Dear Readers,
We are citizens of the world’s largest democracy, and democracy, as you know, is based on an informed citizenry that votes into power its preferred representatives who go on to form a government. That’s the first half. The second half is ensuring that these representatives deliver on the promises made to us voters, because they are accountable to us, and because that is an integral part of their job as our elected representatives. Assuming most of us did vote, as responsible citizens should, in the BMC elections – immaterial of which candidate won – do take it upon yourselves to be an informed and responsible citizen, if you seek betterment and progress in your current civic conditions.
Keep yourself informed about the new Corporators of your Wards and take the time and effort to actively participate in bringing issues up to their notice. And then, most importantly, follow up consistently without fail. Consistency in your efforts will have other citizens with similar issues joining in your cause, and this accumulated strength in numbers will ensure that every political representative does more than simply sit up and take notice – she/he will get up and take the necessary action. Being an informed and responsible citizen will do that for you. So, the next time before we set out complaining about various issues that indeed need redressal, ask yourself if you’ve played your part too.
It’s also that time of the year when exam pressure grips students and parents alike. It’s a gruelingly stressing period where children have to deal with crazy expectations coming in from most fronts. This would be a good time for parents to comfort their anxiety-ridden children by redefining the terms – ‘success’, as one not being the reserve of ‘scoring the highest marks’; and ‘education’, as one to do with learning, not rote-bound literacy. What also provides ample relief to students is when parents ‘communicate’, i.e. speak to their children with concern, as opposed to constantly nag/compare them to their supposed ‘more successful’ counterparts. Instead, encourage your children to speak to you about their fears or apprehensions and extend a patient hearing and an unconditional yet motivational ambience – this has proven to be the vital platform that ensures academic excellence in most students.
As citizens and students, we have our homework laid out…
Have a lovely weekend!
-Anahita
