Though never a die hard fan, KBC has always managed to tempt me to linger on it during my insane channel surfing. Is it the charisma of the Big B, the raw human emotion or my 'feel good' when I seemed to answer Qs worth a few lakhs with ease. But I somehow feel this season of KBC really stood out and not for the reasons mentioned above.
This season belonged to the 'Mango' people( Saif's dialogue from Love aaj kal loosely translated into Aam Admi). Be it the computer operator from Bihar, the housewife from West bengal or the bank manager who all went home richer by a few and more lakhs, it seemed more a victory of the quest for knowledge. And it seemed shameful that these simple, small town individuals seemed much more well informed about the most diverse topics than the my so called forever online, "information at my fingertips" google generation.
When I expressed this to my lovely companion of many a debate and of course the journey of life Sriganesh, his point of view was interesting. He agreed that it was indeed commendable however how will this ensure means of livelihood and only a limited few would get access to a stage and platform like KBC. Though it seemed to make sense, it triggered a thought and a very disturbing one at that- So what is real education? what is the purpose of education?
And honestly I dont believe a show like KBC can be simply won by mugging up data and facts , it definitely goes a step beyond and requires a lot more exposure to varied subjects. Isnt that supposed to be real education - awareness of the past and present and the ability to apply and relate? And isnt that qualification enough to land someone a job, a steady income and respect in society? This question will certainly open up a Pandora's box and am sure this piece will steer into a direction which might be a lengthy debate in itself.
But it really warmed my heart to see for a change a reality show made at least a small percentage of this intelligent, thirsty for knowledge yet simple individuals return changed men and women. And I am certain as much as the money seems precious, what will be a takeaway and a bigger high will the respect and pedestal that the society will present them with which otherwise would have been possibly a distant dream. Jai ho !!!!
