Devi

Pop culture in India is increasingly turning its gaze inwards, for a generation that is far more connected and confident and far less in awe of the West. Popular culture of any society is defined by the common values and themes that any society seeks to build. It manifests itself in the form of art culture festivals and broad social interactions. Indian culture can be called vibrant and one which thrives on kinship and family. Yet culture itself is not static, it is fluid. As a society moves with time, connotations of culture take different meanings as well.

Be it the cow, who is considered as the mother animal of the country, her significance used and interpreted into a plethora of emotions suited to the needs and qualms of the very individual posing to worship her. Or be it a saint who instead of isolating himself from the world in the hope for Nirvana, comes forward and becomes a part of it only to mould himself into its ways and work towards making his surroundings a better place by introducing an innovation no one expected from him, pop culture has transformed itself from an idea to a belief. The world is changing constant colours, nothing is just black and white anymore but rather a canvas painted gray with small specs of powerful colours adorning the surface. Indians are people excellent at not only blending different religions with traditions and festivities but also people extremely efficient at making the best out of whatever's available to them, in other words, people believing in maximum utilisation of resources even if that comes across as 'Jugaad' to the rest of the world.

Over the past few years, we have not only changed our ideas and beliefs for the better but have also changed the way we perceive the idea of Gods and Goddesses: from the almighty figures who have always been right, to the once human forms of people who rose above the world because of their work and ideals and did make mistakes but never repeated them again. India, with its rich cultural heritage, its food, monuments and its people has not only won the hearts of those residing in its abundance but has also captured souls across borders where our heritage has become not only a matter of great envy but also one of utmost wonder and admiration.