I've never seen John Stockton smiling.
The press conference was great.
And your presentation was excellent!
Hey. You're very quiet.
What's the matter?
I would like to get a cup of coffee, man.
-Do you want some? -Yes.
Mohan.
Now you can be a citizen of America.
Hey, Mohan!
You seem lost.
Not really.
Work pressure is stressing you out
and you have no other interests.
You don't like parties and pubs.
Take my advice. You should get married.
You need a life partner.
You know what they say, "Shared joy is a double joy."
Look at me!
This is not the point, Vinod.
What is it, then?
Today is my parents' death anniversary.
I still remember it clearly.
I was in my final year at the University of Pennsylvania
when I heard about the car accident.
Now I understand why you've been so down all day.
No, Vinod.
There's something else
which has been bothering my conscience for a while.
Do you...
Do you remember Ms. Kaveri?
Ms. Kaveri?
-Your nanny, right? -Please don't call her a nanny.
She is like a mother to me.
As you know, I was the only child of my parents.
My parents brought me up with a lot of love
and they have fulfilled my every dream.
But along with them,
Ms. Kaveri had a special place in my life.
My mom would make the breakfast
and Ms. Kaveri would feed me.
While my mom tucked me into bed,
Ms. Kaveri would sing a lullaby.
From the age of two to 17,
she looked after me completely.
To be very specific,
Ms. Kaveri was another mother to me.
At my...
parents' funeral,
I cried like a baby in Ms. Kaveri's arms.
Then I came back here
and became busy in my life.
Ms. Kaveri wrote letters to me often and I sent her replies too.
But later on,
I became so immersed in my job that I...
Why did you suddenly think of her today?
It's not sudden, Vinod.
I've been thinking about Ms. Kaveri for months.
I have been having nightmares about her.
She might get old, feeble and helpless.
I've made a mistake, Vinod.
Now I have realized it.
I just forgot about her
and stopped caring about her.
I had become very selfish, Vinod.
She is the only thread
who are capable of piecing together the memory of my parents.
I was thinking of going to Delhi
and bringing her here.
But I think John won't agree with it.
Don't be stupid, pal.
This is the right time to ask for a day off.
We are 28 weeks away from the GPM launch.
John won't refuse.
Yes, everything is all right, except for a pending matter.
Wow, it's amazing. John agreed very quickly.
I should've asked for a vacation.
Thank God you didn't ask for leave. Let's go.
We have now started our descent
and in a short while, we'll be landing
at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
I hope you had a comfortable flight.
Thank you for flying with Air India.
Air India's flight number...
-Mohan. -How are you?
-How was the flight? -The connecting flight was delayed.
Otherwise, it was great.
-Did you get anything for me? -Yes, everything's for you.
So, Ms. Kaveri
is living in a retirement home?
Did you talk to her?
No.
I want to surprise her.
She'll be so glad to see you.
I'm sure she won't remember me.
I have been bestowed With the most precious gem
Invaluable in nature
Yes? May I help you?
I would like to meet Ms. Kaveri.
-Ms. Kaveri? -Yes.
Oh, yes, Kaveri!
She doesn't live with us anymore.
-She doesn't live here? -Yes.
She stayed with us for about a year
until a lady came, looking for her and Kaveri left with her.
But where did she go?
Just a minute. I'll have to check the register.
Okay.
Ms. Bharati.
This gentleman is looking for Ms. Kaveri.
Ms. Kaveri.
Do you know where she is now?
Ms. Bharati was Ms. Kaveri's roommate.
Before she left, she mentioned a village.
What was the name of the village?
It was Charanpur.
Yes, Charanpur.
-Where is this Charanpur? -Never heard of it. We'll find out.
Kaveri was a good woman.
We all miss her a lot.
Here's the address.
Thank you.
Kaveri is very fortunate.
Someone was also looking for her. And today, you have come here.
Otherwise, who cares about old people like us?
Come on.
Here's the map. You'll find Charanpur in here.
-That'll be 150 bucks. -You don't need to pay me, buddy.
Do me a favor. Watch the counter for me while I go to the bank.
Are you planning to rob the bank?
No way. You'll manage the counter, right?
I'll just sit behind.
-That's good. -Okay, come back soon.
What's wrong?
You can see that I am picking up books and still, you are walking all over them.
I didn't mean to do anything.
Sir, books are a source of knowledge and culture.
If you don't know how to respect them, then why are you here?
I'm sorry, I was looking at this map.
Do you want to buy these books?
No. I want to sell them.
Oh! It's a stupid question. I'm sorry.
No, I'm sorry. I'm just a little irritated.
No, it's okay.
I saw what happened.
You're right.
Some people don't have manners. It's really stupid.
You're buying lots of books.
I will need a...
-It's there. -Yes, of course. Thank you.
One, two, three, four, five.
Thirteen books of mathematics, multiplied by 17.
So, 13 multiplied by 17 is equal to 221,
plus 22 language books multiplied by 12.
Eight geography books multiplied by 19 is equal to 152.
And 485 is...
Thanks.
And these eight notebooks multiplied by 113.
That must be right.
Your math
is pretty good!
Actually, I should give you a concession.
You selected the books and did the calculation too.
You should replace me!
Then, give me a concession.
I can't.
My name is Mohan Bhargava.
I'm Rahul's friend.
He is the owner of this shop. He had to go to the bank.
He needed some money.
He had to withdraw some money.
I see.
Oh, I'll pack this for you.
-Bags. -Yes.
I've been looking for Charanpur on this map.
It's a small village.
Do you know where is Charanpur?
Yes, I do know where it is.
Go down the National Highway Six for 110 kilometers until you reach Charoti.
From there, make a left turn.
And then keep going for 80 kilometers until you reach Azamgarh.
After 20 kilometers on a dirt road, you'll reach Charanpur.
Your geography
seems pretty good as well!
Charoti.
Here you...
Please look after the counter. Hello!
What happened? On your first day, you got tired of your job?
No, man.
A girl came in, bought a lot of books but forgot to collect her change.
Hey. Not bad!
You earned some profit on your first day? You've got the job!
She was amazing!
-She even told me the way to Charanpur. -Really? Then where is it?
-About 200 kilometers from here. -Okay.
-Rahul, I-- -Spare me, Mohan.
-I can't go there with you. -Don't worry, man. I...
I need a car.
-Take my car! -No.
Could I get a recreational vehicle?
-An RV? -Yes.
Why do you need an RV?
I don't know what kind of facilities I will find in the village.
Okay, I got it, Mr. NRI.
-Come on, pal. -You'll get the RV. Don't worry.
The lost moon, the wide open sky
The whole night will go looking Into each other's eyes
I am a loner
In this world
My beloved is a romantic man So I will dance
My beloved is exuberant so I will dance
My beloved is a romantic man So I will dance
My beloved is...
Can you tell me
which of these paths lead to Charanpur?
You have strayed from the path.
Strayed?
I don't think so. I've been following directions.
Maybe I took a wrong turn somewhere.
It was your destiny to take that wrong turn.
Charanpur is pretty far from here.
I'm headed in that direction.
If you want,
I can show you the right direction.
Keep going, traveler
How beautiful this world is
Forget about every burden See the beautiful flowers
How colorful the world is
Oh, my friend
Great!
Amazing!
Sing with me.
These roads are saying to me
Somewhere, someone is waiting for you
These roads are saying to me
Somewhere, someone is waiting for you
Why I am so excited? Whom I am going to meet?
Perhaps what I desire the most Is about to happen
Keep going, traveler
Life is a car and time is the wheel
There is a flood of tears And a garden of joy
They're all are waiting for you On this path, pal
Keep going, traveler
How beautiful this world is
Forget about every burden See the beautiful flowers
How colorful the world is
Wherever I look in these paths
I can see the colorful earth
The breeze is cool And the shades are cool too
I wonder whose village that is
What cloud has spread over me? Where has the heart brought me?
What dream has it shown to me?
Every dream comes true If the fires of love are lit
If the path you travel is of your heart
You will pick pearls From every oyster of time
But only if you always listen To your heart
Keep going, traveler
How beautiful this world is
Forget about every burden See the beautiful flowers
How colorful the world is
The heart experiences such ease
As though a burden has been lifted From the shoulders
As though the innocence Of childhood has returned
As though, after a long time Took bath in the river Ganga
As though, after so many years
Took bath in the river Ganga
The heart is pure Bonds are now strengthened
Life feels fresh and new
There is love in my living A song upon my lips
This is your victorious traveler
Wherever you go, may you always find love
And leave a blazing trail, O' traveler
Keep going, traveler
Who is calling me?
The river, the mountains, the lakes And streams, the woods and valleys
Whose beckoning hand do I see there?
Oh, my friend
Keep going, traveler
How beautiful this world is
Do you know where Ms. Kaveri lives?
Hey, Chiku! Take him to Ms. Kaveri.
-I'm sorry. -Watch it!
Here comes...
-Here comes... -Ms. Kaveri!
Ms. Kaveri!
Wait a while.
She needs to be massaged like this, Maithili!
She will cry a little but ignore it.
-Understood? -Yes.
-Now tell me. -Someone wants to meet with you.
Someone has come to meet you in a very big car.
A very big car?
Come on, now! It's parked outside.
I'm coming.
Chiku, I hope this isn't one of your pranks!
Look at that.
It's big, isn't it?
What's going on?
Who is this?
Guess who am I?
No. No, I can't guess.
Who are you? Come on, leave me!
All day long, I go about stealing butter.
You're Yashoda and I am?
Mohan!
Ms. Kaveri.
Mohan.
My dear Mohan!
I...
I can't believe my eyes!
Do you know who this is?
This is my Mohan.
The one I keep telling you about.
Come in.
Stop! Wait right here. Don't come inside yet.
I'll be back.
Now, you can come in.
-Ms. Kaveri. -Yes?
What are you doing?
I can't tell you how happy I am to see you.
I don't have words to explain it.
Let Gita come home.
I'll tell her that I've won the bet.
Bet? I didn't understand it?
Gita always said
-that you forgot about me. -Really?
But I would always retort saying
that you would come one day.
We made a bet.
That if you come, she would treat me to an ice-cream!
Ice-cream? Ms. Kaveri.
-Why? -You haven't changed a bit!
You haven't lost your appetite for the ice-cream.
Why not? Is ice-cream meant only for the kids?
Can't old people like me enjoy it too?
Sit down!
All right, you win.
And by the way,
who says you're old?
Anyway,
who is this Gita?
Don't you remember?
You often played with her in your childhood.
She used to visit our house in Delhi with her mom.
Gita.
Are you referring to Gitli by any chance?
Yes! You called her that.
And this is Nandan.
Gita's younger brother.
We call him Chiku.
Chiku?
Hey, Chiku!
Today, he made an excuse for a stomachache so that he didn't have to go to school.
-How old are you? -I'm eight years old.
-Where do you study? -I study at Navjeevan school.
My roll number is six and I'm in fourth grade.
The motto of our school
is "books are the source of knowledge and knowledge is the strength."
Your school seems to be a good one.
-So, why haven't you gone today? -I had a stomachache.
Really?
Was the pain here or here?
Would you like to visit my school?
No, not now.
-I want to talk to Ms. Kaveri. -No! Let's go to the school right now.
All right, Chiku.
Mohan, why don't you visit the school with Chiku?
You can meet Gita as well. She teaches there.
But I thought that Chiku had a stomachache.
I had a stomachache.
But I'm fine now.
Let's go to my school, please!
He's our postman!
Not just a postman!
I'm the plow and the bull, the field and the seed.
I'm everything here!
I sort the letters, seal them and distribute them as well.
When I ride my bicycle, I'm the postman.
And when I sit down, I'm the postmaster.
My name is Nivaran Dayal Shrivastav.
How can I help you?
Can I call an American number from here?
We don't have ISD call facilities.
But we can connect through the Mizwa village's line.
By the way, we don't have facilities
like the bank, bond and registration.
I apologize for the trouble earlier today.
CHARANPUR POST OFFICE
That's okay.
-You live abroad, right? -Yes.
I can also speak some English.
Mr. Mohan, look! That's my school!
It's very nice, Chiku.
It was in the year of 1942
when the slogan of "Quit India Movement" was first heard in Bombay.
From Bombay to Lahore and from Lahore to Peshawar.
The Indian revolutionaries and the British soldiers were locked in conflict.
Blows were dealt in succession.
Bullets were whizzing and ricocheting. But all through it, we didn't complain.
No one gave up.
Even I was hit by a bullet on my shoulder.
They arrested us and threw us in jail.
We raised slogans even there, "Long live the revolution!"
-Sir, did you have a beard then? -I wish I did.
Then I wouldn't have got hurt. The bullet would've got stuck in my beard!
-I am going! -I am going!
-We both are going! -We both are going!
We all are going!
Well done! Kamala, now it's your turn.
I am going!
It's you!
I misunderstood your directions and got lost.
Excuse me. This is a school and I am busy now.
Mr. Mohan, she's my sister, Gita. And he's Mohan.
-He has come from Aamkarica! -It's not Aamkarica, Chiku. It's America.
Chiku, what are you doing here? I thought you had a stomachache!
Ms. Kaveri asked me to show him my school, so I just...
So, you are Gita!
Remember me? I used to call you Gitli when we were kids.
Children are studying. Will you go now?
Now I have understood. Mathematics, Geography.
Oh yeah, by the way,
you forgot your 50 bucks
at the bookstore.
Now, will you go?
Yes.
I am going!
What's this?
It's a foot massager. It will cure the pain.
-There's no electricity at the moment. -Why?
The power outage is normal here.
Okay. When will the power be back?
Nothing can be said for sure.
This happens three or four times a week.
Who are they?
Gita's parents.
Ms. Shanta and Mr. Jagmohan. They started the school in Charanpur.
When Chiku was only five years old,
Mr. Jagmohan passed away.
Gita was studying at a college in Delhi at that time.
As soon as she graduated,
she came here to help her mom run the school.
But Shanta's health was deteriorating day by day
and before her death,
she sent Gita to the retirement home to find me
and gave me the responsibility of her children.
You are late today.
Yes.
I had to correct a few test papers.
I thought I might finish them and come back.
Gita!
Look what Mr. Mohan got for me!
Guess what I'm going to cook for you, Mohan?
Very nice.
Your favorite spiced lentils, potato curry and rice pudding!
Gita! Now you will have to treat me to an ice-cream.
You lost the bet!
Okay.
Ms. Kaveri, I missed your cooking a lot.
Rice pudding was especially good.
I knew you would like it.
Enough about me.
Tell me
about yourself and your job in America.
Everything's fine in America.
I have all that I could ask for.
I'm glad to hear that.
And what about Nasha?
Nasha?
Yeah. Why? Have you quit?
Nasha? You mean NASA?
Oh, you were talking about NASA!
-It's NASA! -That's what I meant.
My work at Nasha...
I mean, my work at NASA is going very well.
So, you're an astronaut?
No.
Actually, I'm a project manager for global precipitation measurement.
Mr. Mohan!
Look at this.
You are a great artist.
Chiku, you skipped school today. You have to study. Come on.
Say good night to him.
Ms. Kaveri.
I owe you an apology.
Apology for what?
-I didn't take care of you. -Hey?
-What are you talking about? -Let me explain, Ms. Kaveri.
I'm sorry that I didn't take care of you.
I'm sorry that I wasn't there
when you needed me the most.
I'm sorry
that you had to stay in a retirement home.
Don't say a word now.
Dear.
That was my destiny.
I have everything except you.
I miss you very much, Ms. Kaveri.
Will you come with me?
Where?
America.
-America! -Yes.
No, I'm fine here.
Just come with me.
You'll feel very comfortable there.
You can do everything very easily.
Let me think about it.
Now, come on. Come.
You should go to sleep.
-Here? -Yes.
If you don't mind,
may I sleep in the RV?
Now, what is that?
Is it a machine that puts you to sleep?
Something like that.
Yes?
Sir, my name is Mela Ram.
What do you want?
I have brought breakfast for you.
-Please, try it. -Breakfast? Not now.
Sir, please. I made it especially for you.
I'm a great cook because I know how to cook.
I mean, I understood.
You can really cook well. I mean, you're an amazing cook.
-Did you come from America, sir? -Yes.
Can I ask you a question?
In America, are there a lot of highways?
Yes. But they called it freeways.
I mean, I understood.
Can I ask one more question?
Make yourself comfortable.
Are there any eateries on these freeways?
-Eatery? -Yes.
Yes.
But why are you asking?
What do you think?
Would an Indian eatery do good business on those freeways?
I think it will work.
Will it work?
I think...
Maybe...
Thanks for the eatery. I mean, the breakfast.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready. Please?
Why not, sir?
We'll open an eatery in partnership.
I'll give you half of my total income.
I have even decided a name for this eatery.
It will be called Mela Ram's Eatery.
Hail the Lord!
Be careful. Where are you...
So, this is your RV!
It's not mine. It belongs to a friend of Rahul.
It's nice, isn't it, Gita?
Chiku was right.
Really, this car is exactly like a house.
It has a kitchen.
It has a television.
It has a bathroom.
And a bed too.
Wow! This car is like a house on wheels!
Absolutely. It's very comfortable.
-It's very-- -We should go now.
-Yes. -Panchayat is about to start.
Come on. Get down.
Come on, quickly.
Stop it and go home.
The panchayat is deliberating upon all the demands
made in the last panchayat meeting.
The decision will be made soon.
Mr. Sadanand!
Please tell us, how long will it take to put up the remaining electric wires?
We are planning to start the work as soon as possible.
-In the last month, the panchayat-- -Just a moment, Mr. Sadanand Bajpei.
I've never seen a panchayat.
You say the exact same words every time.
"We are planning to start working."
You're the block development officer.
You're well aware
that we've been dealing with this problem for a long time.
In this country, 75% of the village is constantly plagued by power outages.
And the remaining one-fourth portion of Charanpur is still living in darkness.
This is like covering your back while your front is open.
Then, what's the point of these wires?
Sir, the government surveyor has recorded his observations.
It's now just a matter of a few days.
Matter of few days?
In a few days, I'll be in heaven.
Then you can light a bulb on my shrine.
Sir, don't say that.
May you live a long life!
If you don't mind, sir.
I also have a complaint against the village.
What's that?
I have heard that Dukhi, Santram and their boys
are stealing electricity from the poles.
I didn't do it.
It's Santram who has done it!
Watch your mouth! When did I steal electricity?
Now I got it, why there was a power cut last evening.
My forefathers have sweated for it.
But my forefathers too had a role!
Okay, all right.
-Mr. Sadanand? -Yes.
You have to do it
-within one month. -Okay.
Otherwise, we'll take the matter to higher authorities.
Sangam, what is the next case?
Case number 35.
The school!
What do you want to say, Ms. Gita?
Sir, I want to teach the children in the same school.
The new place you are suggesting is too small.
And it's also far.
Children can't walk that distance every day.
But why do you need such a big space for the school?
You don't even have enough children to fill up the classes.
More children will come to study in the school.
That's what you've been saying for a year now!
She is trying and so am I.
Look, sir.
We need the land for the school for panchayat meetings.
The revenue department wants to set an office too.
And the village needs a spare room for the granary.
It will be the economic center of the village.
And the place we are offering you is good enough for teaching.
No, it won't be enough.
I want to start a few more classes in the school.
I want to reinstate those children
who have left the school in the past couple of years.
There also are many villagers who don't send their children to school.
Today, I appeal to all of them to start sending their children to school.
All right, Ms. Gita.
If you can manage to enroll more children in the next three months,
then we'll be ready to reconsider it.
But if you are failed to get new admissions,
you must agree to move
from the current premises.
The panchayat meeting for this month is adjourned!
Let's go.
Come, Mohan, let me introduce you to the members of the panchayat.
Greetings.
This is Mohan. He has just come back from America.
-I see. -Mohan!
He is our chieftain, Mr. Vishnu Dutt.
Greetings.
May God bless you.
He is Mr. Munishwar.
May God bless you.
-He is Mr. Gungadin. -Greetings.
-She is Ms. Fatima. -May you live long, child.
-And he is Mr. Narayan. -God bless you, child.
May the Lord protect you.
What do you do in America?
I work for a company called NASA.
So, what does this company manufacture?
We make satellites.
What's that?
Oh, come on, Ms. Fatima!
You know, the one that twinkles in the sky.
-That-- -Actually, satellites...
-Satellites-- -May I explain?
Sure.
Satellites are like the moon, which are orbiting the earth.
They help us to know when, where and how much it will rain
and they predict atmospheric changes.
They send this information.
-That's what I meant! -Isn't this what you had told me?
Wow, Kaveri!
My God!
You're amazing.
I had no idea that you knew so much about these things.
Listen to me, Mohan.
Sahdev also does the same job
That too, without spinning. Believe me!
Hey, Sahdev! Tell him!
The sky is clear.
There is no chance of rain for two days.
This is exactly what I do.
Mr. Mohan! Look! That's the temple!
It's beautiful!
What's this?
This is the specialty of our village.
These are the footprints of Lord Rama and Sita.
What?
Footprints of God Rama
and Sita.
Charanpur.
-Okay. -Ms. Kaveri?
Now I have understood why this village is called Charanpur.
-How are you? -I'm all right.
And how is Ms. Kaveri?
She's fine.
I tried to call you, man.
Yeah. There's no network coverage here.
Vinod, I'm no longer in Delhi.
I'm in a small village called Charanpur.
-I'll send you the graphics via email. -You can send it.
But the internet connection is weak here. I don't think I'll be able to download it.
Why don't you send the CD to Rahul in Delhi through FedEx?
-He'll give it to me. -Chiku!
Okay.
Come fast.
One more thing.
The week will pass by very quickly.
I think I've to stay here for a little longer.
Ms. Kaveri has some work here so she can't leave right away.
Okay. Fine.
Can I have a word with John regarding this?
Hail the Lord!
Oh, my!
You're saying it exactly like a villager. Hail the Lord.
Just a minute.
How much was that?
Five hundred eighteen rupees.
-It's 518 rupees. -Here you go.
Thank you. Here you go.
-Take it. -Thank you.
Just a second, sir.
You just mentioned the word, "Internet."
I've heard "International."
But what is Internet?
I think I've heard it somewhere.
Internet is...
Through the Internet,
we can communicate with people in any part of the world.
Without post office.
It is called "e-mail."
E-mail!
Really?
What are you saying? This is amazing.
If we can give our villagers the facility of e-mail,
-then I'll be on cloud nine! -How is it possible?
Because I don't have to go door-to-door to deliver letters.
I would just sit here and e-mail them all!
E-mail is indeed the greatest thing
It breaks the walls
That separate home and the world
Mohan!
Time to get up!
Ms. Kaveri, let me sleep!
I haven't slept like this in years.
Get up. We have a lot of work to do.
The guests will be here at eleven. The house needs to be cleaned.
What's going on?
Who are the guests?
Actually,
A potential suitor is coming to see Gita with his parents.
What?
-They are from Azamgarh. -Gita's marriage?
-Yes! -Yes?
Gita's marriage.
I forgot to tell you last night.
About two months ago, Mr. Vishwas, the boy's father, wrote to me.
Finally, they're coming today.
-But what's the need for all this? -What do you mean?
I mean what's the rush?
She's just a child!
-What? -Yes.
That's weird.
Come on, get ready.
Why should I get ready?
As if they're coming to see me.
She is Gita.
-Greetings. -Greetings.
-That's Raghunath. -Greetings.
-Please sit.
Excuse me, I'll be back.
I've heard
-that you run a school here. -Yes.
We have a business of chemicals.
Really?
I can't accept your demands.
Teaching is my profession and my passion too.
And I'd like to continue this even after my marriage.
Gita?
A woman just needs to manage her household.
I disagree.
I would like to do both.
But we don't allow the women of our house to work outside.
Besides, what's the need to continue your job after marriage?
What if I say the same to your son?
My parents brought me up with love and respect.
And they expected me
to live my life with self-esteem, independence and self-reliance.
If your son has a desire to be something in life
and to play a part in the society,
then why can't women have the same desire?
A woman can do many things instead of just wearing bangles.
And after marriage, aren't the house and the children
as much responsibility for the man as they are for the woman?
Why can't the husband and wife work as a team?
Why should one of them sacrifice more than the other?
I don't accept the demand that I must not work after marriage.
What do you mean?
Are you rejecting this proposal?
I have nothing else to say.
Ms. Sharda?
This is how the new generation thinks.
I think
we shouldn't carry this matter any further.
I'm sorry, Ms. Sharda and Mr. Vishwas.
It's all right.
Let's go.
-I'm upset with what happened today. -But I felt I was right.
I don't think you should have expressed your views in that way.
Whatever they wanted was against my principles.
Ms. Kaveri?
Gita is right.
But, Mohan, he is a nice boy.
You can change people's views about life over a period of time.
Yes, you do have a point there.
No.
I couldn't have changed him.
Habits can be changed over time,
but petty opinions and beliefs cannot be changed.
I'm absolutely confident
that their next demand would be the dowry.
It's quite possible.
I...
This thinking is embedded in our culture and traditions are harmful for the nation.
-It's stopping our nation to go forward. -Excuse me?
Without culture and traditions, the country would be like
a body without the soul.
But, Mohan, we're not talking about the country.
I know, Ms. Kaveri. But it's all connected.
You were talking about which soul, Gita?
I mean, you are well aware that illiteracy is rampant,
that we have administrative problems
and because of that, we are yet underdeveloped.
Yes.
Illiteracy and poverty go hand in hand.
Ms. Kaveri, your village doesn't even have proper electricity.
Caste discrimination, overpopulation, unemployment, corruption.
I mean, our state of affairs is dismal. It's pathetic. Pass me the salt.
You have drifted from the topic.
But since you've brought this up,
let me tell you that the government is trying to find solutions for it.
Yes. Let's see what solution the government can find.
The government has failed to meet the needs
of the one-fourth of the population.
The government is making policies, making efforts.
What do you mean by that?
Just to make plans and collect funds for them
is the end of the responsibility?
Are these plans being implemented at the grassroots level?
Is a common man getting all the benefits of it?
Isn't the government responsible for this?
-Yes, it is. -Then?
But what do you think the government is?
The government is a system, of which the public is also a part.
Me, you, this village. All of us are a part of this system.
Now, if the system is lacking in certain things,
then to eliminate its weaknesses is our responsibility.
God helps only those who help themselves.
Yes, Ms. Kaveri, but things are not going to change here.
Because people don't want to change.
It's easy for you to criticize.
But are you doing anything about it? I guess, no.
Excuse me. At least, I'm not defending the government like you.
I'm building satellites to advance the technology.
For everyone. For mankind!
Some more curry?
-No. -No.
But you are doing it all there.
I'm doing it here, at the grassroots level.
Gita, you're a typical Indian.
You Indians can't take criticism.
What do you mean by "You Indians"?
Sorry, I mean...
-We Indians. -Yes.
Anyway, we're aware that nothing is going to change.
But still, I'm trying to make a difference.
You have given up all hope!
Not at all!
-She's really a fighter, isn't she? -Yes.
You too.
Now, what will I do with this girl? He is such a nice boy.
-There are other boys. -Yes, there are.
Gita has too many expectations.
It's impossible to please Gita.
And on the top of that, there's the school case.
Until both of these problems are solved, you won't be able to leave with me.
I have a plan.
Let's divide the work.
I'm the boy. I mean, you find a boy and I'll find children for the school.
We'll solve Gita's problems.
What did you say?
Nothing.
Hail the Lord of Might!
This is the first lesson in wrestling. Remember it.
There's no letter for you, Mr. Mohan.
You...
You're a wrestler too?
I've been wrestling since I was a child
and wrestling is my hobby.
Just out of curiosity, until what grade have you studied?
I mean, you must have worked very hard to gain this post.
I am a graduate.
-How fortunate you are! -Fortunate, indeed.
But I've also studied very hard.
I'm sure you studied hard,
but at least you had the opportunity to go to high school.
I feel very sorry for the children in the village.
-Why is that? -I'll explain.
What are your views on the school case?
The school case? It's very simple.
The school must move from here. The panchayat needs this place.
That is why I feel bad for the children of the village.
Just think.
The panchayat won't allow a high school to be started here.
What's the use of children studying only until fourth grade?
If the children want to succeed in life like you,
then they must go to high school!
That's true.
Look!
We can start a high school here.
The children will study here.
Then they will write letters for their parents themselves.
I think it will reduce your burden.
I think the school shouldn't move from here.
I will talk to people in the village.
-You must do it! -Definitely.
-Praise the Lord of Might. -Praise the Lord of Might.
Mr. Mohan.
Yes?
Why don't you come to our wrestling ring?
Yes. Sure, I'll be there!
How about a wrestling session?
Sure!
Mr. Mohan, I have a surprise for you.
Have some fritters with shimla mirch tandoori.
Try it. I've made it especially for you.
Is this all you can make?
No. I can cook whatever you desire.
I understand.
-I'm sorry, Mela Ram. -Please, don't say a word.
-I know what you want to ask. -What?
Actually, I was thinking that you must have felt bad.
-I'll give you 60% of the partnership. -What?
-I'll give you 60% in partnership. -Okay.
Your lunch and dinner will be free of charge!
I have changed the name of our eatery too.
We can call it
Mohan's Mela Ram Eatery or Mela Ram's Mohan Eatery.
Think about it. Then we'll finalize it.
The first one sounds good. Mohan's Mela Ram Eatery.
Okay, then may I think of it as a deal?
But before that, you'll have to help me.
What kind of help?
I would like to send kids to school from your community.
For this, I'll need your help.
I have understood.
But it's a little difficult.
Well, your dream to go to America
-is also difficult. -It's easy, sir.
I'm ready. Just tell me what I need to do.
Our kids and their kids will study in the same school?
Lions and sheep never drink water from the same pool, Mr. Mohan.
By the way,
what is your background?
Excuse me?
I mean,
what is your caste?
I'm a Brahmin.
Then learn to behave like Brahmins.
So what am I expected to do?
We've heard that you eat food cooked by Mela Ram.
Do you know his caste?
What difference does that make?
What age are you living in?
Don't you dare degrade our piety!
You've fallen. Would you like to drag us down, too?
And Mr. Nivaran,
it seems as though you have switched sides already!
I'm only doing what I think is right.
If you have any objections, you don't have to accept it.
Hey, Birsa! This is Mr. Mohan. He wants to talk to you.
What happened?
-Have I done anything wrong? -No.
I just came to ask you.
Would you like to send your children in the school?
The villagers don't allow us to work in the village.
Do you think they would agree to educate our children?
Don't worry.
Your kids will go to school.
What's the use of studying now when they are matured enough
to get married?
My daughter, Lajwa, is going to be engaged.
He meant child marriage.
You can see our condition. We barely manage to have food.
How could their school fees be paid?
Ms. Gita doesn't run the school for profit.
Teaching is her passion
and her life too.
If we speak with her,
we can assure you that she will help you.
The villagers
don't want to see us around.
Look.
Let it be, sir.
They are not destined
to be educated.
Not my children, at least.
What have you decided, Mr. Vishno?
The studies are not going to fill an empty stomach!
Since pottery will be their livelihood,
then why should we waste time in studying?
Have you made these? They're very beautiful.
Tell me one thing.
How much do you sell this pot for?
-Thirty bucks. -What?
We have a contractor in the city who buys it from us.
Sometimes, we even get an extra five or ten bucks.
We won't sell it for less than 30!
The pot wouldn't be less than a hundred bucks in the city.
If you people were educated,
-you wouldn't have got fooled. -Mr. Nivaran.
I know that this art form is beautiful and it runs in your families.
I agree that your kids should learn it.
But nowadays, education is also important.
-Isn't it, Mr. Nivaran? -Absolutely.
Because education will help them take this art
to its deserving end
and can earn appropriate prices.
You are selling us a dream!
Don't show us these dreams.
Hey.
Greetings, sir.
Greetings, Mr. Nivaran.
Welcome to my house, Mr. Mohan.
-He wants to talk about the school. -I know.
Well, both my grandsons are going to school.
We have great respect for education!
But I have heard
that you have two granddaughters
and they have dropped out of school.
Oh, you're talking about Kusum and Suman?
They have both studied until fourth grade.
What will they achieve by pursuing further studies?
It's time for them to learn household chores.
They are learning how to cook and such things.
After all, that's what will help them once they get married.
How can you say such a thing?
Education instills confidence in girls.
Don't you want to see them study
and lead their lives with self-respect, independence and self-reliance?
There's more to a woman than just wearing bangles.
Agreed, Mr. Mohan!
But the village doesn't have a high school
that they can attend.
But Mizwa village does. You could have sent them there.
But now, you don't have to worry about that too
because Ms. Gita is planning to open a high school in Charanpur.
If she has your support, that is.
Do support us.
Not possible.
But how long will you impose caste and community restrictions on studies?
Who are you to tell us what we should be doing?
How much do you know about the village and its problems?
I agree that you were born in this country,
but it doesn't mean that you can go around giving sermons.
We understand very well what's best for our village.
Yes. But the ones who stand to lose are the children, right?
Stop arguing!
Sir.
For heaven's sake, stop poking your nose in the matters of this village. Okay?
Anyway, Mr. Mohan, you're just a visitor here.
Roam around, enjoy the scenery. Why get involved in all this?
Attention! A movie is to be screened in Charanpur.
Tonight, the village council has organized a movie screening in the village.
Please do come and have fun. You'll enjoy it!
All right. How much?
Be at the screening!
Move, kids.
Move!
Okay, sir. See you later.
Why? Aren't you watching the movie?
I'll be sitting on this side and watching the movie.
Okay.
Mr. Mohan!
Hello!
By the way, which film are they showing?
-Yaadon Ki Baaraat. -What does it mean?
-Union of Memories. -Oh. I thought it's "your union."
-Shut up. -Just kidding.
-Put out the lantern's flame. -Actually, it's one of my favorite films.
The movie is about to begin.
Dear people, kind patrons and movie lovers!
Here's an important announcement.
Parents must keep a watchful eye on their children during the screening!
And please, don't disturb your neighbor.
So, presenting the separation and union of three brothers!
Tonight's movie is Yaadon Ki Baaraat!
-Croon the song that you sing every year. -Sure.
A crowd of memories beckon me
Beckon me
Sing along.
A crowd of memories beckon me
Beckon me
Reminiscing old memories and old days
They beckon me
Now that you have stolen my heart
Don't spurn me, my darling
Having changed my life forever
Don't change your heart, my darling
Darling, you took my...
What happened?
-What happened? -There's power failure again!
-Not again! -Chiku, the power would be back.
No, it won't be. I know.
How much time will this take?
It will take 20 minutes to start the generator.
Hurry up. This is ridiculous.
Make haste!
Don't cry, children!
Everyone, quiet! Be calm!
Sit down. All the children on the other side, quiet!
Don't cry. Now, listen to me carefully.
Everybody, now look up at the sky
and tell me what you see.
The stars!
Now, tell me.
Can you see the stars forming a plow?
-Plow? -Plow?
Plow!
Do you see it?
-No. -I'll help you.
There.
Can you see the brightest star in the sky?
-Can you see it? -Yes.
Next to it, on the right, there are three stars, on the same line.
Yes.
-Can you see them? -Yes.
There it is!
Now below the third star, five stars form a curve to the left.
-Can you see them? -Yes.
Yes.
Now, look at them as one.
Look closely. You will see the plow taking shape.
Look closely.
I can see it!
Yes, a plow!
So what we must understand is,
by picturing these stars as one,
any shape can be conceived.
We can make anything we want.
Yet if we look at just one star, though it may be beautiful,
it is only a shimmering, solitary star.
This star, that star, every star
All of them look lovely
This star, that star, every star
When all the stars appear together In the night sky
The whole sky shimmers
When all the stars appear together In the night sky
The whole sky shimmers
Twinkling stars, two stars, nine stars
A hundred stars! They glitter as one
But each star is a fiery spark
If you have seen a rainbow
Tell me How many colors it has?
Though there are seven colors
Yet how many shades Does the company keep?
Just think If each of these colors were alone
There would have been no rainbow
Likewise, if we don't unite
To fight injustice, there would be none
And then do not ask Why the hapless couldn't win
Stars!
This star, that star, every star
All of them look lovely
When all the stars appear together In the night sky
The whole sky shimmers
Twinkling stars, two stars Nine stars, a hundred stars!
They glitter as one
But each is a fiery spark!
Each drop
Makes a river
Every drop makes the sea
Without that, there's no sea
Understand this puzzle
A drop existing on its own
Is hardly anything
If we were to forsake others And turn our backs on everyone
We would end up Feeling incredibly lonely
Why not join together And become a current?
Stars
This star, that star, every star
All of them look lovely
This star, that star, every star
When all the stars appear together In the night sky
The whole sky shimmers
Twinkling stars, two stars
Nine stars, a hundred stars! They glitter as one
But each star's a fiery spark!
When the farmer plows a land
It yields gold
When a cowherd raises the cattle
There's no dearth of milk
When a blacksmith gives shape to iron
It turns into a tool
When a potter holds the mud
He molds clay into a pot
All these are the results of labor And the willingness to do something
There's no competition here
All have the same dreams All are the same
No one is a stranger to another
This is a simple fact, my friends
Stars!
This star, that star, every star
All of them look lovely
This star, that star, every star
When all the stars appear together In the night sky
The whole sky shimmers
Twinkling stars, two stars
Nine stars, a hundred stars! They glitter as one
But each star is a fiery spark!
This star, that star, every star
All of them look lovely
Gita?
I want to talk to you about something important.
I can't hold it back any longer.
Go on.
I had recognized you at the bookstore in Delhi.
And I guessed that you have come to take Ms. Kaveri along.
It wasn't your fault that you couldn't find your way to Charanpur.
I had deliberately given you the wrong directions.
Really? Why?
Call me childish,
but I didn't want you to come here
and meet Ms. Kaveri.
For everything you have been doing for the school,
I'd like to thank you.
But I cannot let you take Ms. Kaveri away.
Why?
You want her
so that she can take care of your house and do all the chores.
What nonsense!
What makes you think so?
I've traveled 12,000 miles only out of concern
for Ms. Kaveri's well-being.
If you were so concerned,
then where were you when she was put up in a retirement home?
It was I who traced her and brought her here.
Maybe, that's because you needed someone
to take care of Chiku and your house.
Why did you come back?
Why did you have to come back?
We were so happy.
And you have everything you need, right?
We only have Ms. Kaveri.
You're not the only one who loves her.
I know that she is like a mother to you
and you are like a son to her.
But she is a mother to me, too.
And I don't want to become an orphan again.
I understand, Gita.
I won't let you take Ms. Kaveri along.
Ms. Kaveri will come with me to America.
Whether you like it or not.
I am confused, Fatima.
Mohan wants to take me with him,
while Gita expects me to stay back.
I just don't know what to do.
I was very happy when Mohan arrived.
But I never thought that things would get to this.
You'll have to disappoint one of them.
But I'm not sure
if I should go to America with Mohan or not.
I don't understand
why he wants to take you to America.
So that you tend to him? Did you ask him?
No, Fatima. He respects me.
He would take good care of me.
I hope your words come true, Kaveri.
Otherwise, who is to know what tomorrow has in store?
Kaveri, why don't you ask Mohan to stay here?
No, he won't agree.
Always remember this.
Every piece of ice inevitably melts in its own water.
Make him understand this.
We played a lot.
Ms. Kaveri!
You can stop looking for a suitor for me!
I have decided not to get married at this point.
What are you saying?
Yes.
I want to focus all my attention on the children and the school's development.
That's all right, but...
And anyway, I'm not ready for marriage.
Well done!
Perfect!
That was a nice move to stop Ms. Kaveri from leaving. Good!
Who would want to marry you, anyway?
I'm not saying that you're not beautiful.
But that attitude,
all those ideals and principles...
Who would suffer through it?
It's a good thing that you decided to opt out.
But there is one crazy guy who might want to marry you.
Mohan.
Ms. Kaveri.
-Mr. Nivaran. -Yes.
Everything is fine. All is well.
So, have you found yourself a village belle?
Actually, you could say that I have.
-You're kidding me, right? -No.
What's her name?
Her name is Gita. Ms. Kaveri lives here with her.
Except she's no village belle.
She studied in Delhi, and now runs a school here.
Anyway, have you told her?
-How can I tell her? -What do you mean?
I mean...
I mean, she has got a different set of ideals and all.
She's different.
You have to tell her how you feel.
All right. If you say so.
Hey, your two weeks are almost up!
Yes, I know.
You should have been back already.
Well, let me propose to her first.
Mr. Gurnaam, how much was that?
Okay, thank you.
Thirty-two minutes.
-Is it okay if I pay tomorrow? -Yes.
My apologies, Mr. Mohan. Power cuts are frequent here.
Why are you trying to corrupt Chiku's mind?
What? I don't understand.
Oh! Haven't you been talking to him and his friends
about going to America?
No, Gita, I was just explaining.
Am I teaching these kids so that they can go abroad,
and never come back, just like you?
-You NRI! Non-Returning Indian. -Okay.
Hand me the pitcher, please.
You don't even know how to take a bath. You should learn from Chiku.
Gita, I think you need a change.
Why don't you come along with me for a vacation?
You are very mischievous, Gita. Where's the bucket?
-Listen. -No. You listen to me first.
-What is it? -I like you a lot, Gitli!
-What? -Yes, Gitli.
I liked the way you disciplined that man at the bookstore.
Don't try to sweet-talk me. It won't work!
Ms. Kaveri will stay here, with me!
You're misunderstanding me. I really like you.
Shut up! And don't you try to corrupt the kids again, okay?
I'm not corrupting anyone. I'm just taking a bath.
More than the kids, you need education!
Yes, teacher.
-Ms. Kaveri! -Yes.
You can continue calling out to Ms. Kaveri.
Ms. Kaveri!
All right, now take out your notebooks.
Today's topic is general knowledge.
So, who will tell me
the names of five most important rivers in the country?
Sorry, I'm late, teacher.
Look ahead.
Today, I'll be taking your class.
First question.
What are the names of five main rivers in India?
You.
Tell me.
Let me think.
Yes.
Ganga, Jamuna, Narmada. What?
Bharati.
Panchgani.
Bharati? Panchgani? Are they rivers?
Vidya, give it a shot.
Ganga, Jamuna, Narmada, Godavari and Brahmaputra.
Brahmaputra. I am...
Excellent, Vidya!
I meant, Brahmaputra.
Second question.
What is the name of the new state
that has been formed in northwest India?
I know this one. It was a part of Uttar Pradesh, right?
Chiku, tell us.
-It's Uttaranchal! -Oh yes, Uttaranchal!
How could I have missed it? I forgot!
Well done, Chiku.
Now, the last question.
If our new student doesn't know the answer,
we'll have to demote him to a lower grade.
How many lion heads does the Ashoka pillar sport?
This one is easy.
Three.
-No! Four! -No.
Excellent, children!
The lesson of the day is, before gaining knowledge on foreign lands,
it is important for one to know about one's own country.
Don't forget to do your homework.
The rivers, Ganga and Jamuna, have their confluence point in Allahabad.
The new state, Uttaranchal,
is the 27th state of India, with Dehradun as its capital
and this is the land where the Mahabharata was written.
The Ashoka pillar rests on a circular abacus
which is guarded by four animals.
The bull by the west side,
the elephant by the east, the horse by the south
and the lion by the north.
Gita.
Gita, the blackboard is clean.
Gita, I am...
Gita!
But all my answers were correct.
This is Natthu, the potter, and this is Shankar.
-He makes baskets. -Greetings.
Both of them want us to admit their children to the school.
What Mr. Mohan said to us the other day, struck a chord with us.
We don't want our children to suffer the same fate as us.
On the morning of Dussehra,
you can come and enroll your children in the school.
All right. See you.
The tides have begun to change the direction.
-Haven't they? -Yes.
They have.
-Mohan! -Yes?
-Mohan, I have some work for you. -What work?
There's a place called Kodi, a few miles from here.
Gita has some familial property there
which has been leased to a farmer named Haridas.
He has not paid his rent for many months.
I want you to go and collect the money.
Me?
But why do you want me to go? Can't you send someone else?
If you go, he just might pay up.
Oh! So you want me to be a collector now?
Okay, when should I leave? I have to fuel up the RV.
-You have to leave now. -Now?
-Yes. You can't take the RV there. -Then?
You will have to take the train for three hours to Narsinga.
Then cross the river in a boat and reach Maangaon.
Just take a bus from there and you'll reach Kodi!
Sure, that's pretty close by.
Yes. You'll return by tomorrow evening.
And Mela Ram will go with you. He knows the way.
-Fantastic! Ms. Kaveri. -Yes?
My vacation is nearing its end. What have you decided?
Finish this work first.
Come on, Mr. Collector.
Why are you sending Mohan?
I sent Haridas a message only a few days ago.
I know what I'm doing.
-Good morning, sir! -Good morning, Mela Ram.
I'm all set to take you on a sightseeing trip to the village.
-See you, Ms. Kaveri. -Okay.
Mr. Mohan, will you get me a toy?
Of course. Give me five. Yes!
And what shall I get for you?
Nothing.
I know that you don't want me to leave,
but I have to go for Ms. Kaveri's sake.
Now look, don't think about me too much.
-What makes you think that I'll miss you? -Your eyes.
They give everything away.
Oh, my love
I have become crazy in your love
You have won me over
Oh, my love
I have become crazy in your love
You have won me over
Oh, my love
This heart is in turmoil
This body is left to smolder
It's raining dreams
The eyes have found a home
The heart spills over
Oh, my love
I have become crazy in your love
You have won me over
Oh, my love
Now that you have come close to me
Now that you have taken my heart
How can I tell you
What has happened?
Somewhere, there are heartbeats
Somewhere, there are paths of dreams
How can I express
The joy in my heart?
You have made me lose control
I feel embarrassed at times
It seems I have forgotten
My way
Ever since I have seen
The city of love
The city of love!
Oh, my love
I have become crazy in your love
You have won me over
Oh, my love
Now that I have found you
This whole atmosphere has changed
There are flowers spread
On my path
I feel as though
The earth is new
And also, the sky
In our love
The fickle breeze sings a melody
The flowing river narrates a tale
Since our eyes met
My sweetheart
I have lost my senses
My love
Oh, my love
I have become crazy in your love
You have won me over
Oh, my love
Mr. Haridas!
Yes?
I'm Mela Ram and he is Mr. Mohan Bhargava.
Tell me.
Ms. Kaveri and Ms. Gita have sent me.
It's about the rent.
I understand. Please, come.
Come in.
You have traveled a long way. You must be tired. Please rest.
Prepare some roti for them.
Run along now.
Please, come on in.
You really shouldn't have bothered.
How is that possible? A guest is like God.
We've served what we have, eat and then we'll talk.
Okay.
Had I been capable of paying,
I would have come to Charanpur myself.
Sir, I was a weaver before I took up farming.
Since the advent of machine made fabrics in the market,
weaving has ceased to be a lucrative business.
So I became a farmer.
I took Ms. Gita's land on lease.
I imagined, once the crops flourish,
the children's lives would improve.
But it wasn't bound to happen.
What do you mean?
By taking up farming, I had changed my profession.
The decision-makers of the village did not accept this
and looked upon me as an outcast.
They felt a weaver should remain a weaver even if it meant that he had to go hungry.
I cried, pleaded,
but no one listened.
Nobody offered a drop of water to irrigate my land.
The entire crop dried up
and whatever survived, the villagers refused to buy it.
It's because of this that I haven't been able to pay Ms. Gita's rent.
But this is wrong.
It's unfair. It's outrageous.
It is the way things work here.
Not enough food to fill our stomachs,
no clothes to wear, no roof over our heads,
no education for children, no land.
Only I know what I am going through.
So what did you do?
What could I do?
I thought about migrating to the city,
hoping life would be better there.
Those who had been there shared their anguish.
A laborer goes there to work
and falls into the grip of contractors.
He either returns hungry
or doesn't return at all.
And soon, his wife has to sell the little land she has.
No, sir. No.
I can't feed my children while I'm alive.
What's going to happen when I am gone?
As for Ms. Gita's money,
I have nothing to offer but helplessness and shame.
Nothing.
Thank you for the food, Mr. Haridas.
Goodbye, Mr. Haridas.
Please don't mind. Here's some money. Keep it.
Mr. Mohan, it's very kind of you, but I can't accept it.
Please, Mr. Haridas, I want you to keep it.
When you want, you can return it to me.
But I don't know when I will be able to repay it.
Don't worry about it.
Here, kiddo, this is for you. Share it with your sisters.
Please give Ms. Gita and Ms. Kaveri my regards.
Get on the boat, it's about to leave.
Water for sale. 25 paise for a glass.
A glass of water for 25 paise.
Water for sale. 25 paise for a glass.
Sir, please buy a glass of water.
Water for sale. 25 paise for a glass.
You're back, Mohan.
How was your journey?
-It was good. -Did you meet Haridas?
Yes. But I couldn't get the money.
His situation is pathetic.
He can't pay the rent.
Instead, he offered him money before leaving.
I couldn't bear to see Haridas' situation.
I don't think you should expect any rent from him.
Did you get me a toy, Mr. Mohan?
I couldn't get anything.
Come on, Chiku.
Mohan, everyone here is more or less is in the same situation.
What is money when compared to the value of a human life?
I'm glad that you gave him money.
Don't be so upset, child.
Get some rest.
Ms. Kaveri!
How do I wrap this around?
Ms. Kaveri!
Ms. Kaveri has left for the school. For the decorations.
I don't know why she wants me to wear this dhoti.
What's wrong with my jeans?
It is the appropriate thing to wear on Dussehra.
If you want, I can tie it for you.
How do you know? Have you ever worn one?
It's not a sari, okay?
Fine, then. Do it yourself.
No! You can tie it. Just do it quickly, please.
Come here.
Give it to me.
Hold it.
What the...
Give it to me.
There, it's done.
It's done.
But I hope it doesn't open up in the crowd. In that case...
Today is the auspicious day of Dussehra.
It was on this day that Lord Rama slayed Ravana
and marked the triumph of good over evil.
I am very happy that on this day,
we initiate new students into the school.
May the Goddess of Knowledge bless you.
It's Lajwa.
May the Goddess of Knowledge bless you.
Bless you.
This is my youngest granddaughter, Kusum!
Bless you.
Now, go and play!
Mr. Mohan, where are you off to?
Why don't you spend some time with us?
Come, have a seat.
I'm impressed. How well you've tied your dhoti!
How did you manage to learn it so soon?
It's pretty easy. I tied it in seconds.
You look like a bridegroom.
So, Mr. Mohan, how long have you been living abroad?
-It has almost been 12 years now. -I see.
You must have adapted yourself completely to their way of living.
Well, we would like to know a thing or two about America.
What can I tell you? Well, America is a big country.
We've heard that it's also very rich.
It is rich. But there are several reasons for that.
One among them is that their land is rich
-especially in minerals -Our land is rich as well, but in crops.
Our strength lies in our fields.
Do they have problems with rain?
Are they affected by drought and famine like us?
And what about electricity?
They have set up an infrastructure
that provides many resources to a common man.
Hospitals, education programs,
electricity, water...
But we have something that they don't
and will never have it.
What?
Culture and tradition.
Yes, indeed.
As long as we have them,
we can never be in harm's way.
Ours is the greatest country in the world!
Of course!
Culture and tradition are our greatest strength.
Don't you think so?
Munishwar.
I don't think that Mr. Mohan agrees.
Do you, Mr. Mohan?
You're right.
I don't agree that ours is the greatest country in the world.
But I do believe
that we have the potential and the strength to make it great.
Look, these two countries
are politically and culturally very different.
Maybe, I shouldn't say this,
but since you have broached the subject, let me tell you
that whenever we suspect losing in comparison,
we clutch on to our favorite refuge.
That is culture and tradition.
America has progressed on its own.
They have their own culture and their own traditions.
It's silly to claim that their culture,
their traditions, and their beliefs are inferior
and ours are commendable.
It's wrong.
But I have heard that there,
they discriminate against members of certain ethnicities.
Look, sometimes there are clashes. They're prevalent everywhere, right?
But what appalls me
is here, we discriminate on the basis of caste.
You talk as if we have created the caste, class,
religious and social systems.
This hierarchy of caste is ancient as is culture and religion.
Including color and creed.
And listen, one's caste always remains with one.
Just because a custom is ancient, does not mean it is right.
Why are you imposing your views on us, Mr. Mohan?
I'm not imposing any views.
I am only expressing myself,
speaking of things that I have noticed while living here.
I've realized that we keep fighting amongst ourselves
when we should be fighting against illiteracy,
the growing population and corruption.
Every day, in our streets and homes,
every one of us keeps saying that this country has gone to the dogs.
That this country is on the path of destruction.
If we keep saying just this,
we will actually end up being there one day.
You need to do something to stop that from happening. You too.
Not just the members of the panchayat, but everyone in the village.
You are blaming the members of the panchayat for your problems.
But if you step into their shoes, you would do the same thing.
This applies to me, too.
The Dalits blame the Brahmins
and Brahmins claim that their piety is spoiled by the Dalits.
The blacksmith and potter blame the moneylender.
The landowners blame the tenants, but they don't give them their rights.
In what way are we great then?
If we have problems in the village, we point our finger at the state
and they too pass the buck. We are all...
We're all finding fault with each other!
When the fact is that we are all to be blamed.
Because the problem lies with us.
Me, you...
All of us.
Have you lost your mind? What are you saying?
All I know is,
a weaver who changed his occupation by becoming a farmer,
cannot feed his family
or provide education to his children.
He can only watch them die of starvation.
Every moment weighs terribly We're struck by a calamity
Save me, O King of the Raghu dynasty
Come, O gallant warrior! Lord Rama, please come!
Lord of my heart, Sri Rama, please come!
I chant Your name Please come to my rescue
Let truth prevail
Burn the Lanka of sins
Come and liberate me Listen to my woes
Every moment weighs terribly We are struck by a calamity
Save me, O King of the Raghu dynasty
Forget Rama Look, Raavana has come
His shadow is upon everything In this creation
Why do you chant the name of Rama?
Why do you take the name of Rama?
This chanting that you have started
Sita!
What is the virtue you have seen in Rama?
How can one talk about all his virtues?
They can't be expressed in words.
Who can reach the summits
Where my Lord is placed
He is the best He is the epitome of deference
He is stronger than the rest And yet, he is patient
But now His patience has reached its limit
Raavana, there's still time Seek his forgiveness
Let truth prevail
Burn the Lanka of sins
When King Rama arrives We will bow down to him
With him will come His devoted brother, Lakshman!
Every moment weighs terribly We are struck by a calamity
Save me, O' King of the Raghu dynasty
If Rama is strong enough If Rama possesses courage
Why has he not come yet to rescue you?
He, whose descriptions You are never tired of giving
Tell me, where your Rama is At this very minute!
Rama is in my every heartbeat
Rama is in my soul, Rama is in my life
Rama is in every moment of my life, Rama is in my every breath
Rama is in every hope of mine, Rama is in my every wish
Rama is in compassion, Rama is in peace
Rama is in unity, Rama is in progress
Rama lives in the minds of Followers and enemies alike
Forsake sin, Raavana, Rama is in your heart
Rama in your heart, Rama is in my heart
Rama is in every home, Rama is in every courtyard
Whoever erases Raavana from his mind Will find Rama in his heart
Whoever erases Raavana from his mind
Will find Rama in his heart
Every moment weighs terribly We're struck by a calamity
Save me, O King of the Raghu dynasty
Rama has come My Lord has come
King Ramachandra has come Lord Ramachandra has come
Rama has come My Lord has come
King Ramachandra has come Lord Ramachandra has come
Rama has come My Lord has come
King Ramachandra has come
All hail Lord Rama!
All hail Lord Hanuman!
All hail Lord Rama!
All hail Lord Hanuman!
There you go.
The burning effigy looks better in the dark.
-All hail Lord Rama! -Hail!
-All hail Lord Hanuman! -Hail!
Every moment weighs terribly We are struck by a calamity
Save me, O' King of the Raghu dynasty
Listen. Quiet! Be quiet, please.
Why is it that I feel
that you all have started to enjoy living in this darkness?
You have adjusted to it, right?
How long are you going to just live with your problems?
What else can we do, Mr. Mohan?
Will you do as I ask?
Have you come up with another strange suggestion?
Spare us, please!
Wait, Munishwar.
What do you want us to do?
There is a spring on that nearby mountain, right?
Yes, there is. So?
So, I need a hundred men.
-A hundred men? -Yes.
You will have them.
You will have a hundred men.
Thank you, sir.
Someone said that this spot was struck by a lightning bolt several years ago.
Since then, there has been this gush of water.
I wonder what he's up to!
Look at this. This is point A1.
We'll build a reservoir here.
I mean, a water tank.
The water will accumulate here.
From here, two pipes will lead to point A3.
A3 will have a shed with a turbine. I mean, a machine.
When the pipe's water falls on the turbine,
it will rotate with great speed.
And if everything goes well, electricity will be generated.
We'll form four groups.
The blacksmiths will cast the molds for the pipes.
The second and third groups
will do the digging work for the tank and so on.
Now, let's form the groups.
Quick!
This boy looks promising!
Seems like it.
The reservoir will be made here.
Five meters long and one meter wide.
I mean, five arms' length by one arm's length.
For this, we will have to clear out all the stones and bushes.
-Is that clear? -Yes.
-It's seven feet and six inches. -Seven feet and six inches.
Okay, Mr. Mohan.
May I try it?
-Where's Mela Ram? -He was around.
-What is this? -From boot to suit, total American!
But why?
Now that we are going to do business together,
I thought that I should look like a business partner!
Oh, yes!
This is my passport and this is my Visa form.
Once it's stamped...
Okay, let's go.
-An alternator of 20-kilowatt power. -Yes.
-Please come in, sir. -Come in.
There.
-Here's your water, sir. -Thank you, Santaram.
How's the work on the hill going on?
-It's going well. -How long will it take?
-It will be completed very soon. -Really?
Get some rest.
-I have to go now. See you. -Bye.
I have done a routine data check here.
By the way, Vinod,
will the turbine principle work in power generation?
You know what? I am trying to generate electricity here.
Electricity? What the hell are you talking about?
Speak to John and buy me some more time.
Twenty-five multiplied by 75
-is equal to-- -1875.
How much is 23.3 multiplied by 33.9?
It's 789.87 790.
-Mohan. -Yes, just a moment.
I'm about to finish this.
Mohan.
I've fallen in love with you.
Yes.
What did you say? Say it again.
See! Just see!
It's you and me and the solitude!
See! Just see!
How delicate these shadows are!
Listen! Just listen to the heartbeats
Listen! The melody of silence
Listen!
What the night says!
The night has come
With many unknown desires
It tells so many tales And I listen to them
Night is growing on us Something unusual is happening
Like pearls, I pick them up
What have you said just now
That has made my eyes Light up with flames?
What have you said just now
That has taken away The darkness from my nights?
-Mela Ram, ready? -Ready, sir!
Open the valve. Go!
A little more!
The water will gush to this turbine through this pipe.
The turbine will rotate with the force of water.
With this wheel, we can control the water flow.
We need to release enough water to make this pulley rotate
and make this alternator spin at the speed of 1500 RPM.
And if this happens, electricity will be generated.
Without you The days and nights were lonely
Life was overcast with desolation
Now the days shine And the nights are sweet
For you are my companion
Without you, I was incomplete
Now I am complete
In you, I discovered my world
Yet, I have lost myself
Now, we both realize What living is all about
What life was like And what it's like now
Now we both realize How wonderful the world is
We have so much of happiness
It's done!
What are you all doing?
There will be electricity in your house, Ms. Setu!
The wires are up. Now, all we have to do is wait.
-Ready? -Ready, sir!
-Mr. Nivaran, okay? -Yes, Mr. Mohan.
-Mela Ram, release the water! -Okay, sir!
Mr. Nivaran?
-Yes? Okay, Mr. Mohan. -Open the valve. Slowly.
Electricity will be generated at 230 volts.
-Mr. Nivaran. -Yes?
-The valve is completely open, right? -Yes, Mr. Mohan.
-Mela Ram! Is the valve fully open? -Yes, sir.
Completely, sir! Totally open!
-Are you sure? -Yes!
If the valve is fully open, why is there no pressure?
Gita, has the pressure increased?
Yes!
Mr. Jafar, how many RPM?
Eight hundred, sir.
How long do we have to wait for it?
Have patience, Munishwar.
Electricity.
Finally!
Look at that!
Hail Mr. Mohan!
Mr. Mohan, we have done it!
Electricity for our own village.
Generated with our toil and sweat.
Now we must think of newer and innovative ways
to solve our village's problems.
Sir, come quickly!
-What happened? -His health has deteriorated.
-Come here. -Let's go.
Let's go.
Sir.
The electricity? Is it here?
Yes.
When I saw you for the first time,
I knew
that there's something special about you.
Now that you are here,
I can...
I can die in peace.
What surprises me is how you can think of going back
after all that you have seen and learned here.
It's true, Gita.
I have learned a lot here. I gained a lot.
I know that there are problems here,
but I cannot live here.
And I cannot live elsewhere.
I want to marry you,
but I won't go to America.
Gita!
You're not going to come with me, right?
-You have come to say this, right? -Mohan, I gave it a thought.
At this age, I wouldn't be able to adopt the ways and customs
of another place.
No.
I am happy here.
Now that you are leaving,
I will miss you a lot.
Had you stayed here, our family would have been complete.
Ms. Kaveri!
Goodbye.
Bless you.
Mr. Mohan, we had forgotten that you were a guest.
A visitor must leave one day.
We will miss you a lot, Mr. Mohan.
When you come back,
you will surely be able to access the Internet in the Charanpur Post Office.
Every kid will e-mail you!
-We couldn't wrestle. -Okay.
I am sorry, Mela Ram, I have to leave suddenly.
But I'll definitely send you the sponsorship papers.
No, sir. I don't need them anymore. I'm fine here.
Mr. Mohan, your presence in the village has changed things around here.
Some things have clearly changed.
But have you forgotten about your plan to immigrate to America?
Sir.
When the vine crawling along your wall
crosses onto another's property, individual homes are lost.
It's like a lamp on your porch,
giving light to neighbor's house.
All the best, sir.
Thank you, Mela Ram.
See you.
Mr. Mohan, this is for you.
Thank you, Chiku.
I will put this up in my house.
Look, study hard. Right?
Be good.
All right, Chiku.
Ms. Kaveri.
Where is Gita?
I haven't seen her around since morning.
I should make a move now.
-Or else, I'll miss my flight. -Okay.
Please tell her I was asking about her.
Go, child.
My love and blessings are always with you.
Ms. Kaveri.
No more tears. No!
Bye, Mr. Mohan.
You're impossible, Gita.
You're here, and I...
I've been looking for you all over.
I did not want to talk to you in front of everyone else.
I'm upset with your decision,
but I can understand your situation.
Gita, I can also understand how you feel,
but please don't take my helplessness for betrayal.
-I did not mean to hurt you-- -Mohan.
I love you.
Wherever you are, I hope you're happy.
This is for you.
What is this?
Open it.
What's all this?
Our culture and traditions.
Little flowers of our faith.
Our fields.
Greenery.
Rivers.
Our customs.
All these will keep reminding you of us.
And maybe...
Maybe it will persuade you to return.
Don't go. Please don't go.
This land of yours
Is your motherland
It calls out to you
This is a bond That can never be severed
The fragrance of its soil
How can you forget it?
No matter where you wander off to
You'll eventually come back
In new paths
In every sigh
To your lost heart
Someone will say
This land of yours
Is your motherland
It calls out to you
This is a bond That can never be severed
Life is telling you
You have accomplished everything
What is there to hold on to now?
Happiness has been showered upon you
But you're away from home
Come back now
To a place someone would consider you Their own
And call out to you!
This country of yours
Is your motherland
It calls out to you
This is a bond That can never be severed
Now that you are here,
I can die in peace.
It's like a lamp on your porch,
giving light to your neighbor's house.
I've made up my mind, Vinod. I must go back.
Not again.
How can you go back for a girl?
It's not like that, Vinod.
It's not only about Gita and Ms. Kaveri.
This moment
Conceals within it
A whole century
And a lifetime
Don't you dare ask why the road
Forks into two diverging paths
You are the one to choose which path
You are the one to choose
Which direction you take
This land!
This land of yours
Is your motherland
It calls out to you
This is a bond That can never be severed
I understand. I got it.
Just because you lit a bulb,
you think you can bring about a revolution in the country.
Let's leave the sentiments aside.
Have you figured out what you are going to do there?
-I have a few ideas. -Like?
I could be a project manager at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center.
There's a lot to be done there.
You're impossible! I can't understand you.
If you can't understand after hearing all this,
then maybe it's pointless explaining anything to you.
You'll have to go there and see things for yourself.
Otherwise, you'll never understand.
Here he comes
Mohan!
-Mohan! -Mohan!
Nobody has ever thrown me like this.
Where did you learn those wrestling moves, Mr. Mohan?
Where there is a will, there is a way.
And anyway, you tend to learn things from the people who you spend time with.
Do you understand it now?
Excellent, Mr. Mohan! Wow! rn things from the people who you spend time with.