Inculcating Self-Discipline

Many think that as ordinary citizens we can do very little to bring about the required change, but what we can ensure is that we at least do that 'little' that we can do. Only then can we demand the other authorities to take notice and act likewise.

We all get frustrated when we get stuck in a traffic jam in the mornings, when we have an important meeting to attend at the office. We get irritated when the 40mins drive turns into two hours long over drive!

We all unanimously blame the disorganized, inefficient and corrupt system that is in place; and the government officers and the traffic cops and the politicians for all the mismanagement and the current state of affairs; and also for not being able to manage the city traffic! Life in India is tough; especially when the population in the few hubs like Pune keeps increasing while the infrastructure is simply unable to cope up to the demand. Yes, we have been there, said it all, we lack honest politicians, city planners with a vision and the works; we need better and efficient governments, municipal corporations, better roads, smoother traffic systems, uninterrupted water and power supply, et al. We mock the 2020 vision of becoming a developed nation! We wish that only if the system changed!

But as the city continues to grow rapidly, there is an acute need for all its educated citizens to act responsibly and ethically. The city would not truly be 'developed' merely by adding a dozen multiplexes and shopping malls if the citizens themselves do not carry out their moral duties.

It is time for bringing about the change! And we need to change ourselves first! While blaming the system, we need pause and look deeper. Are WE all not part of the system? Are WE all doing our duties sincerely? Are WE only bound by our duties in our offices in the 9am to 5pm window? If we are so competitive and professional in our work (jobs) then why is it that we take our social duties for granted, often forget them, and blatantly flout the law whenever we see an opportunity?

Statistics shows that there is only about 50% voting turnaround in the urban areas. If we don't even exercise our voting rights, how can we demand the right politicians and better governance? How many times do we take notice of the red traffic signal, and duly stop before the zebra crossing or candidly take a left turn with a 'chelta hein' attitude with the signal is red? Do we not know these basic rules? Is it not obvious that all those annoying traffic jams would be avoided if only we did our bit correctly? We all marvel the west, but how often do we just roll down the windows and carelessly throw the chocolate and burger wrappers out on the streets?

Why do we need the police or the authorities to direct us for such simple things? How long will we continue to be so ignorant about our own actions/in-actions and at the same time expect the system to change? Would you listen to your neighbors request to turn down the volume of your hi-fi home theater systems when s/he himself is playing loud music and partying all night?

So take that first step today when you start to drive/ride your vehicles! It's time for all the educated Puneites to act morally to actively be part of that desired Intelligent Pune!