Today A R Rahman - “Madras Mozart” wins Oscar for “Slum dog Millionaire”. Along with billion plus people of India I am also proud that, a person from my country - India, my state - Tamil Nadu, my city - Chennai(Madras) made to this exclusive league at the entertainment capital of the western world - Hollywood. It is mind blowing to see A R Rahman speaking in Tamil. As so many bloggers are writing on this event on entertainment industry perspective let me put forward my thoughts on a much different perspective - A R Rahman as a symbol of Indian Secularism.

India’s founding father’s, when drafting the constitution of India made clear India will remain a secular country where every citizen has a right to follow and preach the religion he profess. This enlightened clause is the bedrock of Indian constitution. This may look simpler for long established western democracies, but in South Asia where there are countries in which a person can be stoned to death for changing his religion this clause is quite revolutionary. Truly this demonstrated Jawaharlal Nehru’s belief - “Unity in Diversity”.

A R Rahman serves as a brand ambassador of Indian Secularism. There are lots of prominent personalities from minority community excelling in every field of Indian Society - Science and Technology - A.B.J. Abdul Kalam; Sports - Cricketer Azhar / Tennis Sania; Entertainment - Amir / Salman / Sharukh Khan’s; Business - Azim Premji - WIPRO; Politics - Abdullah’s.

So why are we singling out Rahman as a champion of Indian Secular Democracy?

Because most of these personalities listed were born Muslims. But Rahman’s story is little different - his story serves as much stronger point considering the fact that he was not a Muslim by birth. He born in a Hindu family and raised Dilip Kumar. He and his family went through lot of hard ships due to his father’s untimely death. At a point in time he found solace in a religion totally new to him - “Islam”.

We need to understand Islam is a minority religion in India professed by roughly 13% of the population. Its following is even lesser in Tamil Nadu (Rahman’s home state) where the following is less than 5% of the population.

But still Rahman knows in a secular India a person is evaluated only by his character and skills rather than by the caste they born in to or the religion they profess - In a tolerant, secular India what can be achieved by “Dilip Kumar” can also be achieved by “Rahman”. And he was right!!!

True to its nature Indian film industry adored Rahman and gave credits which he truly deserves. Starting from his first movie “Roja” most of his breaks came from majoity community produced / directed movies. On his part Rahman gave a great gift to his country in its 50th Independence Day - “Vande Mataram” album which made National Song of India more appealing to country’s youth. Hope in the days to come Rahman will bring even more glory to India.

Congrats to Resul Pokutty and A R Rahman for achieving this milestone!!! Long Live Indian Democracy! Long Live Indian Secularism!

PS: I guess we discussed on a too heavy topic for too long time. So let us end this article in a lighter note. Is Rahman the only one recent convert to champion Indian secularism? No!!! Definitely not! In terms of popularity, 21st Century’s “Laila-Majnu” Chand Mohammed-Fiza will beat Rahman hands down.

Its time for parties and fun. Have you ever wondered who started these new year parties? It was started by Babylonians nearly four thousand years ago! Loud music and crackers are supposed to drive away the demons. So if you hear any of your aunts or grannies grumbling about the today’s youth and parties please take some time,explain the history and make it clear that it was our ancestors to be blamed. They even had the habit of making new year resolutions! The resolution was to return the farm tools they borrowed from their acquaintances.

Many ancient civilizations follow Julian calendar in which new year starts in April. Even Tamil new year usually falls in April. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar, the Gregorian Calendar to replace the old Julian Calendar. According to this new calendar New Year starts on January 1. People who refused to accept this new calendar or the people who were unaware of the change and continued with the April new year celebrations were teased as fools and thus came one of the funniest day ‘April Fools day!’ This is a belief and there is no historical evidence behind it.

Initially I didn’t intend to list down the positives and negatives of this year. But everywhere I find people talking only about the negatives of this year. Obama’s victory is the only positive thing which people can recollect. This year too has its own fair share of positives.  One of the greatest achievement in this year is the return of democracy in Pakistan. Kudos to the brave citizens of  Pakistan who casted their votes and to the media which dint buckle down under military rule. An equally brave action was that of peoples turn out in the recent elections in Kashmir. That is really great. Lets sincerely hope and pray that the new government lives upto the people’s expectations.

One of the other unsung great show of people’s maturity is the recent state elections in Delhi,Rajasthan,MP,Chattisgarh and Mizoram. I was totally awed by the voters in Delhi. Just imagine. The country’s financial capital is almost in siege. Terrorsits have captured the imporatant landmarks and the fight is still going on. There is a non stop coverage of the situation in all television channels. Still People in capital city, vote and elect the ruling party again!! Doesnt it show their maturity and clarity of thought? I am not in support of any parties. But I was really put off when BJP could not attend the All Party meeting as Advani had to attend an election rally. People have sent a strong message that politicians cant count on turning the emotions of people into votes.

Do I have to tell anything about Obama’s victory that showed the power of people? Guess I need not. Whole world knows it.  So in retrospect I feel this is the year in which the common people have sent strong messages to the world,not through violence but through democracy and the right to vote!

This is also a year in which Chandrayaan was launched to moon. An acheivement which everyone can be really proud of. This is a year in which developing countries like India and China are looked upon with new respect as the bailout package for entire global meltdown.

This is also a year of enlightment. The financial meltdown and wall street tragedies have once again reminded the world, the impacts of greediness and need to take informed decisions.

Lets pray for peace and joy!

Bonne année!!!