If anyone argues that the flag in the garbage bin is a symbolic message
that we no longer carry the spirit of nationalism, the sheer fact that everyone is
emotional about the movie is an evidence in itself that we are driven by fierce
nationalism and patriotism. If we were not, we would be indifferent towards this short
movie. We do not hesitate to sacrifice for our country. One can not show it, but majority
of us is not shying away form whatever little or big sacrifices that we needed to do for
the well being of the whole nation. Like director Maniratnam remarked after the success of
his movie "Roja", our patriotism would get shown up in the hours of crisis and
need.
If the director of "The Real Salute" meant that we are
callous about degrading democracy in the country, indifferent towards wide spread
corruption, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment and many other such menaces, there is some
truth in it. Also, if we connect the meaning of peace to the White colour in our Flag,
again the situation is not encouraging. The religious and caste clashes are nothing but
show the barbarian within us. Incidentally, the director showed a big hole in the green
portion of our National Flag. Green means prosperity. On this count, we did not make the
mush dreamt progress. The pace of our progress with which our freedom fighters wanted us
to move ahead was not achieved. More than 40% of the population is still under-nourished
and poor. Proper health security, good education, and hygienic drinking water are still
beyond the reach of half the population, leave aside two-square meal a day and a proper
shelter. The director amply showed his anger at our rulers by showing a big hole in the
green portion of our National Flag. Overall, it is a powerful short movie. As the director
Visu exhorted, we must think about how best we can improve the nation and should not stop
at appreciating this short movie.
If one hears from the Director as to why in the first shot he showed
the National Flag inside a garbage bin, he recalls a real incident that took place six
years back in Trichy. In Thennur, six years back one day when the director went by the
side of the road to attend to nature’s call he saw a torn National Flag inside a
nearby garbage bin. He felt bad about what he saw. He also counters his critics saying
that he shot this film based on this real incident. He feels the emotions of Narasimhalu,
a physically disabled student, as the success for his short film. In fact everyone would
be moved by the way Narasimhalu reacted to this short film. He, who could not even walk
and who struggles to move his head, drew the National Flag with the help of his legs on a
paper and on a computer screen after watching this short film.
This short film reportedly made in all languages must be screened in
all schools all over the country. No doubt, it is a very moving movie and would definitely
kindle our patriotism. Mr Guna Sakthi, you have done a great job and you deserve an award
for such a masterpiece. The State and Central government must honour Guna Sakthi in
recognition of this good work.
The one and only way by which we can show our appreciation to him is to imbibe the
message of this two minutes short film within ourselves. As the small Kid said at the end
of the programme on this short film, we all love India and this would be collectively
shown by all of us by our deeds in times of crisis. Let us work together to relieve our
country from the viscious circle of loan repayment and interest payment which stands today
at a mind-boggling figure of Rs 7,08,631 crores (a responsibility of Rs 7100 on every new
born baby). We need to free our nation from the shackles of this burden and only then we
can elevate the living standards of more then 40 crore fellow-brethren who are under
poverty line. Let us make our country a real "welfare nation".
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