People need models, and seek models to bring change to their lives. Often the seeking is via observing others in the same social class. When Balasarasvati was dancing, there was not much interest in the form in the upper classes. My point is that people get comfortable when they see others are moving on. The problem with opportunities has to do with time and place, as with anything. But those nuances are often lost on people. India is India but opportunities, access, coaches are not always found close by or in the site of ones surrounding.
Often its the coaches at sports facilities who notice that a given person is suitable for something that the individual, nor their parents ever thought about. Determination also has to a plethora of factors, ranging from seeing the range, between seeing no choice unless one makes the leap, to having to deal with watching the choices others could make. And later either celebrate others or rue oneself. (Hope this is not getting too much into the area of dignity). MC Mary Kom is a good example to know about. One thing that I have observed is that one has to have a thickish skin (many of us learn this very late), be willing to put up with sneers and taunts, and double speak. There is a dilution to the aforementioned or one may not have to deal with it if of the same social class, or cultiural set. It helps to be at the very least on a somewhat equal standing even to feel together in these schools. One also has to be comfortable in many situations in dealing with Gods from the culture in which a form is situated. This is also true in forms that I practice. I know a Mumbai Goan who decided to give up Bharatnatyam classes when she became aware of the arangetram and the costs that would be incurred. She was a sight to behold. Her Dad at that point was is no position to raise those funds. Infact part of the reason why she evn got some training was because the classes were being conducted in a parish school. +++++ Appended from the post below. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bharatnatyam-dancer-heads-to-london-boxing-for-kiwis/962982/ “She was at our institute for more than five years. She was an avid learner. We never knew she was into sports, forget boxing, forget Olympics. She was a shy girl,” said M R Krishnamurthy, head of Kalakshithi. But Siona says she was the sporty kind even when she was a regular at dance school. “I represented Goa and Karnataka in basketball at the junior level.” +++++++++ I appreciate the point made about Siona being shy. Whether she was or not; it is helpful to be at least reserved. Likewise in language: the children of the most rabid Indian politicians at least in the metros go to English medium schools. Its could simply be to attain leverage and that no one should scorn. Perhaps they do better in English. I am not sure why they go English medium when on the surface it appears that their politics would be served better in the eyes of the poor if they studied in their mother tongue. Moving on: Rest assured that at the sabhas there will be discussion, small chats on whether one can contemplate their daughters taking a punch to the face. Or is it better that their daughters handle a football tackle. Moving on: As opportunities are observed: some will consider emigrating to other countries say for even for 15-20 years. These are the ones who can gain a lot at the same time have a lot in India, including the kind of respect they value. For sure these thoughts are running through minds, and perhaps equally in non-christian minds. Opportunities are sought by many, or thought of by many. Making the leap requires overcoming bodies of water, accepting with or without reticence many factors. Best. Celebrate others. ++++++++++++ venantius j pinto > From: Marshall Mendonza <[email protected]> > To: goanet <[email protected]> > Subject: [Goanet] Bharatnatyam dancer heads to London, boxing for > Kiwis > > > http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bharatnatyam-dancer-heads-to-london-boxing-for-kiwis/962982/ > **** > > ** ** > > ** ** >
