Be the change that you want to see in this world

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the brightest star of the Indian shy in the first half of 19th century. His greatness lies in the fact of him ‘being the change’. He constantly worked for securing the ideals in which he had immense faith. He fought for women rights by fighting against sati, for Inheritance right & Education of women. He called for egalitarian society by abolishing caste system, preaching monotheism and arguing against Idol worship. He also took keep interest in International issues. His life is an example of Be the change that you wish to see in the world’.

                These lines were said by Mahatma Gandhi during his fight for freedom. In essence means shedding the ‘Dependency’ Syndrome & taking agency for once own belief system & working towards it. It encourages ‘action’- it is consistent with the philosophy that an ocean is filled drop by drop. In a similar way this world will improve only when everybody does their bit.

                Ancient India is filled with this philosophy. Leaders like Gautama Buddha & Jain tirthanharas Constantly advised one to take charge of their affairs. Resignation was considered as sin. King Ashoka stood for peace $ became an ambassador of peace world over by giving up violence. During the light for their freedom leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther king, Nelson Mandela all showed through their determined action that being a change is possible.

Via this Essay it can be established that Being a change is not only desirable but also necessary in today’s world because waiting for someone else to take a step will mean that tomorrow may never come.

BEING THE CHANGE-

                Most of our social issues start from the fact that people either are prisoner of traditions or prisoner of their fear. This has led to Subjugation of women from ancient times. But form pre Independence time women themselves have become the change. Bharat Mahila Andolan stood for women education in the past. All India women Conference led by Margaret sister argued for political rights for women which led to passing of 1919 Act by Britishers.

Post Independence Self employed women association was started by Ilabhatt to help women become arbitrators of their fate. It promotes sell help groups among women to become Independent.

Self help groups

• MICRO
  • Financial Inclusion
  • Economic Independence
• MACRO
  • Political empowerment
  • Social Mainstreaming

                The lizzat papad is famous in the entire country is due to work by SEWA which was led by women themselves. There are other examples like Aarti Devi an Investment banker who left her job & became the youngest Sarpanch of ‘Dhunkapara’ Gram panchayat in odisha. She revived folk Art, improved women education.

Individuals like Ishwar Chandra vidyasagar, Jyotiba phule Justice Ranade also focused on waken development. In Recent times Zomato Company has taken a lead to provide 26 weeks of paternity leaks thus reducing the burden of women. This is what being the change one wants to see stands for.

                In a similar way other venerable sections of the society are asserting their authority to see a change they long for. People belonging to dalit community are seen coming out in the open. Post Rohit vemulas Death then was a uproar in the country. A Dalit student being discriminated was not acceptable to the community. Similar case happened in Bhima koregaon case where Dalits started ‘Being the change’ rather than being dependent on others.

                The other oppressed communities are Tribals. Being the passive beneficiary led to their discrimination, loss of rights & livelihood. But post forest right Act- the tribals are seen protecting forests, collecting minor forest produce. Schedule 5 & 6 which provides autonomy to the tribals precisely is based on the theme of ‘Be the change’ so that they can take charge of their day to day life.

Preservation of forest will lead to conservation of water ‘water crisis is real’ composite water management Index of Niti Aayog observes that 600 mm people face water stress. This is because we all think that concretization of water is responsibility of the government.

                ‘Tarun Bharat Sangh’ of Rajasthan has taken upon Itself to pressure water via Rain water harvesting. Similarly many state governments have taken a lead like Delhi, Tamil nadu to make water harvesting compulsory rather than waiting for centre to demand these states have adopted the philosophy of being the change.

The society has a direct bearing an economy. Due to heavy development, the concept of sustainability has become important. But due to greed & self serving tendencies many countries have ignored this concept. (USA moving out of pan’s climate Deal).

                Energy is the backbone of any economy. Due to limited & polluting nature of non renewable sources, The prudent course would be to go for renewable energy. However it may be costly. Countries like Germany (2nd in wind power) , VK, Norway (37% vehicles are electric) have taken the necessary step in this direction.

Even India has kept 175 GW of Evaluable energy as a target by 2022. The Economic survey 2019 calls for promoting Electric vehicles which focus less than 1% of total vehicles. Recognizing the sensitive nature of environment India has adopted the philosophy of ‘Be the change’.

Strong Economy in essence is a product of strong polity. Women participation as a equal stakeholders is important & also their right. It is a change everybody agrees is needed but no one works for it.

                States like west Bengal & odisha provided 1/3 tickets to women in 17th Lok Sabha Elections. Moreover around 19 states have given 50% reservations in local self government as against mandated 1/3rd to women. 73nd & 74th constitution Amendment has led to ushering in ‘Grass roof democracy’ & showing a template to the world in women empowerment & bottom up level of development.

Only a stable polity can ensure secured nation. Recent attach in Srilanka, Afghanistan, New Zealand has shown Increasing terrorism. India has taken Initiative to call for Global conference on terrorism’ & also proposed convention of comprehensive measures against international terrorism at UN.

                Similarly the world is always at the brink of Nuclear was due to increasing nudo-risation. Although many countries like Brazil have acted in a statesmanship way & renounced Nuclear weapons, many countries continue to use it. Infact 9 Nuclear nations did not participate in UN conference recently, India can take a lead to persuade all the countries to shed the weapons as violence & peace cannot go together.

Security is also threatened due to increasing Refugee crisis Rohingyas from Myanmar have migrated to India & Bangladesh & there are news reports suggesting Radicalization taking place among them.

                 The EU has come out with a complete country specific Quota reflecting its compassionate side. Even India recently made 250 prefabricated house in Myanmar. However this is too less compared to the problem being faced. India needs to come out with a long term policy to solve the issue rather than waiting for others to take a stand.

                Additionally in the arena of international relations India has showed the world way ahead. Be it raising a voice against Colonialism, Apartheid or trying to solve Disputes like Korea, Palestine, India has never shied away from its responsibility. A better, peaceful & united world is a vision of our DPSP also (Article 51).

Environment in today’s time is another Global Common. Countries came together to sign Paris climate agreement to ensure Global warming is reversed in future. Also India promoting International Solar Alliance is an example of ‘Being the change’.

FUTURE OF BEING THE CHANGE

                The Tomorrow we spoke about in the beginning requires:

1. International Steps: by agencies like UN to promote a Inclusive. Development & System (SDG-8).
2. Nationally: countries taking up responsibility. This would require steps to reduce disputes like Korea, USA-china which affects other countries also.
3. Sub nationally: States should understand ‘strong states means strong nation’ Ex Kerala Social Model of development.
4. Individually: to understand that ‘change begins from us’.

It is said that ‘Journey of thousand miles starts from a single step’. It every 130cr people take a step the county will move that many steps ahead.