Civic Sense - Not Applicable In India

Civic Sense – Not Applicable in India

Strong words for the scenario in India. WE are increasingly being labeled as a country of rapists, scoundrels, a country going to the dogs, mute to the situation affecting us and with rampant corruption. But, something has changed in the psyche of our nation we are at best indifferent to the surroundings. An indifferent attitude, why should we care, or it doesn’t affect me is the current attitude.

It is interesting we can urinate in public, defecate in the open but we can’t kiss in public! The morality police would be there to admonish and also slap you with a fine. Imagine that. Why do Indians lack civic sense?

Because as Clark Gable from Gone with the Wind says, ‘Frankly my dear, we wouldn’t give a damn. “ We will touch, spit, urinate in the open invade personal space, touch grope a female, give back rude replies, bully, conduct unruly behavior on public transport and the worst because nobody told us it was wrong.

Gurinder Kaur replies, “ I have seen trash flying out the swankiest cars with out a care. All of us become very civic when we are in foreign countries for the fear of a fine but here. All gets piled up right in front of the house!”

Parents these days are worried about good grades, marks in Math’s, and to secure positions to get admission in universities, civics is learnt by rote so that one may score high percentages and is not given any importance. There are no practical lessons in school or at home. Civic sense is the sense of belongness with a community in all respects and the social ethics that seek a common good for all. Regrettably we do not keep our surroundings clean, we will throw all outside the premises without a care for anyone.

In fact Ms.. Parminder Pannu Councilor of ward 60 is an upset lady; she is supervising the construction of the roads in her ward with a huge grant and the behavior of her own constituent residents is saddening. They are just not bothered in cooperating with her. There are designated earmarked areas where garbage should be thrown; but no they will not do so. Drains are being cleaned in Khurla Kingara; that are overflowing with Corex bottles, broken needles, plastic, and used cloth, she gets them cleaned again and again and but they get clogged. WHY?

The problem is we end up blaming the authorities, the government, but we ignore the fact garbage is produced by us, and we dump it in lanes avoiding to be seen by others. As education seems to be increasing in the generation is turning illiterate towards cleanliness, hygiene. Civic sense is not only about keeping roads clean, hygiene but to respect the law, respect fellowmen, maintaining decorum in public places.

We are witnessing road rage, separatism vandalism of public property, and a worrying aspect affecting you, everyone, racism and me.

People are becoming less and less tolerant of each other’s cultures, backgrounds. India is a diverse country and we need to have a general civic sense and respect others. Navneet Khakh, from Hoshiarpur says lack of manners, lack of respect for senior citizens, women in particular is predominant. Col Chamkaur Singh, from Calcutta points an interesting fact that we all suffer from loud speakers!

Be it in the Gurudwara , temples, or the jagraata wala’s, yes, please practice your religion, pay homage but blaring noises should be avoided. I am sure God resides in our heart and He doesn’t need blaring loud noises.

WE all are guilty, the dirt started somewhere, no one came and overnight deposited the refuse. Using ‘everybody does” attitude does not absolve you. Indians are very proud of the lack of display of civic sense. Be it the highflying businessman, the politician we all flaunt the unwritten rules.

Teach your child, this responsibility, another also is that we have precious natural resources do not demarcate, spoil them. Your undying love poem or carving your initials is not going to make your love stronger or immortal it will only last if you are true!

 According to an NRI Nancy Chawla Sarkaria ‘ Civic sense means understanding responsibilities and duties towards its town and country and not only voicing rights at every given opportunity. Civic sense is basic common sense making sure waste is properly disposed off, public property is preserved and traffic rules obeyed. People need to stop playing the blame game and mud slinging. Rich and poor are equally responsible. Poor people probably lack civic sense because they aren't aware or educated. The rich don't care about it because as long as all the rubbish is beyond their palatial homes it doesn't bother them and it's easier to just roll down their car windows and sling all the rubbish on to the roads Well off course what are the sweepers paid for!

The onus of keeping our surroundings starting from the street , to the city to the town to the state and the country so forth lies with us. It is our money being used by the government to build the infrastructures, be judicious and respect it . In the end your own pocket gets pinched in a roundabout fashion. Do not think , it is not your problem , it is !

We , welcome suggestions by the readers and hope we can start a campaign to live better and enjoy our surroundings rather than turn up  our noses in disgust .