TSMSPJ ep:20 :25.4.17: My Impression: Challenging divinity
To challenge any creed whether one belongs to that faith or not, is totally unacceptable in the civilized world order. One is expected to show respect and tolerance towards it, as to discriminate against a person's religious conviction can be seen as an encroachment of civil liberties. However it is not unknown that in the name of religion, politically many wars, battles have been ravaged across the world. Common faith in an area is also a powerful tool that can be used by influential families to wield power over the masses, to maintain supremacy over the area. Moreover in the name of devotion many citizen and human rights too are violated publically and at mass. For whereas, religion instructs and disciplines it also gives rise to devout fervour that may teeter on the borderline of fanaticism..where by mob mentality can take over the zealous devotee , and slaying others who are seen to go against their creed becomes justified in the name of religion. Pity, as this blind one's truth faith. For no faith preaches violence against fellow human beings. If yesterday's episode was seen as a celebration of a popular faith festival Shivratri . The devotes give their all in terms of devotion and praise to their much loved deities Shiv and Parvati. Today's episode is about having faith in one's creed, scriptures and the manner in which a believer interprets and understands the divine message.
For Kanak, it's her faith that is to be woven into a situation, whereby to be called upon to be in role of Parvati in Uma Shankar's wedding is a divine move ,which will help her to access to the one who usurped her Bhabo's shop. Her faith chivvies her along to dress up in the required costume of goddess of Parvati. For Uma it's a clear sign from the gods that this girl kept crossing paths with him and she is chosen to be his life partner. For Maasi too, this wedding is seen as a gift fromLord Shiva to Uma for his ardent worship of his Lord. For Suman and Palomi too , It's a matter of their faith that this marriage is unlikely to happen, as the chances are the girl will disagree to this marriage. For Palomi, she has lost the race to win over Uma's love. Not even Maasi takes into account her silent love for Uma, its dismissed as not all dreams are fulfilled! Such is how providence writes people's fate ,all have to accept the dictates of faith! Even young Shiv can see that it's no coincidence that Kanak is destined to marry his brother! Kanak is surrounded by people like Palomi , Suman ,Saraswati who all believe that this is no amateur dramatics but reality.. there is a wedding taking place and she as the bride in role is bride in reality!
Gross misunderstanding! Kanak speaks the truth before all, her real purpose in donning the role. But Things get serious for Kanak when she realizes that her yes to the role of Parvati is not limited to play acting but a real life wedding scenario where she is expected to marry some guy Uma Shankar who she known's not from Adam! The women had done enough talking now, Uma dressed as the groom has to literally get up and confront Kanak and her conflicting views. He forces her hand, clearly, pushing her publicly before all to do something that one she is not inclined to do otherwise. As far as he can see by god's will they both have been ordained to be married as husband and wife! Where religious beliefs come across opposition by human and civil rights! Kanak accuses him of doing anything in the name of his lord!! She looks with ridicule at the mute masses! She is the only one who is and will defend herself! Kanak can see that no one daren't question creed! For no one wants to be condemned as a blasphemous and profane ! It's too risky! Besides all the bystanders are devotees of the same god she supports too.. but her lord Shiva is also just , merciful and compassionate! His force takes into account a believer's vulnerability!Uma attempts to assure her she is the only woman! one he has looked at! But Kanak fights back! many men have looked at her too , did it mean? that god meant for her to marry all of them! She cannot see the rationale in this man! All she can feel is the horrid term of being coerced into a forced marriage!! This man lives in the dark ages! Heretical in his beliefs! Recognizes and respects not, that where either one or both people do not give their consent for marriage it is seen as forced marriage! That operates outside the law of the land! Here one can see the dangerous division between understanding and interpreting the scriptures at logger heads with human rights! With the crowd cussing her! Kanak motivated by her inner sense of what is right and wrong walks away from this proposal she rejects vociferously, and publically! Uma stops her again.. this time using the lines that they were destined to meet and wed.. he fights his case calmly. Force must not be applied. Rather talk her out of her decision, like he did with Payal. He hopes the box of her belongings, her memories that he went by, at arriving at the conclusion that she is the one ordained for him, will impress her, that he is far from fluke! Her garland ,in kerala, her bangle, and his ring on her finger! and her being here today, colored in vermillion and both of them captured in the one garland.. is a sure sign of the gods their marriage has been decreed by the heavens! Kanak appears to sway, by the exhibits and the recount of fresh events.. will she be convinced by the two edged sword of destiny and religion that he holds above her head?? Plus his wooing , he knows all he needs to know about her..smooth operator..a master of oratory is the imposing Uma Shankar. No! means no! Kanak is not impressed by his arguments.. yes she is overwhelmed! But for her this whole wedding is not some work of divinity!! Kanak churns up the issue of mutual consent for marriage.. how come god only gave him a signal, but failed to give her the same sign?? Well Uma has a way out of her questions, they both have been given the same sign from god.. the only difference is he is able to discern it, while she fails to comprehend it!Is Uma playing with words to gain what he wants? is saving his face before the crowd, and his family part of his battle with Kanak too?? he beavers on in convincing her.. she was becoming a spectacle, and showing signs of cracking up! Men were cat calling for some use of force!! Kanak has to give her decision! Sorry! she cannot go through this strange, coerced ceremony ! she strangely feels duped! caught into a situation! She does not believe in this kind of forced agreement..she makes her exit!
While he continues to give her the guilt that she is going against the signs of the gods!! But she rejects his pleas, he can marry someone else! She cannot marry him, let her go! Uma grabs her hand and orders her, he has chosen her! and he shuns her beliefs But tells her he believes in god's plan! and right now! he will fulfill gods plan! Uma forcibly carries her over his shoulder walks towards the mandap. Kanak slaps, bites, resists his assault which he and all around him see as carrying out the will of god... none speaks ..it would be going against their faith. A helpless woman is forced to be party to carrying out the will of the gods??
In his proud, mighty arms the circumambulations are conducted around the sacred fire before many witness, while Kanak quivers and squirms like a fish gasping to survive! Kanak screams in protest.. she receives her baptism of fire .. a severe ordeal! A test lumbered on her! she screams to the heavens.. surely this cannot be the doing of divinity?.. but then, the gods know why they allow such shocking mayhem?? For out sorry situations god makes room for redemption of two souls made for each other.Uma will put the sacred mangalsutra around Kanak.. she tells him. She does not give consent to this marriage ,which stands as a forced one! She flees straight to a public phone booth!
Yes it was an episode, bold and controversial.. to question someone's faith is not a comfortable idea as people feel very strongly about their personal beliefs and convictions. Also the whole issue of forced marriage was tackled with the in your face approach to show the impact boldly. May I add that issue of forced marriages is not just limited to one area of the world but is practiced in many countries under the canopy of child marriages too. hamlet53 26.4.17
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