Stay Raw!!!

I just came across the MTV “Stay Raw” campaign. It is revolutionary. In a sense liberating. How often do we find ourselves critiquing things which are an integral part of our identity? How often do we feel embarrassed because of what we are called or who we are or how we look? There’s a constant fear of being judged because of how we eat, what we wear and where we live.


We consciously try to do things which fit our perception of what is socially acceptable, even though it is far away from what we actually feel like doing. The need for social conformity just usurps our true self. We say things people want to hear. Do what they want us to do. Feel the way they want us to. Subconsciously we hand over the remote control of our feelings to others and act according to what’s pressed or rather impressed upon us. Its subconscious, yet a meek emotional surrender.


In doing all of this, our little true self is lost. We forget who we really are. What we stand for. What we wish to stand for. We forget to take pride in ourselves, for the individuals we were born as and for the person we are today. We need to recognise the fact that wherever we currently are, we surely have come a long way, since our first day!


So go ahead, whoever you are, wherever you are, cherish your being. Celebrate your existence. Cos there’s just no-one exactly quite like you. You’re unique. No matter how twisted you are, its always fun. Being true to yourself is ultimately a good feeling. Beat the world and stay on top. Try till you succeed and still if you don’t, stay amateur. No matter what the situation is, stay cheerful. It’s cool to be whacky and crazy at times, so go ahead. No matter how different you are, always stay proud of yourself, Stay original, Stay Raw!!

Jaago Re....

We Indians have an unparalleled fetish for Power. Since time immemorial, power struggles have been well chronicled throughout Indian history. Sons have killed fathers and brothers have massacred each other for the sake of the throne. Families have plotted and deceitfully undone their own blood in their pursuit of power. Be it the Mahabharata, Ramayana or the Muhgal Empire, this theme runs through all of ancient history of India. The important question to ask though is what happens after we acquire that power?

Spiderman gave us this most wonderful line, “With great power comes great responsibility” – well yea, he’s American – he can say it. He wouldn’t have dared to say that if he was an Indian.

We’ve been known to screw up when we have great power. Our regulatory Institutions themselves have time and come into question with their integrity. Be it the BBCI, The Income Tax Department, The Election Commission, The Indian Olympic Association, the relatively well respected Indian Armed Forces who were considered to be a great “Adarsh” have also now been tainted with suspicion. All major Indian Regulatory Entities, by and large love self destruction. TRAI and the Raja scam is the latest to join the list!!

Indian policymakers take corruption to be the norm and exceptions to the norm are ridiculed. It is this attitude of taking things lying down that has perpetuated this deep rooted rot over the years.

We young Indians, who are certainly going to be in positions of power and responsibility in the times to come, need to introspect and walk the talk on making India a respected or a ridiculed state. As the clutter breaking advertisement says, it is indeed time for us to “Jaago Re...”