Indians from 1967 talk about the future

Summary

The transcript captures a diverse array of Indian perspectives on independence, personal ambitions, and the nation's progress. Individuals express their love for India in unique ways, with some desiring to explore its cultural tapestry while others focus on personal achievements. There's a candid discussion on the challenges faced, including education, employment, and societal issues like bribery. The narrative also touches on the country's industrial growth versus agricultural sustainability and the role of the individual in contributing to India's future, reflecting a blend of pride, frustration, and hope.

Takeaways

• 😀 Independence is valued as the freedom to act without dependence, with a special emphasis on mental freedom.
• 🏰 The speaker expresses a deep connection to India, feeling an integral part of the country's life and culture.
• 🚶‍♂️ There's a desire to explore India extensively, capturing the diversity of its people, cultures, and landscapes.
• 🎂 The date 15th August 1947 holds personal significance as the speaker's birthday and a pivotal moment in India's history.
• 🛍️ The speaker acknowledges increased purchasing power and the availability of more goods in the market.
• 👕 Despite wanting to wear nice clothes, financial constraints are mentioned, highlighting the struggle between aspirations and affordability.
• 🚜 Modern tools like tractors are seen as necessary for progress, indicating a shift from traditional to mechanized farming methods.
• 🏢 The speaker prefers foreign blades for their cost-effectiveness, reflecting a pragmatic approach to resource management.
• 🏫 Challenges in accessing higher education are noted, with a critique of the system that allows for bribery to secure seats.
• 🌟 Ambitions vary widely, from military ranks to scientific discoveries, reflecting the diversity of aspirations among individuals.
• 🏭 While recognizing industrial progress, there's concern about the potential neglect of agriculture and the rural population.

Q & A

What does the concept of 'true independence' mean to the speaker?

The speaker equates 'true independence' with the freedom of the mind, suggesting a personal sense of autonomy and self-direction that is not necessarily tied to external expressions of patriotism or dependency.

How does the speaker express their connection to India?

The speaker feels deeply connected to India, considering themselves an integral part of the country and its life, despite not expressing conventional love for the nation.

What is the significance of 15th August 1947 for the speaker?

15th August 1947 is significant to the speaker as it marks both their birthday and India's Independence Day, symbolizing personal and national freedom.

What does the speaker desire to do to understand India better?

The speaker wishes to travel across India, documenting its diverse people, cultures, and landscapes through writing, photography, and audio recordings to capture the essence of the country.

How does the speaker view the economic practicality of foreign goods over local ones?

The speaker believes that foreign goods, such as blades, are more economical and serve a better purpose, even if it means saving money by choosing them over local products.

What is the speaker's perspective on the education system in India?

The speaker is critical of the education system, noting the difficulty in gaining admission to colleges and the prevalence of bribery for securing seats, which they have never resorted to.

What are the speaker's ambitions and career aspirations?

The speaker's ambitions vary greatly, from becoming a high-ranking military officer, a scientist studying meteorites, to joining the IAS for a secure government job, reflecting a range of personal goals and societal roles.

How does the speaker perceive progress in India?

The speaker acknowledges India's progress in industrialization and infrastructure but expresses concern over the cost to agriculture and the disparities between urban and rural development.

What does the speaker think about the role of the individual in contributing to the country?

The speaker believes that being an honest citizen, working diligently, and not complaining excessively about daily hardships are ways of contributing positively to the country.

How does the speaker feel about India's future?

The speaker is somewhat pessimistic about India's future, suggesting a lack of faith in the country's current trajectory and expressing a desire to be part of a significant national experiment.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Personal Reflections on Independence and India

The speaker begins by defining independence as the freedom to act without reliance on others, highlighting the importance of mental freedom. They express a deep connection to India, their homeland, and a desire to explore its diverse cultures and people. Despite not overtly expressing love for the country, they yearn to document the country's essence through a personal journey. The speaker acknowledges the significance of India's Independence Day, reflecting on the country's progress and personal aspirations, including the need for better agricultural tools and the practicality of using foreign products. They also touch on the challenges of education and the issue of bribery in securing college seats, advocating for honesty and hard work.

05:01

🎭 Ambitions and Views on Progress in India

In this segment, the speaker discusses various personal ambitions, ranging from military ranks to scientific achievements, and the desire to contribute to India's progress. They express a sense of pride in India's industrial advancements but also voice concerns over the neglect of agriculture. The speaker contrasts the development in different regions, highlighting the disparities between urban and rural areas. They also address the issue of population control, suggesting that it is as important as motherly protection. The paragraph concludes with a mix of personal and national aspirations, including the desire to learn new languages and the admiration for individuals who have made significant contributions to India's cultural and sports scenes.

10:04

🚀 Aspirations and the Role of Citizens in India's Future

The final paragraph delves into the broader themes of national service and the potential of India's future. The speaker paraphrases John F. Kennedy, emphasizing the importance of individual contributions to the country. They acknowledge the prevalent frustration among Indians but maintain a positive outlook on the nation's capacity for progress. The speaker expresses a desire to stay and be part of India's 'huge experiment,' suggesting a belief in the country's ability to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

Keywords

💡Independence

Independence in the context of the video refers to the state of being free from outside control, influence, or support, which is a central theme as the speaker reflects on personal and national autonomy. The speaker contemplates true independence as the freedom of the mind, suggesting a deeper form of liberation beyond physical freedom. This is exemplified when they discuss their personal journey and aspirations without being constrained by societal expectations.

💡India

India is a recurring keyword throughout the script, representing both the nation and a source of personal identity for the speaker. The speaker expresses a complex relationship with India, acknowledging its significance in their life while also critiquing certain aspects of society and governance. The mention of India's independence day and the speaker's birthday on the same date further intertwines personal and national identity.

💡Freedom of the mind

The concept of 'freedom of the mind' is introduced as a form of true independence, suggesting a state where one's thoughts and beliefs are not dictated by external forces. This is a pivotal idea in the video, as it aligns with the speaker's desire to explore and understand India on their own terms, capturing the diversity and complexity of its people and cultures.

💡Cultural diversity

Cultural diversity is highlighted through the speaker's wish to document the various races, cultures, songs, and dances they encounter while traveling across India. This reflects the video's theme of celebrating and understanding the rich tapestry of Indian society, which is composed of multiple ethnicities and traditions.

💡Economical

The term 'economical' is used by the speaker when discussing the preference for foreign blades over Indian ones due to their cost-effectiveness. This illustrates a practical approach to resource management and a recognition of the economic realities that influence daily life decisions, which is a subtle commentary on global trade and local industry.

💡Education

Education is a significant keyword in the script, with the speaker touching upon the challenges of accessing higher education and the value they place on learning. The discussion of technical education and the contrast between the availability of opportunities and the actual utilization reflect the complexities within India's educational landscape.

💡Ambition

Ambition is a keyword that surfaces multiple times as various individuals express their personal goals, ranging from military ranks to scientific discoveries. These ambitions are indicative of the aspirations and dreams of the people, showcasing the diversity of career paths and the drive for achievement in Indian society.

💡Progress

Progress is a keyword that encapsulates the speaker's mixed feelings about India's development. While they acknowledge advancements in industry and technology, they also express concern over the cost to agriculture and the uneven distribution of these advancements. This reflects a nuanced view of progress that considers both its benefits and potential drawbacks.

💡Security

Security, as mentioned in the script, is associated with stable employment and government jobs, reflecting the desire for financial and social stability. The speaker's preference for a government job over other career paths underscores the value placed on security in the face of economic uncertainties.

💡Honesty

Honesty is presented as a keyword that defines the speaker's approach to citizenship and their contribution to the country. By emphasizing the importance of being an honest citizen and doing one's job to the best of their ability, the speaker suggests that integrity is a fundamental value in both personal and national development.

💡Cultural appreciation

Cultural appreciation is evident in the speaker's interest in Indian dancing, Ghazals, and admiration for Indian artists and athletes. This keyword highlights the speaker's engagement with and respect for India's cultural heritage, which is an integral part of their identity and the nation's fabric.

Highlights

Independence is described as the freedom to act independently and not be dependent on others.

The concept of true independence is the freedom of the mind.

India is deeply personal and integral to the speaker's identity.

A desire to explore India, experiencing its diversity and capturing its essence.

15th August 1947 is significant as it marks both India's independence and the speaker's birthday.

India is reflected in everyday scenes like long queues and crowded trains.

The speaker's needs have increased with more purchasing power and market variety.

A preference for foreign blades over Indian ones due to their cost-effectiveness.

The difficulty of getting admission to colleges despite their abundance.

A strong stance against bribery for educational seats.

Technical education is seen as accessible and a means to secure livelihoods.

Ambitions vary widely, from becoming a general to a scientist, reflecting diverse aspirations.

Security is associated with stable government jobs and the desire for comfort.

The importance of being an honest citizen and contributing to the country through one's work.

The speaker's pride in India's progress, particularly in industry and technology.

A critical view of India's progress, highlighting the cost to agriculture and the disparity between regions.

The belief in India's potential to solve agricultural problems, drawing a parallel to its industrial achievements.

A sense of responsibility towards the country, suggesting that individuals should contribute positively.

The idea that India is an ongoing experiment and the speaker wishes to be a part of it.

Transcripts

Independence means freedom, keeping oneself independent, not being dependent on anyone

- doing what you feel like independently.

There is one kind of independence that comes to my mind and that is true independence - that

is the freedom of the mind.

I am an Indian and India means everything to me.

I am part and parcel of India and India is part of my life.

I don't have any love for this country and I don't want to show off like I have this

love for the country, who should I tell suppose I have got love for the country?

Shall I go on the streets and tell everybody oh I got love for my country?

One thing I would like to do very much is to go through this country, top to bottom

and take a little bit of money and pad and paper, a tape recorder and a camera and I

would like to go through this country walking at a very leisurely pace, seeing all kinds

of people of different races and different cultures, capture them in their different

moods, their songs and their dances, cacophonies of their multifarious tongues, I'd like to

get their agony, the anguish and the anger - the fertile soil, the pastures, everything

so that one day when I could come back I could open the book and remind myself of what I

am part of and what is part of me.

15th August 1947, well it means a lot.

First of all, it is my birthday of course and it is one of the greatest days for India.

I think of India when I see the long queues, people waiting patiently for buses, for ration.

I think of India when I see people hanging on their local trains.

My needs - of course they are more.

I have more money to buy things.

I see more things in the market.

So I buy them.

We need two blankets and two three shirts and one pair of clothes for travel.

I like to wear nice clothes but you know what has happened, I don't have money to buy them.

I realize that we cannot dig the field with a pair of bulls.

We need a machine or a tractor to dig well.

Well I feel that foreign blades are more economical than our Indian blades.

Why shouldn't I go and use them because I save my money.

I firmly believe that they serve much better purpose and are more economical.

You know terribly difficult to get admission.

But I don't understand really being so many colleges, there are so many who just waste

a year or two because they don't a seat into a college.

If you don't get admission into a college and you just ask them how much extra you would

take you know, you are sure of getting a seat the very nexrt minute.

No, I have never ever bribed for a seat in a college or a school.

Actually I feel that this question of bribing is resorted to only the below the average

students.

Today technical education is free.

Any matric or secondary student can get technical education very easily and can become a good

mechanic and earn his livelihood.

Have you gone to school?

No, I haven't gone to school.

Do you know who is India's president?

Don't know.

Do you know the name of the Prime Minister?

Don't Know.

Do you know about the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh?

Don't Know.

Ujjain's collector's name?

I know.

We have two schools in our village and there is a middle school also.

Well I would say I am better off than my father was in almost every respect, in terms of educational

opportunities, atleast I don't have to work in a mill in the morning to pay for my education

in the evening.

Well my ambition is to reach the highest rank which my service can provide.

At the moment of course it is confined to be a full general but by the time I go high

up, if there is a rank of Field Marshal, I would like to be the first one.

Well my ambition is to be a great scientist.

As you know, i am working on meteorites and these things which are from outer space, we

don't know much about them.

I want to do something very original about them.

Maybe get my name in textbooks if possible.

For some people, security is a warm blanket.

For me security is a government job.

I would like to join the IAS.

I would like to sit in a comfortable chair in an air-conditioned room, stand a couple

of hours here and there, write my comments in the margins, drink cups of coffee, attend

meetings and jsut sort of be a cog in the machine.

What more do you want me to do?

I would look for a government job.

If I don't get that, I will go in the army.

My ambition is to command a bombers' squadron in the operational areas and later on I would

like to go on to testing aircraft, you know what I mean?

I would like to be a test pilot.

I would want to be a good fitter.

Well my ambition in life is to glorify myself.

I want to go in film line.

Eh?

Film line.

I want to produce some picture.

You know I got the story also.

From my own life.

But you have enough money?

I will make money no?

See, I will try my best no.

I will save money now.

From somewhere or other.

See, being a heroine, I don't think that's bad, it's not like it is not good.

But it is not for me.

I cannot be one.

Progress?

Ofcourse we have made progress.

The sort of progress you us in your documentary films.

But afterall a child would grow even if it didn't have sufficient nourishment.

Well I feel happy when I see the big industries of India.

The time I feel unhappy is when I see that all these industries are being built at a

cost of agriculture.

I feel happy when I see the fertilizers being made in the factories, well they mean that

we have progressed a great deal, that we will have more food because there will be more

land irrigated, that we will have more industries because there will be more electricity.

It also means there will be more employment, more production, more happiness.

When we compare ourselves to countries like Germany and Japan, we have made no progress

at all.

I've been to a village in Saurashtra, some three years back and I saw a very happy life.

I saw there was a (inaudible)bus coming to the village, there were roads, there was a

Gram Panchayat radio, there was a windmill in that village, it was all very good.

Then a year later I went to an Adivasi area in Gujarat again and I saw the people had

not heard of a plane or a train and I felt that this was not progress.

We make rather good aircrafts as well.

NATs and Vampires, well don't ask me, you can go somewhere else.

When mother is in danger, they do abortion.

They call it Apadharma but when the country population is going up like hell and country

is going to dogs, they don't understand it is also like a kind of Apadharma to save the

country.

There are 13 men in the family but we don't have enough labor.

9 brothers sisters, one this big.

Another this big, another this and another this.

One sister this big, another this big and one in the lap.

Well let me put it this way.

I would say that our achievement is that we have a hopeful tomorrow, our failure is that

today is very precarious.

But if a country can industrialize itself so well in 15 years, I am sure that we can

solve the problem of agriculture as well in the next 15 years.

What do you want me to do for the country?

I think I do enough by being a honest citizen.

By doing my job to the best of my ability, by working 8 hours a day.

By not complaining much about the ration, about the unavailability of sugar.

No, i don't get to see the ration queue.

When I am standing in the bus queue for the whole day, how can I go in the ration queue.

Well I don't know, it seems to be a fashion to denigrate the country and when two people

meet, they get into a sort of competition about who can abuse the government better.

Like other boys, I do not eat fancy things, I just watch films.

Well I debate, I take part in dramatics, I like literature.

I like to do a lot of things.

I want to learn French, I want to study German, learn Russian.

I never find time, never find opportunity.

Well first and foremost is dancing.

I like Indian dancing and I am learning Bharatanatyam at the moment.

I like to hear Ghazals, talking about Ghazals, I like Begum Akhtar.

I play tennis myself and I think the Indian tennis players have got a lot of hope.

Well my proudest moment was when we qualified for the Davis cup finals and our chaps Lal,

Krishnan and Mukherjee, they did wonderfully well.

Probably you must not have the Indian I admire the most but it happens to be Zubin Mehta,

the Indian conductor who I should say is the only Indian conductor.

I admire that man Mihir Sen.

Not only because he is a wonderful swimmer.

Besides what he has done sounds almost fantastic.

Swimming the seventh strait is not a joke and I would like to be another Mihir Sen if

I can help it.

Great batsman Pataudi.

But when Pataudi scores a century, I realize I haven't done anything.

I feel if I did a century, then I would be happy and at peace.

My favorite director happens to be Satyajit Ray for obvious reasons.

He has the gift of capturing things in a realistic way and that's why he is being acclaimed all

over the world.

India's future, how can I say?

I don't think there is any future left for us, we have only got a big past to boast of.

As Kennedy put it, I think it is a question of not what the country can do for you, it

is what you can do for the country.

Ofcourse frustration is in fashion today but I think deep within every Indian, there is

despite all this frustration, we are underestimating him.

He has a capacity to work.

If all the people in this country who didn't fancy their prospects in it were allowed to

quit, I think I will stay because it is something big.

It is a huge experiment and I would like to be a part of it.