Bihari is the word that I haven't paid much attention to. Why? Because I am a Bihari. I have grown up with this identity, and I never found it strange. It is a part of my life and will be my part of life till death, and I am happy about it. I have known Bihar through its people. I am fond of the people living here. I never found the people strange, because I know them. I do not know whether it's destiny or I am placed like this. I came across many kinds of people. People from all economic backgrounds. For people coming from different economic backgrounds, there is a different definition of Bihar. Actually, this concept is applicable to different states also. But, let me focus only on Bihar.
I am born privileged. This is also the reason I am not aware of the problems and challenges that commoners face. Especially in the villages. Actually, I was born and brought up in a village. A village, like an ideal village. The village was like a town. Still, it is. But unfortunately, I am not staying there, and I haven't visited for the past 5 years.
What made that village stand out?
The people, yes the people and their progressive thoughts. The place is a better place to live with people who are eager to listen and understand. Trust me it works like magic. Even when you have a difference of opinion and you are ready to talk and ready to understand, you have won the half battle.
As I have already said, the people make a better place and, that is what Bihar is lacking today. The people with a mindset. The people who are eager to listen, and understand.
I am not saying that Biharis are not good. I am just saying that they are not taking the change which is happening outside. Outside state or India. Change is the ultimate constant and to be in this world everybody has to go through that rough phase.
What kind of change I am talking about?
- Recently, My friends were part of a flash mob organized at NIT GHAT, and their experience was horrible, they are treated like dancers, and told to dance to Bhojpuri songs. And all are young, this is what bothers me the most. What are you learning?
- Mostly, girls are prepared to be marriage ready. They are preparing for their marriage from their teenage. Or from that age, they do not know what it meant to be married. Marriage of a girl is treated as the biggest task that parents have to go through willingly or unwillingly. They are taught household chores but, they are not taught how to speak for themselves. They are taught to be polite and understanding, but not taught to be independent. They are just taught to listen not to have an opinion.
- The society in which we are living is a fluid mosaic and it is not a recent phenomenon. It was here for thousands of years. I do believe that the changes I am witnessing today in other states and outside India have existed earlier. It is just a circle. The mindset that people are having today existed thousands of years before. But, the point is are we enduring the changes? No, a big no. Why? I have no answer. I do not know what is it that is not allowing the youth to change on a bigger level.
- Education. I have put this topic later just to tell you about the position of the government on education. Getting your degree in three years is a luxury not everyone can afford. Here I am talking about education because it has a big role to play when it comes to changing thoughts and behavior.
Change is a slow process undoubtedly but I am looking forward to the change.