The state government has finally given its words in writing regarding the inclusion of the five main points in the draft bill being prepared to ensure the protection of the rights and interests of the indigenous people of the state. The development can only be described as a positive and promising one, and everyone have heaved a sigh of wary relief for the time being. It is also expected that in the immediate future, various other reforms will be initiated to bring a large number of hitherto outdated and neglected acts to keep up and be in sync with the times. In more ways than one, the peoples’ movement for the implementation of the ILP system can be regarded as a turning point for the state. One only wish, in hindsight, that the changes
would have come at a much lesser cost to the society as a whole. Perhaps, we all have learnt our lessons, but unfortunately, indications are to the contrary. At the risk of sounding like an ominous prediction, the changes we were all clamoring and fighting for is just around the bend. But, are we, who were so impassioned with our demands for such changes, ready to change ourselves? The answer, if we all could look deep inside ourselves without pretensions or apprehensions- if we could do a little soul searching,
would rather be disappointing. We still need to go a long way, as a society, before we can pride ourselves in claiming to be what we are- or were. Trying to understand and listen to others’ point of views and
opinions is something we have collectively grown to abhor. This stems from the long-held and often practiced misconception that the majority is always right. So is the inability to restrain our impulsive nature
and let reasoning take precedence, leading to more confrontations and misunderstanding. We are still easily swayed by popular opinion and are not comfortable with voicing our beliefs and opinions. This manifests an inherent need to belong- to shun radical thinking and an unfortunate and rather defensive manoeuvre to stay away from trouble as almost always, our way of showing dissent or disapproval of anything is almost always a physical and destructive one. We, as a society, need to consciously inculcate the practice of tolerance if we are to be able to open our minds to different ways of seeing things. We need to learn to look at things from radically different perspectives and do away with the tunnel vision syndrome we are afflicted with at present. But most of all, we need to respect and appreciate the different yet vital role every one of us is taking in the society, and to give our best towards making it better. Recognizing talent and
appreciating the oft ignored qualities like honesty, simplicity, commitment, diligence and discipline over trivial and overrated considerations such as influence, material possession and power can bring about a more holistic and enduring change in the society. The bottom line- WE need to change for the changes to work.
