Its been a hectic week for my countrymen and a confusing one at that, at least for me. Reading the compassionate posts on social networking sites, watching people going to protest marches, thinking about whats going on in the country, baffles me. If something of this nature would have happened a few days back, my initial reaction would have been to do all that is being done around me, which is justified. But this time around, I have not been able to express myself, form a reaction although the society, more connected than ever, tries to force a reaction out of you. The people around would try and judge you from your reaction, they might try to place you on either side of the protests.
I am not trying to take sides, or act too smart by being judgemental about the entire situation in the country, be it the demand for bills from Parliament or better law and order, or safety for women. First, as a person, as a citizen, I have to understand myself and ask whom we are protesting against. Government? Politics? Indian Culture? Or, is it a protest against oneself, anger against your own thoughts, identity and being. May be the most infuriating aspect for any young passionate person today, be it a girl in New Delhi, or a young boy in Bangalore, is he or she don't like being a part of this culture, this nation, because of what we have become. For me, the disconnect has been ever growing from last many years. It might be most comfortable to be disconnected and be happy in your own world, but this disconnect is not comforting at all. This is a disconnect with a part of oneself. But this disconnect has helped me dig down deep as well.
I feel these protests are necessary for waking up the sleeping law makers or decision takers for short term but a long term change demands deeper soul search and awakening inside. Its very exciting for our generation to speak out, be heard, walk out and shout or express solidarity but it would be a shame if we just go back to a our routines after a few days. If in a a short term, one case decision goes as expected, its not a success, real success would be if these kind of social failures and awakening movements inspire the inner being in some of us and we become a part of some serious solution building. It would be a failure if it doesn't inspire young generation to become politicians, law makers etc, it would be a failure if it doesn't inspire us to vote when the elections come. Yes, protests are a part of the solution but not the solution in its entirety.
In my honest opinion, the real solution lies elsewhere. Today only those people can express themselves through logical protests, who are well educated, only they can understand what is right or wrong for a civilised living. Only they can do well in Life to earn a living, to marry, to satiate sexual desires and learn to respect social norms, respect women. Just for a moment, try and imagine the circumstances which brings the demon out of a human being. The illiteracy, poverty, lack of entertainment, lack of sexual outlets and so many other factors combined. We, the educated ones, think how can this be? Its such an impossible behaviour, such a shame. But the problem still remains. Its the huge, unfathomable gap between the educated and the uneducated. The uneducated person's plight goes unnoticed as he, by default takes up the role of a criminal. What we see in a criminal is a reflection of lack of education, respect, both sexual and social, and these fundamental problems can be addressed at the grass root level only. Better law and order would only support this solution as it would instil fear in the sick minds and help us avoid such situations.
If we want to become a civilised nation, we need to educate people right from childhood. If we have so much rage, and if we cannot jump into politics or law making, its understandable, but we all can contribute in spreading education and awareness in the country by doing our bit in smaller sections of the society. So, creating Facebook groups, expressing your angst here and there is not the solution but only an expression of concern and initiation of a solution.
Only education will make this country better. And education will not spread until unless passionate youngsters start contributing big time. So, even if we get motivated and exercise our voting rights, we might still be a minority and the corrupt politicians will gain the necessary votes from the uneducated majority, and nothing would change. Even if we succeed in bringing some improvements in bigger metros for sometime, nothing will change in the barbaric villages, or inside the households where most of these crimes take place.
And let us remember the law of conservation of energy, if we can channelise our energy into productive solutions which help spreading education and building a civilised society then it would be the right lesson learnt from the soul searching Or else, we would end up being tired, frustrated and go back into our shells or end up protesting more, against none other but oneself.
So, let us put an end to this protest against thyself and engage into some productive solution oriented work, as it is high time. We cannot demand anything from others if we cannot lift ourselves up and start contributing our energy for Nation Building. Yes, the protests are an important tool to initiate a thought process and create awareness amongst the political class and people of the country but we will need consistent efforts in the right direction to make our nation a better place. If we can build a nation with majority of its people belonging to the educated and aware class which will lead to a nation with better politicians and consistently good governance, better culture and better law and order systems, all our concerns will fade away.
I hope I have learnt my lesson and I hope I keep doing my bit even more aggressively now. I hope….and I believe….that Sun will rise and end this dark night!
Cheers
Saurabh
