MAN AND HIS MISSION ... 17

MAN AND HIS MISSION ... 17

Little men judge geniuses. That is the human predicament and that is where lies the tragedy of art and the artist. This vast gap between the mountain and the mole-hill creates all the complications that often stifle genius for want of human support. It is here that we have a job at hand.

Plain human sympathy is the prerequisite for a well-functioning human society. This little bit of love and appreciation for each other is the foundation of collective living. The fundamental and foundational aspect of society being cooperation, coordination and conjoint effort at efficient collective living, this mutual love and respect and appreciation of each other's positive attributes and qualities is fundamental to sound social existence as well. Hence, it is but reasonable to expect from society adequate support and encouragement for men and women of exceptional talent so that they blossom fair and fine.

Reality, though, tells us a different story and there are umpteen instances of genius perishing under the heels of a cruel, neglectful society. Vincent Van Gogh was one such, although his person died but his genius triumphed and outlived his mortal frame to revisit man for all time to come.

Here, closer to home, at home itself, we have had the great Ritwik Ghatak die in destitution, desolation and artistic despair for want of support from an insensitive audience not yet ready for his brand of artistic realism. And yet he survives, a tragic hero, much wasted, much of his genius gone down the drains for want of appreciation that could have kindled many a spark into a creative conflagration consuming the dross of crass commercialism. But such was not to be and the artist perished amidst his perishing dreams to leave behind but a handful of wreaths to adorn his corpse. Ghatak died untimely a wasted man with a bouquet of beautiful flowers to make our lives fragrant. So does genius die so often and so do we move on unconcerned about the sheer waste of human potential.

Written by Sugata Bose

8Riya Bhattacharya, Chapales Bandyopadhyay and 6 others

1 Share

Like

Comment

Share