CHANGE :: CAN WE?
Change, We can Believe In. These five words have dominated the world headlines and minds and thoughts of the people more than anything else in the past few weeks. The rise and nomination of the phenomenon called Obama is truly remarkable. As Barack Obama outlined his vision and plan for America, on that cloudy evening in Denver, his words were being heard and revered by people beyond the Democrats and the Americans. He spoke of Change. Change that we can believe in. He asked people to believe in their ability to bring about change and not just faith in Obama’s capability to bring about a change in Washington. He elaborated on issues that included Civil Rights, Defense, Disabilities, Economy, Education, Energy, Environment, Ethics, Faith, Family, Fiscal Policy, Foreign Policy, Healthcare, Homeland Security, Immigration, Iraq, Poverty, Rural Communities, Service, Seniors, Social Security, Technology, Urban Policy, War Veterans and Women. As you might have guessed, the above is an alphabetical list, but does it leave out any imaginable aspect of life.
Reading the whole text of his speech and going through his thoughts makes one feel that real democracy exists in America. They do debate issues, take positions and then decide who should govern them. We too are a democracy, but do we analyze real issues facing the nation in a similar manner? Why is it so? Actually as a Nation, we avoid Change. We believe in Status Quo. This is because it is supposed to be the easy way forward. Change involves risk. Change requires analysis of issues, application of minds and taking decisions. At times, the decisions are not easy. Those are the times when one looks for leadership and statesmanship. Can we reach a situation when we can also be as ambivalent to change as we should be?
Why don’t we Change. Why is it that we continue to have floods in Bihar? Why do our Dams breach. Why is it that we still have clashes based on religion? Why can’t we guarantee protection to minorities in Orissa? Why is it that a simple issue of Amarnath Yatra is allowed to simmer and blow up into a crisis where we start fearing that Kashmir might secede. Why do we still have bomb blasts in trains and hospitals and market places killing innocent civilians? Why do we have people opposing gender equality and affirmative action and reservations for women and disadvantaged groups. Why?
The answer to most of the questions lies in the fact that we are reluctant to Change. Recently I read viewpoints of Vir Sanghvi and Arundhati Roy on what if we would allow Kashmir to secede. What will happen? The weekly magazine, India Today points out that we have spent Rs 38,156 crores as grants in Kashmir from 2003 to 2008. Kashmir’s own revenue of Rs 2299 crores will not even cover the annual salary bill of Rs 4389 crores. The per capita expenditure of Government of India in Kashmir is Rs 11510. Compared to this it is a mere Rs 700 per person in Uttar Pradesh. Inspite of this we have Parliamentarians who are espousing the cause of the separatists and secessionists. The emotions and sentiments seem to be more in favour of our neighboring country, which is a failed State. Should we tolerate this? Why can’t we just let them go. India is a democracy with a booming economy. In a decade from now, we will be amongst the developed nations. We should be able to eradicate poverty and unemployment by 2020. Inspite of this, we have people who still want to have their own destiny and future, may be the time has come to Change the age old mindset of integrity and unity. I am sure ultimately Economics will get better of Politics and the objectives of Unity and Integrity can be served better with Economics.
Change. What does Change mean to we all in Nagaland. I meet young boys and girls everyday in person and on Facebook, who all have a vision and a desire to change things and achieve something. I see entrepreneurs budding. One of them said this is going to be our generation. And we will not let it go by. They are not status quoits. These guys seem to mean business. They are willing to experiment and take risks. They are the ones who will be required to build Institutions. We need people who can not only dream but also strive to make the dreams a reality. We need to change the mindsets that this is impossible and can not be done. There are women and women groups who are demanding reservations in municipal councils. All this does mean that the movement for Change has begun. There are challenges, though. The biggest challenges will come from the status quoits who will swear by the Customs and Traditions and age old rituals and practices. But that is another name for Status Quo. Things will happen. Had they been so sacrosanct, we would not have got Christianity, more than a century ago. Religion also requires Changes. In Hinduisms, there was a time when Sati, Untouchability and Dowry were customs. Then came social reforms and Change. Now all these practices are crimes. This shows that Change is inevitable.
Of course, we will require leadership. This can come from the Academia. However, unfortunately, our academicians in the University do more research on charges and counter charges than on thinking together in developing a blueprint for Change and Economic transformation of the State. It is not that they can not do it. It can be done if they realize that they all have a secure career, more attractive after the Pay Commission recommendations, and what is needed now is to sacrifice narrow objectives, self interests and false egos and work for the welfare of students and the Institution, both of which need nurturing. How I wish and pray that this Change comes about before Friday, when we will be giving our respects and gratitude to our teachers.
I have dwelled enough on my random musings and seems have reached the limit this column offers me. There are many more thoughts and ideas which I will save for some other day. I hope I do not end up offending anyone with my thoughts. In case there are people who have counter views, I respect them and will request them to ignore these thoughts if they don’t agree. May be I need to Change my thoughts!
