…and a pinch of common sense

…and a pinch of common salt sense

Sometimes I wonder, is it such a big deal to use common sense. Yes, the common sense part maybe a big thing to ask in a world where reality shows get more votes than elections. But then, at least civic sense is not such a big deal to ask for.

‘India is a country where everyone is in a hurry, however only few reach on time.’ Why is it so tough for citizens to follow a simple decorum on roads? Why is it being accommodating is so tough an attribute to show on road? Blinking correct indicator or showing appropriate gestures while turning or changing lanes is not a fashion we generally follow. Nor do we care a wee bit when parking on the road or extending merchandise outside the shops to push a three lane road into being a single lane one. And we don’t even stop at this. In that minimized motorable strip of asphalt there are a few John Abrahams whose driving skills would make Salazar Slytherin a very happy man for the serpentine tracks their bikes leave behind, honking non-stop all the while to announce the return of the king and that the path be vacated for their procession to proceed.  Where there are no road medians, it almost becomes a duty for us to capture the entire width of the road making it a one-way and pulling the entire traffic into a halt that no one wanted. Was that so complex to understand that if both the sides did the same thing leaving no quarter to the other side, it would prove unpleasant for both of them? But no, I want to reach to the front and get ahead of the traffic and if that means a few people be in inconvenience then so be it.

Add to that the incessant honking…at jams that serves no purpose and at intersections just when the light turns green. I mean what do you want? You are no Jesus and the sea (traffic) won’t part into two just because you honked. Why don’t you just fly on your vehicle? Oh yes…that’s a car, it can’t fly. So kindly try and be patient and wait for the traffic ahead to move and then go your way. But no. You need to go right now…you bloody should have teleported rather than taking the mortals’ path to your destination. And how can I forget the people who haven’t progressed from the nineties? Guys the companies are providing low beams as well in your posh vehicles. Please use it. I know I am damn good looking but I don’t wish to be in your spotlight.

And yes, the road safety rules. Such an inconvenience they are. Helmets ruin your hairstyle and the seat-belts are uncomfortable. Is it so hard to understand that these were made for your own safety and not for the amusement of the traffic cops? You are no John McClane. It would have taken 14 normal human lives for one to complete Die Hard series from 1 through 5, as per a practicing doctor. But you are not blessed with that. So kindly make a trade-off keeping in mind what your family members would like back home.

The scene in our offices is more amusing. The man behind the desk takes great pride in getting there, and he should. However, he should also realize that contrary to his beliefs, he is no king and this is no dominion of his. Their attitude makes me wonder, is it really so hard to be helpful to the people you are serving? Forget being helpful, it is your basic duty to guide him. But since the man behind the desk is the emperor and the desk is his empire, he will do whatever he wishes in order to flex his muscles which have not seen the light of the day for many years as they are hidden behind his bulky, pot-bellied persona from sitting in the same chair for the same work for the last thirty years. Monsieur, not everyone is aware of the rules and the requirements and if you are the person assigned to process a file, kindly tell the person in detail what documents are required and don’t make a job which can be completed in a single meeting into a life-long affair.

There are also some great artistes in our midst. They do not paint with their hands but with their mouth. And their paintings are always in red. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara had a beautiful song with the lyrics, ‘….take the world and paint it red’. It seems these gentlemen are greatly inspired by that. All the corners of the staircase are a testament to their art as are all the road. And as all the great artists have been recognized for their work posthumously, they too are keen to join the long list of such artists. Even when they know chewing gutkha, paan masala, tobacco would prove fatal to their well being, they are willing to take the risk just so that the buildings and the roads be the canvas of their artwork. Sala Mukesh Harane ye bolte-bolte mar gaya lekin inko samajh me nahi aaya ki ye sab jaanlewa hai. They just want to paint this world red with their katha laden spits. Muh me Rajanigandha se kadamo me duniya nahi hoti, balki aapke kadamo tale zameen khisak jati hai jab cancer ho jata hai.

And to top it all, we have the watchful protectors and guardians of the society. Not the silent guardians, but the ruckus making ones. You don’t like how someone dresses, you create a ruckus. You don’t like a book, you call for an agitation. You don’t like how couples behave, you ask for their damnation. Why? Is your life so fulfilling that you have the time to correct others? Jesus said in his sermon from the top of the hill, ‘How can you take out the speck from your brother’s eye, if you have a log in your own?’ Be a better man first before raising fingers on others’ action. And if you have so concern for the society, adopt an orphanage, at least a child. Look after their well-being. Work for the planet. Plant more trees. Teach the children at slums who don’t have the access to the formal education. Write something. Paint something. Learn something. Be an inspiration so those whom you want to change as per your wishes do it by themselves and not force your views. Don’t put restrictions on me. I don’t need policing. I need hand-holding and guidance and inspiration. Show me how to be a better man. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Show me that you are a human in a civilized society. Show some civility. Or if that is too much to ask, then at least some common sense.