Sombre Pessimism from an Unapologetic Optimist!!!

As India turns 67 today, its a happy sight to see joyous citizens celebrating, celebs doling out 'so-me' (social media) wishes to their fans, Tv channels running thematic shows and phones ringing with constant pings of Independence Day messages. What hoopla it is, seems as if reel has turned to real. And what really makes an Indian proud would undoubtedly be our National Anthem, from the beautiful lyrics of the Jana Gana Mana to its soulful sound, even if one croaks, one has to sing or hum along. 

Now, although I am an unapologetic optimist, there is a sombre bit of pessimism in the bigger picture that I see, to begin, our leaders and the political class seem to be doing very little in terms of really connecting with the nation and its people, all they focus is on personal vendetta of the opposition, if you have been entrusted with the mandate of governance, then prove your prudence to the people the trusted you and brought you to power. The same with the opposition, your coming to power will not be based on facts, truths and stories you bring forth, it will solely be on how much you inspire and instill faith by works to a development delayed and economically hungry nation. 

Next in line is the business class; now there are a few who stand out and apart. But the majority, toe the line of the herd, the only lobbying that they synergize with, is in which they see bigger top lines and better bottom lines. CSR is more of a viable and economically better PR exercise given that you get a tax relief and the junta to cross sell. 

And finally the aam aadami, somewhere has lost his consciousness in the realm of reality. I received so many texts of Independence Day messages that spoke negatively of our neighbouring country. Does our freedom give us the moral and ethical right to run down those that do us wrong? If so, then how are we any different from them. Add to that, the apathy that the junta shows, not just to politics, but to life in general makes me ponder...

But then again, as I said earlier, sombre bit of pessimism. I guess the 'Independent India' that our freedom fighters fought for will some day shine on.. Till then, we'll perhaps continue the reel to real celebrations of a Happy and Independent India. 

Happy Independence Day !!!

Making Heaven out of Hell… In Rs. 12/-

Not too long hours ago, a spokesperson of a leading political party, for reasons best known to him blatantly blurted out; Mumbai mein toh Rs. 12/- khana mil jata hai and that sentence caused a tsunami of a reactions in the media; from locals who were genuinely hurt on the comment, to political parties of the opposition, that got an opportunity to score some brownie points. And then, not too many hours into the controversy, the political party (of which the spokesperson was from) started a political game called ‘keeping distance’ (with the spokesperson )and that in turn, lead to a turn around of sought's; the so called statement was retrieved. 

As I write this piece, my phone just beeped, I received a broadcast, which joked about a popular burger brand, would soon launch a new burger for Rs. 12/- and no prizes for guessing it would be called the ‘McBabbar’ which brings me to the point I really want to talk about, that if a prankster thinking out of the box can come up with an innovative burger, even if its just for fun, why cant our netas?

Almost immediately post the controversy, the cat and mouse game began, like its the given for political parties to do in India, when they goof up, but that is not the need of the hour, especially when you have a tainted past, and there are many a questions with regards to the future? Here was an opportunity to make Heaven out hell… In Rs. 12/- …. How? Read on…

Among the many controversies surrounding the government is that off: The huge quantities food getting wasted and rotting away, which is a shame, given that in our country a fairly large number of people sleep hungry, to make it worse statements given out by its representatives saying one can get a full meal for Rs. 12/- What do you do then? Perhaps think up of solutions rather than running away from the problem. The answer lies in a simple product of a Maths equations; two negative make a positive. 

What could have or should have been done is simple exercise of innovative thinking, resource mobility and immediate action thus leading to solution. To elaborate; instead of letting those grains rot away, the govt could easily set up food centers (Read:on the lines of the Junka bhakar model, Mumbai) across the country, wherein they could employ locals, distribute these food grains and veggies and actually dish out meals for the intended Rs. 12/- and then when asked where do you get food for Rs. 12/- the answer could be ‘We’, we provide a wholesome meal for Rs. 12/-.  This action would perhaps then give some respite among the many controversies and perhaps restore confidence in the general public that bought them to power. 

So to all politicians and govt officials, when you do make a blunder, remember it is not all asunder,

A lil bit innovative thinking, resource mobility and immediate action, can get you laurels a thunder.