Chapter 7: Bridges

Exceptionally talented people are born so; talent cannot be cultivated. A few genetic scientists suggest that genetic factors determine talent. It is genetically inherited and cannot be cultivated. By grooming individuals, production of people who are exceptionally talented would have been possible. But, it is not the case in reality.

Another View –

Another group of scientists trust that talent is not based on heredity or genes. In shaping talent, a major role is played by the environment.

In an individual, both a questioning spirit and discipline can coexist. Between the two, there is no inherent conflict. If a person is disciplined, the questioning spirit will be present in them in a well-disciplined manner. There is an objective for every discipline, and it is not for the sake of discipline. So, there is no harm if one tries to learn the basics of discipline.

Another View –

Questioning spirit and discipline cannot coexist. A person cannot stick to any discipline if they do not take the fundamental assumptions of the discipline for granted. For instance, if one keeps on questioning, they cannot follow and apply the principles of the art form they are trying to learn. Both cannot coexist as it requires some kind of surrendering of the questioning spirit to be disciplined.

A few people have a tendency to start experimenting without perfecting the technique with which they experiment. It is often recommended by the great exponents of arts that improvisation must follow perfection of the technique with which one begins. The experiment otherwise comes to an end by itself and does not bear any fruit.

The life of Kumudini Lakhia highlights women’s emancipation. She started to learn dance from the inspiration of her mother. Later she joined an agriculture course in an agriculture college where she could experience the behaviour of the American teachers and boys. She chose to join the company of Ram Gopal as a performer after completing the course. She settled into a married life after having a dance career which was successful. These highlight that, despite being a woman, she was free to choose her ways, and the way she established her identity in her career is an inspiring illustration of the emancipation of women.