All the Bengali around the world knows a peculiar animal (or being) called "Ramgarurer Chhana", literally translated as, kids of Ramgarur. Well now don't ask me who or what is this Ramgarur. Just remember not to lough when you see one. Because they are not gonna be really pleased to see your may be white teeth.
The poem by Sukumar Ray went somewhat like this -
The poem by Sukumar Ray went somewhat like this -
রামগরুরের ছানা
হাসতে তাদের মানা |
হাসির কথা শুনলে বলে
হাসব না না না না |
হাসতে তাদের মানা |
হাসির কথা শুনলে বলে
হাসব না না না না |
(Ramgarur's kids
Are not allowed to lough
Crack a joke at them
No, still they wont lough)
Well Mr. Ray certainly described the nature of some complex people in a rather simple manner and excelled in it. Also I think the society by and large, allowed for humour for the sake of humour, at that time. That was a great thing even in the middle of so much socioeconomic troubles prevailing during his time.
Since quite some time, the society is loosing its sense of wit and humour, may be due to the busy, fast paced living style. Or may be because they read less and watch more, killing their imaginations. Whatever be the cause the loss of humour of the society has come to the forefront in the recent cartoon rows in India, particularly West Bengal.
Although many will say that it is a select few who doesn't have it, but I believe that the select few reflects the society at large, since they were selected by the society to represent them. Otherwise I'll have to say that we have a major problem with our democracy.
Although many will say that it is a select few who doesn't have it, but I believe that the select few reflects the society at large, since they were selected by the society to represent them. Otherwise I'll have to say that we have a major problem with our democracy.
