Ikshana - A Short Film by Provilac #UNBLIND

Summary

In this thought-provoking speech, Arvind Banerjee, a man who regained his vision after 40 years of blindness, reflects on the cultural and social changes he has witnessed. He draws attention to the stark contrast between the India he remembers and the modern, more westernized society. Through a symbolic blindfolded book launch, he challenges the audience to reconsider what they have become blind to—the richness of their own culture, heritage, and values. His message encourages a reawakening to tradition, unity, and self-awareness, urging people to open their eyes and embrace their true identity.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker, Arvind Banerjee, starts with a thought-provoking question about personal ownership and self-awareness.
• 📚 Arvind introduces himself as someone who lost his vision at the age of 12 and regained it after 40 years, but emphasizes that this book is not about his blindness, but about his observations post-surgery.
• 👁️‍🗨️ The speaker shares his confusion about how the country he imagined during his 40 years of blindness is different from the country he now sees with his eyes.
• 🎉 Festivals, which used to be moments of in-person connection, have now shifted to virtual interactions through screens, leading to feelings of loneliness.
• 🌍 Arvind highlights the country's strength in 'Unity in Diversity' but questions if this diversity has led to cultural drift and alienation from traditions.
• 🍽️ He points out how modern preferences, like choosing western food such as pizza and burgers, overshadow traditional Indian dishes, symbolizing cultural dilution.
• 🤔 The speaker raises the debate about modernization vs. westernization, questioning whether modernizing necessarily means adopting western practices and values.
• 👵 Arvind contrasts the values of traditional culture, such as respecting elders and selflessness, with the more self-centered, westernized values people have begun to adopt.
• 📚 He discusses how India has forgotten many of its historical intellectual figures and cultural achievements, focusing more on western icons instead.
• 👁️ In a symbolic act, the audience is asked to remove their blindfolds, representing the need for collective cultural awakening and introspection.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the book being discussed?

The book explores the concept of blindness, not in the literal sense, but as a metaphor for the country's inability to see and embrace its own culture and values. It contrasts the author's literal blindness and regained vision with the figurative blindness that has affected the nation for 77 years.

What does the author mean by saying 'This book is not the story of my 40 years of blindness'?

The author is emphasizing that the book is not about his personal experience of being physically blind for 40 years, but rather about the blindness of society as a whole—specifically how people have become disconnected from their culture and heritage.

Why were the attendees blindfolded at the beginning of the event?

The blindfolds were used to simulate the author's experience of blindness and to make a powerful point about the metaphorical blindness of society. It was meant to create a shared experience and prompt introspection about what people can and cannot see or perceive.

What is the significance of the author's comparison between modernization and westernization?

The author is questioning whether modernization must equate to adopting Western values and lifestyles. He argues that while progress and growth are important, they should not come at the cost of losing one's own cultural identity and values.

What point is the author making by listing traditional Indian dishes like 'Puran poli' and 'litti chokha' alongside Western foods like 'pasta' and 'pizza'?

The author is highlighting how people often opt for simpler or more popular options like Western food instead of embracing the rich diversity of traditional Indian cuisine. This serves as a metaphor for the broader theme of choosing Western culture over Indian heritage.

How does the author perceive the role of festivals in modern society?

The author feels that while festivals are still celebrated, the essence of coming together and enjoying them in person has diminished. The prevalence of digital interactions and social media has led to a sense of loneliness, even during communal celebrations.

What question does the author ask the audience at the start of the event, and what is its purpose?

The author asks if there is something in the room that belongs to the audience but that they don't recognize as theirs. This question sets up the theme of the book, prompting the audience to think about what they have lost or become blind to, such as their cultural identity.

Why does the author refer to his blindness in the context of 77 years of national blindness?

The author uses his own blindness as a metaphor to draw attention to what he sees as the nation's 'blindness' over the past 77 years—specifically, a blindness to its own cultural roots and values in the face of modernization and Western influence.

What is the author's perspective on how the nation has changed since he regained his vision?

The author is disillusioned by the changes he has witnessed, feeling that the country has drifted away from the values and culture he remembered. He sees a disconnection between people and their traditions, and believes that the essence of the nation has shifted.

What does the author want the audience to take away from the book and the event?

The author wants the audience to 'open their eyes,' metaphorically speaking, to recognize and reconnect with their own culture. He encourages people to look beyond Western influences and appreciate the richness and diversity of their own heritage.