India and Indians...

I was really confused and questioned myself before starting off this blog. But I appreciate those who asked me to touch few finer points on the reservation issue. Hence I have decided that I will write about a broader perspective and try to fit in the reservation issue in that context without trivializing its importance.
I start off with asking some basic and fundamental question that is staring our generation for quite some time. Its time that we start introspection and stop avoiding our responsibilities. We should ask ourselves – are we sincere enough to contribute in building our country? Are we concerned about anything other than our own career and life? Are we so much a confused generation that we dare not ever put a mirror in front of us so that we don’t have to face our selves?
I guess all the above answers are known to us. It’s a syndrome which is visible across India. We are ready to curse everybody, we are ready to support from the wings, we are even ready to sponsor the crusade against reservation but we cannot be a part of the protest. We want all facilities at our doorstep but don’t want to bear the responsibility. We want latest knowledge, latest technology and what not!! But never ever we have realized that we also have some responsibility towards the society, something to be given in return for our country and society. We are vehemently opposing any cut in the existing seats in higher education as it would cut into our privileges. But never had we looked back at our country and society where we live in. Never have we questioned ourselves, never have we fulfilled our responsibilities.
It’s said that learned and literate citizens are the backbone of any country. Are we so? Responsibility does not end at paying taxes on time, it only starts there. We need to contribute in every possible ways to develop our nation. India is not only about IT and ITES; it is not only about IITs, IIMs or AIIMS, it is not only about 3 or 4 metros, it does not start or end with one Mumbai or Bangalore. India is also a country where 35% people are below poverty line, where more than 50% population are illiterate and where even an IAS or IPS officer never shies away from asking for bribe or dowry and where qualified doctors take money to kill children (read girls) in mother’s womb.
Are we dedicated to our nation? There is still division within our country; we still believe economic strength determines the respect and where money decides social status. Is this what educated India should be? We prefer corporate jobs than teaching as it is a less paid job; we hate research as it is not glorified; doctors are more interested in private hospitals and private practice rather than actual service as that pays off more. We are all running behind money knowing very well that “money can buy everything” in our country. If this is true that what difference is there between us and the bunch of politicians who have passed the bill for reservation?
No doubt political system in India has lost its respect and glamour. Indian political parties never prefer any authority which can curb their power. They are power mongers and they therefore clash with the SC, the EC and even with the president to safeguard their vested interests. But are we also not doing the same?
Have we ever seen any protest against rapes (which by now have become like daily news bulletin), have we ever protested against female fetocide, have we ever vehemently opposed them who take and give dowry even after being so called elite and educated? We have not because we don’t believe in introspection, we don’t believe in correcting ourselves. We are much better off criticizing others but never take the pain to clean up the mess for our own country. We love our country but would die to go onsite (and if possible get a green card). Media does not cover these as they are neither money spinner nor attractive massala news. We love India but not the Indians.
As it is told in the famous Rang De Basanti film: “Koi desh mahan nehi hota hain, usse mahan banana parta hain”.
We need to change. We need an India where everyone has access to better education, where social respect is not determined by money or bank balance, where youth is ready to contribute to the building of the society. Same is the case with reservation. Let’s accept we have a problem in hand. Let’s realize that we need to do something for some sections of the society. They may be OBC or other castes. But they are Indians who are being denied the basic infrastructure. Let’s not play into the hands of politics. Let’s take our vote seriously. We need more primary schools, less child labour and an equitable and justified society to remove hatred amongst ourselves. Let’s unite to build an inclusive society and an India where the caste becomes irrelevant and where one fine day even the reservation would be inconsequential.
Probably on that day we would be able to justify our glorious past and the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers at the border to save us.