PUBLIC DISCIPLINE : WHY WE ARE NOT RESPECTED

The other day my wife and I were at McDonalds’. It is expected, of customers, as it is anywhere in the world that one comes up to the ordering counter in a queue. In spite of the fact that there were not many waiting to be attended to, a young man of about 28-30 years overstepped my turn and started to place the order. Of course, he was curtly turned away.

Now this behavior is quite evident anywhere and everywhere in India. It does not speak well of our upbringing, our quality of education and public morality. Outsiders, visiting our country take back with them a very low opinion of us. It is surprising that many countries try an avoid having us amongst them.

I was born in Mumbai and as a youngster saw this practice of lining up at bus stops, railway ticket counters, cinema and theaters, and at many places where there is perforce public attendance. There was very little rude behavior. The young showed respect towards ladies. Children and the elderly were given way to. I and many others would get up and offer seats in the bus, trains etc to ladies and elderly gents. One hardly comes across such chivalry these days. Today, the attitude is to ‘grab’ before somebody else gets to it. I witness such regardless behavior, almost daily. We seem to lack in regard for those around us.

Surprisingly, many Indian I have come across abroad, and I have travelled some, are a changed lot when there. But, the moment they land back they display no such level of manners or etiquette. Truly, a ‘Dr Jekyll & Mr.Hide’syndrome. There is a sizeable number who take pride and encourage young to adopt such tactics to get what ever is desired. They applaud, when their wards narrate their ‘bravado’ in breaking rule and regulation of decent behavior.

The question is why? Why do we conduct our self in such a manner? Shouldn’t we take pride to be respected and be known & seen as law bidding Citizens, of our Country? Are we afraid that by not teaching the correct way of living, our children may not find themselves to be fit to survive in the world we live in?

There are countries that discourage the entry of Indians. We are told a simple statement, learn to stand in a queue, also, respect your fellow beings’ Democratic Right. I am afraid; we have in this country paucity in ‘roll models. Instead, we have, who can best be listed as ‘perverts of Law’. In our society we have many who by example show that they got all because they knew how to get, and, not because they deserved to get it. We who love this Country, and, our Children, have to ensure that such ‘humans’ are ‘discouraged’. This will ensure non-dilution of public morality.

Perhaps, we will succeed soon to be known as ‘Law’ bidding and be respected