The development of morality can shape and save future generations, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji

Lately, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSOC), and also other similar institutions, which are working for development have also veered round to the point that the notion of development would be faulty unless our focus is on the people because it is the people for whom all developmental efforts must be served. 

However, looking from all the aspects, the plans, programmes, and parameters of development that are charted by various UN agencies and other similar institutions; it seems that they aim only or mainly at the economic development and physical and mental wellbeing of the people and, therefore, their major thrust now is the provision of basic necessities, such as water and food, employment, literacy, health-care, pollution-free environment, and so forth, to the developing or backward areas. Thus, even in this new paradigm, the development of proper attitudes and outlooks of the human individual is missing or has not been given the attention it deserves. Therefore, there seems to be some lack of realisation that, although all the aforementioned kinds of development are necessary, these are not enough to bring real and durable security and peace. If people have parochial, communal, selfish tendencies that give them a narrow sense of self-identity, and a sectional loyalty, based on ethnic, racial, communal, casteist, and national background, they will let loose the divisive forces and will commit violence and destructive acts thereby bringing to nought all hard efforts made for development. Also, we all see many signs of insecurity and restlessness even in highly developed countries, some of which are known as gun-running societies.

Now, if there is reasonable security and safety there, why do the citizens of that country, in such large numbers, require guns and pistols? Again, why does a high percentage of people have to go in for treatment at the hands of psychiatrists in these nations? Why do they drink so heavily or take sleeping pills? Why is there a lot of mental tension amidst affluence? Why is there a large number of cases of divorce, rape, child abuse, domestic violence, and drug addiction? Why is there a high incidence of corruption even in high places in these highly developed countries? Aren’t the developed countries, with a high percentage of literacy and, at least, with some degree of economic security, worried about the crime increase and drug traffic? Why do so many people commit suicide or murders? Does all this not show that there may still be deep restlessness in society even when there is a high degree of development and economic security? Does this not lead us to conclude that the basic requirement or the essential accompaniment to all development and progress is the development of the proper attitudes, outlook, and mindset and the moral sense of the human individual?

 Therefore, it is significant to include ethical consciousness in the development paradigm. Again, when we talk of sustainable development, we generally mean that our developmental processes should not degrade the physical environment and that we should be considerate and careful in using the non-renewable resources so that we leave enough for the coming generations. But, does the present high rate of population growth, alongside the Law of Entropy, leave enough scope for such a sustainable development? Again, have we ever re-examined our various methods to stabilise or reduce the population growth? Our debates are generally centred around abortion, contraceptives, and so on, but in these cases, we hardly think of reforming the beliefs, attitudes, and evil impulses of individuals and people through value education. This is really the crux of the whole problem of development. So, if we want to achieve our dream, we need to act now by coming together and developing a spirit of cooperation, a sense of responsibility, and sharing of mutual concerns. Remember, if we fail to act now, it will impoverish our current and future generations.