Studying a legend’s life can be inspiring

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No matter how glamorous some celebrities might look, what makes them more attractive are their inspirational life stories. One such celeb is Beyonce Knowles. The singer’s life has become a part of a new course at US’ Rutgers University. “Politicising Beyonce” is now a part of the school’s Women’s and Gender Studies curriculum, reports contactmusic.com.
What’s interesting is the fact that many in India feel that their favourite stars should be a part of the school curriculum too.
Samhita Tanti, a PR says, “Graffiti artist Bansky, who is unknown to the masses, has been a strong political activist. He should be a part of the school curriculum as he has revolutionised the thought process of millions through his art. His idea and projection of anti-capitalism, anti-war through art is something that should be a part of our education system.”
For young professional Piyush Gupta, Bob Marley’s ‘Rastafari Movement’ should be a subject to study. “It was during a period of the great depression for the Africans that the world saw the rise of the greatest organiser of people of the world. A class on Bob Marley would motivate people to shun racial discrimination,” he adds.
Some say that such subjects will interest students and taking inspiration from faces known around the world would make their works more influential. For Tapish Mehta, a young professional, it’s Ratan Tata who must find a place in textbooks. “Tata’s great sense of business is tied so iconoclastically with his immaculate ethics that I would love to study a course on him. He revoluntionised the world with the concept of Nano, he acquired Jaguar to make the world think that India is going global and he showed inimitable resilience during the 26/11 attack. He was born with a silver spoon, but he is one of those few who despite the available comforts choose the tough road,” he says.
According to Zeddester TuBlue, lead singer with band Zedde, Bruce Dickinson — the powerhouse frontman of the British heavy metal band, Iron Maiden — is a force to reckon. “His life can be used as an inspiration to young people in classrooms around the world — to chase their dreams and find their true calling. When not working with the band, he is an airline pilot, fencer, broadcaster, author, and screenwriter among other things, and has left an indelible mark in each of these distinctly separate fields. Bruce’s life is about widening one’s perspective,” he says.
CBSE counsellor Ritu Dhingra says, “It’s different in the West where kids are already exposed to alcohol and smoking from an early age. Even if they’re shown the negatives or the dark side of celebrities’ lives, they take the best from there. I’m afraid our kids might end up focusing on parts that they feel are more exciting and thrilling. The whole idea is very subjective,” she concludes.