Don't Thank God, I am in minority!

Non-Disclaimer: The views expressed here are completely of my own. It is not intended to hurt any particular community. The word "I" used here represents not just myself but all those who follow all the good things that have been mentioned below. It is not at all obligatory for the readers to follow any of these.

It was a pleasant Sunday morning, the road just outside my house was mostly empty, an empty road is a rare phenomenon for a normal working day, but not for a Sunday. I was driving at usual speed when I came across a Red signal and as always I stopped waiting for it to turn Green. And then I saw few vehicles passing by me jumping the Red signal. They didn't care to look around nor they seemed to be bothered much. They were only interested in reaching their goal ahead of time; they would not have hesitated to drive the wrong way, honking unnecessarily and discomforting others who were following the discipline. I was a in a minority then.

But I prayed to the Almighty to bestow a lot of common sense in many of us that would inspire them to follow the traffic rules. And perhaps we will soon see अच्छे दिन for the Pune traffic.

Last year, during summer vacations, we were traveling to Mumbai by train. It was a Friday evening; the train was over-crowded, passengers were standing in a reserved bogie, the vendors were making round trips to sell their food items. Overall, it was a very noisy atmosphere. Soon we reached Lonavala and Vada-Paav vaalas barged into the bogie. The Vada-Paav was followed by Tea-Coffee vendors. After a nice round of snacks, many of the passengers kept the garbage under their seats; while few started throwing it outside the window. And these were so-called educated cultured citizens from the Metros.

Normally we carry our own bags to keep the garbage that we produce during the journey and throw it in the dustbins at the station. I wondered why these people could not do it. We started talking to few of them but to our disbelief we were greeted by bad words followed by a kind advice of minding our own business. Alas, we were in minority once again.

In 2012, I had to renew my passport and I was not getting time due to extremely hectic schedule at office. Many of the friends advised me to approach an Agent as it would have saved my time and frustration. All it would have taken is proper preparation for the passport appointment and reserving about 6-8 hours of time if planned in advance. Can't we do it ourselves?

Same scene goes for getting a Driving license, Ration Card, Railway bookings, etc. Why pay the Agents hefty amount almost double the original charges and encourage the Agent culture? But guess I am in minority again. :-(

Any businessman - be it a manufacturer, service provider, a building contractor, jeweller - have to pay bribes at the government office to get/renew licenses; as if this has become a norm. Examples of a successful clean businessman have become rare. Paying or taking bribes seems to be a socially accepted practice just as consuming liquor or going to a disco/dance bar.

Busy parents are attending every demand of their kids to keep them happy and warm; is it a give-and-take for the time that they cannot spend with the kids? Those who don't do it often are succumbed to the peer pressure. Are we creating a healthy future for our children when we encourage them to eat junk food regularly, celebrate birthdays in restaurants or gifting them expensive things for their age?

I again find myself in minority, but this time I thank God because my conscience tells me that it is better to be with my children - playing games, going to parks, occasionally eating outside, going on a vacation with them - than to succumb to their unreasonable demands. We just need to be little bit strict and firm with ourselves.

So, are you in a minority and feeling proud about it? Or are you succumbing to the current social norms and be happy that you are not the only ones? Ask and decide yourself!

Being in minority on the above matters won't draw any benefits for you from Government schemes; however you would certainly be more satisfied and happy with yourself that you are on the right path to secure an environment friendly, value-based happy future for the generations to come.

Perhaps you will be awarded with lots of मनःशांती which will be with you forever, choice is yours.