We, Indians, are one of the best nations in the world without a doubt. Basically, we are patriotic and generally nationalistic while at the same time have in our prayers a standard wish that says: May all beings be happy and free. We are religious by practice and disposition. Traditionally we are kind towards the old, young and sick sections among us, while caring equally for the welfare of our differently endowed citizens. Finally, we are tolerant of other faiths as well. Our history speaks for itself in that regard. In our culture and religion, we are known to revere women. The world acknowledges that we are a spiritual society. Coming to the money matters, we are conservative - in that we don't squander our wealth whimsically. Our NRI brethren have proved time and again to the world that we are industrious and smart enough in learning new things faster irrespective of the field and have a wider and quicker grasp of things to adapt ourselves very easily to new environments. Back home we have strong family ties and we care even for our extended families. All these are our plus points.
Now, having said that, there is a need for an average citizen to improve in other important areas of life as well. That way we shall become the enlightened voters. This authentically decides the fate of our day-to-day governance. It is not one’s age or residence that alone matters in assessing one’s eligibility as a voter.
Realizing the following would help one progressing towards that end:
1. We belong to a larger human society in the world.
We are not the only culture endowed by birth or birthplace some select pre-existing qualities like the legendary personalities among maharajahs, Maharanis, and saints who are said to be born with. Our neighbors, friends, and even colleagues are also just like us, with the same distinctions, whom we need to recognize on par with us. There is a special need to consciously show empathy outside our familiar circles too.
2. There’s a need to follow cleanliness, especially outside the home. Property of others is the wealth of the universe, and property of nature belongs to our progeny that we shall protect and keep clean even though we visit such a place for a short while and even when nobody is observing. We have to install moral civic police on our conscience as an app downloaded deep into the head.
3. High integrity in all walks of life and every interaction has to be the watchword within and without the homes and groups. Corruption is always corruption even when it is done for a good cause. There should be no exception or excuse for being unfair. Being strict with ourselves while following certain rules is not a difficult task or that which we are ashamed of. We shall obey the common and basic rules of traffic even if there is no policeman or camera around. It takes some time, to get it into one’s habit. But once internalized there will be no going back and our successors too will emulate us truly and look up to us proudly.
4. We have to build a collective public will in our society by contributing our might and take part in community service together. It is not entirely left to the governments to lead our lives from cradle to grave. We shall propagate and nurture this in all our circles. It takes courage to show up and tell the truth. We have to be the leaders in our own right. Politicians and film heroes are not the only heroes; maybe we have normal people who are no lesser than them around us. We shall try to see such heroes in each one of us besides ourselves of course.
5. When we happen to be outside our parts of the country we have to get even with other cultures by following their ways of living, at least in the way they dress or go about. Be a Roman in Rome is still valid in the modern days. By being so we don’t lose our individuality at all. There is no such thing like personal pride, regional pride, and religious pride in the larger world society where we belong now. We have to remember that there is no true race except for the human race and all the major wars including the war against color have proved the fact beyond doubt.
6. We should not be obsessed with our own fixed opinion or those of our ancestors passed on to us as a legacy in all their wisdom or otherwise. Myths are rooted in every culture and ethos, but they may be completely wrong. We shall have to be open-minded always.
7. There is greatness in whatever we do, be it a low paying job. We have to try to project the feeling of our intrinsic worth and pride in whatever job we are at and excel in it professionally with our own cultivated approach and value addition. And at the same time, we shall not berate others versus our standards based on an imaginary class, creed or social/ official standing.
8. We should not look up at those with some special distinctions with certain awe that may be overrated or exaggerated. Nothing is wrong if we treat them democratically as our next door neighbors.
9. We shall not be stingy while giving compliments and acknowledgments to those who deserve these, or even when they are literally asking for them, since giving credit will prove us as more courageous and surely we will get them back in kind, maybe at a later time.
10. Finally, let us have faith in ourselves at all times, and let’s not entertain any idea that we are alone and backward. It is what we think that we become ultimately that may pull us down. Let the people of the world be happy, prosperous and healthy like my dear readers.
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