The Art of Nation Building

All of a sudden my mind meandered towards the state of the nation. Stalled Parliament, crowded ATM's, closed shutters, Death of a Political Leader, a cyclone that hits the city and leaves behind it a trail of devastation. Does not seem good . Somewhere i feel like being enticed to the mob mentality, shouting slogans or maybe involving myself in jingoism in a irrelevant whats-app discussion to give myself that satisfied feeling. But then all is momentary and then life is back to its churning routine.

Could I as a individual made a difference instead of just about complaining and criticizing the government policies. Maybe writing this piece may help me feel much better than chest thumping. I am forced to think about my own domestic affairs. There is an ideal husband who goes for a job to earn the manna for the family while Eve decides that she will be the one to run the house. The children of course are free from all the pressures of the household and would need to focus on getting their grey cells sharpened.

Is the responsibility of running the government the responsibility of the chosen representatives alone or can I as a responsible citizen pitch in my efforts. the inner voice jumps into the discussion and nods its head in affirmation. End of Day it is not the Prime Minister alone who runs the country but along with him, his council of ministers and all the citizens of that nation. The Kids return from the school and do their bit of cleaning the home, watering the plants, running that odd errand, ensuring that their study areas remain spic and span. Doing just that little bit as a part of the Family. So as a country are we not a part of a much larger family. There is a Sanskrit saying "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" meaning the World is one family. that at this point of time is a bit far fetched, one step at a time- If there is order in the nation there will be peace in the world.

What can i do as a responsible citizen of this country- well do as the child does. Small bits of job that will contribute towards the growth of the nation:

Keep your locality clean, Keep your society spic and span. Do not litter the house or the street. If you see litter on the street, there is nothing wrong in picking it up and depositing it in the nearest dustbin.

There is a Demonetization effort, do your bit, Go the Bank, follow set procedures for withdrawals and deposits. There is no use complaining about what the government should have done. Question is have you done your bit before flexing your voice. If it means standing in a queue so be it. There are soldiers in the highest altitude guarding our borders, and the pain they undergo far exceeds the pain we undergo by standing in a orderly fashion.

There is a heated debate in any online forum? well do voice your opinion by asking the right questions. I have personally doused several of such fires, can give you instances- The Bank has stopped issuing money and has only currency coins. Ask them-Which bank, which branch-there will be no answer.

Change is inevitable and you have to live with it. In the larger scheme of things that is world order. If you do not change with the times then you will be left way behind and then you will be left alone to play the catching up game.

I have noticed well to do NRI's, media honchos commenting on the nations ills from alien lands. Well if you want to make a difference to the country, be a part of the system, stand in the queues and understand how a democracy works instead of sitting in the comforts of an air-conditioned luxury penthouse. No use in calling shots from beyond the shores. Come and be a part of the system,criticize the ills from within the house. Do not attempt to throw stones at your own house by standing outside. If you can't God speed and do well for yourselves but do not crib. How does it concern you?

If we are seen as moving towards a Digital Platform, so be it, our money will be secure . Do you bit in educating the weaker sections like your watchman, your driver, your domestic help on the benefits of opening a bank account and how they can transact digitally.

My request to all the Parliamentarians is that you have been chosen to represent the people. The Taxpayers money goes to ensure that you get your monthly emoluments. Do not indulge in playing to the galleries. Involve yourselves in constructive criticism and not in stalling the proceedings of the house. The Nation watches your conduct and you will be answerable once again at the end of five years.

Again coming back to the Art of Nation Building do not ever think  how you as a lone individual can do. Its after all a collection of individuals that make up a nation. I leave you with a powerful quote by the former US President John F Kennedy "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." That precisely is the need of the hour as well as the way forward. This alone can redeem us. There will be multiple ideas of Building the Nation, however the intent needs to be there and everything else will follow suit including the Art of Nation Building