When you travel to Singapore, Malaysia and other countries in South-East Asia, you find a common "Asian" characteristic between them and us -Indians. We keep on harping as to how Buddhism, Sanskrit, Hinduism, Indian cuisine have a deep impact on the entire region. Thats what we take pride in. But we conviniently ignore the other progress and development that these small countries have made. Just consider the example of India and Singapore. Both were Bristish colonies. Both were ruled by Britishers for more than 150 years. Both were poor countries then. But today if we see, Singapore is one of the few developed nations in Asia and India still carries the tricky tag "developing" country.
The first argument that more than 90% Indians would make is "Singapore is just a city. India is a big country to manage". This argument can work in both directions. For just a small city it is easier to enforce law but at the same time it is necessary to create an atmosphere that will atrract investments, make foreigners feel at home and get marked on the global map. Thats equally a challenge as is the ease of handling a small city.
The traffic rules in Singapore are extremely strict. Are they not in India? Yes they are. The difference is enforcement is missing in India but is very strong in Singapore. All parking areas in Singapore are clearly marked and are paid! No free parking in most of the areas. Do people follow this? Of course! Beacuse if they dont - the fines are heavy. Jump a red signal and you would have to cough up 200 SGD and lose 12 merit points on your driving licence. And how do you get the driving licence? You have to study using a book and then also give a simulated objective test. Last but not the least you need to score at least 90% in it. Will all this be possible in India to enforce? Yes and No.
Yes - beacuse India has a history wherein only when things are forced on the people they follow it. That is what has happened for centuries. Only by enforcement of strict laws practices like sati, dowry, child marriages have come under control.
No - Because India is a country where anyone and everyone can oppose any rule whose enforcement is tried by the government. You can have protests, vandalism, rasta bandh and what not. And all this is done by the so called politicians who dont care for the country. And the average citizen becuase of his ignorance of why the rule is good for him and how discipline will help the society in general, just keeps mum and reads the news in newspapers or watches it on Television channels.
So is there no solution? I think yes. The key is self-discipline. Demand your own rights, get the necessary laws implemented and enforced and strive for further improvements and development. And who can do it? All the youngsters - many of whom go abroad at least once, behave like good citizens there and forget everything when they come back and start saying - "Chalta hai"!!
What do you think? Can this change?
Atul
Changi airport
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Atul BivalkarI am a Mechanical Engineer with a passion for travel, reading and music. Forts in India, different religious philosophies, history in general are topics close to my heart. Categories
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October 2009
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