Introduction[/b]: In the age of 3G / 2G [no not the scams, the thing itself]+ HD TV; the performing arts, once a thriving and rich culture in itself; is losing out. What of the street skits with monkeys all dressed up , the harmonium/mridangam enthusiasts , and last but not the least – the puppet master , a rich art originating from Rajasthan and some other northern states?
Will you show me? i've got ample time.
The artisan nodded and i heard a chime,
Came out a prince on his horse,
and prance he did; like a gale,
up, down and topsy turvy ; spun he did a deary tale.
As the curtain closed, I saw his face morose.
How’d you do it? I did enquire,
Curious about the unseen wire.
The hand moves up as the index tips,
The legs prance to the ring,
The torso twists to the middle's whim,
The thumb makes the jaw sing.
As a crowd gathers and i take my leave,
turn I did for a last glance
he goes on beneath a banyan tree,
for the toddlers, who watch in glee.
----------------------------------------R.Ajay.Kumar