Calling a spade a spade!

Calling a spade a spade is a rarity in the India of today. Its sarkari mulazims would invariably, with exceptions of course, identify a spade as whatever is conveniently the need of the hour. It goes without saying that the need may change from moment to moment and from person to person.

Why has remaining truthful emerged as an impossibility in present times? Why are fudged figures, rather than the truthful ground reality more acceptable to the powers that be? Why figures that are meant for internal assessment more important than the ground realities that affect the public at large? Why matters have to be complex and cannot be simplified?

The biggest advantage of being truthful is that there is no need whatsoever to remember what one said or wrote, including the when and where. It is rather unfortunate that the sarkari maze is full of complexities, managed by complex people and based on baseless presumptions and figures.

The Anna Hazare crusade that hogged headlines today, appears to be the only ray of hope in the cesspool that the sarkari tantra in India has emerged as.

Why America is Great?

The Clinton episode shook America, but subsequently the candid confession of the President once again proved the greatness of America as a nation. How many of us, politicians or otherwise would candidly accept their guilt, that too in front of everyone? Our sincere attempts to cover up our shortcomings, ultimately boomerang making the situation messier.

America is also great because of the dignity of labor. Men there are generally not assessed or ranked in the social circles because of their job profile. The dignity provided to each and every single member of the society is also a reason why America is great.

"Satyamev Jayate" is our slogan, but we rarely believe in it and hardly ever practice it. The indian society survives on falsehood. But on the other hand, the American society lays tremendous premium on truthfulness in all matters, official and personal.

A smile on every face is what one finds while walking in America. On the other hand, walking on streets in Indian cities one would come across people with a frown on their generally morose faces as if they are handling onerous responsibilities of the nation. Official meetings are also drab and dull with each trying to impress the other with his work or a false notion of responsibilities that generally do not exist.

Here we are busy and remaining busy, whether there is any output or not, is considered creditable. There they are delivering, remaining busy is just not important.

And most importantly, we shall forever continue to have potential because we are preserving it carefully. On the other hand America is fiercely consuming its potential. Yet we seek credit for having potential. How immature!