Well, here’s a thought for you to read… 

Human bodies do crumble with years, but minds don’t. For those who are willing to observe and think about the happenings around us, years do augment insights! More the time we spend on this earth, more should be our capacity to garner them. At least, in theory! 

In practice, however, it appears a bit of a paradox that some people holding responsible positions in the society do trivialize even well-meaning efforts of the government agencies. No matter how important the cause is, either for short term gains or, political mileage, they say and do what they ought not. It amazes me how powerful the human tongue can be when inappropriately wielded - and how easily our emotions and thoughts can be rocked and rolled by the haranguing manipulators. 

I was in conversation with a friend one day as we crossed the Wahumkhrah bridge near the Sengkhasi College and I couldn’t help but blurt out, “just look at the condition of Wahumkhrah!”. He immediately responded, “People blame the government, but was it the government that threw the plastics and dumped the garbage?”. I couldn’t have disagreed with him - the governments don’t directly pollute rivers but they do have a certain responsibility to preserve healthy ecosystems and legally prevent people from choking such pristine rivers thoughtlessly. Their resolve can be strengthened when the civil society steps in and supports the government? When was the last time we heard any civil society activist speak about Wah Umkhrah? Where are they in all this? 

Again, as we battle COVID-19, we see numerous guidelines, protocols, Dos and Don’ts and SOPs issued by the government. It surprises me that most people are either indifferent to them, or dismiss them disdainfully. Why are these rules enforced in the first place? How is it that we see all enforcement as an assault on our sense of rights while our sense of duty, at the best of times is of limited import? 

We appear to have become a people whose mindset is tuned only to challenge all the time, to find fault and to criticize whatever rules and guidelines are framed. Does that help? Or, did it help in the past? 

My best guess is that such an attitude does not help any society. Empirically, things are getting from bad to worse. What have been taught from the childhood? Are we taught to disobey? To resist? To point fingers? To constantly retaliate? 

It is simple, let us just do our part, rather than slaying every move made to improve things. Let us start by lending a helping hand. Let us be responsible citizens who discern the good from the bad, reason out what is good for us, our environment, our health and our future. 

Only if we stop questioning, “What is the government doing?” and instead ask, “What am I contributing?” will we be able to change and save ourselves from us! Remember to teach our young generation too, before it’s too late!