Five problems India faces & possible solutions
I know that reforming the political/bureaucratic system (to eliminate corruption) will be on almost everyone’s list of top five problems India faces today, but not mine. I am not saying that they are not one of our biggest problems, but by targeting the political/bureaucratic class (as if they are the only corrupt people in India), we are only attempting to cut the leaves and are not focusing at the root of the problem. Which is,
The people of India.
A society that believes and indulges in corruption/favoritism at every available opportunity will only produce corrupt leaders. That’s one of the principle flaws of democracy, but then democracy ensures that people get the leaders they deserve.
1. Corruption – The first problem I identify in India is corruption/favoritism, but the way to solve it would be to change people’s ideas/attitude about corruption. Stricter laws, punishments can help, but these are not sufficient. We know that corrupt society will find ways to bypass rules/laws.
I can write on why corruption is bad, but such articles get a very limited reach. And besides, majority of our people still don’t have access to Internet or even basic education. But, there is one medium that has enormous reach – TV/Cinema. If directors/movie makers/tele-serial makers could come forward to make good movies/serials that make people rethink about their corrupt ways and still make it interesting with a gripping story-line, the message might spread faster.
I think, one of the solutions could be to come up with a crowd-sourced funding platform (a site maybe) where prospective movie directors showcase stories/ideas and people vote/fund (not donate) for best of such ideas/concepts. The revenue from the movie should be shared with the funders. Awareness is the first step to solving any problem.
2. Sustainable Living – Well, sustainable living is the solution, not the problem! In our quest towards success, wealth, happiness, etc. we forget that we are over-exploiting the resources available to us. Want wood? Destroy forests. Want energy/mobility? Pollute environment. Want connectivity? Make non-recyclable products and destroy the earth. Want space? Occupy marsh-lands. Want food? Kill animals. Want enjoyment? Drink alcohol, smoke, eat unhealthy food and risk diseases. This list could go on…
Sustainable living is a wonderful concept that lets us enjoy life without over-exploiting worldly resources. It’s a concept that encourages inclusive growth, for us as well as all the creatures living around us. We need sustainable living ambassadors to promote this wonderful concept in all medium (blogs, FB, newspapers, TV, movies, etc.) that can take the message to its beneficiaries (people). We also need movements like Sustainia, in India.
3. Education – The kind of education we get is one of our biggest problems. Of course, it is much better than not getting education at all, but we are struck with an education system that produces imitators and not innovators/inventors. We have parents/teachers who are content with the current system and focus only on marks, and don’t much care about knowledge transfer/unlocking the true potential of students.
If our previous generations were blind to this problem, it’s understandable – they were the first generation to receive any proper education. But how can we be blind to it? Why do we want our children (also) to become back-office processing agents? Why is a Google or Microsoft not coming out of India, despite high proficiency in coding abilities and English?
Frankly, I don’t know how to even start going about solving this problem. Maybe we can initiate programs in TV where Syllabus setters/Principals’s/HOD’s could speak/debate on this issue and propose methods to sort it out, a la Satyameve Jayate? What ever we do, we should eliminate the concept of memorization/mugging up for exams quickly.
4. Neighborhood Cleanliness – Yes, we are all experts in keeping our homes/offices clean. But when it comes to the neighborhood, we give it scarce respect. We notice excessive waste that get accumulated around waste-bins and empty plots being used as dump yards.
Of course, first we should make sure that there are enough waste-bins in each locality. I think corporation should appoint a coordinator from within each community who would give them feedback on the no. of waste-bins reqd, etc. Secondly, our Government should look at innovative methods like this solar-powered compressing waste-bin that can not only accommodate more waste (per bin), but can also message authorities when full.
5. Economic independence – Each and every person in our society (except minors) should be economically independent. Especially, women. That will prevent subjugation and crimes (esp. against women). I guess we have come a long way in educating girls, and in cities women equal men in the work-force. But, in small towns and villages, women are not given equal rights to work. We need more SHG’s (Self Help Groups) for women in rural areas that will impart skills and create a dependable income stream for them.
Destination Infinity
This post is a part of Weekend contest at BlogAdda.com in association with Chanakya’s New Manifesto.
good ideas suggestions to bring change
good laws will help them to solve them problem is just now Indians started to understand we are following British laws and which we need to change them or remove the loopholes in them.
Laws should adapt according to the times. We need a (easier) citizen-driven process to enable it.
Destination Infinity
a completely agree with you on everything especially the concept of Minimalist thinking ..
Also, about education, thing is, teachers must learn to make education interesting than making students rote things and not apply them in real life .. after all money is not everything !
You know what, I have come across students memorizing mathematics problems (in state board schools) and pass exams! Ridiculous, but it reflects the problem of not having good teachers everywhere and lack of individual attention. Trust me, a good teacher can make a huge difference.
Destination Infinity
Yes, media and movies are great platform to speak where the listeners are high. I too thought of why not having a thoughtful TV channel that highlights the social issues than always tearful entertainment. The cinemas today are rarely untouched violence and describing the liquor habits as worth than worse.
Yes, we need an understanding based education than memorizing or forced to stress education. Freedom to express what has been learned and understood is important.
Great post Rajesh!
Yes, TV programs and movies need to become more responsible. That medium has great power, but it keeps abusing it. But there have been some good movies with messages as well. I wonder why smoking and drinking scenes are not banned in movies yet?
Destination Infinity
I have an idea. Give democracy (even though it is not fully functional in India) a 5 year holiday. Bring on benevolent dictatorship or military rule. Things would take a 180 degree turn in 24 hours.
It’s a dangerous experiment. If the dictator is good and wants development, then fine. Otherwise, we are doomed!
Destination Infinity
You knw what I think DI….over-population is India’s greatest problem. If that can be controlled, 30% of the country’s problems are solved automatically.
We need to create awareness for this population control issue more aggressively in rural areas. In cities people have only 1 or 2 kids these days.
Destination Infinity
You make very good points. Sometimes I take the view that when you plant the seed one day it will grow into a plant. Now is the time to plant those seeds of justice and to curb these problems, as they take time.
One point I’d like to make is that people often learn that hard way – especially if they have been put through all other possible means to be corrected or educated of what is good or bad. One thing which often isn’t tried is ‘fear’. Fear of not doing something for strict punishment is the last resort but often the best resort. For this couple of things need to be in place: 1. Independent anti-corruption body – this I feel is missing and this body should contain 80% young generation often who are educated and understand the problems of the country, and 2. Strict penalty if convicted – this will spread the word and make examples of people so they don’t follow a quick way to make money at the expense of drowning the country further more.
Corruption is prevalent across all sectors in India, but it is also restricted to certain people who are highly corrupt. If you look at the average Indian person, most probably they won’t be corrupt. So, as you say, stricter punishments for those people addicted to corruption might help somewhat (due to the fear created), but creating a basic attitude change/awareness on why corruption is bad might work better.
People change only when they are convinced from inside. External factors like fear, punishment might work well but only temporarily.
Destination Infinity
I concur with your thoughts on it…
There are solutions to it but its needs mass revolt and change in our attitude too.
My take
http://manjulikapramod.com/2013/02/03/time-to-say-hi-five-to-the-big-change/
Change in our attitude (en masse) is required if we need anything to succeed!
Destination Infinity
I think corruption is a vicious circle and its a tough one to break!
Problems of India is nothing but Problems of People , Animals and Plants. Solution is to change the system of ruling. We need President rule Democracy system as Parliamentary system is failed. Once President formed he can control 1.Over population 2. Corruption 3. Poverty 4. Education system
A nice explanation of ist printed it’s not enough it should be implemented Today’s gout people have only idea of taking the tax more and troubling people
Preksha
Studing 10th standard
It’s really good to us especially the 10std students for speeches Thanks a million times….. Thank you so much….