Tuesday, April 29, 2008

What will happen to India?

I'm worried.
I'm worried for you.
I'm worried that 5 years from now, an ambulance on our roads will be useless.
I'm worried that you can drive like a gentleman on America's roads, but forget the rules when driving on Indian roads.
I'm worried that we only talk and talking accomplishes nothing.
I
'm worried that YOU are not worried.

We talk about initiatives, we talk about 'making a difference'.
Why not do something as simple as buying energy efficient cars?
If you stay within 5 kilometers of your office, why not cycle to work? Why such aversion towards using public transportation?
Why do we need more than a 100 tube lights within a 8000 sft office space and why do you need another 50 smaller light bulbs to augment the tube lights' lighting during the day?
Why are our trees being cut without a thought for the environment?
Why are the insurance companies not thinking about the potential (and definite) increase in medical claims that will start 10 years from now (or are they already thinking about this)?

YOU are only interested in making money and buying newer and better things now, but will you be able to drive your fancy car on "wide open roads" 5 years from now?
YOU will rejoice at the birth of your child, but have you thought about the air he will breathe while she is growing up?

You want India to be the next superpower, but drive on India's roads as if it is a jungle
You want the government to give you the best infrastructure, but cross the road in the middle of traffic even when there is a foot over bridge 5 meters away.
You want roads to be widened and the traffic lights to work properly, but will still jump signals because "everybody else is also doing it".
You drive as if you're behind schedule and your time is precious, but pray when was the last time YOU were on time for anything.
You shout at the cabbie who is driving in a one way in the wrong direction, all this while you're driving and telling your wife on the phone what to make for dinner.


This is not rhyme, this is not prose,
The fire is spreading and I have just one hose