THE OTHER SIDE
As many people prepare to celebrate the advent of a new calendar year, 2020 will not easily fade away from memory. The Covid-19 pandemic has proved to be much more than a public health issue as it has affected much more than just the health of people. Going by what some experts state, even if the administering of the vaccine begins within a couple of months, the virus may stay and influence us for some more time. Despite the overwhelming impact of Covid on the lives of people and functioning of the government, the impact of the virus is not the only striking feature of this year which is about to end. The movement undertaken by a segment of farmers against what the government calls agricultural reforms is one such striking feature of 2020. Apart from once again eliciting focus on the importance and need for timely and clear communication, it has also elicited the focus on the need for going beyond narratives and respecting professions.
In politics, narratives are used by both the government and the opposition for constructive and other aims. However, even in apparently constructive efforts, there are aspects which are missed. For example, both the government and the opposition continue to refer to farmers as Annadata. Nothing really wrong in this description as the farmers do provide grains and other produce which are essential for society. However, they are in the profession of farming and sell their produce. If being in the business of growing and selling agricultural produce makes one an Annadata, what would one call that most frequently targeted segment of society which also happens to be making do with less than the best deals? The consumer is that person without whom, no producer or service provider can earn a living. The consumer buys what the farmers produce and what all the manufacturers of other products and providers of services offer. It is no rocket science to understand that there is no business which can exist without the consumer. And yet, is the consumer actually being treated fairly? The powers that be are aware of the realities but some narratives and descriptions will continue as they are now for some more time. It would be good though if enhancing professionalism in the real sense does not remain limited to speeches.
However, irrespective of how the existing narratives are treated or touched up in 2021, the new year is likely to bring a range of developments towards which steps have been initiated either in the current year or in the past. The Covid pandemic may have disrupted the momentum of some plans but it has also taught society and the government some lessons. As is the tendency of humans, some learn from bad experiences and put the lessons to good use while others ignore the same. Considering the track record of the current government at the centre, one can expect that it has learnt some lessons while also proactively dealing with the changes exerted by Covid on the global scenario. The government too is made up of humans with their strengths and weaknesses so logically all of its works cannot appear perfect to everyone. But, whether you like it or not, 2021 is likely to bring with it a lot more action.
Saturday, 26 December 2020 | Paritosh Kimothi | Dehradun
