As
the world readies itself to greet the New Year 2013 – with renewed hopes,
promises and cheers; I feel too heavy with the experiences we had in 2012, to
join the celebrations. The mood of an ordinary Indian across the length and
width of the country is that of frustration, of helplessness, of despair! While
we express our shock and grief over the gang-rape and death of Nirbhaya alias Damini or Amanat – the
victim who wanted to live a dignified life once again; the law-makers and
law-keepers are living their life –as usual – apathetic to the woes of a common
man. If it continues, would the year 2013 or 2014 0r 2015 be a different year
for me, for my family, for my society and for my country? The way things are
going on; I do not think it would be any different in the immediate past.
The
general anger among the public is widespread cutting across the divisive lines
of language, geographical region, religion or any other such factors. It is
against the functioning of government machineries, against its total failure in
giving safety and security to the general public – especially the women,
against the system that is of no help to the poor victims. The important
stakeholders in the government – like the MLAs, the MPs, the Civil Servants,
the judiciary or any public representative for that matter - must realise that
there is a growing anger among the general mass against issues that are
adversely affecting the normal life in general. Be it the issue of corruption,
lawlessness, high handedness and apathetic attitude of our so called - public
servants - have a great responsibility to act now – instead of just giving
verbal assurances and playing blame game. It is high time that they introspect
and correct themselves – to make the system work for the common public instead
of it working for themselves, the corrupt and those in power.
Our
Indian populace has already begun showing resentment against the corrupt ways
of our system. With the falling public governance standards, the rising
resentment of the general public is forcing them to come out on the street and
challenge the so called law makers and law keepers, for, how long will they
tolerate the daily tortures in one form or the other? I fear that if our
leaders – whom we elect and put our faith in them – remain apathetic to the
voice of the nation, the protests and agitations may take the shape of civil
unrest and situation may get out of control.
May
better sense prevail and all those responsible in the government – understand
the gravity of the situation that we are in and they act with all sincerity to
make the life of every ordinary citizen easy and let them live a dignified life
– men or women – all, with equal right and with equal respect. And, we, as an
ordinary citizen must strive to act in all situations with all sincerity. Sincerity
at our work, sincerity in our relations and sincerity in our commitments will
make us all a better person and help in making India a better nation.
Let
us strive to make the New Year 2013 – a better year, a happy year for ourselves
and for our society. Wish you all the very best in fulfilling your dreams!
madhukarmohan@gmail.com