Curtain call.

Indians could well take a lesson from the western world in observing the collective endeavour of honouring their heroes. We instead prefer to wash our dirty linen in public to establish the difference of our opinion, believing this to be a democratic necessity. Was the farewell to Michael Jackson too much of a hoopla with commercial agendas as some of the reasons behind it ? Perhaps. But what it also helped to create was a space in the minds of people, where his achievements as a performer and entertainer could be remembered and celebrated. Where his contribution to the music world could finally cast aside forever the shadows of other memories less honourable, and that his final curtain call commanded the attention of the world.

Compassion seems less evidenced in the world today. Maybe because the world is a tougher place and we are apprehensive that such sentiments may be assumed by others as sign of weakness? I don't know. But I do feel grateful when situations offers me the chance to embrace compassion, as I know it to be an emotion that brings out a mediation that rejects the negative energies we can possess.

The good in others should be acknowledged with an open heartedness. We search too much for praise and never comprehend that our own goodness may be explored by recognising it in the other. As an artist I know of so many Indian artists and entertainers whose memories have faded from our minds because we have not cared to honour their contribution. Instead we have our politicians erecting mammoth statues to immortalise themselves. What a disgrace to our cultural heritage!