Indians need to become socially more responsible, caring
Our cities today suffer from the lack of belongingness and ownership. There is a general apathy on the part of citizens to come to the help of victims of attacks and accidents, leading to avoidable tragedies and further weakening of community bonds.
HOW OFTEN we have wondered at the silence of others and sighed aloud, ‘alas only if somebody had spoken’? This silence has allowed injustice to be perpetrated and worst atrocities have taken place without being resisted or even challenged. Many tragedies would have been averted if somebody at some point of time had tried to intervene. I am reminded of a very erudite Hindi poet, Dushyant who quite succinctly put the whole idea in two lines. Please note the prophetic couplet- “ab kabhi is shahr me baraat ho ya vardaat
ab kisi bhi baat par khulti nahi hain khirkian”
Why do we lag behind in coming to help of others, fail to raise our voice when we see injustice and vacillate in showing responsiveness as a citizen? The stories of accident victims lying unattended on the road, women being teased in the crowded streets, incidence of road rage or some unsocial behaviour taking place in full public view etc are common instances that are reported in the newspapers regularly. The passers-by just stop to satisfy their curiosity or to have a peek-a-boo for fun and carry on with their routine life. Perhaps they confidently hold the impression that whatever has happened will always occur to others and not to them. This typically reflects the apathetic responses to social situations that cry for attention and call for thoughtful kindness.
But this class of people is a happy lot, oblivious to the looming peril to its own existence. They have a phony sense of social well-being, whereas it either does not exist or is extremely fragile. There is little realisation that they may face a similar situation one day when no one may come to their aid. The persons falling into this description can be called, for no better classification, as ‘social zombies’. They have cocooned themselves in a shell and become oblivious to the world outside. There is no attempt at internalising the experiences and tribulations of the community. It appears to be a case of disconnect between them and the social surroundings in which they live. Their perception is that the societal obligation is a drag and ought to be avoided; community needs to fend for itself. They carry the consciousness of an illusionary autonomy that is not bound by any community and collective obligation beyond the realm of family and friends. Thus there is no ownership of or accountability for the general good. Strangers are strangers and so be it. We will not stop for one minute even if it is the matter of life and death for someone, what to talk of extending some small assistance to a neighbour in distress. This philosophy of life is nothing but nihilistic and will not lead us to the building of a happy society.
The indifference to the plight of fellow citizens is amazing and defies explanation. In a manner of speaking the general apathy appears to be a function of social behaviour, inculcated not on community-mindedness but through self-seeking behaviour. Is it because of pure selfish social mores or there are deeper reasons underneath? Should this not be a matter of concern; more so, should not there be an attempt to make a difference? Elie Wiesel had said, “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice. But there must never be a time when we fail to protest”. And therefore, remonstrate we must if we want the society not to go to dogs. Considering that our cities are neither part of a ‘failed’ nor that of a ‘rogue state’ or ‘banana republic’, the phenomenon is all the more embarrassing and worrying too. Should citizens behave as if they will not live the other day and must make the most of it, oblivious of the distraught caused to fellow citizens? We recorded earlier in these columns the ways of an ‘elbow society’ where every one tries to push his way through and cares for oneself alone. Whether it is jumping the queue at every opportunity or finding no time to volunteer for the community, it is the same story all around. That can’t be the hallmark of a civil society. The symptoms recounted above typify the conduct of individuals in our cities today. Are we heading towards a jungle raj?
Pessimism is not good. Our society has many positive traits and exceptional resilience to bounce back whenever adversity grips the nation. We can definitely make a difference. But we need to go in a campaign mode for some good result. Recognition of a problem is the first step in the direction of finding a solution. Let us become conscious that we are in the midst of a crisis and there is need for curative intervention to restore the ‘social zombies’ to health. Let a social resurgence become the driver for change; information education campaign and behaviour change communication its engine. Commitment to community or basic sense of responsibility to stand for community causes can be built up through education and practice. If ‘small family norm’ and ‘literacy’ can be promoted in this country through appropriate medium, volunteerism and communitarianism can be learnt as well. Family, schools, social clubs and community associations can be exhorted and relied upon to carry messages of this campaign. It is going to take not days or months but years. But it is most likely going to be acknowledged better.
We should not however, miss the difference. The two former programmes, though quite successful were entirely government-driven till very recently and also devoid of during its formative years, the support of the electronic and digital media. With the help of new technology the task can now be achieved better, faster and in lesser cost. Moreover, participation of the private sector and the civil society – now increasingly eager to support such causes – will without doubt take it through a fast-track mode and may show quicker results. There is need to emphasise building of character in the schools – the six pillars being trust-worthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Merely prescribing the course in schools will not do any good. There is need to have regular discussion on the theme of community-mindedness, civility and concern where young students are encouraged to participate, ask questions and give replies. Rewards and recognition should be considered for those coming up with innovative ideas and for conveying the substance of learning. There should be awards for teachers who excel in imparting such learning and in meeting their assigned tasks. Teachers themselves would first undergo orientation programme before they are in a position to take the responsibility to train the young minds. Similarly communities will be encouraged to organise workshops where the subject will be debated and also best practices explained and showcased for the benefit of others. It is in these institutions that the seeds of volunteerism will be sown and will bear fruit in times to come.
Though it is not very encouraging – except when some mileage is assured – to expect lead being given by political masters, top echelon of the administration and influential people of the society to espouse such causes, it should still be tried as well, as larger the network greater the chances of early success. So the state should also join in a big way. It is also best equipped to rope in the media, which can play a pro-active role in achieving the objective of rejuvenating the ‘social zombies’.
.Training of journalism & Mass communication free of cost is a big joke in India.neither anybody gives right directions to the young journalist nor free training.Even their press articles nobody publish in the newsspapers.
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