Free Hugs campaign

I was at Manga and Sci-Fi show in Paris last week. One thing about Paris... There is always something or the other happening over here every weekend. The huge convention Porte de Versailles with 7 pavilions is never empty.

I am not a big Manga fan. I don't like the way it is drawn. In a way, I love the Ram Waeerkar kind of sketches. I had a no clue what to expect in the show. The show turned out to be interesting because a lot of people came dressed up as Manga characters. Most of them were teenagers.

What caught my attention was the "Free Hugs" campaign. There were a lot of teenagers holding up placards with "free hugs" written on it. There were hugs and laughter being shared everywhere. The concept is so reminiscent of Munna Bhai's Jaadu ki Jhappi. So I researched on this using Google. The campaign has a site and also a wiki page.

What was more interesting was the remark about controversies surrounding this campaign. Who could imagine Munnabhai being dragged into controversies for such a noble deed? But yes, there are controversies. I am not sure what is the nature of these controversies. But the website clearly states to check with local law authorities before embarking on this mission.





Comments

  1. whatever you do somebody will not like it, somebody will hate it and still somebody will simply love it !!

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    1. Interesting point. But there should be some reason to hate it. I can find many reasons to love it.

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  2. wat an interesting campaign..wahhh

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    1. :) Welcome back, Ramesh. You have been missing this space for a long time!

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  3. Someone like Raj Thackrey must have created the controversy in Paris :D :D

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    1. :) To correct you, there is no controversy in Paris

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  4. man, I would like to participate in the campaign. Looking at the pic you have here, I think it's worth it!!

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    1. he he. I'm sure you would love to participate.

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  5. These are innovative campaigns to bond the human heart often left distressed, yet someone will find problems with them always, I don't know why

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    1. There are two views on everything. What I would like to know is what exactly caused the problem. They are actually mum on this point!

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  6. when you try such campaigns (no matter how harmless) in India, the reason we should think twice is that some random stranger you hugged happily, platonic feelings abound, there's a 70% chance he'll start groping. Even if AR Rahman's "Jiya se Jiya" m/v may choose to differ.

    whichever way,
    *screams "free hugs"!*

    ps-new to your blog, loving it here!

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    1. Welcome to my space, Raphael. Hope to see you more often here.

      As for the campaign, I do not think it was ever tried out in India. The "Munna Bhai" is a fictional character. :) I understand your point about "groping". But then it is not related to one region alone. ;)

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  7. even AR Rehman also launched a video which promoted free hugs .. name of the song was jiya se jiya ..

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    1. Now, I understand Raphael's comment better. I didn't know about ARR and Free hugs compaign.

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  8. So, did you participate in this campaign ?

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  9. Wow! Thats nice :).
    I always wanted to do it. Sometimes,all people need is a Hug and someone to tell them that everything will be fine :).
    A Hug can do wonders.
    I hope to join them one day :).

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    1. I do agree with your view. A hug can make a whole lot of difference. Probably, I will photograph you with a placard.

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  10. Thank you for this. I had read about Free hugs once and my friend wanted to do it in India too. But it depends on where you do it i think:)
    Nice post but one small thing which i couldn't help but post: The campaign have a site and also a wiki pag

    [The campaign has a site ..] Else, a good-sized, easy to the eye post.

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    1. Interesting that you guys wanted to do this in India. Best wishes to both of you to do at the right place and right time soon.

      Thanks for the inputs. I have corrected it now.

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  11. bonjour monsieur; je suis la jeune fille sur la photo.

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