A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CITIZENS

 

M. N. Rao

 

We are now celebrating the 50th year of Independence of our country and these celebrations will come to a conclusion in August 1998. Though half a century has passed, my mind asks me often, have we achieved any real progress? I mean by ‘progress’, progress in essential fields of human activity. I am afraid, I see a bleak picture, due probably to my “pessimistic eye sight”.

 

The substantial progress, if it is any progress, has been in the area of population. From about 35 crores in 1947 for the undivided India, we have now crossed the mind-boggling figure of 95 crores, leaving aside Pakistan which got separated from us, and are likely to cross the billion mark soon after 2000 A.D. This rate of growth has not been achieved by any other country in the world. Sometime ago the Doordarshan used to shout that we are adding an Australia to our population every year. Only China has more numbers but its rate of growth is less than ours.

 

Why I am talking of population is because, in my opinion, population has great bearing or influence on the general level of ethnic cultural and behavioural standards of a country. If a great majority or a good percentage of a country’s population lives under the poverty line, as it does in India, the level of morality, decency of human conduct and the standards of REAL EDUCATION among the citizens will be adversely affected.

 

No doubt, in several fields like engineering and technology, science and mechanical instrumentation, the country has achieved praise-worthy level but I request readers to consider what would have been the situation if our population had been pegged down to, say, 50 or 60 crores.

 

I admit that there is no use or point in crying over spilt milk. It is, therefore, proper to think of what should be done in the coming years or in other words, what remedial steps we should take.

 

It will be admitted by all right thinking persons that the present conditions of governance in the country are an indirect effect of not having the right sort of ‘education’, ethical culture and morality in the country. In my humble opinion, education has been one of the most neglected fields in India. We have laid wrong emphasis on quantity but not quality production, due to the legacy of slavish mentality acquired under the British regime. In these 50 years, the literacy rate has grown to over 40% for all India from probably 20% five decades ago. We have more than 100 universities, 6 to 8 per major State, apart from the Central Universities. Many intellectuals have lamented that the standards have fallen and the universities, colleges and high schools are mere factories, mass-producing by over­time working and spewing out only literates but not really ‘education’ young men and women who have a proper understanding of what adult life in a nascent society should be.

 

To speak the truth, the so-called educated people in India, generally speaking, are only literates, that is, those who can speak, read and write or who have acquired dubious ‘earning efficiency’. They are not those whose minds and intellect have benefited from REAL EDUCATION which comprises enlightened mind, culture, expansion of heart to humaneness and the realisation of the supremacy of the Supreme Being.

 

All this is reflected in our body politic and the degradation of behaviour of politicians, who are supposed to be the ‘cream’ of our society, brought to the notice of the public by the scenes (broadcast by T.V.) in the highest legislative bodies, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, down to the panchayats. It is rightly said that one gets what one deserves. For a concrete proof of the above statement, we have only to look at the careers or the track records of our legislatures and other representative bodies. Every body complains that there has been steady deterioration of standards of decency, decorum and probity over the years. Whereas all the advanced countries of the world have two or three political parties, like the U.K., U.S.A., Germany and Japan but only in India, we have scores of political parties, both all-India and state-level, which wish to dabble in the governance of the whole country.

 

No right-thinking man will dispute the assertion that a poor country like India has been plunged into the ocean of premature general elections to the 12th Lok Sabha, involving a cost of Rs.12,000 crores. Further, we all know that elections are not conducted in a calm, peaceful and orderly manner as in other countries.

 

The reasons for this sorry state of affairs are not difficult to point out. It is simply the low educational level of the people. I shall not enter into any controversy by stating that universal franchise is not suitable for a country with low literacy levels. The greatest mistake which has led to this situation has been the removal of ethics and moral teaching from the curriculum of schools. In fact, Swami Sivanandaji declared that even Vedanta should be taught in high schools and colleges. Educationists have deplored the over-crowding in schools and the absence of gurukula system or discipline ­oriented system of education. Not only the educational system is to blame but also the family conditions are also a factor. The home atmosphere is not conducive to disciplined and enlightened growth of children with the parents, due to economic reasons, leaving the responsibility on the schools, which in turn, blame the parents for not inculcating proper behaviour in the children.

 

Now, how to improve things? The wise men of India have enacted the Election Law and brought into existence the Election Commission to conduct and supervise the elections. This body has in recent years framed and enforced among the contesting parties a Code of Conduct. Similarly, we should have and propagate among the people a Code of Conduct for the Citizens in respect of their day-to-day affairs in life. The observance of this Code will, in due course, result in the attainment of a Good Citizen which is the desideratum of a civilised society.

 

I shall now mention a few topics which ought to be impressed upon the common man so that life in its multifarious facets may be smooth, orderly and mutually respectful.

 

1. EDUCATION

 

I start with education which, in my opinion, should have the highest priority. The progress of education should incorporate within it the imparting of the basic knowledge of India’s great culture and heritage, its lofty ideals and principles of living in a society, enshrined in the teaching of the Vedas, and other holy scriptures of all religions. Our education has to be oriented for enriching and enhancing the quality of life of our youth, students, young men and women and even politicians.

 

2. CHARACTER

 

It is admitted by all that character is the greatest wealth. A pure and incorruptible citizen is the most valuable asset of the nation. So, good character is to be given top priority. The nation’s welfare and its future progress depend on the character of individuals who constitute the nation.

 

3. PATRIOTISM

 

Our Motherland should be our first and foremost consideration. The welfare of the country is our own welfare. Let us, therefore, be willingly ready to offer up even our life for the country if need be. We should inculcate in our children the qualities of love for our country, the spirit of service to our country and fellow citizens.

 

4. UNITY

 

The more united the people of a country the greater is their ability to withstand all obstacles and dangers. This is particularly true of today’s India. There are fissiparous tendencies everywhere. Let us live in harmony and loving goodwill with all our countrymen. This is the most valuable service to our Motherland.

 

5. NON-VIOLENCE OR AHIMSA

 

At all costs, every type of violence and hatred should be avoided, as these are blots on the fair name of the Nation. These cause great harm to the welfare, progress and development.

 

6. ECONOMY

           

Simple living and high thinking should be adopted. Let us not be extravagant and let us avoid waste. Let us share what we have with our less fortunate fellow citizens. Economy is a national virtue and in the case of our poor country, it is a necessity.

 

7. RELIGION

           

One must, all the time, have equal reverence for all religions, creeds and faiths. Let us, love as our own brothers the followers of other religions. We should treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves.

 

If this Code of Conduct for the Citizens is inculcated in our children from young age, it will lead to amity and accord our citizens and pave the way to greater glory of our country in the council of nations.

 

Swami Sivanandaji has stated that Vedanta should be taught in all high schools and colleges as it will prepare the future citizens to grow into proper Manhood which is another facet of Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God.

 

Let us all pray that true wisdom will prevail among the rulers who have now taken the reins of governance of the country.

 

            “AA NO BHADRAH KARTHAVO YANTHU VISWATAH”

 

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side.

– Rig Veda.

 

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