DREAM BIG IS NOT ENOUGH

Parochialism is rearing its ugly head in various countries across the globe. Terrorism is spreading its tentacles to each and every corner of the world. Communalism has become the bane of our times. Ethnic violence spreads like wild fire across many countries killing millions and millions of innocent hapless people. Poverty, malnutrition and female foeticide are claiming the lives of crores of children. Globalism and Neoliberalist reforms have widened the gap between rich and poor. Even world’s wealthiest nation, USA has plunged into recession. Uncle Sam is groping in the dark to wriggle out of this quagmire-but no way. Almost all nations are feeling the pinch of the aftermaths of neoliberal reforms. Whither the world is heading to?
India is no exception. Kerala is no exception.
Proud of being a Keralite is an honour. Our state is blessed with its greenery, a scenic landscape with its sparkling lakes, verdant hills, rivers, forests, paddy fields, abundant natural resources, cent percent literacy and tremendous potential for development, be it in the field of IT, Electronics, Skilled man power, Agriculture, and politically conscious citizens.
Music to everybody’s ears! No…?
With all these blessings profusely bestowed on our state, it is a pity that we are still far behind many other states. It is time to introspect. Lack of infrastructure, communal clashes, frequent law and order problems, industrial disharmony, improper healthcare and environmental degradation contribute to the pathetic situation of our beloved state. Because we are the culprits it is our duty to atone for this.
Incidentally, I am reminded of the recently concluded conference on Responsible Tourism conducted at Cochin attended by delegates from other countries, I was actually taken aback when I saw a picture of the pothole filled roads to the venue of the conference. A pathetic sight indeed. What might have gone through the minds of our foreign delegates? God’s Own Country at its best!
We must have a holistic approach to find a solution for all these problems.
Infrastructure development, proper care and protection of agrarian sector, harmonious employee-employer relationship, communal harmony, strict enforcement of law and order, happy industrial atmosphere, say goodbye to frequent hartals-all these factors can create a prosperous Kerala of our dreams. To dream big is not enough. We must strive hard to materialise it.