26 March 2007

Two Hands or One Mouth.

Just a few days ago, I happened to see program on CNN where a debate was being held with elite members on it panel, though the discussion ran from Indian politics to dismal cricket performance. The program set up my mind into non-scientific motion. The members kept comparing Indian status and performance in economics, science, politics and sports. Statistics revealed a gloomy picture of present Indian scenario.
Are we nation with largest democracy, second largest population, high ratio of female infanticide, low literacy rate and mismatch between male and female literacy rate, high corruption among the developing nations {we are rated as developing nations:CLICHE}, poor medical and sanitation facilities. A detailed statistical overview of India's status can be found in the world bank website at www.worldbank.org.in
This picture by no mean is to make our self feel dejected at the state of affairs that we live in. We are used to hear that its almost 60 years since independence, and progress looks stagnant. What have the politicians done for the people other than just filling there pockets, We complain so much about the bureaucracy,the pain of official work being done. Bribery rampant in all walks of life. Even taking your time out to ponder over the fact and grim situation surrounding it sends a shiver down the spine. Is this a future we are being handed down by our predecessor. Aren't we entitled to a better future. Is this a nation been given to us to take care of.
But as the saying goes, every dark cloud has a silver lining. We can be proud of the fact of the of the 1 billion population that exist today, more than 35% constitute a youth group between 20-35 years of age. This can be considered as the biggest boon of population explosion that we usually speak. The grim situation of over population can be looked more pragmatically as, why consider shortage of food resources for each stomach,rather you have 2 hands for each mouth to be fed. It's no doubt a big challenge in the long run to find enough resources to handle growing population, but as a matter of fact, India is the most under-utilised nation in terms of its resources. So we will in reality never be shortage on the resources, but no doubt effort has to be put to ensure people are aware of family planning.
The present scenario is to utilise the 2 hands of each individual to build up the nation, which lies in the shattered state handed down by our elders, rather turn down the beautiful opportunity that lies ahead of us in resurrecting the nation. It's time to realize the power of the youth and take up the responsibility of nation building. Even if Utopia ever existed, it wouldn't have been a genesis, it would have been built from scratch. Similarly if we want a beautiful 'INDIA' with perfection in every domain. It's time to build such a one.
"You see, not whats there, but what you Build."

03 March 2007

Truth alone Prevails.

Every PhD Graduates have their share of enjoyment and entertainment while being confined in there lab. And watching movies on your desktop, while experiments is running is one among them. So I took the pleasure of watching Lage raho munnabhai recently though I had already watched it in the theater( 1 day, Night show). All Indians will be aware this movie is about ruffian munna and circuit trying to retrieve the 2 inning house from the illegal occupation of Lucky Singh using Gandhigiri. The movie has its own share of funny and touching scenes.
Well what took me for a ride, after watching the movie was new definition given to what ought to be practice in daily life. Gandhigiri term was just used to lure interest of the people in the movie. But as a matter of fact what was correctly portrayed in the movie worth mentioning was the practice of truth and non-violence can achieve what might seem impossible for mere mortals. There is on going debate whet er what mahatma preached is still of any importance is this modern day, where violence and corruption has become colossal and moreover tool for daily sustenance. It seems that majority of people have accepted the fact that falsehood is the way of life, there is no harm in case we benefit from its practice. Truth seems to have been sidelined from our daily life.
But as a matter of fact truth is most noble virtue that should be practiced in our daily life. But how easy is it to put into daily practice, In fact it's the most easiest path to be followed. One never has to account for any misfortune for uttering the truth but uttering lies can bring unlimited grief. Though the effect may not seem obvious and quick, buts it's truth that alone prevails till the very end. I'm not here to preach values, but want to point out that history is full of incidents wherein individual siding with truth has always come out successful in his life. The hardship one faces is the only testimonial to the fact that siding with truth you get the inner strength to face the tribulation of life.
Non-violence doesn't mean physical violence alone, it has to do more even with thought process also. Thinking is an activity, and it non-violence in our thoughts is also as important as in our action. After all action are created twice once in our mind and then in reality. So its very important not to think to hurt anybody. Though its only we who are aware of what we can think. The liability increases even more for there is no one even to correct and point out our mistakes.
Nevertheless Gandhiji became Mahatma not because of his oratory skill, nor because he went to jail umpteen times, he leader ed countries independence struggle. But he practiced truth and non-violence till his very last breath. The problems of the world are the problems of the man. All the quick fix solution that we think of for solving today's crisis, will serve no long lasting solution. Rather self adherence to truth and non-violence alone will solve today's crisis.