At the grassroots
In a large city like Bengaluru, there is a trend of having political rallies with people bussed in from far flung villages. Portions of a key lung space of the city, the Bengaluru Palace, have become a popular venue. It is a sad sight to see hundreds of people waiting under the harsh sun and spending a large part of the day only to hear a few words of hope and promise. Does this lead to development where it is needed the most, our villages and small towns? Villages are the building blocks of our country and form its backbone. If one’s back is hurt or weak, the entire body gets affected. A country like India cannot advance unless progress originates from the smallest and most remote village. One stone cannot hold up a building, but thousands of such stones can support even the tallest building in the world. The foundation stones may not be visible but every time we step into a building, one must think about them and be thankful for the load they bear. Similarly, the foundations of a diverse country like India are its villages.
Life in villages is as pure and simple as it can get. It must be celebrated and such a lifestyle must be promoted and encouraged. Developing villages gives people the opportunity to enjoy life without the toil and uncertainty of migrating to large cities. The best way to make people who live in villages take pride in their dwellings is for city folk to visit them. A whole tourism industry could be developed around the charm of a simple rustic lifestyle. Our leaders need to take charge and create the initiatives to make such things happen.
The first steps are developing infrastructure like roads, water and electricity. With these in place, other essentials to a successful tourism industry can come up. It would go a long way if politicians stopped having rallies in big cities, with people brought in from elsewhere. It would lessen traffic congestion and reduce wastage of fuel. Instead if rallies were held in villages and towns and promises for development are kept, it would increase the self respect and self worth of the people living in such places. Along with that will come other aspirations which are best served by improving access to education.
If truth be told, politicians are after votes and people after development. If politicians go to the people and keep their promises, the people will return every election cycle and re elect leaders who deliver. Then everyone wins.
Blessings to all
Swamiji
Life in villages is as pure and simple as it can get. It must be celebrated and such a lifestyle must be promoted and encouraged. Developing villages gives people the opportunity to enjoy life without the toil and uncertainty of migrating to large cities. The best way to make people who live in villages take pride in their dwellings is for city folk to visit them. A whole tourism industry could be developed around the charm of a simple rustic lifestyle. Our leaders need to take charge and create the initiatives to make such things happen.
The first steps are developing infrastructure like roads, water and electricity. With these in place, other essentials to a successful tourism industry can come up. It would go a long way if politicians stopped having rallies in big cities, with people brought in from elsewhere. It would lessen traffic congestion and reduce wastage of fuel. Instead if rallies were held in villages and towns and promises for development are kept, it would increase the self respect and self worth of the people living in such places. Along with that will come other aspirations which are best served by improving access to education.
If truth be told, politicians are after votes and people after development. If politicians go to the people and keep their promises, the people will return every election cycle and re elect leaders who deliver. Then everyone wins.
Blessings to all
Swamiji
