The legendary status of infrastructure in Indian cities is well established. Every time there's a heavy rainfall, the streets get clogged. Everyday during peak hours, the roads are chaotic madness. The problems are endless, so it would be unwise to list them all here.
A few days ago, there was a heavy rainfall in Hyderabad, my home town. And as expected, the roads were flooded. Then, this photo became viral on social media.
My dear people of Telangana, please stay safe. Appreciate traffic police like him for their relentless efforts in #HyderabadRains pic.twitter.com/Xdzjvpsgws— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 4, 2017
(The tweeter here is a well known former cricketer hailing from Hyderabad.)
I have found many instances where people seem to be inspired by "perseverance" of authorities or common people or the poor and disadvantaged. Is there really anything to be proud of in this picture? I mean, yes, the traffic police deserves to be commended for doing his job wading through knee deep water. But instead of simply commending him, shouldn't we, as citizens, demand that the state (when I say state, I am referring to the government, not any party that has formed the government) provide better infrastructure?
Shouldn't we ensure that rains do not disrupt the normality so that traffic police would not be forced to do their duties under such hazardous conditions (don't forget that there are many open manholes on the roads, into which a traffic policeman could easily fall)? As an added bonus, as commuters, we wouldn't face congestion either.
I find this idea of praising someone for having to do their job under extenuating circumstances perverse. On the face of it, it seems like harmless praise. But when explored further, a more sinister motive can be seen.
Earlier this year, a boy from a financially marginalised family was able to crack that holy grail of Indian education, the IIT entrance exam. His father sells samosas to make a living. News was abuzz with headlines such as "Samosa seller's son cracks IIT-JEE". Here, his "perseverance" is being praised. But the real message is meant for other marginalised people. "If he can do it, why can't you?"
The fact that this achievement is so highly praised means only one thing. That the state has failed in it's responsibility to guarantee every citizen the right to education. These articles should be identifying systemic failures instead of snidely hailing perseverance and urging marginalised people to try harder.
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