The photocopy generation

You speak impeccable English, dress like your favourite Hollywood star, own a couple of Chinese gadgets and instinctively call for a pizza when hungry. Join the confused desi club. In his latest book, Becoming Indian, writer Pavan K Varma examines the legacy of colonialism that we just can't break free from. CS speaks to him about the consequences of this pseudo westernisation:
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Culture calling

The impact of colonialism has never been analysed. It isn't just about physical subjugation, but is also the subjugation of the mind. When the Union Jack was replaced by the Tricolour, we felt smug in the confidence that we had entered a new phase of our journey.

But that was just the beginning of cultural deterioration. We need to go back to our rich cultural roots if we want to sit on the high table with other nations, otherwise we'll only be their photocopy. We're in the middle of an unfinished revolution. It's time for a cultural audit. If antiquity, diversity and refinement are attributes of our culture, why are we now becoming so rootless and shallow? It is time to ask ourselves these questions.

West knows best?

We've created an elite bracket that follows closely in the shadow of the British. There are many youngsters today who don't even know the meaning of our national anthem; the only newspapers that you find in a flight will be the English ones; we've read Shakespeare but not Kalidas; if you talk in a language other than English, you are immediately looked down uponu00a0we're in a pitiable state.

For starters, we need to be proud of our language. We've aped the West in every manner possible from their architecture to their fashion. I'm not against Valentine's Day celebrations, but what irks me is the fact that the youngsters of our country know nothing about Laila Majnu or the Kamasutra.u00a0
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Almost famous

Approval from foreign nations makes us happy. Slumdog Millionaire wasn't even released in India when it won the BAFTAs. But we were thrilled to be appreciated globally. Even Westerners are taking notice of this fact and are using us to their own advantage.

We're being fooled into believing that we're doing well for ourselves and the educated lot is mesmerised into thinking that they've arrived. But our mediocrity is very visible. I don't expect everyone to agree with everything that I have said in the book. If I can manage to ignite a discussion or a debate that results in the slightest change of mindset, I will have done my job.

WHO: Pavan K Varma

WHAT: Speaks about how Indians have become caricatures of the West

WHERE: Hotel Trident, BKC