Sunya -- A Play I watched in Houston

I went to a play during one weekend. It was a play organized by Indian Cultural Association called Sunya. Sunya means zero or nothing in Sanskrit. I have learnt that it was named so following Buddhist philosophy. According to Buddhist philosophy achievement of nothing is the ultimate goal of life. Also may be because Indians are too proud of zero that has been invented by their forefathers. It might have also been to symbolize that what ever we do to protect our motherlands culture is nothing. I am slightly pessimistic here. Optimists version will be nothing can destroy our own culture and tradition. But sooner my impression fallen out to say that some (I just said some, not all) NRIs are doing nothing to protect our tradition. They are becoming Americanised day after day.

The theme of the play was religious unity and the name is “The Final Solution”. It had drama that shows how Hindus and Muslim fight each other and develop grudges on one another. It said that misrepresentation of traditions and misinterpretation of other people was primarily responsible for riots that happen in India. Some political forces (unnamed though) have utilized both religions to their advantage and were successful in increasing the disparity.

Plot revolves around an old woman, her family and of course her dairy. The old women’s reminiscences and her pathos are accounted for in the dairy. The young girl who played the role of the women in post independence era had very good acting skills. I would have fallen in love with her if the play lasted for some more time. Not that she is very beautiful though. It is just the youthfulness, energy and confidence she has that attracted me. My youth may be another reason for the attraction. The real reason is the Indianness which I was longing for in the west. When I said attraction I don’t mean it the same way others say it. It is faintest in nature and so need not be given much attention.

So for God’s sake I will leave her alone and let’s get back to the play. I was not sure if the kids of NRIs think that Hindus and Muslims fight every morning in India. I am sure if one has not been to India he will definitely think Hindus are born to kill Muslims and vice versa. Of course that was a perspective and one off case projected by the playwright. I would be glad if he writes another play to show how secularism works in India.

When India wanted to adopt secularism people thought that it would be like that of France where one cannot display any religious feelings on a public ground. (Excerpt from Amartya Sen’s Argumenattiove Indian) How ever India was a bit liberal in this respect. Display of religion has proved wonderful in the initial years. In the long run politics has become stinking dirt. Politicians started using religions to their advantage. At this moment no one can say exactly what the real riot is and what is faked by politics. A real progressive Indian would want to segregate politics and religion. It might mean banning interference of religious organizations in politics.

It is Kennedy, former President of United States who made stern remarks against interference of Church in political decisions. He who abolished the role of church in political arena made a wise decision. We need similar thing to happen in India as well.

Beautiful drama, elegant acting by cast made it treat to watch. More often than not I was lost in my own train of thought and when the play ended I felt I had made nice utilization of my 15 dollars.