V

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V for Vendatta- the movie(2006)

It is a movie adapted from a graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Set in the dystopian, futuristic UK against the backdrop of oppressive fascist government, it tells about a vigilante called V- the mysterious man wearing a Guy Fawkes costume who works to bring down the government. His talks and speech patterns are unusual- full of artistic ornamental words starting with 'v', quotes and an influential intonation. The story is about his encounter and relation with Evey Hammond, and how they work together to reveal the governments' true face to the public.

"Remember, remember
The fifth of November
The gunpowder treason and plot.
I know of no reason
Why the gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot."
The movie itself is very thought provoking, influential and a must-watch. Anonymity, unknown identity and stories of such vigilantes interest me and this one is one of the best movies I have ever watched. The final climax is just awesome. This is one masterpiece of ideas.

Some of my favorite quotes from the movie:
“Artists use lies to tell the truth. Yes, I created a lie. But because you believed it, you found something true about yourself.” 
“You wear a mask for so long, you forget who you were beneath it.”
“Behind this mask there is more than just flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea... and ideas are bulletproof.”
“People shouldn't be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people.”  
And now, the best quote which still manages to overwhelm me every time I read it:
“But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you. I love you. With all my heart, I love you.”  

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Queeristan by Parmesh Sahani

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  Queeristan (Amazon Link) Thanks to Audible Free Trial I listened to this amazing non-fiction on LGBTQ inclusion in Indian workplaces. Author Parmesh Sahani identifies as gay Indian, working closely with Godrej higher management and employees for years to create an inclusive workplace, both legally and in spirit. This book is a result of those years of experience, research, collaboration with individuals from difference spectrum of the society and organizations who has successfully transitioned into a queer friendly one.   Indian history is inclusive. From the Khajuraho temple architectures, to Konark to the Rig Veda, there is existing proofs even 2000 years ago of Indian inclusiveness of queer. It’s the draconian British law that criminalised it, which was scraped in 2009, came into effect once again following a sad judgement in 2013 and eventually was scraped off for good in 2018. I am in awe of the lawyers who fought this legal battle- colleagues and partners – Arundhati Katju
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