Preethi Sriram
By Preethi Sriram
Sometimes, the things that happen in our daily lives can feel almost insurmountable in their challenges. This is something I face as an adult Indian dance student as well as in daily life. For instance, in dance, while there is a level of optimism and maybe some would even proclaim foolhardiness to trying to learn dance as an adult, as this is not the “traditional” path to learning dance. The strangeness and uniqueness of choosing this path that is very personal and individual has its ups and downs. For me, at least I live in a society that really does not mind what I do with my personal time and money. Maybe in this day and in this country, people may applaud it. But I also realize that maybe in a different context, or country, societal pressures may play a bigger role in what path I tread.
This leads to the topic of discrimination. In an American context, this society grapples with its violent history and struggles within its current form. As a society, we are very aware of the history of American slavery, for those who have taken a US History Class in school. We are taught about Civil Rights and the struggle for those seen with different skin color to be seen as equals. Rosa Parks, in a different context may have come off as strange within that societal context in that she would not move her seat to the back of the bus. There was sanctioned racial segregation and she was arrested. That moment in history was one of the events that began the Civil Rights movement. If we fast forward to today’s society, we find it disconcerting to have racial segregation.
Yet, how far do we have to go? 2020 was a historical year for the United States. We encountered a pandemic and lock downs. And in the same year, we saw the murder of George Floyd, which caused protests nationwide. But George Floyd was not the only case that demonstrated targeted brutal discrimination but was only visible to the public because of social media. From the protests from George Floyd, it seems that American society has started to look at itself in the mirror for how various groups and minorities are treated.
Yet, how far as a society do we have to go? How does it feel to view discrimination and witness discrimination? What are some of the practices we are used to daily, for which our hearts feel hurt and tired?
A dance piece that was presented by the Samasthana Dance, hosted by Indian Classical Dance and Music Society (ICMDS) on May 21, 2023, explored this topic of discrimination through the viewpoint of Nandi, the Bull of Shiva. When Nandi guards the temple, and sees discrimination occur, how does Nandi feel?
In an interesting story about a Shiva Devotee, Nandanar was from a different social group and could not go inside to see the Shiva Murti. Yet, as a great devotee, he still prayed outside and tried to get a glimpse of Shiva and prayed that he would be able to see the murti form of Shiva. Nandi sitting in front of Shiva, was so touched by the sincerity of the Nandanar, that he moved himself so that Nandanar could get a glimpse.
In this story, we can learn from the devotee Nandi and his actions, so that Nandanar could see Shiva. It may have seemed small for Nandi to move but imagine a stone form of a statue moving, that is the symbolism of the small, but great gesture.
Like Nandi who witnessed discrimination, how can we act and not feel so helpless. Nandi the bull is a devotee to Shiva and as a devotee, he saw the pure desire of the other devotee to see the Lord. How can we enact this beautiful lesson in our daily lives?
Maybe we can start with something small. Something big may feel overwhelming. So maybe first, have a sense of understanding of someone who may seem different to you. Try to understand their story. This is not limited to adults. Kids can do this too! If a kid in your class is looking alone or seems to have trouble making friends, have some courage and ask the child to play with you. You may get a best friend! But for adults, if you see someone who seems to be having trouble, maybe try to see what they may need to help without being condescending.
Sitting quietly with someone, or letting them participate, may make the world of difference in their lives. Maybe things may not have gone as planned, but now you have another member on your team. Maybe a kid (or adult) sees that a place is not accessible on their playground. Maybe a ramp is needed to accommodate a wheelchair or a swing that could also do the same. Is that possible? We can imagine how nice it would be to have a person in a wheelchair swinging alongside their friend on a swing. We are in this together!
Maybe write to the leaders and see if they are willing to listen to your thoughts on why that ramp is needed and why should it be designed in such a way. But be patient. It may feel like things may never change. Sometimes honestly, we will feel overwhelmed by the amount of callousness we perceive.
For me, when I feel down, when it seems that everything is cruel, everything hurts, no one understands, and thoughts of ‘what difference does it make anyway,’, I think of Nandi. The immovable bull rock that moved. And with that, the dance of atman continues.
Preethi Sriram is a classical dance enthusiast and lifelong learner of dance. Contact: srirampreethi@hotmail.com
