this movie, but are not necessarily the immediate intent of this film. At the same time, it could also be argued that poverty is a central theme, because one man (and his entire family) depend upon the ownership of a single bicycle - - one which he is not able to get after it had been stolen from him. In emphasizing the need to honor the individuality of each culture, one Satyagig Ray saw no reason for closing the doors to the outside world in his films/community. Indeed, opening doors was an important priority of Ray's work. In this respect, Ray's attitude can contrast sharply with the increasing tendency to see his own culture (India) or other cultures, i.e. European, Spanish, Asian, etc., in highly conservative terms, for purposes of preserving them from the "pollution" of western ideas and thought. He was also willing to enjoy and to learn from ideas, art forms and styles of life from anywhere, in India or abroad. Ray heterogeneity within local communities. This perception contrasts sharply with the tendency of many communitarians, religious and secular, who are willing to break up the nation into communities and then stop dead there: "Thus far and no further." The great film maker's eagerness to seek the larger unit - - to talk to the whole world - - went well with his enthusiasm for understanding the smallest of the small, i.e. the individuality, ultimately, of each person. (Mamartya, p, 27)...
