Search:



The Web

Rediff




    Home | Movies | Slide Show



Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently said the British helped in building railways, gave us the English language and administration and that helped us post independence. Do you believe they took more from India and gave less? Before 1857, India was not a nation; it was ruled by different kings. Don't you think that the British united India as a country?

No. Referring to your first question, for me, what good the British did for India is not a topic of discussion. Of course, they have done good things. The film is not saying that the Britishers were bad or the Americans are bad. It says that every individual has the right to keep his head high.

Just because you are powerful does not give you the right to conquer me. You may have modernisation on your side, but I may not be interested in that. What gives you right to decide for me as to what is good and bad for me? What right do you have to say 'Railways lagao' (build railway lines)?

Arrey, we will put railways when we want and when we need them! Of course, we benefited from the British but that does give them right to rule us.

I can imbibe good things from you without you ruling me. Every individual has the right to freedom.

What is modernisation? I have a cell phone, a car and modern machinery at my disposal. Or is the Adivasi more modern because he is living with nature? He has not disturbed the ozone layer or messed up eco system like I have. He is living with nature peacefully. He does not have a refrigerator that is damaging the eco system. What is progress after all?

< Back > < Next >   



Article Tools Email this article
Write us a letter


Copyright © 2005 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.