Changing social context

Corruption encourages the cult of short-cuts. It becomes a bad habit, if practised regularly. Why bother when money has become a universal solvent? Then what is the price of originality and creativity? It is a kochuripana life.

This sticky culture changes an individual's personality and character and applications in life. Honesty takes refuge in minority pockets, not strong enough to influence the mores of the society. The society is divided into black haves and white have-nots. It adversely affects the cherished goals of the new generation (viz. the students at the university level), and the values of life get confused. Ad hoc benefits become permanent fixtures in life. The traffic lights in life's paths glow in different colours. Navigation becomes a neglected science. No sail or rudder it is hidden remote control!

But at the lower economic levels, the traditional field works have not changed (food and agriculture, for example). The black-marketeers control the market and distribution chains, changing the value system of rewards. In addition, punishment is minimal in the corrupt chains, causing injustice in evaluation exercises. Why labour when the reward is not rewarding enough?

One ethical factor comes in: the barkat in halal rozi (the blessing in honest earning). Easy come, easy go. That explains the huge rise in expensive trips for medical treatment abroad. There is meter for measuring the peace of mind, contentment, and happiness. Robberies and dacoities also rise, to share the loot! Now terrorism enters the arena, to extort compensation. There is no straight line in nature, or in human life.

Another area to examine is the effect of illegitimate wealth inside a family. The yellow signals are not difficult to decipher. Who ruin the future generations?

Then how about damage control at the leadership level? Leadership in a changing society has numerous permutations and combinations. Today the bad (generally speaking) are ruling the good. The social scientists have to create awareness in the masses of the resulting repercussions. Why the political leaders stand apart, and dominate every niche of the society? Who are giving way, and who are resisting.

The MPs (peoples' representatives) have a pivotal role to play. What happens when the public trust is misplaced? The nation cannot develop. In the ADP, there are more physical projects than those to improve the mind. The politicians in power crave for physical visibility. Are we backing dark horses?

Women leaders have to get more platforms for improving the society. They have a complementary role to play. This is not being emphasised at the official levels.

Who bother about changing mores? Let us have more bridges, culverts, and roads. The self-improvement roads can wait!