The pandemic has accelerated the rise of robotics, digitalisation and the onset of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where humans and machines will dance together, metaphorically. GenAlpha is already beginning to lead a life complemented by artificial intelligence and in a world of immersive experiences of augmented and virtual reality. Today, across the country, these kids are asking the question, why should we go out and celebrate this festival of colours, smells and flavours?
Few years back, University of Sydney (Department of Theatre and Performance Studies) had carried out a research which showed that actors experience significantly higher levels of depression,anxiety and stress than general population, and both men and women actors use alcohol at levels well above WHO guidelines for healthy consumption and 80 percent of actors are active users of either legal or illicit drugs. It had found that around 40 percent of actors had difficulties in relaxing or ‘letting go’ after performing an emotionally and physically demanding role.
The adjective ‘virtual’ means ‘being almost or nearly something’ or ‘made to appear to exist by computer’. Similarly, dictionary meaning of ‘artificial’ is ‘not genuine or natural but made by people’ or ‘not what it appears to be’. The immersive experiences of the world of virtual reality is not very different to performing an emotionally and physically demanding role. Therefore, getting out of role of ‘virtual reality’ and immersing into ‘real reality’ is essential for these kids. Holi is perhaps the best occasion for this reality check.
Holi is one of the most joyous and invigorating festivals of the country. Marking the beginning of Spring, it celebrates life and all of its colours in unanimity and reflects the very essence of this season. It is undeniable that the vibrancy of colors brings in joy and a lot of positivity in our life. Holi also has its historic, spiritual, religious, social and psychological sides, which make it much more exciting, giving us the reason to heartily enjoy and cherish the occasion.
This festival of sumptuous food, exotic aroma, and humorous pouring and throwing of colours has a healing effect on all of us. Letting GenAlpha immerse into ‘real reality’ is new positioning of this ancient tradition, Holi.
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