Rant of the month: We cry for swachhta, but where is our effort?

Brace yourselves guys, my rant is going to be totally off the hook, and why don’t you buzz me if you don’t agree with even one point of my masterpiece!

The Modi government has completed two years now. It’s not an easy job and is no humbug for sure. He has been voted for the people and by the people, then why is that if anything goes wrong anywhere in the country or with Indians anywhere in the world, we blame Modiji? It’s always like “acche din kaha hai?”, “Modi kuch nahi karta” and blah blah. Why don’t we look at the bigger picture rather than focusing on small things? He is literally “MODIfying” the country and cleaning the mess that has been created over the years with his hard work. It takes double the amount of time to right the wrong that has been done. Before pointing a finger at anybody else, look at what you are doing to maintain the decorum in the country and in your lives.

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For instance, take the problem of India’s cleanliness and filth. It has become a mandate for the Indian national anthem to play in all theatres before any film as a tribute to our country and the talent we possess. We stand tall and proud in respect of the anthem every time. But have you taken a look around after the film has concluded? We trash the theatre as if we are illiterate and living in a garbage dump. Ironic, isn’t it? Additionally, when it is the semi-annual sale time in all those high end and local brands in all the malls, it’s a fish market because of the slashed prices, which is understandable. That’s how a common man or even a rich man fulfills his wants of having the good stuff in life. But why is it that during these sales, the stores are trashed with the products lying helter-skelter, strewn across the floors with footprints, rips and lipstick stains? Where are our manners and etiquettes? We complain about how the roads are filthy, but the Modi government has done one good thing with the Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan.

However, where are our efforts and why do we treat the outdoors as they are garbage dumps?

Secondly, another annoyingly pressing issue is the chronic traffic fever in major cities! Its blood boilingly, frustratingly and blood pressure-risingly annoying! The media is a great outlet to bring all the faults and flaws out in the open and in the public’s view. We get to read about all the flawed plans and instances with respect to traffic laws, state of the roads, etc. Rants, rants and rants galore if I may say so. But there’s still no improvement. Every monsoon, it’s the same old rut that the roads are under construction, there are a million potholes with several accidents taking place (especially with bikers). There’s an increased amount of traffic when it’s raining, the list goes on with zero improvement. Zilch! I don’t know whether it’s our fault for not taking it up with the concerned people as our laws are incompetent or whether the laws are made in such a way that the authorities get more money or they do this to generate more employment. You know the vicious cycle of – build the roads with sub-standard materials – let it rain like a maniac for a week – create potholes due to the cleverly planned low quality tar/cement – pass a plan worth crores of rupees to redo the roads – that plays on loop every year.

Lastly, the most horrific and unfortunately rampant issue in Mumbai, Delhi or any other city in India is the lack of security for girls and women. We are in the 21st century where westernisation is key and our government is trying to make us a first world country. In such a scenario, do you think safety for girls should really be an issue? In the West, girls, men, women, irrespective of their preferences, are given respect, but here it’s not like that. Why is it so? Why is it that people, during the Ganpati celebrations or any other festival, dance on the road with DJs playing Akon and Shakira songs, aping their moves and lyrics, but when a girl merely dresses in a kurta and leggings or a t-shirt and jeans, all eyes are on her and in the dirtiest way possible? We look at the West in awe of all they have achieved and how their lifestyle is, without judging or eyeing any of their vices. Then why is it that when the West is actually being adopted in our country with girls going to nightclubs, working late at night, travelling alone, they are unsafe and are done wrong to in the most disgusting way that is possible? I mean these rascals don’t even spare kids! And it’s not only illiterate people doing this, there are extremely literate ones too who have committed such heinous crimes. You want the western culture, you’re getting it and just the right amount, little by little, don’t abuse it or your power. I’m not saying everyone is as clean as a slate and we should live in a world of peace and purity. All I’m saying is that think before you talk and practice what you preach. Your actions speak on who and what you are. I’m so glad I got to rant on all this. My mind is lighter and now I’m going to hit the gym!

From the October 2016 issue of FHM India.