"O, wind, if
winter comes, can spring be far behind?"
—Percy Bysshe Shelley
(English, 1792-1822)
Word
for the day
Cosmopolis (n)
An internationally important city inhabited by many different peoples
reflecting a great variety of cultures, attitudes, etc.
Malice
towards none
Nowadays there are two types
of people in India - One: whose WhatsApp DP displays patriotic themes like the Tricolor or
symbol of Indian Army; Two: the others.
First random thought this morning
The decision of Manipur Iron Lady to enter politics with the
objective of making it to top is commendable. I guess this may mark a watershed
in Indian politics.
For example, one, it may re-inspire many other right thinking
citizens, including those who got completely de-motivated and disenchanted
after their brief sojourn with Arvind Kejriwal. Two, it may trigger a rethink
in the Congress Party that good people are willing to join politics if they are
allowed a fair opportunity for rising to the top. Three, it may strengthen the
forces of sustainability and equity against crony capitalism and crony
socialism.
Prevention vs. punishment
Most of us would have encountered traffic cops hiding behind
trees, electric poles, etc., waiting for someone to commit a traffic crime like
jumping the signal or violating the prescribed speed limits.
It is usually annoying on an isolated road with scant traffic. Few
of us have motivation to obey traffic rules under such circumstances. Many a
times one even would not notice the traffic signal as there is no traffic on either
side of the signal. You leisurely cross the signal and suddenly two cops spring
up from nowhere waiving at you to pull over. Thereafter usually some
negotiations are pursued and a suitable deal is arrived at.
But have you noticed that these traffic cops are usually not seen
where serious traffic jams take place every day morning and evening. Have you
ever seen a traffic cop filling a small two feet wide pit in the middle of the
road, that is causing traffic jam of several kilometers. At least I have not.
So where is the disconnect?
In my view, the disconnect lies in the orientation of the
personnel assigned the duty to manage the traffic on roads.
I did speak to some of them, asking "what is your primary
duty?" A majority of them said "to enforce traffic rules". No
one said "to ensure safety & security of people using the roads;
maintain smooth flow of traffic; and/or properly guide the road users".
None of them was aware of the bird named "right of way" on the road.
Prevention does not appear high in our priority of things.
Punishment is what we pursue vigorously.
This perhaps applies to the whole spectrum of the public
compliance management system - be it police, taxation, civic administration or
anything else.
One may argue that it's not only the public compliance system, but
the personal management also; as reflected in disease management at household
level (including overwhelming use of self medication).
Our schools teachers are also mostly focused on the "marks
obtained" by the students rather than focusing on the overall personality
development of the students, including inculcation of traits like patriotism,
nationalism and compliance. Consequence is that we are popularly regarded as a
society which is cynical; argumentative; performs only when whipped; complies
only for the fear of punishment; and usually puts personal interest before the
common interest. The trust abyss between police/security forces and citizens is
also a consequence of this orientation.
The government has great opportunity at hand to address this
shortcoming in formulation of GST rules regulations and new education policy.
This mindset and orientation impacts our investing behavior also.
Will discuss it tomorrow.
Still working on the implications of GST on my investment
strategy. Will share with the readers next week.
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