This post is not to denigrate character of fellow Indians but to make them realize that there is one aspect of life where they can improve (though there are many).
There are miliions like me who travel everyday. Nobody complains if its a smooth ride but some journeys are not always pleasant. Infacts, some are never pleasant but when circumstances are unavoidable there is nothing much you can do. We always blame government or politicials for there lack of will and apathy of common man but how many of us actually realize that this is actually an issue of social responsibility. If you compare India with any developed country, the difference could be clearly seen. We are so habituated to unnecessary honking, breaking lane discipline and traffic rules and releasing poisonous gases in environment that despite knowing the implications we have shut our eyes, ears and mouth and have become shameless morons. Awareness Boards like “Silence Zone”, “Observe Lane Discipline”, “Wear Seat Belt”, “Dont drink and Drive”, “Do not use mobile while driving” etc will just make you feel that there is a system that cares but then we need system only to spew a stream of bad words against it.
Over the years, I have learnt that the best game Indians can play and do not require any training for is “Blame Game”. This game is part of everygame where we secure loss (while we do very often) and most importantly, it does not require any investment in terms of playing area, equipments etc.. Infact, I feel we Indians are born to rule this game. If you still don’t believe, just watch any Indian news channel and you will know why I am saying so. Just take example of what happened 2 days back in Mumbai. A pipeline that fell on a local train claimed 2 lives. The Railway minister was swift enough to announce a compensation of 5 lakh each to kins of the deceased. This might make the minister feel that Railway is so caring. But the question was whether the accident could have been avoided. Certainly, yes. The pipeline bridge should have been repaired well in time and unfortunately it didn’t happen just because there was a lack of will in both Railways and TMC (Thane Municipal Corporation). Now that they have started feeling the heat, they have started the blame game. Two lives were lost just because someone shirked his reponsibility and now an enquiry will take years just to decide whose responsibility it was. This is one incident. People die while crossing railway tracks, boarding packed trains and buses, overtaking from the wrong side and not following traffic norms.
Just hoping that someday people will realize value of others life. Though, it is foolish to expect something from others in India. 🙂
Live to fight.. against all odds 