Sarees

Indians are spread all over the world. Indian women have visited space. Indians have adapted well to the environments, abroad. Kudos to them! Indian brain is most sought after. There is only one grievance. Since ages, Indians liked aping west. They are enamored by that race. Now, relocating to west, every desire of theirs is fulfilled. Are they happy, living among westerners? Is the wealth amassed suppressing their feelings and heartaches?

‘In Rome be a Roman’ is an adage very popular in India. Agreed. We should not be an odd person out in any crowd. Blending is best and wise. Western outfits in west are acceptable. While leaving Rome, why don’t we shed Roman attires? Why do we drag them in to India? There is no harm in being fashionable. Rather, we must follow the fashion trend, to an extent. This does not mean that we should dump our beautiful, traditional dress.

India is a country rich in culture and tradition. Saree is its crowning glory! It is our traditional dress. It carries our rich tradition in six meters. This is most elegant and graceful. Beauty queen, tall, short, not-so-beautiful, bony-skinny, obese… any can carry the saree well. Saree takes care of any excess or minus excellently. Woman’s beauty is highlighted and enhanced by saree. Waist and hip are decently exposed. Depth of blouse’s neck is not vulgar. ‘Pallu’ covers the essentials. Also gives space to let out an ‘oomph’! Yes, saree is sexy?! Decent and sexy! Can you call this ‘outfit’ by any ways, less fashionable or stylish? Today’s Indian women are suffering from mental block.

Middle aged and youth of today have deserted these beautiful hexa-meters! The most convenient and easy reason being the time involved in draping and difficulty in managing. This reasoning holds no strength. Few days of practice makes an expert. Their busy… morning hours don’t fit sarees. Few decades ago, women wore longer sarees! Even they followed a very busy schedule in their own way. How efficiently, they managed the saree (and show)?! Those days are gone………

Saree’s length is reduced. Wearing is simpler and easier. Yet, is not a favorite; It is losing pretty badly. Women find pride and feel sophisticated while saying ‘I need help. I can’t handle this saree. Can anyone assist me?’ What a shame?

In temples and religious functions, wearing trousers and tops is considered stylish and mod! This is the limit. This much of imitation? Westerners visiting India or residents do not change their life style or dressing. They adhere to their culture rigidly. Why don’t we ape this? Foreigners are excited about wearing ‘our’ saree. To them, it is just an experience. It ends there. No stretching or dragging unlike Indians.

Every culture and tradition must be respected and honored. But, not at the cost of our own. Indians must learn from west, to be proud about whatever is their own, very own.

Change and make changes keeping our tradition in mind. Be modern by mind. Have modern thoughts to improve our society. This is the need of the hour.