Say hello to Zhdun. This creature, a grey blob with arms, has become an overnight meme star in Russia.
Zhdun may look like something between an elephant seal and the Pillsbury Doughboy, but it is actually a sculpture by Dutch artist Margriet Van Breevoort. The word ‘Zhdun’ means the one who waits. And the sculpture, with its hopeful glass eyes, symbolises people who wait – in hospitals, bus stands, and everywhere else all around the world.
So what if Zhdun came to India? What would it wait for? We’re waiting for so many things, Zhdun would feel right at home here.
Here’s how Zhdun would react to situations in India:
1. Zhdun spotted garbage on the streets. The roads are so dirty, Zhdun thought, but refused to do anything to clean it up.
2. Zhdun chose to sit idly by while protests and counter-protests threatened the sanctity of Indian universities.
3. Zhdun had an opinion to share, but chose to sit in silence instead of voicing it.
4. Zhdun was sad about the rising crimes against women in India. “The system is flawed,” Zhdun thought, and continued to wait.
5. Zhdun complained about corruption in India. “These things will never change,” Zhdun said, and looked the other way.
Do you want to be Zhdun? Do you want to just sit around and wait for things to happen? Or do you want to be the change? The choice is yours.
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