It was hailed in olden days that the professions of Lawyers, Doctors and Teachers are noble, because these three professions are an opportunity for man to serve mankind. Lawyers in the sphere of justice; Doctors for treatment of diseases and thereby lessen one’s pain and Teachers to impart the knowledge to children, the future men and thereby safeguard the society.
Is it true of today’s society?. In India, particularly, there is plethora of laws. But is the common man getting justice?. A visit to any civil court will give you a taste of Indian Justice system. Countless movies in India have portrayed that a common man cannot get justice. But this fact has not changed even after 60 years of Independence. True cases are pending in Indian Courts for many years. It is pointless if justice is not secured within a reasonable time. There has been no effort to overhaul the whole justice system in the Country. In the absence of knowledge of citizen’s rights, the lawyers take advantage of the person filing the case. This is an excellent opportunity for the lawyer to fleece such a person. There are lots of persons in the country suffering due to flagrant violation of justice but there has been no initiative by the lawyers to seek for proper justice.
Once upon a time, a doctor visiting our house was a respected individual. He used to put the patient at ease, reduce his or her pain and give confidence to regain one’s health. True he may not be earning in lakhs ( But he earned a lot of respect) ; he was contented and lived comfortably. Today the doctor is becoming a detestable person. Ever since the concept of Corporate Hospitals, there has been a vital change in the Doctor’ outlook. His sole motive has become one of earning money and more money. Even lakhs seem to not satisfy him. Every action becomes one of making more money like subjecting patients to countless diagnostic tests, retaining a patient for more time in ICUs or Wards in hospitals, putting the fear into the patient and his relatives so that they will agree to an unwanted surgery or treatment. The human touch is so sadly lacking. Even the nurses, an equally noble profession, have turned into mechanical robots. Both these people fail to put the patient at ease. To be in the ICU is a harrowing experience. The doctors do not tell you anything, the nurses do not tell you anything. You are left to imagine all weird things in your devious mind, lying there with nothing to do. God, save the patients from the Doctors.
Teachers used to earn a lot of respect in the olden days. The children and parents alike used to almost worship them. Much weight was given to their opinions. A teacher may remain in his school for many years while his students may travel worldwide, become much more famous. But the teacher was contented and felt proud that his student has achieved such distinction. The student, whatever high status he may have achieved in life, used to regard his teacher with reverence and respect. This profession has not been corrupted yet. But the outlook of the present generation of teachers in schools and colleges has changed in recent times. They tend to perform their duty, not as a service but as a mechanism to earn money. This profession too is falling a prey to the evils of money. The love, affection and care of the children is lacking.
What is necessary to restore the nobility to these professions?. Or is it impossible to arrest the onset of evil as in other spheres.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
ELECTORAL BALLOT IN INDIA – CASTING ONE’S VOTE
To vote is ones right as well duty we are told in the Indian Constitution. But at the time of elections an educated citizen is always faced with the problem of whom to vote. Cast he ust his vote, but to whom. Whether it is the Lok Sabha elections or elections to the State Assembly, the election campaigning is all about false promises, noise, din and sops. But voting is a great responsibility because we are going to select Members who are our representatives in the Government for the next 5 years. This means that there is a lot of maturity and responsibility vested in us, the citizens of this Country.
But in many of the cases we know only the names of the person standing for a few of the known parties. But apart from this fact , we hardly come to know any other details. If the candidate is a public figure, a philanthropist we may know him, but this is hardly a case in our electoral scene. Therefore there is a need to reform this system.
The election campaign should only consist of publishing all about the person so standing for the elections. He or She should issue newspaper advertisements giving their personal details, those which are necessary to let the public know such as their age, educational qualification, family size etc.; what they propose to do once they are elected; if they are standing for re-election, what they have achieved during the last tenure; if they are new, what is their credibility or public service done so far etc.. This should be published in all the newspapers and periodicals, national, regional and local. Sometimes it may happen that the claims or promises given by the candidate could be exaggerated. Therefore the newspapers or periodicals must verify these facts, if necessary, interview the candidate again and again to clarify the issue during the run-up to the elections. Prominent people can write in what they about the candidate in the media. But all these must be done impartially with no ulterior expectations. There is no need for the candidate to indulge in populist sops, free schemes and loud announcements. The candidate and the party he is representing can give such media insertions alternatively. This way we can avoid the power of money during the elections. We can avoid a lot of violence, not to mention the noise pollution. It will make the election scene in India a lot more decent, calmer and worthy of appreciation the world over. A candidate selected out of such an exercise will be lot more accountable in his actions and truly representative of the people.
But in many of the cases we know only the names of the person standing for a few of the known parties. But apart from this fact , we hardly come to know any other details. If the candidate is a public figure, a philanthropist we may know him, but this is hardly a case in our electoral scene. Therefore there is a need to reform this system.
The election campaign should only consist of publishing all about the person so standing for the elections. He or She should issue newspaper advertisements giving their personal details, those which are necessary to let the public know such as their age, educational qualification, family size etc.; what they propose to do once they are elected; if they are standing for re-election, what they have achieved during the last tenure; if they are new, what is their credibility or public service done so far etc.. This should be published in all the newspapers and periodicals, national, regional and local. Sometimes it may happen that the claims or promises given by the candidate could be exaggerated. Therefore the newspapers or periodicals must verify these facts, if necessary, interview the candidate again and again to clarify the issue during the run-up to the elections. Prominent people can write in what they about the candidate in the media. But all these must be done impartially with no ulterior expectations. There is no need for the candidate to indulge in populist sops, free schemes and loud announcements. The candidate and the party he is representing can give such media insertions alternatively. This way we can avoid the power of money during the elections. We can avoid a lot of violence, not to mention the noise pollution. It will make the election scene in India a lot more decent, calmer and worthy of appreciation the world over. A candidate selected out of such an exercise will be lot more accountable in his actions and truly representative of the people.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
WHAT IS THE BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOR OUR COUNTRY?.
The world, during the cold war times, when the USA and erstwhile USSR were at loggerheads, it was the form of Government which was in conflict. While USA trumpeted Democracy as the best form of Governance with ‘liberty’ as the byword for its people, USSR wanted to prove to the world albeit behind its Iron curtain that it’s form of Government is the best.
Communism itself was founded with near perfect Ideals. Karl Marx took into account the needs of the labour class (Which was a predominant group at that time) and conceived a form of Government which promised to fulfil the dreams of the working class. According to communist philosophy, the State was to provide the people with their daily needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education, health assurance and so on. In turn the people are expected to work for the State whatever it wanted an individual to do. This symbiosis was conceived as offering the people ultimate happiness.
Why then did Communism fail?. It assumed that peoples’ needs are limited and man will be basically happy if his day-to-day needs are met. Liberty was not a requirement envisaged by Karl Marx because it was unknown to the working class. A lesson was to be learnt that basically man is not satisfied with his day-to-day needs. Once the basic needs are met, man moves on to the next stage of wants. Moreover the Government is to be run by men & women who are not beyond the human traits such as greed. Communism would have probably survived if the rulers were immortals whose wants are nothing but the welfare of its people.
On the other hand USA promoted ‘Liberty’ of its people as the fulcrum of its Government. So the Democratic principles of ‘rule of the people, by the people and for the people’ caught the fancy of the people. It offered people unlimited desires and looked for ways to provide the means to achieve them. America was hailed as the land of opportunities. Contentment was a bad word. People desired and the State went on complying with the desires. Therefore, Democracy will succeed as long as the State can fulfil the wants of its people. But man’s desire is like a fire. It is ravenous and consumes everything on its way. The signs of fatigue of the US government is becoming very apparent.
So Communism failed and Democracy was not the solution. Somewhere in between then?. Our own first Prime Minister thought of ‘Socialism’ at that time of Independence, which is a mix of both. Socialism survived in India for only 40 years after independence. For 40 years, the Indian brand of socialism bred inefficiency, corruption and red-tapism. It gave rise to a political system based on sycophancy and opportunism. Instead of the envisioned welfare of its people, the system suffocated its masses. Proper correction mechanisms were not envisaged in the Constitution. It widened the religious, class, caste and regional divides instead of narrowing them.
Then came the ‘Liberalisation’ and ‘Globalisation’ from the 90s. Suddenly the Indian people could visualize a world in which they would be very much a participant. It offered masses variety in goods and services, multiplied their wants and fattened their purses ably aided by the IT revolution. People hoped that Governments and Public Sectors that continued their old ways would be swept off in a competitive scenario and the political species will be endangered. The rich people of the country saw an opportunity to get richer. So far the liberalisation carried along the hitherto lower sections of the society and increased their purchasing power. The means adopted for these are however are questionable.
But Liberalisation is far from giving our people respite. Government is far from efficient. The much needed reforms in electoral system has not come about thanks to some of the vested interests. The justice system has a long way to go before the people can get justice. Little has been done in Education and Health sectors. The problems due to Poverty and Population are to be addressed sincerely. Communal and Regional divides are great threats. Terrorism is on the rise. Law enforcement agencies have to be directed to serve to earn people’s faith. Populism by Governments and ruling parties is to be banned. ‘Reservations’ are to be rationalized. In the Central and State Governments, we lack Statesmen with wider vision and who are welfare motivated. Whatever be form of Government we have, it is ultimately the person at the helm who can make a difference. From nowhere came the Mahatma and shook the British Empire to get us the Independence which was no mean feat. People get swayed, but it is the visionary like the Mahatma, who can guide and redeem us.
Communism itself was founded with near perfect Ideals. Karl Marx took into account the needs of the labour class (Which was a predominant group at that time) and conceived a form of Government which promised to fulfil the dreams of the working class. According to communist philosophy, the State was to provide the people with their daily needs such as food, clothing, shelter, education, health assurance and so on. In turn the people are expected to work for the State whatever it wanted an individual to do. This symbiosis was conceived as offering the people ultimate happiness.
Why then did Communism fail?. It assumed that peoples’ needs are limited and man will be basically happy if his day-to-day needs are met. Liberty was not a requirement envisaged by Karl Marx because it was unknown to the working class. A lesson was to be learnt that basically man is not satisfied with his day-to-day needs. Once the basic needs are met, man moves on to the next stage of wants. Moreover the Government is to be run by men & women who are not beyond the human traits such as greed. Communism would have probably survived if the rulers were immortals whose wants are nothing but the welfare of its people.
On the other hand USA promoted ‘Liberty’ of its people as the fulcrum of its Government. So the Democratic principles of ‘rule of the people, by the people and for the people’ caught the fancy of the people. It offered people unlimited desires and looked for ways to provide the means to achieve them. America was hailed as the land of opportunities. Contentment was a bad word. People desired and the State went on complying with the desires. Therefore, Democracy will succeed as long as the State can fulfil the wants of its people. But man’s desire is like a fire. It is ravenous and consumes everything on its way. The signs of fatigue of the US government is becoming very apparent.
So Communism failed and Democracy was not the solution. Somewhere in between then?. Our own first Prime Minister thought of ‘Socialism’ at that time of Independence, which is a mix of both. Socialism survived in India for only 40 years after independence. For 40 years, the Indian brand of socialism bred inefficiency, corruption and red-tapism. It gave rise to a political system based on sycophancy and opportunism. Instead of the envisioned welfare of its people, the system suffocated its masses. Proper correction mechanisms were not envisaged in the Constitution. It widened the religious, class, caste and regional divides instead of narrowing them.
Then came the ‘Liberalisation’ and ‘Globalisation’ from the 90s. Suddenly the Indian people could visualize a world in which they would be very much a participant. It offered masses variety in goods and services, multiplied their wants and fattened their purses ably aided by the IT revolution. People hoped that Governments and Public Sectors that continued their old ways would be swept off in a competitive scenario and the political species will be endangered. The rich people of the country saw an opportunity to get richer. So far the liberalisation carried along the hitherto lower sections of the society and increased their purchasing power. The means adopted for these are however are questionable.
But Liberalisation is far from giving our people respite. Government is far from efficient. The much needed reforms in electoral system has not come about thanks to some of the vested interests. The justice system has a long way to go before the people can get justice. Little has been done in Education and Health sectors. The problems due to Poverty and Population are to be addressed sincerely. Communal and Regional divides are great threats. Terrorism is on the rise. Law enforcement agencies have to be directed to serve to earn people’s faith. Populism by Governments and ruling parties is to be banned. ‘Reservations’ are to be rationalized. In the Central and State Governments, we lack Statesmen with wider vision and who are welfare motivated. Whatever be form of Government we have, it is ultimately the person at the helm who can make a difference. From nowhere came the Mahatma and shook the British Empire to get us the Independence which was no mean feat. People get swayed, but it is the visionary like the Mahatma, who can guide and redeem us.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
COLLECTIVE SOLUTION FOR TOO MUCH T.V VIEWING
One of the ills of today’s society is the bad influence that TV viewing has on the children. I feel that we are not giving due concern to this problem because like global warming and vehicular pollution, this is a problem of ‘tomorrow’. We as parents, teachers, elders, citizens of a responsible society must think and act to find a solution to this evil.
Long hours of TV viewing and playing computer games can permanently damage the social fabric of our society. They are known to make the children lethargic, passive, violent and lead to other behavioral problems. Coupled with the consumption of junk foods, they can spoil their health and by the time they grow up to the age of 25-30, we can be sure of their having a whole lot of diseases and abnormalities.
What can be done to find a solution to this menace?. We, obviously, cannot ask the cartoon Companies to stop telecasting so many programmes, though doing so would qualify for discharge of social responsibility. But it is a commercial necessity. Just as we cannot ask vehicle manufacturers to stop producing so many vehicles that are responsible for emission and pollution and global warming, because for all they produce there is a demand. Put in vedic sense, people have such materialistic wants which are known to be harmful but they cannot deprive their senses. The solution will lie in spiritualizing the whole society which appears to be a mammoth task, because evil is so attractive…….
What then are the other options?. Some Organizations can come forward to start clubs which can wean away the children and make them indulge in useful activities. Such organizations do exist now, but are few and far in-between. Such clubs can provide tools, sports implements to children to involve themselves in outdoor and indoor games. For such purpose, every school ground and a school hall in the neighbourhood, which remains vacant after 4 PM, can be utilized. Various other art coaching like singing, music, dance etc.., can be conducted. Yoga, development workshops, enlightening lectures can be organized which may attract some students and imbibe them with values. All these can be provided for a nominal fee which will encourage parents in every class of society to send their children to the clubs. Since every school premise is utilized, the proximity is ensured which can help even very young children.
I am sure many people will come forward to volunteer for such activities for some time everyday without any financial consideration. This can help them to exhibit their hidden talents also. I shall be personally happy to offer my services for such a service for some time every day in a nearby place. Some other people can contribute with more ideas to find a solution to this problem and help alleviate what can become a menace of unmanageable proportions.
Long hours of TV viewing and playing computer games can permanently damage the social fabric of our society. They are known to make the children lethargic, passive, violent and lead to other behavioral problems. Coupled with the consumption of junk foods, they can spoil their health and by the time they grow up to the age of 25-30, we can be sure of their having a whole lot of diseases and abnormalities.
What can be done to find a solution to this menace?. We, obviously, cannot ask the cartoon Companies to stop telecasting so many programmes, though doing so would qualify for discharge of social responsibility. But it is a commercial necessity. Just as we cannot ask vehicle manufacturers to stop producing so many vehicles that are responsible for emission and pollution and global warming, because for all they produce there is a demand. Put in vedic sense, people have such materialistic wants which are known to be harmful but they cannot deprive their senses. The solution will lie in spiritualizing the whole society which appears to be a mammoth task, because evil is so attractive…….
What then are the other options?. Some Organizations can come forward to start clubs which can wean away the children and make them indulge in useful activities. Such organizations do exist now, but are few and far in-between. Such clubs can provide tools, sports implements to children to involve themselves in outdoor and indoor games. For such purpose, every school ground and a school hall in the neighbourhood, which remains vacant after 4 PM, can be utilized. Various other art coaching like singing, music, dance etc.., can be conducted. Yoga, development workshops, enlightening lectures can be organized which may attract some students and imbibe them with values. All these can be provided for a nominal fee which will encourage parents in every class of society to send their children to the clubs. Since every school premise is utilized, the proximity is ensured which can help even very young children.
I am sure many people will come forward to volunteer for such activities for some time everyday without any financial consideration. This can help them to exhibit their hidden talents also. I shall be personally happy to offer my services for such a service for some time every day in a nearby place. Some other people can contribute with more ideas to find a solution to this problem and help alleviate what can become a menace of unmanageable proportions.
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