Instincts – My college cultural fest.
8, March, 2018
The previous night it was announced that Kamal Hasan is to arrive as the chief guest for Instincts, 2018. On the big day, a whole lot of students were pretty excited unlike me. My friend and I entered the Open Air Theatre and took a seat with a good view. It was pretty obvious to everyone that Kamal Hasan has agreed to come only to promote his political party (Makkal Needhi Maiam). It was already 09.00 am. My girl friends were applying lipstick while I was teasing them, yet ended up wearing a purple lipstick. To keep the crowd hyped up and agile, Kamal Hasan songs and other popular songs were played. But when the instincts promotional videos and sponsor videos were on repeat, it made us doubt our sole existence on Earth.
At 09.30 am, all heads turned towards a car entering the side road. A ‘Kamal Hasan’ song was played. Whistles flew everywhere continuously. Everyone stood on their chairs with phones at the ready (to update on SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook, you name it). I just decided to enjoy the moment. A countdown went on, 5..4…3….2….1…. and we could see a hand wave coming from the inside of a screen of body guards and police. People screaming everywhere. Some girls with charts holding up to welcome him. Photographers running behind and shooting every possible moment he makes.
After a brief introduction of his life achievements by the compere, the mic was handed to Kamal Hasan. After 10 minutes of screaming and waving and whistling at him, the crowd decided to let the man talk. I had to dodge a wall of phones set on video mode ahead of us to see him.
He started off by the usual welcoming speech, thanking for the opportunity and praising the college for giving utmost importance to cultural events. The actor-politician urged students to ‘be vigilant and not be mere observers of what’s happening around’, and said politics can change their lives. “I am not insisting that everyone become a politician, but as a citizen, you must be politically aware and act responsibly.” he said. This was pretty reasonable to me. Then the compere asked 3 questions which were entirely related to politics.
Question 1: What does Maiam mean?
“You are the centre of universe. Maiam (centre) is like the needle of the weighing scale. Maiam is the position of the judge. We will take sides after observing from the centre which side is the best. Being at maiam helps us judge better. Being at the maiam is like being honest. It requires effort and enthusiasm” he said. (you got me. I googled :P)
Question 2: Can youth bring change in government?
The actor said“ This party was formed for people like you. Bring your ideas to us. We will listen to you and learn from you. You will not get this happiness in life again. Enjoy your freedom on the campus with responsibility. When you leave the campus, you will lead me. Naalai namathe (Tomorrow is ours)”.
This led to the full on ‘Political Talk’. By the second question, I was already zoned out and annoying my friend.
His last words at SSN were, “I am going to die in your service. I will leave a better Tamil Nadu behind.”
He did not stay for the inaugural dance or the song. He left after his job was done. The dancers had a tough time entertaining the crowd without the chief guest.
P.S. I just wish I had gone to Milan to see Vijay Devarakonda. 😭
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