Mahatma who actually did live on this very planet not so long ago! (more at www.nonviolencepeaceday.org) But boy o boy, the consumer culture has surely driven his principles to the other end of the milky way! It is passe to even acknowledge him and a simpler lifestyle. For me, I thought being drab was being true to his pinciples. When I learned better, it was a bit too late to make good friends in the non-drab category! Now I know being simple but elegant is the trick and easy to achieve.

Unfortunately the damage is done. People feel uncomfortable being with the "simple'uns". After all we are all here chasing the chimera of El Dorado. Who wants to be reminded of Khadi (homespun) and sacrifice? How can u even comprehend an economy that was "be local, buy local" when each item that we buy, including many friuts and vegetables have travelled thousands of miles before making their way into the local super and grocery stores?! Exploiting the earth for her resources just finds an extension into exploiting people for their skills. So what is the harm in that? What is necessary is enough, is just not enough any more. We feel much lack with only 100 sets of clothes in our closets (Recent findings in the realty market indicate that the closet space in the average American home has tripled from the 60s). And I still have memories of a grandfather who died a millionaire with 3 sets of Khadi dhothis and kurtas in his armoire!
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