“All the roads a stage and all the vehicles merely players, they have entrances but don’t seem to have proper exits.” Call it “caricatured” version of Shakespeare’s ‘all the worlds a stage.’ Over the years there has been a dramatic rise in the number of four wheelers in our state which has become a grave concern with traffic jams becoming a normal routine affair, let alone the “methods” applied in procuring it. If a severe famine were to strike Nagaland at the moment; our people might even survive on Iron. Jokes apart, traffic menace have become a very serious problem in our state and unless preventive measures are undertaken, it will get even worse. So worse that, letting in bullock carts and cows into the jammed roads might make people see walking as a better option.
The very understanding of modernity viewed through technological advancements and possession of contemporary artefacts has taken a huge toll on our rationality resulting in passions and desires taking precedence over reasons. Owning a four wheeler has, more or less, become the defining parameter of a person’s status in the society, irrespective of whether owning a four wheeler is really necessary. The crusaders of the so called “westoxicated modernity” without a “human face” will call it the ‘in’ thing (and here I mean the so-called miserably failed wannabe elites). We need a serious retrospection while handling needs and wants.
One is tempted to get obnoxious and try to put reason on the alarming increase in the number of four wheelers and frequent traffic jams. This calls upon the law keepers on the urgent necessity to check the various means through which vehicles are procured. Nonetheless, it is also pertinent that, the various criteria that qualify a vehicle to ply on the roads as well as the person who drives be accountable in the eye of law. That said, such preventive measures cannot work in cases where the law keepers themselves ‘suspends the law’ or declares as ‘out of bounds’ of law. In other words, law is negated and becomes a seemingly non existent entity. Sadly, the culture of “palm greasing” and “the juice is worth the squeeze attitude” has been the cause behind creating loopholes for corruption to creep in.
On the flip side, the so called modern – “westoxicated” and contaminated by the desire to possess modern artifacts have taken a heavy toll and have directly influenced our lifestyles. People, specially those who have bought vehicles through bank loans will definitely feel the ‘heat’ and ‘pinch’ when they pay back the loan (Let me not elaborate on the family income-expenditure aspect). A bitter lesson on distinction between needs and wants will be the immediate effect. Simply put, we need a drastic paradigm shift and reaffirm in our sense and (moral) sensibilities.
The book of 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 in the bible, too, has a very insightful lesson to offer us. It says, ‘And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.’ The problem begins when we are swayed away by desires and passions leading us to wants. This leads one to take possession of the various wants which will only diminish ones happiness. We can lead a happy contended life if and only if we stay within our own limits in our own comfort zone and also not being dependent on others in doing our own work and do whatever we can with our own ‘hands.’
This article, that stressed on the alarming increase in the number of four wheelers and the frequent traffic jams, was an attempt to ignite sense and moral sensibility, for the larger good of our society. Above all, all concerned citizens should act as morally responsible agents towards the project of building a conscious, sensible society. To this end, a collective effort is thus paramount.
- Asangba Tzudir
