Dr. Simmi Gurwara
What is the antidote to people’s hurried conclusions regarding the performance of those at the helm. Results? Or more results? More in this case may not be more as the needs are far too many. As a result, the more results we get, the more assured and reassured we tend to be about the unbreakable flow of pouring by the accomplished performers who have delivered in the past and are mulish to repeat it on a larger scale. This proclivity to anticipate and celebrate the results is nothing less than human.
On the contrary, a no-result scenario doesn’t only create an upset, it rather strengthens our resolve to write that non-performing something off, completely and brusquely.
Disappointments wreak havoc. So much so that the existence of the nearly-wiped out party is found hanging from a crag. And lo, even the winners are finding their popularity on a wane.
No one cares about the losers. They may cry. They may whimper. But the winners give us hope and the hopefuls are forever asking for more and much more. Let there be a beginning and the end will be scripted in accordance with the achievements that get registered. Beginner’s luck is a bonus here. Well meaning speeches are encouraging. Hope the execution is as appealing and soothing to the exasperated masses.
Disillusionments visit every now and then. Hopelessness finds a foothold in spite of our best efforts to ward it off. And an average Joe feels cheated yet again. Call it hyper-sensitivity or acute eagerness to see things happening as they never happened before (last ten years, to be more specific).
When basic amenities are missing, stagflation creates panic. For it doesn’t matter much who adorns the top until the basic necessities are being met. Once these facilities are disrupted or remain unannounced, life becomes increasingly difficult to live. Then change remains the only constant. Be it for the planning commission, growth commission or competition commission, it is imperative to see that the bare necessities are provided to the last person in the line. Failing which the timeless patience of people (and more importantly that of tweeple) runs dry.
One thing that touched the chord in the Independence Day speech of the Prime Minister is the focus on small concerns that are brushed aside and delayed in spite of the fact that they hamper the implementation of hallowed projects. The Prime Minister exhorted the business houses to come forward and shell out in the name of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and construct toilets where there is dire need. The Companies Act 2013 specifically mandates the 2 percent of the profit earned in the last 3 years by the corporate houses to be used in CSR. Philanthropy and government funding remain the two main sources to get the things work for social upliftment.
Time is crucial. But things take time to get into shape. Old habits are not going to die any time soon. Everybody knows asking for too much too soon is unjustified. But now it is necessary to cure the diseases that have festered long enough, to give relief to those who voted for a new beginning.
