Are we past the point of no return?
The American electoral process has been quite an experience, not solely focused on the candidates but also on the individuals supporting them. On one side, there’s the left, and on the other, the right. Ultimately, we have a twice-impeached individual who embodies misogyny, setting a precedent for other climate change-denying leaders to flourish. If the United States, the most influential democracy globally, can choose such a figure, then why can’t other nations? Or are they merely appearing as a first world country with the intellect of a third world one?
A prime illustration is Elon Musk, the richest person on the planet. He tweets that college is overrated, yet claims that Americans lack the intelligence for employment, while simultaneously expressing concerns about declining birth rates and urging people to have more children, all the while creating products that replace human labor, thus eliminating jobs. This seems to be a dilemma primarily affecting the middle and lower classes.
So, how can we rein in wealthy individuals who seem to act without restraint? Let’s consider this—what if the middle and lower classes united and chose not to patronize their businesses? What if they sought out local alternatives to support? However, that could be counterproductive. Complaining without taking action seems to be ingrained in our nature. Personally, I believe I gain more insight from observing poor leadership than from good leadership; after all, it’s wiser to learn from others’ errors than to repeat one’s own. So, what to make of a world in chaos!
India, as a nation, is an enigma. It boasts truly capable and intelligent individuals, yet many aspire to leave for a more promising future. I recall my father sharing a story about an Indian student working as a waitress in Sydney. When he asked her if she would consider returning to her homeland, she emphatically said NO. A nation rich in culture and natural beauty that we often take for granted. In my view, this reflects three distinct forms of patriotism.
Genuine Patriotism – Individuals who genuinely care for their nation and its people, striving for their advancement.
Pseudo Patriotism – Those who claim to love their country yet would abandon her and her citizens at a moment’s notice.
Occasional Patriotism – Affection for our country is only displayed during events like Republic Day, Independence Day, or sports competitions.
So how does all this point to Sustainability?
India stands at a critical juncture. In terms of climate, population, pollution, sanitation, and numerous other issues, we are at a crossroads.Our population is increasing at an alarming rate (making us the most populated nation worldwide), which poses significant risks. A larger populace means more mouths to feed and a greater demand for jobs. In my villages and neighboring areas, individuals who had migrated for employment are now returning due to the lack of available work. Moreover, the ongoing discussions about AI seem to be accelerating this situation. It’s no surprise that CEOs are pushing for employees to work 80-hour weeks, as they undoubtedly have a reason to replace you. You are seen as dispensable, and that reflects our cultural mindset.
“Climate Change isn’t real; look, we have winter and it’s cold—where’s the global warming? This is all just propaganda,” I’ve heard many say. So, I sit down with them and explain it as if I were talking to a 10-year-old. Picture climate as a seesaw: on one side is the climate, and on the other, human impact. Once we start to disturb the balance of this seesaw, we experience unpredictable climate fluctuations. Greenhouse gas emissions tend to trap heat, resulting in shorter winters and prolonged summers, with both extremes becoming more pronounced. “Nonsense,” they retort. The number of individuals in Delhi and other urban areas suffering from severe pollution is shocking. If urban India can’t get its act together, how can we expect rural India to?
Regarding sanitation, India appears to ignore the issue, and our cleanliness seems to decline daily. However, we do have the Swachh Bharat Initiative.According to the pmindia.gov On October 2, 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched nationwide as a movement aimed at achieving the vision of a ‘Clean India’ by October 2, 2019. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is the most significant cleanliness campaign initiated by the Government of India. I wonder if this was ever realized!
Now, here lies the crux of the issue: mentality. We need to psychologically transform our mindset to one that genuinely respects ourselves. India can never truly become a sustainable nation; there seems to be no hope. We require a fundamental shift and must build upon that foundation. Without drastic changes, India will remain on a path leading to a polluted, plastic-ridden, unsanitary nation where it appears everyone’s father has a stake in it.
Are we at a point of no return? Absolutely. There seems to be no hope, and we are fated to be a corrupt nation where corruption has seeped into every corner of our society.
India will never be sustainable.