we can make a difference
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Debdeep Bhattacharya
It is fashionable of the privileged to indulge in discussions on poverty and enhance our social standing through vocal criticism of the government, politicians and the system
We have done our job-we have demonstrated concern -or is it enough-could more have been done
Centuries of oppression, foreign rule, systematic and organized theft of our assets left India with a large mass of poor . Our lack of basic education, strong yet diverse religious sentiments, deep rooted belief in caste and creed only complicated matters.
Yet, in the last 60 years, we have made significant progress. Definitely more could have been done, but can we take umbrage under that excuse or should we seize the initiative.
Yes, we can make a difference. 1.3 billion people and at least 15% of that, ie, 20 crores can afford to feel at least one mouth every day. Purely in monetary terms, the impact is negligible. But why is not happening ?
We pay tax and expect the government to tackle the menace- thus we are facilitating corruption
We are waiting for a group of "like minded "people to come together to take the initiative-that does not happen since time and energy constraints exist
We make occasional contributions to "NGOs " and similar organizations and in our mind fulfil the responsibility-this is laudable but not enough
We do visit orphanages, slums-again initiatives to be respected-but possibly not enough
Let us make a beginning. Let me start today, let me carry a tiffin box, a disposable plate and a spoon and feed the first hungry stomach that I come across. This becomes a habit. My wife notices, my friends watch, my society members enquire, my colleagues in office question, people on the streets watch( this is inevitable as we passionately watch stray dogs being fed)-I provide them all with matter of fact responses. A second person follows, a third, a fourth and then a deluge. This becomes fashionable and helps earn brownie points in social gatherings. So be it if that allows the movement to prosper-let people start competing with each other in terms of the number of mouths they feed-at least the discussion will veer from the latest electronic gadget or apparel brand or rare liquor. We should be willing to suffer this new passion as humanity will be benefitted
Today in the age of satellite communication, the whole world will watch. You need not take the credit-let others hog the headlines and jostle for space but your know that you made the difference-it will be time for you to move on. The swell of public opinion will compel the government to do more. People will realise that there is a window of opportunity, hope -faith will be restored-at the next stage we shall move towards education and shelter in resonance with the government. We cannot even think of the impact if Corporates join in and like community service makes this mandatory for the employees.
What are we working for-a vibrant strife less society and to what end-to make the world a safer place for our children. Why would people want to take recourse to religious or other forms of terrorism, why would you want to take law in to your own hands, if you were part of a caring and sensitive diaspore. The fanatics or the intellectually corrupt will not be able to rule the roost as they will face militant opposition from a liberated mass. This inclusive model will be the buzz of
business schools and tri colour will fly high across a wider horizon-------------Into that heaven of
freedom, let my country awake.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
