When the Mahalaya begins the day after the Anant Chaturdashi, across Maharashtra start the shradha rituals. The entire process is quite elaborate. What we do on Bhadrapad Mahalaya Ashtami and the Bhadrapad Mahalaya Dwadashi is on both these days dedicated to the memory of Papa and Aai respectively, we offer a heart-felt prayer in the Mahamrutyunjay temple, and offer a rather handsome 'dakshina' to the Guruji there, a small little act of help to a poor Brahmin family.
Not boasting about it at all, but we have instituted academic prizes (Shahu College, Kolhapur, GIPE and Kamayani in Pune in Papa's memory, and Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya,Pune and Lokmanya High School, Pandharpur in Aai's) in their memory. There is an annual story competition in Aai's memory in 'Menaka', a major Marathi magazine. In addition, on every date-wise death anniversary of both of them, we donate rather handsomely to institutions/individuals dedicated to social work.
Wondering why I am mentioning all these details at all? That is because I strongly believe that thus are they born again each year, every anniversary. When a student gets the prize, there is a very happy sense of honour in his/her entire family. The student herself/himself feels encouraged. When an author wins a literary prize in a major publication, not only his/her mindscape, but the very language itself is enriched.
In my opinion, in this subtle but sweet blossoming of all that is the best in minds of absolutely unknown, unrelated people lies truly the genuine 'born again' feel, the real rebirth, right? Sure, Aai-Papa would have both appreciated such a tribute rather than a typical puja that Raju does take care of tithi-wise.
That brings me back to the 'born again' theme. Recently were celebrated with huge fanfare the birthdays of Amitabh and Rekha. Much was written about their acting prowess which absolutely is undeniable.
Have they, however, as elder statesmen of the cinema field contributed to the art that made them? Has Amitabh, for example, created a YouTube channel explaining the art of dialogue delivery? Has he written a book on the art of acting that goes in to the making of very many different characters with absolutely unique personalities? Does he as the doyen of Indian cinema and television directly/indirectly explicate the craft of "kaise banega a good artist?"
In my opinion, if he were to thus mentor a passion for the art and craft that made him, he would be born again and again and again in one lifetime. Imagine an FTTI short term course in "Acting and Dialogue Delivery" by the great Bacchan! Students would literally die for the honour of attending such lectures, right?
If not physically, he can have such talks online, may be! For a person who repeatedly triumphed, despite very many obstacles and hurdles in very many ways, such a re-birth-in(g) and of his precious art should not be difficult at all, right? Hope he reads this blog! For sure, I would gather countless, even when unexpressed, thanks!!!
As for Rekha, she did make yoga glamorous which precisely proves my point, right? So here is wishing them both very many such proud "born again" feels!
Pratima@ Creatively returning to who and what made us in the first place makes us experience the "born again" high, I think.
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