We sauntered through the narrow streets and alley, tucked within which tiny shops were selling the most exquisite curios and souvenirs I had seen in Vilnius. The tag of being an artistic area was definitely well deserved, I thought, as I peeped into a couple of art galleries. Flower pots overflowing with colorful blooms transformed the run down place into a magical one. I was reminded of the pictures of little cottages in my first book of fairy tales, only Hansel and Gretel were missing.
Come April 1, the Uzupian Independence Day, and the little republic sees a string of concerts, parades and tomfoolery. And yes, you can buy a pint of beer with their currency.
Right ahead was the Uzupian constitution, written in three languages and glued to a crumbling wall on Paupio gatve, its 41 tenets staring at me. It is an indolent person’s dream. I cannot resist putting here the English translation -
Everyone has the right to live by the River Vilnelė, while the River Vilnelė has the right to flow by everyone.
Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roof.
Everyone has the right to die, but it is not a duty.
Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
Everyone has the right to individuality.
Everyone has the right to love.
Everyone has the right to be not loved, but not necessarily.
Everyone has the right not to be distinguished and famous.
Everyone has the right to be idle.
Everyone has the right to love and take care of a cat.
Everyone has the right to look after a dog till one or the other dies.
A dog has the right to be a dog.
A cat is not obliged to love its master, but it must help him in difficult times.
Everyone has the right to sometimes be unaware of his duties.
Everyone has the right to be in doubt, but this is not a duty.
Everyone has the right to be happy.
Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
Everyone has the right to be silent.
Everyone has the right to have faith.
No one has the right to use violence.
Everyone has the right to realize his negligibility and magnificence.
Everyone has the right to encroach upon eternity.
Everyone has the right to understand.
Everyone has the right to understand nothing.
Everyone has the right to be of various nationalities.
Everyone has the right to celebrate or not to celebrate his birthday.
Everyone shall remember his name.
Everyone may share what he possesses.
No-one can share what he does not possess.
Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
Everyone is capable of independence.
Everyone is responsible for his freedom.
Everyone has the right to cry.
Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
No-one has the right to make another person guilty.
Everyone has the right to be personal.
Everyone has the right to have no rights.
Everyone has the right to not be afraid.
Do not defeat.
Do not fight back.
Do not surrender.
Drifting up the hill at Uzupis we arrived at the Bernardine Cemetery, standing next to the old Bernardine nunnery. To say that this was the most stunning spot wouldn’t be an exaggeration. My desire to linger had to be crushed, much to my chagrin, since we were running out of time.
Interestingly, the first monument to be built by the Republic was one of Frank Zappa, in Vilnius. I think it is the only one in the world. Why Frank Zappa, I wondered, when he had no Lithuanian connection. But then, wonders will never cease, I guess.
(Published in Deccan Herald 20th July 2008)
Hi Tanushri
U do seem to be going places and quite often. Kudos.Was just thinking if we had a similar constitution,how badly it would had been mauled by the mavericks.
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Hi Kuldip,
Nice to see you after a long time....NO matter what we detail in the constitution, there is likely to be misuse....look at our constitution and the way it is manipulated by the politicians to suit their end....
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Hi Kuldip,
Nice to see you after a long time....NO matter what we detail in the constitution, there is likely to be misuse....look at our constitution and the way it is manipulated by the politicians to suit their end....
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