By Ricky Cooper Pathaw
With the advent of the 1990s accompanied by tension generated by societal, technological and economic changes, it seem that young people are confronted with decisions that they have to juggle with, be it at the individual level, family and society. At times without weighing the pros and cons of the positive and negative consequences of the choices that we take, we are quick to reach the verdict that seem not intruding to our usual practices, norms and customs. we secure the boundary of our comfort zones by spawning self-conceited arguments, and at times downright stupid. We allow ourselves to be bounded by our habitual psychological, cultural and traditional frontiers without making any efforts in challenging our commonly held beliefs and values. But without questioning our habitual views and opinions that we so dearly hold we will encounter road-blocks which may act as an impediment towards our reaching a more meaningful future, It is a sinful act that we are committing not only for ourselves but for the coming generation too. I think it is time that we adopt the Socratic method of questioning. The Socratic Method searches for general, commonly held truths that shape opinion and scrutinizes them to determine their consistency with other beliefs. It rejects any commonly held belief that is not logical; that is not factual and which is detrimental to the progress of society and individuals.
What prompted me to jot something on the stated heading is the fear that if the decision that we take now, if not properly weighed, pondered upon and contemplated to assess its present and future consequences may cause great loss. Speaking specifically of loads of social issues that are plaguing us today and that need an impeccable social policy which we at times advocate for a quick fix or publicly cry for rejection without thinking of its future costs is problematic. In a world where an over-abundance of transient information and emotions continually keeps the spotlight on immediate problems we need a patient analysis. Public opinion cries out for quick answers and ready solutions, whereas many problems call for a patient, concerted, negotiated strategy of reform. For instance, the National Population Register (NPR) under the provision of Citizenship Acts 1955 which by definition is a registry of citizens and non-citizens provides a data-bank which will provide an accurate picture of the non-citizens residing in different states of India. To my mind, I think having information of the citizen and non-citizens is the hallmark of the security of every state that make-up this nation. I also wonder at the possibility of a non-citizen fraudulently entering his/her name in the NPR as a citizen. On the other hand I think that registering them now is far better than doing the same after 10 years when the population of illegal migrants would have swelled beyond our capacity to contain it. Perhaps we may not be able to detect the fraudulent entrance of 10 or 15 illegal migrants in 2015 but it is far better than the possibility of them entering in thousands in 2025. Having a base figure at the earliest is better for later references, comparison and formulating a solution for the same if need be.
This is one such example but there are loads of other policies like the Chinese arithmetic kind that we concertedly need to beat our brains out and put our thinking caps together for coming up with solutions.
Dogged by these thoughts, I can’t help but reflect on the Delors Commission report published in 1996, ‘Education for the 21st century’ titled Learning: The Treasure within. It provides an overview of the social challenges and deals with a wide range of development issues, The Global vrs the Local, The Universal and the Individual, Tradition and Modernity, etc., It is true that we (let me not use the word Jaitbynriew ) as a small community cannot ignore the promises of globalization nor its risks, not the least of which is the risk of forgetting the unique character of individuals and society. It is for us to choose our own future and achieve our full potential within the carefully tended wealth of our traditions and culture. We need gradually to become world citizens without losing our roots and while continuing to play active parts in building our community. But the irony is that in every election, in a small gathering, in meetings and conferences we talk of change but it is sad that when it comes, we resist it. If we don’t like where we are now, then we must change; we must make a choice to take a chance or our lives will never change.
Human beings are not equipped mentally and emotionally to welcome new ideas, new ways of functioning, but we must make an effort. Let’s face it change is hard; it really is. Sometimes its downright painful but it is also true that change is a crucial part of productivity and it is vital. If we lack the ability to adapt and grow, our productivity will stall, stagnate and finally die. It is us then who will be losing. And when that happens, whom shall we cast the blame upon? I pray that the coming generation will not blame present generation as I have done on several occasions for the wrong decisions taken by the earlier generation resulting in the congested, unexpandable roads, the Defence Land in the heart of the city; residential buildings in the busiest part of the city – Iew Mawlong; the environmental problems and so on and so forth.
It is important for the readers to know that I’m not advocating the acceptance or rejection of the National Population Register or any policy for that matter, but what I am suggesting, is that we need a healthy discussion, a critical view and analysis, knowledge, comprehension, application, synthesis and evaluation, constructive arguments, a paradigm shift in our thoughts and we have to dare to question the values that no longer serve the interests of the larger audience before we come up with the decision which may stall or spur us in to a progressive future.
Don’t make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions.
(Ricky Cooper Pathaw) Lummawbah,UpperShillong East Khasi Hills Mob:8014983335 The writers welcome any suggestion and constructive critism.
You can reach me at: [email protected]