We have a choice..

Just today I was watching the show ‘We the People’ in which a participant read out a line which stated that:

“There is no office higher than that of being a Citizen”

A very relevant idea in the current scenario. This comment was made in the midst of a debate where it was pointed out that no matter how angry the ordinary citizen may feel, he cannot bring about change; that is what we appoint politicians to do. It’s their job to run the country. That is what we pay taxes for!!

Well, we all know it’s their job, but if they don’t do their job right, what do we do?!

Can we, as citizens, wash our hands off this? And if we do, who is the ultimate loser? It’s, again, the common man. So it’s time we wake up to the fact that we all have a responsibility towards ourselves and towards our country. This is not the time to ask what the country does for you but what is it that you can do for the country.

It has been encouraging, at this time, to see people coming together and raising their voice against the apathy of the bureaucracy and the political leadership, demanding a secure life and greater accountability from the system.

But what about us; what about the common man, the ordinary citizen of the country?!! What are we doing to bring about the change?

The attack on Mumbai has shaken up people, and the ordinary man, who earlier wanted to stay away from politics, is now actively following the goings-on in parliament. The youth is discussing politics, even to the extent of joining in and making a difference. People are taking the government and the armed forces more seriously; faith in the police has been restored to some extent. This is very important for the functioning for the state. People want to pay taxes and contribute to the nation. Politicians are now thinking twice before making any comments which may back-fire on them. The scene in parliament has changed completely; where earlier there was chaos and walkouts being staged, now there is debate and discussion and the government and the opposition are at least putting up a united front to the world. This is all a result of the citizens’ movements who have come together and made demands for the change.

The country-wide protests did make a difference, but the fervour is slowly dying down, the voices are getting subdued, the daily routine is taking over and we’re starting to forget. This is natural. One cannot march in protest every week. That too will stop being effective if it becomes commonplace. Anger is a tool to be used wisely.

So what do we do if we don’t protest? What else will make a difference? What else will bring about change?

Again I must quote the oft-repeated words of Gandhi:

“You must become the change you wish to see in the world”.

And why not..

The change needed is not only in the political system but in the social system as well.

Today we as citizens must resolve that we will do everything in our power to bring about a positive difference in our everyday lives.

It’s so simple and yet so complicated.

* It’s about the choice between paying the fine and bribing the traffic policeman – Choose to pay the fine.
* Choosing between voting and not being bothered – Choose to vote.
* Choosing between paying tax or evading tax – Choose to pay tax.
* Choosing between stopping at a red light or running through – Choose to stop.
* Choosing between buying your gadgets from the grey market or from legitimate sources – Choose the legitimate source.
* Choosing to buy an official railway ticket or bribing the TC – Choose to book it officially.
* Choosing to reach the airport in time for efficient security checks or sending that last mail – Choose to reach on time.
* Choosing to be quiet in the face of divisive forces or speaking your mind – Choose to speak your mind.

Finally, it’s the choice between right and wrong – choose the right.

Like I said, it’s simple, yet so complicated. It’s about a struggle every minute of every day to exercise your mind and do what is right instead of giving in to conditioned responses. Stop and think – and then do what you feel is right.

I recently received an sms which is about personal freedom. It goes thus, “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the majority. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes afraid; but no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself”. Similarly, no price is too high to pay for doing what is right, even if you are alone in that and if the majority is against you.

This is what I hope, we the citizens of the country, can imbibe in ourselves and in our children to bring about the change that we all hope to see.

- Meghna Gill
It’s not the decision you face, it’s the choice you make.