India's predicament

Ask any fairly informed person what India’s biggest problem is and they would tell you that it is the population. That’s more than obvious after engaging in so much as a well-illustrated piece in National Geographic, an extended documentary on PBS or a quick trip to the country. But what I am talking about here is a lesser known, less ominous yet extremely potent by-product of this – one that borders on the sociological that most people in India would deem too frivolous to worry about in the face of real problems, and that really is my point. While the sight of hungry children begging for food on the streets or of poorly clothed men languishing without basic amenities is heart-wrenching, what is almost just as disturbing is the spectacle of grown men yelling at each other over road blockades, workers at airport security making life hell for travel-weary passengers, people displaying less than what would qualify as civil behavior in public places and the constant need to prod, urge and downright beg to get even the smallest of matters accomplished.

Ever wondered how life itself would improve significantly if people were simply “nice”? There are times when those at “Information” really cannot help or the people at Tech support gave you the wrong installation software by accident, but it would make things better if they would just acknowledge in some way that they would really like to right the wrongs and make life a little easier, not just because it is their job but also because you are a fellow human being. The reasons for this recurring problem in India are twofold, both stemming from the big populace: one, there are too many of us: it’s hard to respect another individual when you are predominantly looking at him as a hindrance in that dangerous race called survival of the fittest. Two: we have bigger problems to deal with than being polite. What people don’t get is that they are not mutually exclusive: you could smile and still run to catch that bus you are running late for.

I must, however, say that decorum has improved significantly. Due to my less than desirable experiences here three years ago, I came with a preemptive strategy – one that involves screaming and yelling and a lot of white-knuckled fisting before the problem is even fully realized – but I contend that I haven’t had to use it much. That’s not because things are happening any faster or better – it still takes at least five stops at five different banks to get your money changed and the cable guy hasn’t come around to fix our internet in two weeks, but at least people are beginning to be polite and apologetic about it.

It’s probably the tech revolution (so people aren’t gritting their teeth in front of their computers as much), it’s probably the American influences (the guys at Marry Jones eatery likely observed a Burger King on TV), it’s probably the call waiting centers (I bet dealing with angry American customers requires extensive training in frivolous niceties), but I am not complaining...it's made life here a little easier.