Monday, January 4, 2010

Positive criticism should evolve from sane human attributes

Nature has three attributes:
  • Sattwa = pure, chaste and truth
  • Rajas = Self-indulgence, luxury and gratification
  • Tamas = Indolence, passivity, indifference, hated, anger and so on...
    As human beings we too are part of Nature (Prakriti) and, therefore, possess all these attributes in varying measure. Our behaviour explains which of these attributes rules us at a particular time and for a period. Like in each of us, these traits or a mix of good and evil is also strewn in every group or mass of people.

    Criticism is desirable and a healthy activity for improvement if only it retains objectivity- a positive element of Satwa or Satogun. Bitterness comes from Tamas or Tamogun which distorts truth and fills us with anger and hatred.

    Although their number is fast diminishing, there are still some good politicians and good bureaucrats even in today's corruption ridden system. But isn't there an unfortunate increase in cases where senior army officers have been found involved in corruption and moral turpitude? The trend is certainly disturbing, ie, Sattwa on downward trend and Tamas on the rise! Fortunately, there is a subtle difference that despite the rising trend of misdemeanour of some senior officers in the Armed Forces, there are fewer evils in the Armed Forces vis-vis Civil Services. Let's be objective in looking at things and magnanimous in our reactions.

    But to say that we do not find a bureaucrat who is not “petty, dull, almost witless, crafty or stupid, an oppressor or a thief, a holder of little authority…….” etc hardly shows our magnanimity. On the contrary, it paints us poorly because such a remark is itself petty in the first place. I have met a number of excellent bureaucrats who are excellent human beings, efficient administrators, brilliant thinkers, writers and diligent negotiators. and what's more- corageoous whistle blowers against their own breed too! Agreed, their number is but small. But why not praise and encourage these few instead of burying them alongwith their tainted lot.

    Is it courteous or urchin-like behaviour to indulge in abusive language, calling names, shouting and denouncing an entire class of people? Time was when an Army Officer was known by his demeanour as a ‘Gentleman’. His elegance and high value conduct came to be known as ‘Chivalry’, which combines all the finer qualities of great soldiering, eg: gallantry, courtliness, politeness, courtesy, graciousness, loyalty and so on. Can we blame others if we have distanced ourselves from this frame in which our people adored us for centuries?

    I request you, Friends, to please exercise restraint when you feel angry. Better behaviour wins us support and goodwill, bitter behaviour creates bad blood and more enemies. Think it over. If you thought I was preaching– please be gracious to pardon me! Wishing you all a very Happy and prosperous New Year 2010,
    Col Karan Kharb (Retd)
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