Leader writer: Paojel Chaoba
Adversity only makes a man stronger, they say. But who amongst us wants to face hardships. The human nature only wants the best for oneself, the materialistic needs of the modern individual encompasses a myriad of materialistic things and none wants to be outside the comfort zone.
To work with all sincerity and with the best of interest for an own business initiation or being employed in the public or private sectors has its own rewards. But sometimes sweat and tears do not cut it in the Manipuri system. The State has its own distinctive roadmap of success and it may be said that many undeserving persons are termed as successful from the Manipuri perspective.
It other cities, when a person alights from a flashy car and when the question is asked whom the person is? The answer comes, “This person is a successful man”. But, when the same question is asked here, the reply most of the times is, “ He must be a Government official getting a lot of bribes, an unscrupulous contractor or someone close to the ministers”. The point is that the public has a preconceived mindset and that corruption has become an acceptable model in our lives. Those who stay clean are marked as gullible and not in tune with the system and are ostracized by the corrupt.
A seminar on “Corruption Issues” was held at the Manipur University recently, but it can be asked how such seminars will aid in addressing the murkiness in the system. Will a select crowd of intellectuals, students and representatives of some civil bodies deliberating on the meaning of corruption have the desired effect and will the system improve.
It may or it may not. It is not up to one to give a conclusive remark on such matters. To wish for the better and development of oneself and the society as a whole is not futile especially if one acts on it.
Mother Theresa once said that ‘The hands that serve are holier than those that pray’. To provide a service for the fellow human beings with all sincerity as the Mother did does not demand further detail in appreciation. But, how many have that selfless attitude? One feels that it may be countable as there has not been another Mother Theresa.
There are though other unsung heroes who have not made it to the limelight or been awarded recognition, their efforts have been in similar service and with the same passion. They have faded with time and their efforts have been recognized only by a negligible section. Yet, they did their duty and worked on without want of praise and award.
The duty of an individual differs. The social hierarchy demands diverse states of work occupation wise. The rickshaw puller has his duty so does the minister. The employer to the employees and vice- versa. It is felt that adherence to one’s occupation and to work in that particular expertise with sincerity serves best. However, to augment one’s skill and look for greener pastures is just the normal flow. To achieve more is another basic human trait.
The present scenario of the State, the corruption, may have arisen due the individual not sticking to work with a disciplined stance. The proprietor may not have been fair to the employees. The officials or ministers who have the main responsibility of working out the administrative cruxes may not be discharging their work properly while trying to maintain the bank balances . The filling of the accounts also are based on a give and take objectivity as filling up of purses also require doling out certain amounts to the concerned superiors. Manipur has a system of also having to be in good with politicians and ‘other forces’ for the making of a successful individual.
This trend flows presently unabated and the much needed change is awaited. However, it is not a false hope that the winds of change will blow in the favour of our society and the present appalling state will one day come down to an acceptable level in the future. Till then, let us all bring down our egos and work on heartedly and believe that work is indeed worship.