Today, I had the opportunity to share a talk on change makers with second graders. It was just before the end of the school day, but the kids were so attentive with wonderful thoughts and questions. I presented my late, dear friend Ustad Anb Jogi and friend Puran Bhatt with whom I have created music, as well as animated and puppetry films (http://www.madguru.com/films). They inspire me with their dedication and the generosity and love they have given me and our collaborations.
The kids were, as always fantastic bundles of energy, ideas and wonder. I talked about how these artists acted as leaders and a great support to their communities in the face of apathy and outright cruelty, and how fortunate we all were to share our gifts in times of creativity and need. I shared how my child, like all of these shining lights before me in the class room, gave me hope, courage and perseverance.
I take seriously the dignity and value of people, the promise in children and the care that they deserve. With elections and genocide, it is easy to lose sight of all the good that we can and must do to tear down this complacency around injustice. People act as if somehow we are incapable of bringing change. I think, perhaps, we, the people, are the only ones capable of bringing change, for neither governments nor corporations seem to do the right thing without being forced.
#thePeopleUnitedWillNeverBeDefeated #animation #elections #changemakers #classroom #kids #indigenousart #indiefilm #justice #perseverance #change