Monday, November 16, 2009

Be the Change...

What do you do when you come across a pot-hole on the road? You blame the system.
When the electricity vanishes every now and then? You blame the system.
When the water woes don't seem to end? You blame the system.
Cliche as it sounds, this is the typical response of every Indian.
The 'system' that we so frequently pass the buck to comprises the govenrment and other authorities who are vested with the task of running the country.
What we forget is that we always have the privilege and responsibility of voting these people to power. Why then, do we vote for a bunch of circus clowns and expect them to excel at complex tasks? The ready counter argument is that it is only jokers and criminals who stand for elections. So people are left with no option but to vote for the best from the worst.
After that, the blame game begins until the next round of elections. The elected representatives thrive on money, the country goes to the dogs, the people sit back and criticize the government, the government in turn provides lousy excuses for their inaction, the people criticize some more but take no action and eventually, a new Government is voted to power with hopes of more avenues for criticism. This is the vicious circle that our country is trapped in.
There is zero accountability in the Govt. but we, the people, also need to pull up our socks. Majority of Indians completely lack civic sense. People are seen casually littering and spitting right in the middle of busy streets. People get immense pleasure in flouting all laws and rules. An even bigger victory is when they get caught and 'settle matters' with some dough, only to break the law again. We add fuel to fire by giving bribes and then end up cribbing about corruption. The 'Chalta hai' attiitude among the people has gone too far. The people also need to take partial responsibility for the nation's sorry state of affairs.
India is a patchwork of diverse cultures, religions and mentatlities. But instead of savouring the variety on display, most Indians are resorting to disgraceful acts of self importance by maligning other cultures only to favour their own. This has only intensified in the recent past and speaks volumes about the poor morals and ethics imbibed in the average Indian. As you can see, various factors contribute to the problems faced by India.
So what are the possible solutions to these problems? That is where the youth comes into the picture. Preachy as it sounds, India's young and talented population needs to be encouraged and guided to bring out the best in them. We need to revamp the education system to produce more Leaders as opposed to mere rote- learners. We need to stop cribbing about the system and be a part of the system ourselves. We need to invest our talent in places other than foreign MNCs alone. It could be a small step like associating with an NGO or a mass movement to join politics. Grab every opportunity to make a difference for the better. Be proactive with your intentions and vocal with your thoughts. The reigns are in your hands, only YOU can take the country to new heights. BE THE CHANGE! After all, Change we TOO need!

It's Complicated...

Right when I watch 'He's Just Not That Into You'
and convince myself that HE'S just not that into ME, HE calls.
And guess what? I realize, I'M just not that into him! :P


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