DISQUS

Ramesh Srivats · 1 year ago

Very interesting take.


I agree with you that abstaining from elections and refusing to pay taxes are "convenient" protests. Where you do something you anyway want to do and give it a moral pedestal.



I also like your solution of avoiding all the short-cuts that we use that end up corrupting the system.



But am not sure if it is enough. While Gandhi advocated using the morality of the oppressor as a weapon against the oppressor himself, he didn't stop there. He also refused to obey laws that he decided were unfair. The salt tax. The indigo farming. And I'm sure many such things.



The civil obedience you suggest may perhaps reform a few people who haven't lost their sense of shame. But the vast majority of babudom will just find it convenient and continue with their lives.



I would still think civil disobedience is necessary. How about fighting against the VIP culture for starters -

Do not let politicians jump the queue or avoid security at airports.

Refuse to pay toll in the toll booth till they remove the disgusting sign that says the President, PM & MPs don't have to pay toll.

Refuse to move out of the road when cops divert traffic for the Z-class types.

Use the lane in airports and parking places that say "reserved for VIPs and government vehicles.



How about refusing to obey laws that curb civil liberties?

Keep your shop/restaurant/bar open beyond 11.30pm or whatever.

If a cop harasses you and girlfriend/boyfriend at Marine Drive, Marina Beach or Ulsoor Lake don't run away. Agree to go to the police station.

(My personal agenda) Smoke where you want unless the people around you object (on grounds of health rather than laws). Light up in every bar.

Sing and dance where you want.



Create a ruckus where you can. Like...

Holler at government hospitals, gas agencies, BSNL, RTO, post-offices, wherever whenever you are getting poor service from a government monopoly.

Flood the courts with PILs on every stupid thing the government does - they are now building 15 bungalows or something in Hebbal to house ministers.

Use RTI to demand accountability and send your results to media.

Attend political speeches and heckle.



Basically let government know that we are not sheep. We are humans.

K Subramanian @ work · 1 year ago

Rahul calls it an angry rant. But I am actually numbed. Numbed beyond recognition. My blood is cold and my head in empty. In a perverse twist, I want to watch 'Kyunki' and further retreat into my rocking chair (which I wish to believe is safe, knowing very well that it is not so). I am in stupor of a certain fatalistic "this-is-how-things-will-be" acceptance.


How else do you explain incidents like lipstick women, RGV, chote vardaat, VIP security getting more budgets than all civilian security, video footage of terrorists literally strolling around and the list gets longer every passing day ...



Almost mindlessly, I count the days this angst would last, knowing very well that Christmas and New Year are around the corner seductively blinking at us to forget and start shopping for greeting cards.



I tried telling myself that a sense of pride, patriotism and purpose would get rid of this psychopathic dementia. But then Ramesh tells me that there is enough patriotism flowing already!



In the very least, I have decided to enjoy my today. Who knows (and who the f cares) whether there is a tomorrow.



Makes sense? Or is this loser talk?

Harprabhjot Paul Singh · 1 year ago

This was certainly the right move. We always find a reason to put the blame on someone. For a change, we must take things in our own hands.


Cheers

gaea · 1 year ago

from where i'm sitting, this looks like a very real solution... have taken the liberty of attaching a link to this post on my blog...

Anush · 1 year ago

I think it makes perfect sense. One hundred percent.
I'm not sure how many people feel this way, but since the attacks, I did some introspection and was disgusted at how ill-informed a citizen I am. I'd never ever bothered to understand the systems in the city. Never tried to understand what makes them work the way they do. I always took comfort in the fact that these systems operated in wheels within wheels and that trying to figure them out would only be a futile exercise.

But, that's just me. I think each one of us needs to change something about ourselves to become more aware, more sensitive, more assertive, more whatever.

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

Thanks for the comments people.
Ramesh, one question.

I know you are talking about fighting back.

I don't know if you are talking about fighting for something or against something.

My point - some of the 'liberties' are self defeating.

I mean how are we achieving anything of relevance to today's problems by keeping bars open beyond 11 inspite of laws?

Or by smoking as long as people don't have an issue?

Isn't that a sign of saying let's show protest by protesting against anything?

Gaea's blog title made me think - Are we turning into people we despise?

I think the call for change is turning into a call for protest by any means.

Maybe we need to focus on the few things that need to be tackled first - through the right ways.

I am completely with you on some of the other things you mentioned - making your voice felt every time a government department doesn't function, for example.

We are all looking for one BIG idea that can be a symbolic, large, nationwide show of strength and a signal for change - and we are all struggling for that idea.



Subbu, you will be surprised how many people are feeling like you are and saying let me LIVE my today fully - who knows if there is a tomorrow.



Gaea, thanks you for your encouraging gesture :-)



Anush, totally agree with the spirit of your last line.

Ajay Sood · 1 year ago

While commenting here is like walking a minefield (you can get castigated for any wrong move, dude!), here's my take.


Before any protest, how about looking at ways of catching these terrorists young?



BTW, who are these terrorists? Aren't these the guys who push their way through into a bus by breaking a queue; or indulge in eve-teasing; or drive rashly (terrorising the meak law-abiding citizens in their enthusianm); or generally move around bullying people? Or the counterpoint to that is - aren't these the guys who are the oppressed, the bullied? Don't such people grow up to be terrorists? (sure, sure, there are some smuggled variety of terrorists also, but those, to my mind will get addressed, if we address this larger issue).



Isn't there a need to first address the behaviour of such blokes? Wouldn't that help build a strong culture, a strong value system, or a strong nation? Wouldn't people think twice about trying any terroristic stunts in the face of a nation with such a character?



Gun-attacks still may happen, but the chances of people cowering for cover under such circumstances will be bleak when such a national character comes into being (this is in no way undermining the character displayed by those who faced it, and did their damnedest to help their fellow in-trouble mates - in fact, they deserve the highest of praise for doing what they did).



Perhaps, the root cause, and its treatment, lies elsewhere, while we are chasing a decoy!

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

Thanks ajay, for your comments. It's a healthy debate - no minefields here, barring ramesh, maybe :-)

Mala · 1 year ago

Amen to that.

Sheena · 1 year ago

I agree with the larger point you are making. What you propose is not necessarily a solution, but a big step in the right direction. The fundamental issue is that of empowerment. You have limited or no control over another, but you can change yourself. We tend to be rather passive and fatalistic as a nation. Revolutions begin in small ways and you can be the one that makes a difference. However, I do disagree with your definition of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience does not mean to be passive or negative. It is simply a way of refusing to become a victim by opposing injustice. Refusing to pay taxes and vote are NOT civil disobedience, these are immature acts of defiance that are merely sound and thunder and target the innocent, leaving the real offenders unscathed.

Sanjeev · 1 year ago

I thought about what Rahul says and realise that by civil disobedience we in a way are taking the short cut. Very similar to what our politicians do. This whole tragedy in Mumbai has made me far more sensitive to issues than ever before. I have started to think what are we doing about:
1. About those begging on the road. Will our government/ bureaucrats never do anything for them?

2. Instead of making 15 bungalows for ministers, why can't we re-habitate a hundred homeless/ slum dwellers?

3. When will media be a common man's weapon? Not for a scary guy coming on TV screen and scaring you by telling the "Breaking News" on crime but talking about initiatives taken by common man to uplift the moral

4. When will we not only think about the top cops who died but also about the constables and junior cops who laid their life for our safety?

5. Why is there no fund (similar to Tsunami relief) to help those who suffered?



Obedience will help. We will have to keep asking ourselves...."WHAT ARE WE LEAVING FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN?"

i AM ASHAMED THAT IT TOOK 200 ODD PEOPLE TO DIE BEFORE I STARTED THINKING. HOPE THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH MANY.

pavita · 1 year ago

I agree with the basic principle of what's been suggested. Ignoring or revolting shall yield no results. Infact it is our increasing apathy that has allowed the situation to deteriorate to such an extent. I think that it is time we, as individuals and as citizens, started questioning the inadequacy of basic security parameters that we seem to blithely accept.The sleeping chowkidaars at our gates. The rampant corruption of our constables on account of poor pay packages. The sheer unfitness of the pot bellied forces. The patent impatience at being frisked. We need to realise that accountability starts with each one us individually. We need to demand better security; but even more importantly we need to accept and indeed welcome the fact that this may entail some 'inconvenience' to self. It may mean being asked to turn up 4 hours early for a concert to collect tickets; or check in 3 hours early for a flight; of being frisked 5 times at the theatre.
Instead of settling down into that comfortable numbness as the dust settles, we should demand to be inconvenienced.

We may not be able to prevent a Mumbai attack - nothing other than better national intelligence could have prevented those. But surely everyday security deserves better attention. From each one of us.

Kedar Champhekar · 1 year ago

I agree with Rahul. What we should start is a civil obedience movement. But getting sensitized towards laws as basic as traffic rules (not just enforcing them but making citizens understand the reson behind those laws, so they will follow them willingly) the 'I don't care about anyone else' attitude will slowly wear out. Today no one even stops for an old woman crossing the road, people just honk at her indicating, "get out of my way as i want to go first, i don't care even if you die trying to cross the road". And this apathy, lack of consideration for others has led to the citizens of india not realize the importance of making the government function properly, because "as long as i can get my work done by whatever means, i don't care". Aren't the citizens as inefficient as the government?


Angry protests and disobedience will never lead to a solutions, just as an argument between two people leads to no solution when the arguers are angry.



And change takes time, the solution rahul proposes will not bring change overnight. Societies have to evolve, and evolution takes time, BUT it's time we make the mutation which will trigger the evolution.



A simple example is a voluntary movement in Pune called 'Save Pune Traffic Movement'. The movement gets together people who love to obey traffic rules and display a sticker saying 'i am proud to obey traffic rules'on their vehicles. They ask people to obey rules but not shout or fight with those who don't, just silently inspire them to do so. The voluteers get together on holidays and stand at signals asking people to stop behind the 'Stop' lines. Many people obey when told, so it shows people need to be told, need to be sensitized. The volunteers also call up the regional traffic offices and pester them politely for weeks, to get zebra crossings painted at signals. They also have a set of traffic rules on their websites for people who are not aware of all the rules. Why not join such a movement? Even if you don't follow rules but have realised that you should this is an easy start!!



And if more such movements begin, about different issues, wouldn't we be undergoing a silent, but radical revolution?

December 6, 2008 11:23 AM

Kedar Champhekar · 1 year ago

I am posting a link to your blog on mine Rahul.

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

Thanks for your views kedar :-)

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

Thank you aditi :-)

Adu · 1 year ago

very interesting Rahul, this is a very practical solution. I don't know if you already did, but if not you should publish this post in a place where more people will read it. I liked your writing style and clarity of thought and expression!!!

assorted cookies · 1 year ago

really nice post, and am glad I chanced upon it. Have included a link on my page of u dont mind!

assorted cookies · 1 year ago

nice post, and I'm happy I chanced upon it. Have included a link on my page if you dont mind.

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

You are welcome assorted cookies :-)

Nandini · 1 year ago

Well thought out! Civil Obedience is the only long term solution there is. If the system has to be cleaned to make a difference it has to start with us not reaching for our wallets everytime a cop flags us down for running a signal!

Munna on the run · 1 year ago

makes a lot of sense brother.

Devina · 1 year ago

gud one Rahul...but in a country SO unbelievably tainted with corruption, I don't know if such an idealistic solution will work. There goes the cynicism that you lambasted in your post!!! :)

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

Thanks Nandini :-)

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

Thanks Devina, I know it sounds idealistic, but you have to start somewhere :-)

devesh tiwari · 1 year ago

Gandhigiri!!! But will that solve the problem? If a person is ready to die then no force legal or otherwise can stop him. What can help in the long run is understanding the reason why is he willing to die? Till then we can reduce corruption,demand explanations , draw conclusions but today it's india tomorrow it will be Indian Embassy somewhere else. The problem is Religion.All the religions.

Anonymous · 1 year ago

Hmm interesting take


The activist within you is emerging, we perhaps need that to happen to a lot more people



I liked the coinage of 'civil disobedience' a wonderful idea which lurked in the past, and might still show us the way today...

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

Thanks vinay, you need a gmail/google id to leave your name with the comment :-)

Shruti · 1 year ago

Rahul, great way to bring about changes. The problem with us, is we think oh its me alone, what can one person do, or how can my being honest, and paying my taxes, not bribing, standing in a queue,not using my contacts to get a job done help, everyone has to do it, and in this way no one does it...so the system goes on...its like mere akele ke light bandh karne se energy kaise bachegi? but if each one thinks, so what if I am alone, let me do my bit, there will be many together in the end...and the change will be visible..
All the best

Shruti

RahulJauhari · 1 year ago

Thanks for the comments shruti

anisha sarin · 1 year ago

i'm so glad someone's trying to make sense of this no vote, no tax business and by the way how many of us actually vote?

Anonymous · 1 year ago

walk the talk. Then we see results. recognize and follow one's moral compass not the expediency of the moment. Then we see change.

Anonymous · 1 year ago

The process of change is slow, takes a lot of perseverance and courage. Do not expect change overnight and say it has not come, we are over 50 years late to the change game. So, what starts today will be enjoyed our grandchildren.

RahulJauhari · 9 months ago

thanks anon