The soapbox in Chennai
Hi,
Another entry on surprises.
I visit a park in my neighborhood whenever I get the time. My mom also accompanies me (again, whenever she finds the time). As this summer has taken perilous proportions, we find that we often "get" the time to visit this park.
It is quite a big park - for Chennai's standards. Last Sunday, I visited the unexplored segments of the park, only to be surprised. In the segment we visited, we found a group of volunteers speaking about issues that disturbed and inspired them. This motley hardly had 10 participants. An altar built for a fountain served as the podium. Each of the volunteers took turns to talk about issues that are on top of their minds. One spoke about meditation and pranayama, followed by another on strengthening one's character.
I was puzzled to see & hear what was happening. As I inquired, I was told that they had been running this (every Sunday) for the last 254 weeks without fail. They have laid of code of ethics - No belittling anyone or anything (people / religion / leaders / etc). They seem to have strictly abided by these codes. It was visible in their child-like enthusiasm - be it preparing for the topic they have chosen or the way they spoke.
As I probed further, I understood that they belong to a broader fabric called Exnora. The founder, Mr. Nirmal, inspired by the Hyde Park soapbox talks, had introduced the concept to localites.
The group invited me to talk. I could not do much but talk about Bharati's works for a while.
More than anything else, the fact that such things have begun in India made me happy. I was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm in the eyes of the speakers. I could see the shine of a baby's eyes in some of them who have even crossed their 50s.
As we were returning home, I told my mom that if we had stuck to our normal stretch in the park, we would not have discovered this group.
Vijay
Another entry on surprises.
I visit a park in my neighborhood whenever I get the time. My mom also accompanies me (again, whenever she finds the time). As this summer has taken perilous proportions, we find that we often "get" the time to visit this park.
It is quite a big park - for Chennai's standards. Last Sunday, I visited the unexplored segments of the park, only to be surprised. In the segment we visited, we found a group of volunteers speaking about issues that disturbed and inspired them. This motley hardly had 10 participants. An altar built for a fountain served as the podium. Each of the volunteers took turns to talk about issues that are on top of their minds. One spoke about meditation and pranayama, followed by another on strengthening one's character.
I was puzzled to see & hear what was happening. As I inquired, I was told that they had been running this (every Sunday) for the last 254 weeks without fail. They have laid of code of ethics - No belittling anyone or anything (people / religion / leaders / etc). They seem to have strictly abided by these codes. It was visible in their child-like enthusiasm - be it preparing for the topic they have chosen or the way they spoke.
As I probed further, I understood that they belong to a broader fabric called Exnora. The founder, Mr. Nirmal, inspired by the Hyde Park soapbox talks, had introduced the concept to localites.
The group invited me to talk. I could not do much but talk about Bharati's works for a while.
More than anything else, the fact that such things have begun in India made me happy. I was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm in the eyes of the speakers. I could see the shine of a baby's eyes in some of them who have even crossed their 50s.
As we were returning home, I told my mom that if we had stuck to our normal stretch in the park, we would not have discovered this group.
Vijay
posted by Vijay at 8:18 PM
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