The screening of WAR AND PEACE on DD has once again proved to me
that it is a film that needs to be seen by as many people as many
times as they can. I do hope all those whom I informed did see it this
morning – though I later realised there are many more whom I could
have informed.

WAR AND PEACE is a film that brings tears to my eyes each time I
see it, especially at some specific junctures. First, the Kargil
reference in which the Pathan friend of one of the soldiers killed in
Kashmir expresses his shame at Pathans having killed his friend,
followed thereafter by the mother's warm embrace accompanied by the
admission that this Pathan boy is the most warm -hearted, soft-hearted
person she has come across ion her life.

The Lahore Grammar School episode is, in some ways, a classic critique
of our education systems that prepare "trainee demagogues". I WOULD
LIKE SOME DAY TO MEET THE GIRL WHO READILY ACCEPTS THE
DICHOTOMY BETWEEN HER ACTUAL VIEWS AND THE POSTURING IN A
DEBATE - CONTEST ; it is heart-warming to see her seeking an apology
for this, promising that they would not again indulge in such double
standards just for the sake of a prize. ( This episode struck a chord
as I, a lecturer in a college, have, over the years, been making it a
point to try to pursuade my students to speak not for the prize but
from within, with conviction - or, not to participate at all in such
contests). It is smiling tears all the way as one sees this episode of
the film.

The quote from Gandhi at the end is so very topical – AND YET HAS A
UNIVERSAL RING TO IT.

The strength of the film, of course, is that just through a simple,
direct presentation of FACTS, shibboleths are being brought down, the
hate-brigade being exposed, and a fresh awareness created.

There is so much more to write – but I wonder if what I write can
measure up to the standards set by the film.

Regards.

Ramneek

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