Independence

A slum child goes is trying to sell flags on Independence Day to earn her daily bread. She is too young to not have faith or hope because she has not seen much of what us self sufficient people would call “good” in her life.

She comes to the respected Freebird High School (affiliated to the CBSE Board) where a guard allows her to sit at the gate. He is also kind enough to buy a flag. But why would he do that if there are a few dozen flags already put up on the gate?

A parent (or official) driving into the school assumes her to be a beggar and just palms a penny off to her. Much to the child’s disappointment of course. Her pride, however makes her leave a flag on the windshield anyways.

Neeraj Ghaywan, may provoke thought with people who will watch this movie. This may not be a challenge since its only a minute long and junta will ensure that the movie is spammed to death. But will he be able to provoke any action? I sincerely doubt that. Not because Ghaywan’s effort is passé but for the same point that he has tried to communicate in his short film – the very social fabric of our country is circumspect.

We as a race or a country would rather give alms to a beggar than help her / him make a respectable living. The social structure is such that only a person below a certain economic level can understand the plight of another such person. Funnily the same person moves ahead in life and forgets where s/he came from. Sad but true – Is the colour on our social fabric like a cheap garment that bleeds in the first wash? Till that changes, will we ever be truly Independent?

Must point out the sincerest effort by Meenakshi who is probably no more than 6. Would like to know if she is actually a slum kid.

Noble effort overall. But not brilliant. 5 on 10 at best. Check out the link as under

http://www.desimartini.com/videos/view-video.php?vid=5FJTeKmXZ4o