Editor,
Very often the reason that causes our depression is a grave and genuine one. Any issue be it the death of our dear one, injustice, social ills, unbearable financial constraints, physical abuse or emotional torture ~ is indeed very serious in nature. When we suffer from depression, our well wishers generally advise us to share our pain with them, to listen to soothing music, to read an inspiring book, to get solace in the beauties of nature and to consult with a doctor. Needless to say, they advise such things not to get any money or favour from us. They only want to comfort us as they are our friends in need. Unfortunately, we sometimes think that they are trying to belittle the gravity of the problem that is causing our depression. And also we are apprehensive about whether they are casting doubts on our mental strength. Such thinking actually belittles our genuine friends and isolates ourselves from them.
The funny thing is that when we suffer from cough and cold or from asthma, we do not hesitate to go to a doctor and give her/ him medical fees to get necessary advice. And we eagerly follow doctor’s prescription which advises us to drink plenty of water, soup and to inhale water vapour apart from taking medicines. Our doctor prescribes those things not to pooh-pooh air pollution which is indeed the main reason for our bronchial disease but to give us some relief. Ironically, had our doctor finished her/ his job by saying, ~ “You see, air-pollution is the main culprit. Let’s solve that problem first. You mustn’t try to get some temporary relief!” ~ we would have been very angry!
As a matter of fact, the social stigma attached to mental problems makes us behave in this manner. Such stigma can wreak havoc especially on the psyche of a man as we have been brainwashed with such nonsense as ‘a real man should not cry.’ If a man becomes emotional then he runs the risk of being branded as a “cry – baby”. The problem of dancing with the tune of such a male – stereotype adds insult to injury.
It is time to break ourselves free from gender stereotypes and to shed all inhibitions about depression or any other mental stress. We must not forget that no disease can be branded as exclusively mental or physical one. Our diseases are mainly psychosomatic as the mind and the body are closely connected.
Yours etc.,
Sujit De,
Kolkata
Importance of independent M&E
Editor
Apropos HH Mohrmen’s article relating to the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihoods Programme(IBDLP) where the writer spoke favourably about the programme and to the extent possible spelt out the efficacy of its approach which sounds revolutionary and promising. Subsequent reactions in letters published by your paper however contradicted the observations made in the article with critical opinions especially on the implementation aspect of the programme. There was even a call to review or revisit the programme to assess its actual impact on the ground so far.
While it is typical to have contradictory observations on developmental efforts especially on the innovative ones, however in this particular instance such observations assume significance as these are related to an ambitious programme believed to be initiated by the Chief Minister of the state himself with high expectations that it will bring the much required positive changes in the related field that it covers. It is also understood that substantial funds have been drawn in from different sources in order to provide financial support to the programme
Since both these observations were personal valuations without substantial evidences to support either, the actual position on the ground is therefore vague and inconclusive . But given the magnitude of the programme , the proposed extent of its reach , the huge investment being poured in for its implementation , the apparently serious commitment that has been made so far and its projected scope of advancement, one would tend to agree with the observation that there is certainly a need to evaluate the programme on the ground by now to determine if it is moving on the right track before fast forwarding it further. The evaluation should, of course, be done by an independent monitoring and evaluation (M&E) agency.
The evaluation of the programme is necessitated more by the fact that though its exponents claim that it is sound and feasible for the intended objectives , it is also understood that its concept has not really sunk into the psyche of many in government and many public representatives as well and therefore it could be regarded as an incompatible and unworthy proposition. However a proven success after evaluation will strengthen the cause for its continuity while a proven failure will justify its discontinuance regardless of any government or leadership that comes in later in the state . By now the state perhaps cannot afford to change horses midstream with every change of government while pursuing plan and strategies as inconsistent development paradigm and short term tactical policies could lead to growth that is vague, incomprehensible and unrewarding .
Likewise , evaluation of any Mission initiated by the government which is in the advance stage of progress would determine if the administrative and strategic approaches adopted therein are effective enough to bring reasonably satisfactory results so that such approaches can be relatively replicated in any new Mission being introduced. In fact, such other development programmes which aims at expanding human capability for expansion of resources and production under implementation in the state since many years may perhaps be also evaluated by now to highlight the achievement and failures , the extent that old problems have been solved, what is left to be done and if there are new problems to be addressed.
Undoubtedly , innovative programmes for development are essential as these will define future approach towards progress and advancement. However , these should also be buttressed with sound guiding principles that are significantly derived from a holistic and genuine appraisal of interventions made so far . Thereafter a modest beginning conforming with the built up capacity in place to ensure a sound approach , commencing steady monitoring and subsequent evaluation with progress will determine the worth of such programmes for expansion. It might sound like a slowdown approach but it could be a slow and steady move towards growth that is definite, plausible and beneficial.
Yours etc.,
KL Tariang,
Via email