The fine line of morality and ethics

The anti corruption wave is the in thing these days and corruption has become a coffee table topic. Everyone has a view on it. Whether it be the colleagues in the cafeteria, the guards, the bus drivers, conductors and auto drivers or your own flat mates and domestic help. The views on corruption and morality differ from people to people and it’s difficult to draw the Line of Control separating the two states.

My view too is quite grey and I’m unable to take a clear stand on this issue. However, what I definitely believe is that the real test of one’s character, morality and ethical beliefs comes into picture when one is pushed to the walls and is then expected to behave in a particular manner. It’s very easy to sit in your drawing room and have a view that no matter happens stealing is not the right thing to do. What’s important is that if you have a family of 5 to feed and there’s not a single rupee in your pocket, what would you do? Which side of the LOC would you be on? Would being perceived right or wrong or holding on to your beliefs be more important or feeding your family. I know this example is not suited to the situation our country is in and our politicians are anything but starving, but it’s a fine test of morality and ethics.

On the other hand, if you know that getting into a prestigious college/B-school can be an important catalyst to your career and your father or uncle can help you get an admission with their influence, would you take that option or “waste” a year or opportunity and take the “right” path. It’s small situations like these from where corruption stems. Rigging the electricity meters, paying touts to obtain driving license and passports for the sake of convenience, sending gifts to your insurance agent to make sure that your claim is processed are small everyday practices that we are accustomed to. It’s the big scams that plague our country and make the headlines, but it’s these small everyday “realities” from where they stem and all of us have our part to play in it.

As I said before there is not a clear line of distinction between moral and amoral and ethical and unethical and it’s a fine line dividing the two.

Just a Thought: Eleven

The dark cloud also makes the world a more beautiful place

A Walk In The Rain

The clouds cast a dark shadow and the man walking back home hopes that the rain gods are kind today. It’s been a while since he took a walk in the rain. He could have asked for anything at that moment as soon he smelt the rain on dry ground. His mood lightened and soon he starts to think of the success he had had so far and begins to get in a self-congratulatory mode. He is smiling to himself thinking of how he overcame many obstacles to reach to the present state, not once thinking of those who had made many sacrifices on the way and had never even bothered to mention it.

Soon the smile vanishes from his face as he realizes that despite all the so called success there is something missing in his life. There is a sort of discontentment and he is constantly looking for answers to some unanswered questions (which in the first place have been raised by him only). Another question raised and as always it is left unanswered.

The fact is there are no answers. There are many men and women walking in the rain, with the same conflicts going on in their minds. The feeling of working so hard and achieving something worthy of writing back home about, sacrificing a lot on the way and yet being unsatisfied is perplexing. The point is reaching this point is not the hard part, it’s the easy one. Bringing people along is the hard part. Recognizing the part of the loved ones in your success, their sacrifices, their feelings and pausing to look at things from their perspective also.

Maybe a walk in the rain will help in doing the hard part.

Just a Thought: Ten

I'm not upset because I can't live the way I want

I'm upset because others don't live the way I want them to

And my influence on them and their lives is zero

Proud to be on the “Other Side”

I read a very interesting thing lately wherein Sir Mark Tully highlights how kids need to identify with something and feel recognized. It could be through their exceptional academic, sports or co-curricular record or through being a rebel. Mediocrity wins no awards so one has to be on either extreme to be in the thick of things and be recognized. It could be the on the “right side” by being a bright child or on the “other side” by being a rebel.

Maybe at times even I am proud to be on the “other side” for similar reasons.

India Marches On

It indeed is a momentous day as the Indian cricket team yet again beat Pakistan in a World Cup game to enter the finals of the World Cup. I must say the Indian cricket team marches on despite it’s charismatic leader. It compels me to think of the discussions that how the Indian economy prospers despite it’s politicians.

The commitment and performance of India Inc post liberalization has propelled India to a high growth period despite the logics, policies and scams that the leaders of this country have to offer. The Indian cricket team also refuses to lie low and continues to reach new heights despite the actions or “no actions” of it’s very "able" leader. Hope that they continue to do so and get the cup home this time. J

World Without End

I’ve had a lot of free time in the past 2-3 weeks which gave me a chance to get back to reading. I laid my hands on a Ken Follett epic – World Without End, sequel to his best seller novel Pillars of the Earth.

I must say it was delight to read this 1100 page saga which is written in true Ken Follett style captivating the reader till the end. The novel takes one back to ancient England to the era of King Edward III and very beautifully weaves a tale around a town which is fighting for it’s survival. The influence of clergy on the common man and the blind faith of people highlights the darker side of religion.

Power, politics, corruption and deception is pitted against love, sincerity and true devotion and the courage and will power to remain honest towards a cause. The pendulum keeps swinging in favor of either side keeping the reader hooked throughout.

It felt great to read Follett after so long. Looking forward to the next big one – Fall of Giants