By The Way (part 4)

I was reading about static and dynamic energy. Static electricity refers to the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects. The static charges remain on an object until they either bleed off to ground or are quickly neutralized by a discharge.

I was wondering where I should keep young minds in this definition. I guess, they are static energies, ready to either discharge or transform into dynamic energy.
One example we are seeing in the form of university elections. Such an energy and passion!!But God knows, in which direction this energy is flowing. How many transformation this energy takes…from static to dynamic to light to mechanical to thermal energy. Yes.. lot of heat has been generated in the campus.

Confusion is also an energy form. History is full of such examples where young people have transformed their confusion energy into something productive..I won’t take the name. This task I leave up to you to think those names

In context of energy, I suddenly remembered three young people, who are trying to transform their confusion energy into something. This something is what that I can’t tell you as I don’t have a right to judge or comment but I can observe that they are not sitting idle and watching what so ever is happening or not using their energy in freaking out with friends and not converting this energy into any university election.

Then what are they doing and who are they.. This is the tale of The Ashutosh, The Shyam and The Jaiveer.They struggled with their confusion and I guess still struggling but they are using this confusion as their torch to see their path. This way they have transformed this energy into light and looking for ways in which they can transform it into productive kinetic energy.

By the way.. They are not afraid of confusion. After all confusion gives us options and confusion energy gives us courage to at least try those options… SO FOLKS , LETS BE CONFUSED… and cheers to The Ashutosh , The Shyam and The Jaiveer to enjoying and living this confusion and trying to convert this confusion energy.

By The Way (part 3)

By The Way (part 3)

CONFUSION can lead us to solution. When we deeply think of a problem, we go into the bottom of it. Sometimes we realized our confusion is just nothing or if it’s real then why it has been raised. Sometimes this confusion combating struggles can force us take serious or disastrous or may not be disastrous steps in our lives. Again this disastrous word is also very confusing because whatever is disastrous for me might be good for someone else’s life or it’s just the matter of perception.

I thought to write about the confusions coming into young people’s lives how well or how not so well, they are dealing with it. “The Meenu” has decided to take a break from a confusing chapter of her life. “The Rajesh “and “The Rahul” are also winding up one confusing tale. “The Seema” has already taken big step and moved forward. It will be too early to say whether they ending a confusing tale or starting another. Well I always wish good luck to them.

But then suddenly a twist happened into the story. “The Rajesh “decided to stay back. I guess this is the heights of confusion.

It’s been 2 years since these young people have been working in a team of 6 people and making documentary films for community. They were seemed to be happy with their job roles. All of a sudden they felt off from this. The reason; I received confusing answers.

I tried to dig out the confusion and in the depth of this dark confusion there was an answer (or may not be an answer but something leading towards finding answer). This answer is a reflection for all of us who speak a lot on the welfare of underprivileged and marginalized people and pretend that they can change their lives.

These people came here having a dream in their eyes. It proved a fancy world to them. Before coming here they lived in their own world where everyone was equal to them. It’s a simple psychology that we relate with similar people who have similar set of life style and similar set of issues in their lives.

Then they came out of that nest and came among a different set of people and environment. It was proved a fancy world for them. They started liking it. Soon they started dreaming, that they can change theirs as well others’ lives by their work. A big dream to chase….. I’m not demoralizing such people by saying that, it’s just a practical statement.

Well, they really tried hard to make this dream come true. But external factors pulled them downwards. AND these external factors came from nowhere but from all of us who brag to be social workers. We really need to rethink how we treat these people. Are we making them see false dreams? Are we expecting too much of them? Are we forcing them to perform beyond their limitations? Are we considering them as investment commodities or simply whoever they are realistically?

Let’s be honest this time. Our own confusion can create confusions for others, the people who look up to us for inspiration.

By the way, it’s time for accepting that more than them, we are confused.

Mohita speaks on Islam

“Don’t hang out with him, HE IS A MUSLIM”…..

“Muslims have spread their terror and terrorism again!”…..

“You are a Muslim! What are you doing in India?”…..

“We don’t want to rent our apartment to someone who cannot be trusted (Muslim)”…

In the country with largest constitution which talks about secularism and equality, the above sentences are not unheard of..!

We still have not been able to understand that in the end we are all INDIANS. And hence in order to break our stereotypes, Pravah Jaipur Initiative (PJI), invited “DR. IQBAL” Of “JAMATI ISLAME HIND” (1948), to help us discover Muslim as a religion and to explain us the beauty of Islam.

Islam means “Complete surrender to God”. Islam was sent by messengers of God to spread the message of peace and love amongst all. Then why may I ask are Muslims considered terrorists amongst even the most educated minds in our country.

Think twice before discriminating a women in the name of Islam as “status of “mother” is three times more than that of any men in Islam”.

Islam says that any men who gives birth to a daughter and takes care of her upbringing without any discrimination than he would surely reach heaven and will be the most blessed soul in the eyes of “Allah”.

Sir spoke about women’s right to property, right to inheritance and the right to earn.

“Burquas”, as we all feel are nothing but ways to subjugate women have an entirely different meaning in Islam. The word used in Islam is “Hijab”-which demand men and women BOTH to cover their body apart from their hands, feet and face(optional).

This is pure religion with absolutely no intention to suppress women.

“Painting” and “Music” which we often hear is against Islam is as equally respected in Islam as any other form of art. With the exception that painting of any living being is not allowed.

“Education” is compulsory for women.

Women are even given “mehar” by the boy at the time of marriage.

Muslim Women deserve all the respect in the world and we have absolutely no right to discriminate or subject them to any atrocities in the name of Islam.

Its about time we start treating the fair sex fairly………..!!!!!

Bandh Doesn’t Work!!

Today, opposition parties of India have declared bandh to protest against price hike. Offices,shops and markets are forced to close down. Political workers have stopped all kinds of transportations. Daily wagers and laborers are loosing their earnings for today. Patients and people who are ill are finding extremely difficult to reach to hospitals or dispensaries. Petrol pumps are closed. Many people are dragging their vehicles.... and political parties claim that they are doing all these for common people!!

Here, let me clarify that i am strongly against the price hike. I condemn and protest the price hike in my strongest words. It affects life of common people very badly and it’s important to find a solution as soon as possible. But at the same time, Bandh is not a solution at all, as it also affects common people badly. All those who earn their bread and butter on daily basis have to suffer in the end. We must protest the price hike but not at the cost of bread and butter of poor people. We must protest and involve as many people as possible against the price hike but not forcefully. All those who have decided to declare a bandh, do not care about those poor people at all. I am saying this because there are few questions in my mind. Why have they called for bandh instead doing direct protest against the current government in the parliament it self? Why don't the leaders of all opposition parties do Satyagrah and decide to go on hunger protest until government reduces the price? Where are all those big leaders of opposition parties during this Bandh? Sitting in government quarters and enjoying rain? Why these big leaders of opposition are come on road and join the protest? Why don't these big political leaders go and protest against Prime Minister and Finance Minister in front of their houses and not on roads? Are they scared of getting arrested?

I saw a story on a news channel in which they compared this Bandh with emergency of 1975. But during that emergency many big leaders went to jail for many months. Why our leaders are so scared of getting arrested? If all politicians are so concerned about common people, why don't they stop using government cars...at least for a day in one week? I believe that none of these politicians whether they are in power or in opposition do not care at all about people of this country. These politicians have no time to discuss the issue of BPL rather they disscuss IPL in parliament!! Opposition leaders are doing this Bandh just to make their presence felt and highlight their parties in people's mind. That’s it!

This one day bandh (even if opposition declares more bandhs in future) will not make any difference to government's decision to increase price. But these bandhs will surly make lot of difference to poor and common people in negative way. Political parties will gain publicity, talk shows will be organized on news channels, rich people will enjoy the day off from work and poor people will say 'koi fark nahi padne wala..sab log apni roti sekte hai...hamara kya?'

All of us who are concern about the price hike must protest and try to make difference...but we must protest creatively without affecting other people. We should not only protest against price hike but also these Bandhs! I am not a politician, nor a bureaucrat. I am a common man and do not understand this political games. I do not have any hardcore solutions but i strongly believe that This Bandh Doesn't Work!

By the time I finished this article, few national leaders got arrested. I would still say that 'big' leaders are just sitting and doing nothing meaningful for people. (By Gaurang Rawal)

Hiking on "Panch Mundiyan"(five skulls) in Shivalik range of Himalya, Himachal Pradesh

06 July 2010, My life will experience this. Never thought of .The day started with hopelessness..as it was heavily raining continuously and never experienced the tracking of this sort before... Thought of giving it up. That time only on feedback was coming into my mind, why we are forced to do this in this bad weather.. It might be risky... But I started Coz I thought of giving myself a chance...

Now I connect this task to my own life.I pushed myself beyond the boundaries of my physical stamina..i think it was the team work and the mental state or desire of doing it, was giving me strength and pushing me.. Now I value my life much.

There were times during the track, when i was feeling depression, frustration and anger and some times feeling excitement, adventure, joy and thrill. So this track gave me all kind of feelings. it was a reflection on one's own life. where it had ups and downs, smooth and scary ways, but if our desire or passion is strong and most importantly we give and take help, it becomes achievable.

This achievement becomes more celebratory when celebrated with the people who have been associated with you in this journey and we share the credit... When I reached at the Hill top, I felt myself more lovable.

It wasn't this much simpler. During the track, one of our team member got injured, and then it became so scary for me. But at the same time it increased my desire to reach to the top.

We were helping each other. When we used to see some slippery or risky patch, we used to warn others to watch out.. Cant we do this in our lives also.So that one person's experience can benefit others also.

When we were at the most risky patch.. I thought for some time " I should have opted the easier tasks." But as soon as we compared our task, what we have done and what we are going to achieve, we realised we have made a good choice. For me the journey, the different feelings and team work during the track made my achievement more valuable.

The Panch Mundiyan hill is not very much explored by hikers.. It has an untouched beauty.. I couldn't dare throw my lunch leftover there. We collected everything and took them back. Wow.. I'm amazed to notice my own sensitivity for environment.

Overall, I'm valuing my life more, tried to understand the life and learnt to live life with full passion after this wonderful experience.

By the Way (Part 2)

Ever seen the scene behind the stage. There is always back stage performance. Not a single but so many at time. And what a chaos in the green room. Participants are unfortunate as they can not see the performance of other participants. Some still try to watch from the backstage but then the loud voice of the coordinator comes and they run into the greenroom. This time the coordinator of the show seems to be the most important and the busiest man of the evening. Naveen was backstage waiting for his turn to come. He had 3 performances with muscle injury in shoulder. Just struggling to give his best one.. There is another person with the struggle. The Dance Guru of our dance center. Struggling with himself and with the participants also so that they can perform well.. Well.. for this addition the introduction is ok.. We’ll see him in next addition.. By the Way.. He is”The Abey "

Naveen got admission into Interior designing course. What a shift. From B. Com to Dance to This one. It seems he is trying to find his path.

Here Meenu is in celebratory mood she has finished her one year in the office. She was behaving like a kid that day, madly dancing.. She is going with me to Delhi for some review meet, she is happy. Im also happy when she is happy. Actually Im always happy when people around me are happy..

"By The Way"

There is a hope, fear, and dream inside everyone. That’s a nice sentence for starting an article about young people. When I thought of writing something about the youth, I myself got confused where to start and how to start. I, myself, belong to the community of today’s youth. So I think in the initial sentence of this article I should also add the “confusion” word.
As I have planned (after combating the confusions), I’ll write a series of articles on young people who are from different socio economic, cultural and educational background and what are their hopes, fears, dreams and CONFUSIONS. Why I have written the word confusion in caps. Am I giving importance to this word or this word itself is an integral part of youth’s life.
Well, as the series will go on you will know the same virtues of mine also as I’m trying to find the same in other young people or it may be my own perception of seeing things. Again, I’m sounding CONFUSED.
Let’s just not talk about myself; you will gradually know me by reading me.
For some official work (yes, official, my NGO is professional and we do work professionally, so official word is apt), I happened to visit someone in Ramganj bazaar (that’s a part of Jaipur’s old city, yupp the heritage one). There I saw a girl, sitting quietly and fastening shoe laces of her niece. I noticed innocence at her face. I met her sister as I was on the mission of selecting few people for our community work. Then by someone I got to know about her tragic personal life. She came for interview in my office. I was in the interview panel. The first impression shouldn’t be a last impression so I strictly interviewed her. She was firm on her stances. The views and ideas were still raw and unpolished but they were full of feelings and experiences.
She joined the office. Regardless to say that I wished her to join us, as I wanted to explore this girl. Today she has been with me since past one year. Now a new face of her life started with us. She couldn’t pursue her studies due to issues in personal life, but now she wants to study further. Whatever work she takes, she does that with full responsibility and zeal. She has started laughing as in her own words, she couldn’t few months back.
Why these changes happened? A girl from a lower middle class, conservative family, who perhaps missed the element of happiness in her life, has started thinking and doing. Yes, thinking and doing as earlier she was only into doing not into thinking. Still she has a long way to go but the process has been started.
She comes to office by bus and once a week she comes office by walking (4 Km either side). Is she saving money? She gives that money to any handicapped helpless person she meets in the way. This is her way of charity.
She reads, works, talks and most importantly thinks. This is her way of contributing to the human resources’ pool of our country. Her resilience gives me lot of energy as I see her combating the CONFUSIONS. She gives us all credit but whatever we did to give her a chance, was our work but the way she is exploring her own potentials is remarkable.
Another person I happened to meet just 3 months’ back is a young Dance instructor (Oh, I disclosed that I go to dance classes). A very young, happy-go-lucky boy who perhaps far away from setting missions for him. A young passionate person but trapped in CONFUSIONS. What sort of confusions? He himself doesn’t know. He comes from an affluent family. He has access to all possible urban luxuries with the fulfillment of basic amenities properly. When he dances, he is like butterfly kissing a flower. So delicate but firm also.
I think, for start, this introduction is sufficient because now onwards I’ll take you through the CONFUSION combating journey of these two people. Others will keep on taking entry in these journeys. One person who knows that she is confused and wants to show her life a path. The other one who still don’t know that he is confused. But few virtues common. They both are passionate, have lots of dreams, hopes with ofcource fears also.
I hope you will enjoy the journey of “The Meenu” and “The Naveen”.

सीखा हैं .........हँसाना .........................!!
शुरू करता हूँ तारीफ मेरी कार्टून क्लास की
उलटफेर के धनी जिन्दादिलो की शान की ||

हँसते थे सब तो लगता ऐसा
रावन एक अकेला नहीं था एस दुनिया में अपने जैसा ||

ये उसके ही संगी साथी जो प्रकट हुए आज
अलौकिक मुस्कान के भण्डार जो बजाये रखते थे साज ||

एक अद्भुत यंहा की कीर्ति ,
जो अभिषेक कर जाती दुनिया की मुस्कान का
वो अकेली सुमेधा हैं दुनिया की
सबसे अनोखी क्लास की प्यारी शान का ||

फ़िल्मी यश 'नाना' भी हैं
यंहा मीनू का रिझाना भी हैं
अनामिका का बजाना भी हैं
मीनाक्षी को हँसाना भी हैं ||

यहाँ का हर दिन एक युग परिचायक
एक ओज सी प्रखरता का महानायक
जन्हा हर और लक्ष्मी भगिनी का
वादन सुर अनुपम हैं गायक ||

ये सब सितारे हैं मस्ती के
ये पैगाम हैं दुनिया की नयी हस्ती के ||

एक पागल फसाना भी हैं
सच्चे दिल का बहाना भी हैं
कई दिन हो गए याद करो
अब घर जाकर नहाना भी हैं ||

- दिलीप स्वामी

प्रवाह - एक जीवन दृष्टि

प्रवाह यानी बहाव! कहा भी गया है कि बहता पानी निर्मला। लेकिन क्या यह बात पानी के अलावा मनुष्यों के विचारों और उसकी सोच पर भी उतनी ही लागू नहीं होती? विचारों के बहते रहने और उनके निर्मल बने रहने का क्या कोई सीधा संबंध है? एक युवा होने के नाते मुझे यह बात बहुत महत्वपूर्ण लगती है कि इस उम्र में हम अपने विचारों का निर्माण अपने आस पास के समाज से ही करते हैं और यह हमारी ‘जीवन दृष्टि’ के निर्धारण का एक और महत्वपूर्ण पड़ाव होता है। आस-पास की घटनाओं और लोगों के बारे में हमारी राय एक बदलाव भी बन सकती है यदि हम उसे बनाना चाहें। फुटपाथ पर सोने वाले लोगों, वंचित समुदायों या फिर विस्थापन की दरिद्रता सभी लोगों के लिए एक जैसी संवेदना पैदा नहीं कर सकती। यह संवेदनाएं पैदा भी नहीं होती बल्कि यह हमारे विचारों का हिस्सा होती है जो रह-रह कर फूटती रहती है।
प्रवाह जयपुर इनिशिएटिव एक पहल से कहीं ज्यादा एक ‘जीवन दृष्टि’ का विचार है जो हमको हमें अपनी सोच और नजरिये को निरंतर परिष्कृत कर उसे निर्मल बनाये रखने के लिए अवसर प्रदान करता है। अब तक बने बनाये नजरियों से आगे बढ़कर स्वयं की सोच और रचनात्मकता को अपने भीतर देख पाना और निरंतर सीखते रहने के लिए प्रोत्साहन उसका एक अभिन्न अंग है। समाज को सीखाने से कहीं ज्यादा उससे सीखने का उत्साही कदम बढ़ाने वाले युवाओं के एक प्रवाह की जरूरत आज समाज में दिखाई देती है। हममें से कितने लोग इसके लिए आगे आते हैं और एक नई बहस हमारे भविष्य और सामाजिक सरोकारों को कितना निर्मल करती है यह प्रश्न हम सभी को मिलकर हल करना है।

Gopal Singh
Commutineer

identity and intolerance

Politics of Identity and Intolerance
Ram Puniyani

On fifth of June (2008) a group of followers of Shiv Sangram Sanghtan (SSS), led by a former MLC of Nationalist Congress party, attacked the house of editor of Loksatta, a prominent Marathi daily, Kumar Ketkar and tried to break open the house. They broke the glass panes, did other possible damage and smeared the house with coal tar, before leaving. They, as per their leader, were expressing their spontaneous anger against Ketkar, who according to them had insulted Shivaji in his editorial. This editorial was a sarcastic criticism of the Maharashtra Government's move to build statue of Shivaji, which will be taller than the one of statue of Liberty, and it will be located in the Arabian Sea, on an island, which will have to be built and an approach to the island will have to be made.

This will involve expenses, which will be in astronomical figures. Ketkar, one of the leading journalist and conscience raiser of society, questioned the wisdom of the Government in planning for such a monument when the state is riddled with so many problems, like farmers suicide, children's malnutrition, unemployment and the like. Ketkar had not once questioned the respect for Shivaji which a large section of Mahrashtrians have. What was surprising was that apart from the attack, some of those posing to be respecting Shivaji, claimed that such an 'inspiring' monument will solve the problems of the state!

What is surprising is that in a state known for its liberal, progressive traditions, the tactics adopted by the likes of SSS have not been the only ones of this type. Earlier we witnessed an attack on Bhandarkar Institute, Pune by similar characters when James Laine's book subtly hinted at the real parentage of Shivaji. Since Laine did his research at this institute. Similarly earlier Shiv Sena had created ruckus when secular activist Teesta Setalvad had prepared a handbook for a school which mentioned that Shivaji was a Shudra.

While this is true, currently the word Shudra is perceived in a derogatory sense so Shiv Sena's ire! As such Shivaji has been invoked to build a particular type of identity. In current times Bal Thackeray in his anti non-Mahrashtrian stance built it up for political gains. The same identity was used to give anti Muslim message, contrary to the fact that Shivaji was not against Muslims, he had innumerable Muslims in his administration, army, Navy and what have you. He also had immense respect for Hazarat Baba Bahutthorwale a Sufi saint.

Contrary to the truth and facts Shiv Sena succeeded in undertaking anti Muslim pogrom and anti Muslim politics to polarize the Hindus, in the name of Shivaji. By and by Mahrashtraian identity has come to be fixed around Shivaji alone, bypassing the glorious heritage of Saints like Tukaram and Chokha Mela, bypassing the doyens of social change like Jotiba Phule and Ambedkar. This bypasses innumerable freedom fighters from Maharashtra and the large groups of rational thinkers also. Shivaji's identity was deliberately picked up by communal forces as there are few instances which if seen selectively, may sound against Muslims and others.

This selective projection has been employed for motivated and crooked political calculations. They have most of the times reaped political harvest by abusing the identity of Shivaji for their political goals. Last few years with the growing neglect of social issues the identity politics is being given exalted importance and so other political formations have also been resorting to the use of this identity politics around Shivaji. With the growth of this comes the intolerance where any criticism, real or perceived against the icons is met with attacks aimed to muzzle the voice of those protesting against some or other policy.

The degree of intolerance is so intense that the attackers are not bothered even about the real social issues, they many a times, even don't read what has been written and merely on the ground of make believe; take the law in their hands to pursue their politics. In Mahrashtra Bal Thackeray did it to a great effect and now other political elements are also doing the same. This type of politics essentially wants to preserve the status quo and distract the attention from basic social issues. Ketkar essentially was urging upon the government to take the basic issues and not to resort to the politics of tokenism. In current times, especially from last two decades the identity politics has been imposed upon the society.

It all began with RSS combine (RC) (RSS and its progeny, BJP, VHP, Bajrang Dal, Vanvasi kalian Ashram etc) throwing up the issue of Ram temple which was to distract the attention from real issues related to caste, gender and workers-Adivasi rights. With Lord Ram being brought forward as symbol of Indian identity the problems of poor were pushed to the back seat and today what we see that now Ram Sethu issue is being presented as the major problem. Emotive, identity related issues have the potential to create social hysteria and so have the power to undermine the real social problems. Now the housing for poor gets substituted by temple for Lord Ram and that's how the agenda of this identity politics can be understood. One recalls attacks on journalists in the aftermath of Babri demolition. One is witnessing today the attacks on those speaking against the goals of divisive identity politics.

While those undertaking such attacks must be punished, the identity politics itself needs to be defeated and the issues related to the people of society need to be put on the forefront of the social agenda. The decade of 1980s saw the transition when the issue based politics was undermined by diverse social processes and vested interests to project their social interests in the name of religion and in the wake of Meenakishipuram conversions of Dalts to Islam, Shah Bano judgement and opening of the locks of Babri mosque heralded the opening of floodgates of identity related issues and politics.

It is not that identity is always counter productive. For the oppressed groups identity around their icons may give them necessary strength to demand for their rights. But that is only in the beginning. Over a period of time, the positive signals get converted into ritualism and the inner meaning is gradually dwarfed. This is what happened with the statues of Dr. Ambedkar. While the dalit politics was struggling to invent new language to ensure their rights, the proliferation of statues of Dr. Ambedkar was accompanied by infinite divisions in the dalit movement. Those who were deeply opposed to the rising dalit assertion and power took this opportunity and came in the field to erect bigger statues while replacing his language of Learn, Organize and Struggle with Social Harmony, Samajik Samarasta.

These statues of Dr. Ambedkar were also deliberately desecrated to create trouble in Dalit areas. Currently large number of temples and statues of Shabri and Hanuman are being installed by RSS affiliate Vanvasi Kalyan Ahsram in Adivais areas to give the subtle message that Adivaisi are to upper caste what Hanuman and Shabri were to Lord Ram. While a lot needs to be understood about Mayawati's politics, from her transition from Bahujan to Sarvajan, from her original dalit stance to collaboration with BJP for some time, her defense of Gujarat carnage and her electoral interventions which may mostly be benefiting the BJP politics, what is undoubted is that while initially she gave a sort of strength to dalits quest for assertion, currently she is more busy with erecting her own statues.

At the same time her stance of sitting on a level higher than her supporters; also indicate the shift from Ambedkar's values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. The complexity of social phenomenon is immense. While those talking in the language of Rights are being marginalized the one's projecting identity and emotive issues are making hay. Attack on Ketkar on this ground has more to say than just freedom of expression, it also reminds us that the type of opinions which could be expressed freely some time ago is a no-no in contemporary times. The best example of this is probably celebrated and currently hounded painter M.F. Hussein. While he drew Goddess Sarswati and many other such paintings in previous decades, the attacks came in last two decades alone. The same paintings were 'discovered' in 90s and he became the target of attacks and forced to leave India.

Case of Taslima also comes fairly close. While not commenting on her understanding of Koran and Islam, one can say that she also had to suffer much more from late nineties till now. The writers, painters and opinion makers are consciously being intimidated and frightened to ensure that merchants of identity politics are able to undermine the issues related to bread, butter, shelter, employment and human rights. And that's what is the agenda of those who unleash the politics of Rath yatras, Gujarat Carnage, beat up Taslima or attack Ketkar. At surface they may sound to be divided along religious lines, but they have a deeper unity, abolish democracy-bring in identity based nation sate.

Why active citizenship?

Empowering children for active citizenship
Rama Errabelli


I was standing in a queue at a pharmacy, when a man cut the line, and walked confidently up to the counter, stuck his hand out, expecting the pharmacist to fill his prescription. A foreigner, waiting patiently in line for his turn, called out: "excuse me, sir, there's a line here!" To this, my fellow citizen turned around and said: "what line? No line in India, only line in America!" And turned back to the counter.

Extremely embarrassed and offended at the man's response, I walked up to the counter and requested the pharmacist not to attend to him unless he joined the line. The pharmacist firmly requested him to join the line. But when the man pressed on, insisting that "there are no rules in India", the pharmacist gave up and filled his prescription.

Several situations like this have arisen before, but this time the incident really annoyed me. Initially I was concerned about the man's irresponsible response. But as days passed, and I recounted the incident to my family and friends, two things began to bother me. The first was the pharmacist's "let us get this over with and move on" attitude, and the second — no one else in the line objected to the man's disregard for the people waiting their turn.

I was, and continue to be, deeply concerned by this attitude. What makes us so numb that we do not even respond? Is it the "I cannot change him, why should I bother?" attitude or is it "what is the big deal?" Swalpa adjust madi or just "let someone else take care". I believe it is deep-rooted apathy.

How do we teach our children and ourselves that being silent spectators will not solve our problems? How do we confront this apathy and engage as "active citizens" of our society? How do we develop a deep sense of belonging to address the challenges that face us? How do we inculcate respect for our fellow citizens, respect for the society, the nation?

The answer is quite clear. We need to teach our children social and moral responsibility, the idea of citizenship, from an early age. Children have to be empowered with knowledge, skills and values that will guide them into being active citizens. To strengthen the values taught by parents, schools too must teach children — honesty, integrity, fair play, service and respect for fellow citizens. Schools can also play a crucial role in nurturing active citizens by focusing on building skills in children. Skills that will make them confident to effect change. Skills to think analytically, communicate effectively, solve problems and make decisions.

Finally, schools play a key role in empowering children with knowledge, and motivating them to actively engage in the concerns of the society. Children need to be taught their rights and responsibilities, and to understand how the various public institutions like the government functions. Schools can build awareness and sensitise children to important civic issues in their communities, and encourage them to explore solutions to those issues.

One cannot lecture to children on the idea of citizenship. Citizenship values, skills and knowledge can be cultivated only through practice. Classrooms are a perfect place for this learning to take place. Over the past five years, Janaagraha successfully introduced Bala Janaagraha, a practical citizenship education programme for children, to nearly 15,000 children in schools across Bangalore. Through interactive classes and project work children are empowered with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to shoulder the responsibility of citizenship.

If we "sow the seeds of citizenship" in our children today, then, it won't be long before there is a scenario where if a person breaks the queue, every one in the line will protest, the counter in-charge will insist that he will not be served unless he joins the line, and the man understanding what he has done, will graciously move to the end of the line.

(The writer is Coordinator, Bala Janaagraha, Janaagraha)