Poverty is an issue that fails to be addressed. As one philosophy puts it, there are only two castes in the society — the rich and the poor. Biblical cannon “blessed are the meek...” offers no solace when half-filled stomachs continue to struggle for the next meal. Statistical data suggests that we have come a long way as far as poverty alleviation is concerned, but the fact remains that the march ahead is longer. Is there a faster way to poverty eradication? Or is this an unending journey. Well, it is not easy to figure. Given the fact that poverty as an issue has always been at the top of the agenda of governments since independence,we can only keep our fingers crossed. The problem persists despite the force of the rhetoric and the growing decibel volume. Not that there are reasons to doubt the intentions. But the methodology and systemic interventions have not proved their authenticity. True, interventions from outside have their limitations and there are leakages in the system, these will have to be addressed not by external forces but by internal forces that work to change hearts. Institutional remedies depend on human commitments for their effectiveness. Moreover, societal transformation is also needed. People with compassion and munificence who care for the poor and work for the upliftment of the deprived. Governments are just one part of the larger society. Societal action thus would be more crucial. Wealth accumulation has become the benchmark of excellence in the society and people are running madly after it. Naturally, when this becomes the norm, selfish motives drive the society and personal prosperity and amassing riches is the only end. In such a society, we can only breed inequality and push the vulnerable to misery. Wealth, as the vedic wisdom says, “has to be earned by two hands and distributed by thousand hands”. We need to realise the significance of those golden words of wisdom: ‘when wealth is lost nothing is lost, when health is lost something is lost, when character is lost everything is lost’. We need to build societal character. Corruption poses one of the gravest threats to economic growth, democracy, and political stability. Political corruption has taken on a new prominence in public discourse due to its devastating impact on public confidence in political and economic institutions and processes. But institutions may not be enough. There is a need for a socio-cultural overhaul and change in individual mind set. Vulgar consumerism coupled with egoistic extravaganza has blurred the line between need and greed. Insecurity of the rich and callousness of the society needs to be addressed. Perhaps, the Gandhi Talisman can throw some hints. The same is quoted here: “I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest person whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to that person”. It may be recalled that Gandhi popularised the term ‘Daridranarayan’.

Pathak is a professor of management, writer, and an acclaimed public speaker. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com