Anupam- The Dreamer

Recently, I was reading a news item where a person was crying profusely for his “mai-baap” (a political leader) remembering that it was his “neta” who got him the job! Apparently, this may look fine as someone needy got a job, so what’s the big deal about it. But, there is a huge problem in this situation- the crying person is indebted because he got a job due to the “sifarish” (recommendation) or charity done by his leader, whether or not he was eligible or skilled enough for that job. Because, if he was skilled then he would not attribute his success to any particular leader, rather to himself!

Actually, this is the feudal mindset or colonial hangover, where the people were intentionally kept poor and dependent on the feudal masters or the colonial masters, so that they cultivate a habit of “begging”! Whatever you want for your basic needs like roti, kapda, makaan, naukari etc., you would have to go, sit, kneel, plead, prostrate and kiss the foot of your “master” and beg for some mercy or “reham”. Then, if your master becomes happy by your loyalty and service to him, then he “may” give your something- like food to eat, clothes, or some menial job in his household or farm or factory. And, the seeker is more than happy to please his master!

But, even after independence and the beginning of democratic order, this feudal mindset or colonial hangover has still not left our society. People still want basic things of life as a matter of charity from the political leaders. And masters are more than happy to give things as charity as they feel like a ‘king’. This is even more evident during the elections where the “beggars” are more than happy to roam around with a “katora” in their hands to seek liquor, biryani, clothes, saris, cash etc. from the political candidates. They are ever ready to “sell” their crucial and valuable vote in lieu of petty things. Because their forefathers have taught that it is often easy and more convenient to beg instead of earning through their own hardwork and labour. And they see nothing wrong in begging, as they have lost their sense of self-respect and pride. Basically, they were never taught to become educated, skilled and live of their own hardwork. Infact, many politicians don’t want people to be educated and empowered! Because, if they get educated and empowered, then they will ask questions! They will not beg before them! They will not sell their votes for petty things! They will rely on institutional mechanisms of getting a job or seek self-employment.

However, in the long-run, the seekers don’t know that they are digging their own grave by not developing their skills and remaining at the mercy of their masters. Because mercy or charity is a temporary thing, as soon as the master changes, it may not be there. As soon as the master loses fortune, consequently the “chela” will also have to face the same fate or even die begging. So, this is certainly not sustainable. Now, it’s high time that we realize the fleeting nature of this feudal and colonial scheme.

India of 21^st century cannot remain at the mercy of anyone. And more so, the Indians cannot be at the mercy of their leaders. We have to become empowered by education, skills, resources etc., so that the job or employment that we want must come to us that we deserve. The job market is difficult for the ones who don’t have requisite knowledge and skills, but it is very easy for those who have both of these things. You see, the skilled ones have the “choice” to switch between companies and demand the package of their choice, they don’t rely on the charity of their employers or their “mai-baap” to give them job. They know their worth, and they know how to get it. They have their self-respect intact. They are not seen sitting, squatting or lying flat before any “mai-baap” for hours at a stretch, to seek some mercy or alms. There is apathy, helplessness, discretion and no self-respect in begging, whereas there is activity, strength, sense of agency, and self-respect in earning through your own hardwork and skills! Seeking help and reaching out to someone for support is not a problem, it becomes a problem when you have nothing to offer in return.

The India of today and India of tomorrow cannot be at the mercy of any other global power or any internal “mai-baap” for that matter. Until and unless, we become empowered at the individual level, societal level and national level, we cannot become global leaders! Period.

Till next time….