We Do Not Need A Gun 2

Smart Plus - R K Mittal IAS

         Thereafter the Commission visited Heaven. It found similar conditions there also. The place was well built and there was plenty to eat and drink. Again the inhabitants were unable to bend their elbows but they were healthy and cheerful. On close observation, it was found that, though each one of them was unable to take the food up to his mouth, he was doing so for others and thus each one was being fed by others. The result was obvious with everyone enjoying the prosperity of the place.

The same story is applicable to our society also.  It is up to us whether we create a heaven by helping each other or a hell by thinking of ourselves only. In both cases the effect is in geometrical progression. In the first case it is elevating and in the second one it is depressing.  While some negative elements will always exist in society, these are to be dealt with suitably, through the administrative process. The trouble arises when the overall situation becomes negative. This is what appears to have happened in present times. This trend has to be reversed and it does not require any, great ideas. The only change called for is a change of attitude. Instead of thinking of only ourselves, if we think of others too, the whole society will be benefited. An individual will also then stand to gain as a member of the society.

Fortunately, such a sorry state of affairs does not exist everywhere. There are many positive examples. There are many instances where great results have been achieved as a result of mutual cooperation. There are villages where there is no dispute, no need to lock houses, no lack of resources, etc. At such places, life is almost heavenly. There are also organizations where ideal working conditions prevail and people work in mutual trust and enjoy the fruits of the same. However, such cases are exceptional but they demonstrate the efficacy of the concept.

The idea is to convey that when we talk of the evils prevalent in the society, we should try to understand whom are we addressing. It is futile to expect solutions from others as they too are victims of the evils. To think of a solution by following the rat race only adds to the problem.  In fact, the problem should be addressed to oneself and a solution found within. Instead of thinking what one can do for oneself, one should think what he can do for others. In a way this approach is more selfish because ultimately the benefits will be reaped by him only and these would be much more than what one can gain by thinking of oneself only. If all of us do so, life will become heavenly and none of us will need a gun.

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