Things to do to "Be the change!"

February 13, 2006 · by sudhishkamath

A lot of idiots seem to think that this post is about RDB.

It’s not.

It’s about ‘Being the change,’ something which has also been discussed in the movie. These resolutions are not born out of the movie, nor did I undergo dramatic change after watching the movie as foolishly assumed by some in the comment section.

This post happened in the context of a conversation I had with a friend. This conversation might have happened because of the movie but that does not mean that the feelings you have towards your country did not exist before.

Warning: Smart asses, park elsewhere.

* * *

It totally depresses me when I see people, especially my buddies being indifferent to the system.

They only make the stereotype that today’s youth don’t care two hoots for the country look so true.

You know the lines the boys in RDB say before their transformation: “Nothing can change the system. The system will change you.”

But then, you also probably know the reply the movie provides to that: “No country is perfect. You have to make it better.” (through Madhavan and later, Siddharth)

“There are two ways to live life. One, tolerate whatever happens, quietly. Two, take upon the responsibility to change it.” (as Aamir later says)

What can we do, an IITian asked the cast and crew after the movie screening at the OAT. And Madhavan said: “Be the change.”

As I was discussing this with a few friends, some of them thought it looked and sounded good in a movie, but does not work in real life.

“Even if you change, the others are not going to,” said one, over chat.

“You are saying that hoping it will absolve you of your guilt,” I said.

He went on to argue how it’s just a movie and things you see in movies cannot be implemented.

Riding home at around 10 last night, I saw people jumping traffic signals. A classic case of what my friend said earlier in the day. I usually stop at the traffic signal no matter how late it is in the night… Of course, only till I see the speeding lorry behind me and get moving to make sure I dont get killed. Sometimes, I move over to the side of the road to wait at the signal.

Last night, I was probably so angry with everything that I decided not to budge. I stopped right in the centre of the road at the traffic signal. Soon enough a whole bunch of vehicles whizzed past. As I stood my ground watching out through the rear view mirror, I saw a huge lorry coming at 80 or 90 straight at me… “Kill me, you bastard,” I said, refusing to move. And it missed me by a whisker… I just felt a little more angry when that happened.

But soon, there was this share auto that screeched to a halt right next to me. “Idiots they are. Only you and me know the rules,” he said in Tamil, sounding a little drunk. I couldn’t help smiling. And before we knew it, there were more to follow the rules. Bikes, cars and even a lorry behind us. I was sooo kicked.

That’s when I decided I had to blog about this.

It’s simple things like this that we can do to be the change.

They do not cost us anything. It’s just a simple change in attitude. Here’s a list of things I can do to be the change, irrespective of how many people will do it… Unconditionally.

1. Stop at traffic signals, no matter what time it is.

2. Stick to lanes, not overspeed, not break No Entry rules.

3. Not litter, not spit and learn to use the bin.

4. Not drink and drive.

5. Wear a helmet.

6. Earn in rupees (Madhavan said that at IIT the other night). Or even if you don’t, invest in rupees.

7. Spend a week during a year with a non government organisation. Either seven off days or 2 days once in two months, however. Or if you do not have the time, donate money. If you have both, do both.

8. Encourage movies like RDB. Because even if they do not change you, they are probably making a few other people wake up to their responsibility towards the nation. And even going by the logic that they leave an impact that lasts just a month, there will be more movies that will come to help them keep the faith.

9. Buy Indian brands (Something I’m gonna personally start doing!)

10. Pay taxes.

11. Vote. Even if its a protest vote (void vote).

Well, these are just things I have resolved to do. I would like to tag each and every one of you reading this to resolve whatever you can do to be the change.

It does not have to be all of this but just a sincere list of things you think you can do. Cuz, it probably will open my eyes to more things I can do.

And let’s only resolve those things we can truly follow.

For those who still want to shirk off your responsibility, RDB has a wonderful couplet for its opening lines:

“Ab Bhi Jiska Khoon Na Khaula, Voh Khoon Nahin Voh Paani Hai,
Jo Des Ke Kaam Na Aaye, Voh Bekaar Jawaani Hai”

(If your blood still does not boil, it’s probably just water,
Those who come of no use to the nation, are just a complete waste of youth)

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Things to do to "Be the change!"

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