| What I've liked Gandhigiri |
| Sometimes I venture out of my chosen field to applaud breakthrough work on the cinema screen. This time, it is in praise of Lage Raho Munnabhai. I have only one word to describe it "" brilliant. The film has managed to send out a huge message in the most charming manner possible, and has single-handedly achieved in a matter of three hilarious hours what years of sermonising have tried. It has drawn audiences from all strata into believing Gandhian ideals are "cool", and even added a new word "Gandhigiri" to our lexicon. |
| It's a refreshing change to watch Gandhi being cheered by an audience that would normally nod off to sleep at the mention of his beliefs. The story moves from episode to episode, turning futile situations around with simple Gandhian tenets such as love, forgiveness and non-violence. To a generation that has probably resigned itself to believing that Gandhism "didn't work then and won't today", this film gently points out that it is more important to win the war than a few battles here and there. I marvel at everything the script has woven in: treat everyone with courtesy, stick to the truth, say you are sorry... and yet managed to steer clear of being preachy. I guess it's because of the endearing simplicity of the messenger Munnabhai. |
| Even though it might take us a while to stiffen our spines and do what Gandhi would have done, Lage Raho Munnabhai has triggered the possibility that we can. Long live Gandhigiri! |
| What I've learned Dream, but with eyes open |
| This is in continuation of my previous column on why some people fail to realise their dreams. My first reason was that people tend to get distracted or disheartened, which they mustn't even if it feels like it might take forever. The second reason why some people's dreams don't come true is when their dreams and core competencies are not in tune with each other. Which is why I quote Dhirubhai Ambani as having said "Dream, but with your eyes open". To be aware of one's inherent capabilities and inclinations is crucial. One of the advantages of being aware of your competence is that it invests you with the wherewithal to reach your goal, regardless of what the world thinks. Your goal should be your personal calling, not what is currently "in" or what you have been advised to do. Advisers fall by the wayside by and by, and most people give up on their dreams when the cheering and the encouragement stop. You know you will achieve your dream when you can carry on without all this. You draw your sustenance from no one but yourself. |
| When your dream and competencies are in sync, your own intuition or common sense will lead you towards it. |
| A small example. I get lots of mail from people who tell me that they have what is in their estimation an excellent film script for a TVC, and would I kindly put them in touch with the ad agency for the brand? Now, if this dream of theirs was in sync with their competencies, they would know instinctively that they need to be educated in the craft first. They would first set about trying to get trained in the field rather than indulging misguided notions of their own advertising genius. Dreaming within the framework of your core strengths is necessary for a dream to become reality. |
| For archives and AGK's Dhirubhaism series, log on to agkonline.com |
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