Yesterday I watched Anant Mahdevan's film Gor Hari Dastan on TV. It is about a freedom fighter and his 30 year struggle to be recognised by the government as one. In his long quest, he comes up against suspicion, bureaucracy, red tape and apathy. The running around takes a huge part of his time and tells on his relationships. Asked why he does not by give up his fight, he says, "Ladna toh maine kabka chhod diya. Haar nahi mani' (I have given up the fight a long time ago. I have just not accepted defeat).
What a powerful statement this! It speaks of a quiet determination, gentle persistence and a steely will to not surrender one's purpose.
