AARAKSHAN-THE REAL STORY

Aarakshan-the movie which dwells on the prevalence of reservation in Education sector, rise of private coaching institutions-their impact on socio-educational Framework has stirred up an unwanted controversy. However this unwelcome development seeks to undermine institutions, fundamental rights and the constitution itself on which the rule of law of our democracy is based upon.

HOW STORY OF AARAKSHAN IS ENLIGHTENING

Late 1960 onwards is regarded as revolutionary age of enlightenment in the Modern Indian literature and other arts like drama, paintings, plays and Artistic expressions in various vernacular languages. The enlightenment was none Other than the attempt to awake sleeping people of the socially deprived classes to stand against the ongoing oppression and tyranny by counterparts in the Name of caste; show weaknesses and shortcomings in their lifestyle, Illiteracy and many practices in which they were not only ignorant but also being exploited.

Those art forms depicted the living conditions of these people not to Humiliate but to constructively criticize them so that they improve in their Living conditions and also show the world that they need more attention and Incentives for their development. For instance, Great kannada writer Shivarama karanta through his famous book called “Choma na Dudi” showcased the pitiableconditions of the socially and economically deprived people with the sole intention to awake and arise them towards the development. Many writings of Ambedkar, Pule, Mahaswetadevi, Baburao Bagul, Bandhu Madhav, Shankarao kharat have created literature on many aspects dalits and backwards hence creating revolutionary attitude to stand by oppression, making aware of education, discouraging blind practices and so on.

Movie “AARAKSHAN” is also one such form of expression which not only reveals the true underlying reasons why mandal commission was enacted by the Supreme Court but also raises its voice against the commercial exploitation of the private tuitions. In the Broad terms this movie is one similar flavor of the above mentioned art form which has stood by the backward classes and justified why mandal commission was enacted very logically and impressively. Fact is that the modern Indian Literature is considered as an era of enlightenment of the Dalits and the backwards. Hence, the Movie AARAKSHAN is part of this era.

Secondly, it is already evident that many students are getting exploited through the giant of commercial private tuition which is not only getting costly and unaffordable by the poor people but also creating discriminations in the educational availability. The Movie AARAKSHAN is a brave attempt to expose this growing evil.

QUESTION RAISED NOT BY THE MOVIE BUT THE AGITATION

This trend of menacing filmmakers and demanding to see the film even after Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clearance is going to reduce our freedom of expression. At some stage, this extra-constitutional censorship is going to go out of hand. The CBFC cleared it for a U/A certificate without a single cut. It’s really ironic that while the CBFC is becoming more sensitive, liberal and progressive, these other forces are moving in reverse gear. Thus the agitation only undermines the authority and the judgment of duly professional body thus damaging the institutional framework of this sector.

The banning of the movie due to acts of violence by lumpen elements without an iota of knowledge about the movie and its content grossly violates the freedom of expression of the filmmaker. If after being duly certified and passed by the competitive authority a need was felt to ban the movie then the authorities concerned should have taken to the court of law rather than becoming a super censor on to themselves thus violating the constitution itself.

Today, thrust is on how we should institute an Indian Teachers’ Service (ITS)—like The IAS and IPS so as to reintroduce the venerable position of teachers and the honour associated with the profession of tutorship. Due credit must be given to the makers for reminding us that, reservation or no reservation, it is the duty of every teacher to empower the underprivileged, irrespective of caste, whether it's inside a classroom or a cow shed. Forget caste, think economic strata. Education is a great leveler. When you provide quality education, the rich will have no choice but to sit with the poor.

There is an estimated loss of Rs. 15 crores for the opening weekend but another major issue is piracy of the film over the weekend which will incur more losses. It’s reported that pirate versions of the film flooded the black market in Lucknow and other major districts of UP. Thus causing huge financial loses and indirectly aiding the piracy which is eating into the entertainment industry.

The saga of this Bollywood film definitely raises the question on how democracy works in India even in the 21st century, where politicians have the right to overrule the decision of a formal film censorship board. Something that would not be seen in Hollywood for sure. It is ironic that at the time when the GOI is trying to assert the importance of institutions and fearing the “attack on democracy due to the fast but a certain elderly gandhian there is a blatant violation of rule of law,fundamental rights and respect for institutions in full national view.

Thank you

Sudhanva and Prashanth