It's been almost 24 years since I was born, and somehow I thought that during this time the world would become a better place. It hasn't happened. Instead the news is filled with stories about cruelty, violence, greed and indifference to the poor, the sick and the vulnerable. Yet there are a few incidences once in a while that restores my faith in humanity. So I started wondering.
How could we make the world different, so that doing the right thing would be a normal thing? What would it take?
What if the Government put the needs of the citizens above the needs of banks, bondholders,corporate giants and the insatiable greed of politicians?
What if teaching the young and caring for the old became the most prestigious jobs a person could do?
What if people started saving up for things instead of borrowing and hoping they would be able to give the money back?
What if banks stopped speculating and went back to old fashioned banking: taking in money from savers and then lending it out to borrowers?
What if children were encouraged to follow their dreams and not the social norm of being considered of worth only if they turned out to be a doctor or an engineer?
What if kids were let out to play and not be forced to sit at home and forced to study 24x7. Wont they turn out better educated if they were allowed to interact with other people and learn from their own experiences,rather than being spoon fed by their parents?
What if health and safety regulations could be adjusted so that they make the lives of the aam aadmi better rather than allowing giant insurance companies to make good profits?
What if incentives were given to manufacturers and construction companies to make and build things that actually last? Quality over quantity? Just look and the roads in Kerala. Most of them will turn into a pathetic state after a few months and a couple of rains.
What if whistle-blowers were treated as heroes and heroines and their reports listened to and acted upon by the government? Instead the government tries to squash anyone who tries to bring out the dirty truth.
What if companies stayed true to their mission statements, both in word and spirit?
What if companies could make beautiful products and want to give something back to society instead of just trying to make a quick buck?
What if driving became fun again, and cycling and walking became safer and easier?
What if the energy, passion and enthusiasm of teenagers and young people could be harnessed as a force for good? Instead their ideals are seen as western culture and spoken off in a negative manner.
What if the wisdom and experience of older people could be valued?
What if the squeezed middle-class could be given a break, so that families no longer have to struggle with caring for two generations, working two jobs and trying to repay home loans, healthcare and education as well?
What if we remembered the power of Mother Nature, and stopped thinking that we can improve on everything that she has provided for us? The food, the natural resources, the environment.
What if once a baby was born,regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl, they had the right to live a good life? That they would be given every chance and every opportunity to survive.
What if we all stopped judging and started helping?
What if we could do all this, and still have fun, occasionally buy pointless things, still play loud music, still dance and sing and let our hair down and walk on the beach with a smile and not care about the less important things in life.wouldn't the world be a better place then?
