So, the next article was about the corporal punishments, child laborers et al. This is an issue, no doubt. My only brush with corporal punishment was when I was in my 9th std and one of the teachers had picked up a 6th std student for gross lack of behavior. She had made this girl stand out of the class and slapped her. I could almost hear it.I didn't know it was such a huge issue. Back then, since I did not know the kid much, I was convinced she must've deserved it somehow because this female teacher was one of the most lively and enthusiastic teachers I've ever come across. There wasn't a single cultural event that was complete without her contribution in the form of choreography/singing/make-up (no, she was a teacher of social studies, if you were thinking it was natural). Anyway, that scene stayed in my head and I did not much accuse anyone for it. The girl was fine and I saw she was dancing alongside this teacher in the cultural event next week. So, I thought a little punishment or reprimand never did anyone bad, more so, since I've seen what totally spoilt kids are like, at home and elsewhere.
This article went on to blame various people and came up with a plethora of sensible solutions.
One striking thought was, however, quite unsettling. That the poor are given 'charity education'. As much as I dwell on it, I think it to be true. But the answers are always out of reach or implementation.
On that note, why are we so convinced? So fatalistic? Why do we resign so easily?
Couldn't we help kids with our little means? Aren't they the future? Religiously, I google for 'charitable' organizations in the country. CRY is the first result. I check the page only to discover I had joined it years ago. Maybe that was another moment in time I had felt for the cause. Another such inspiration dulled by time. Callousness!
Then I say to myself, "charity begins at home sweetheart. Weren't you the one who planned the donation campaign with friends such that we supply the missionaries of charity near college with stuff they need on our birthdays? since our birthdays are quite well spread over the year? Ah, there, I am satisfied. Now, you ARE doing your part! Sweet dreams!
Our resignation to fate comes perhaps from laziness and an inherent human tendency to pass the buck. If something goes wrong, it's easy to blame destiny. When we think we are convinced, we really are only pushing over to this ethereal destiny .... and more often than not, we end up creating such a strong illusion of this destiny that we have no strength to face the truth: we are callous.
ReplyDeleteYou have rightly enunciated that.