'The thought provoker!'

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Dumbed down generation? Well at least one 24-year-old is not willing to take such generalisations lying down. And he''s now trying to revive the ''pamphlet culture'' and get youngsters to debate topical issues over steaming cups of coffee!</span><br /><br />It''s a word that has caught the imagination of an entire generation.And has spawned new definitions of masculinity. The emergence of ''metrosexuality'' in India and the ''metrosexual man'' has been much talked about. But for Himanshu Verma, it''s a term that still offers plenty of layers to deconstruct.<br /><br />But then, looking at issues from a different perspective comes naturally to Verma. This 24-year-old Delhiite has set up The Red Earth -- a forum for thought and discussion -- whose main objective is to revive the ''pamphlet'' as a medium for creative thought. Through his ''pamphlet project'' Verma hopes to revive a literary genre that has become defunct today. And he has made a beginning with the first project that explores metrosexuality.<br /><br />Why metrosexuality? "Because the buzz around the concept is tremendous. The term has been imported from the West, but its effect and influence in India is impossible to ignore," says Verma.<br /><br />In the course of his study, Verma has contributed his own definition to the already-over-exposed concepts. So you have an ''organic metrosexual'' -- a person who takes the best from metrosexuality and rejects the undesirable in it. Or ''Gurgaon'' metrosexual -- a metaphor for the loaded call-centre guy who wants to be the hip, happening a ''metro dude''.<br /><br />Sounds weird? For Verma, it''s all a reflection of changing social mores. And his objective is to reflect a wide range of concerns -- from popular culture and heritage to media, advertisement and television to politics -- through the medium of a pamphlet. "It offers a lot of freedom. It''s an effective way to focus attention on issues that otherwise might not find a way to the forefront. And when put up on the internet, it can even generate further debate."<br /><br />Needless to say, Verma wants to target youngsters. "The idea is to provoke thought, and have an exchange of varied opinions. Especially among the youth. We have even formed a ''pamphleteer discussion group'' for this purpose. Also I am trying to tie up with cafes to promote pamphlet discussions. After all, coffee is a known stimulant for thinkers and for long coffee houses have been the perfect places to read, write, think, debate and interact!".<br /><br />At a time when purists bemoan the general ''dumbing down'' of media, society, culture and the arts, Verma says he is trying to make a small space for free thought. But will a generation used to ''news on the SMS'' take it up?<br /><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">lekha.menon@timesgroup.com</span></div> </div>