Where are you heading to, Soumitrababu?

If you still read a Bengali daily, you may have already seen a variation of this image on the first page: Soumitra Chatterjee, the veteran thespian taking Bangabibhusan (a silly award introduced by the Mamata Government) from the chief minister. Given the circumstances when most Bengali intellectuals and artists are gradually gravitating to the powers-that-be, it is apparently another instance of a sellout. But since it involves Soumitra Chatterjee, who is widely respected for his leftist values and cultural views, we can't help raise our eyebrows in shock.

The Real World is emerging now

It's a real relief that globalization is out, and while what replaces this is nothing better, we can now at least see the world in its true and actual form. 

Just think how the world was transformed by globalization. The proponents of the late capitalism went all out to change the narrative of our life. You were not allowed to talk anything in negative terms. You had to pretend you were happy. You had always to hide your actual woes and torments and show up everywhere with plastic smile and delight.

It's a relief to see that reality shows are on their way out.

It's a relief to see that people are once again protesting en mass against the powers-that-be.

It's relief to see that many writers, especially in US, are wielding their pen against the atrocities of those in power.

It's a relief to see that the media- at least a part of it - is now going back to play the role of what it is supposed to play. 

It's really relief to see that the world is bouncing back to its real and familiar shape despite Donald Trump.