The incidents we witness often appear interesting through rose-tinted glasses, but we frequently overlook deep-rooted biases subconsciously

We witness events each waking moment of our lives. These incidents are interesting when looking through rose-tinted glasses. Our analysis may sometimes subconsciously overlook deep-rooted biases.I was out for my usual morning walk. A dog, held firmly by its walker, rushed barking at a bike coming from the opposite direction, straining at the leash. It is immaterial to even contemplate if the bark was a friendly overture, or if it was meant to be a gesture of aggression to protect its territory. The response of the biker was far more interesting, “What will you gain out of biting a poor man.”

A few years back I happened to be sitting with someone. A statement made by the other person was a revelation, “There is a premium on poverty in our society.” He went on to elaborate looking at my puzzled expression, “A rickshaw puller or even a cyclist may bump against your car, scratching it in the process. In no time there will be a crowd requesting you to let the poor man go.”I read a couple of interesting articles a few years back. One was about our burgeoning population. The article stated that a big population should be viewed as a bigger human resource bank – one of the 5Ms of manufacturing – Money, Manpower, Materials, Machinery and Methods. This resource, if correctly utilised, can make our country a leading nation in the world; something that China has been able to achieve.

I would debate the methods adopted by the neighbouring country for the utilisation of their manpower. However, I could not fault the logic. The other article compared the number of entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom and India. The percentage of entrepreneurs in the total population was very low in our country. The logic put forward was that we should stop looking to the government to provide us with jobs. More the people enter the business, more the new jobs are created. I have met several people, even from lower strata of the society, who chose to drive their own lives, and in the process, created opportunities for more livelihoods.

That brings me to a recent pre-wedding gala. I did not fathom at the time that there would be many such events leading up to the grand finale. Many felt that such shows of wealth were uncalled for. Without being judgemental, I would say that these also mean the flourishing of several diverse industries and consequently generation of income for the local workforce. Not to forget that many families in India indulge in such events, maybe on a lower scale, even from other walks of life.A friend recently helped financially in the wedding of a girl from an underprivileged section of society. The expenses also included a decent meal for the entire village of about 250 odd members. The family could not do away with the custom for fear of ostracism from the community.

I could not discern any difference between the two events. Both were lavish for the families involved – one could afford it, the other was forced into it!My own opinion is that money should be spent on education and skilling, without any biases – age or gender. Learning is essential – be it for a child, a married woman, or an old man. It is education that would truly empower, providing a better life to all.It is within us to make this world a better place for everyone.

In Frances Hodgson Burnett’s words, “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”

(The author is an electrical engineer with the Indian Railways and conducts classes in creative writing; views are personal)