Shattering the Apathy

Apathy is one of the most potent problems that is facing man in the world of today. It involves indifference as well as Non-Participation in an important event which is essential to man's everyday functioning. This Indifference when spread to areas like Politics, Justice can be detrimental to the very functioning of Democracy. It is necessary for citizens to shatter the bubble of Apathy that they have built. By Ordinary Citizens engaging in Political and Judicial Activism, the country can truly call itself progressed. By engaging in Active Participation, Citizens are vigilant against chronic problems like Corruption and Mismanagement. Let us look at instances where Activism has helped and the reason why this should be initiated at all levels now.

The call to shatter Apathy came from a Hit film in India called 'Rang De Basanti'. Several other films had been made earlier which called upon people to change the system, but 'Rang De Basanti' captured the psyche of the Indian public in ways which no other film had done before. Several Dialogues stand out of which these two are the most potent. "No Nation is Perfect, it has to be MADE Perfect." The other dialogue is "There are two ways of living life. One, keep on bearing it. Watch silently as things happen. The Other, TAKE Responsibility and CHANGE things". It is the second dialogue which is so important. For far too long, India's Public has silently watched as Corruption and mismanagement have set the country back. In the dynamics of the 21st century, it has become necessary for Citizens all over the world to participate actively in Politics, so that Politicians think twice before mismanaging the country. Citizens Scrutiny ensures better transparency and hence smoother functioning.

Being engaged in Activism has got its advantages. The Jessica Lall case, Priyadarshini Mattoo Case and the Nitish Katara case are examples that Activism by Citizens can ensure that Justice is delivered. With the growth of the Media indusrty, the scope of Information is plenty. Thankfully, the Media is reinforcing the power of the Citizens by enforcing the concept of Citizen Journalist, hence there is a platform for vigilance on behalf of the citizens. For too long, there was no clear path between the Citizens and the pillars of Democracy. Now, with the change in Times, Media is providing this path.

Of Course, it would be completely wrong for the citizens to entrust the scope of Activism for the Media alone. Media suffers from bottlenecks ranging from Infotainment, Tabloidization and absolute Trivialization. The growth in Media Industry has led to a whole range of Voyareustic Adventures, and thus the Citizen will be completely disengaged from this 'Soap Operization' of News. It is thus up to us to remain vigilant, and ensure that Unity on many fronts is maintained.

The Right to Information is a tool which once again reinforces the power of the citizen. But, it suffers from several roadblocks, and there are attempts by the Political establishment to weaken the Right to Information. It is in this case that Citizens need to look at Alternative sources of Information, to ensure that they do not remain duped. The country can only be saved by the Citizens, and they can do it because the ways are open for them, only key things are Patience, Assertiveness and Vigilance.

The only question remains as to who and what will Push the Citizens into Activism? As mentioned above, Media and several other Citizen Laws have bottlenecks and loopholes, by which Corruption will stay. Accordin to me, it is about time that Citizens glance down at their conscience and seek to right the wrongs. Citizen Scrutiny, Participation with Unity, follwoing the framework of the Law and the determination to right the wrong has to be the mindset of the Citizens. Maybe, the first push can come from an Ordinary Citizen, but the message is clear. If Apathy Continues, then the country is bound to stagnate. If Activism grows, then the country will be truly developed.