It was a united effort by India to rescue Indians from the collapsed tunnel at Silkyara. No other consideration went into play. Even people from foreign lands who had the required expertise were roped in. This is what we are at times of crisis. However, this is how we should be in normal times, also. The focus should be on the larger good, working together for a clearly designated objective.
Just consider how much effort and money went into saving the 41 endangered workers. When the accountants get down to it, the worth of each life would work out to be stupendous. Yet, even as the great effort was being made in Silkyara, disregard for the basics of safety claimed hundreds of lives during the same period. Along with the news of the rescue effort, there were headlines aplenty of deaths due to traffic accidents, petty quarrels, poor infrastructure and maintenance, etc. Were these lives not valuable? They certainly were to their families. But even these continuing tragedies do not seem to bring similar focused action from society as did the tunnel collapse.
What can the reason be for this? Is it a lack of awareness? Are people unaware they are just as much ‘frontline’ warriors as those that struggled regardless of difficult circumstances to carry out the rescue. The disciplined behaviour within the claustrophobic confines of the tunnel by the workers ensured they emerged smiling and undefeated. Why is that not visible in everyday life? Cannot the otherwise self-seeking individuals consider themselves part of a team dedicated to making life better for all?
It is clearly a sense of immediate danger that brings people together and inspires action. This sense of urgency should be awakened by the influential members of society. After all, things were not that bad in the lives of the Palestinians, Israelis, Ukrainians just a while ago. Then, suddenly, it all collapsed into mayhem. Similarly, people in India should realise that complacency in the face of negative tendencies can lead to disastrous consequences. Personal tragedies can expand quickly into societal ones. All those deaths on the roads, for instance, that take place because of plain stupidity and rash driving, inflict a heavy financial cost on society in general. Even if in self-interest, proper behaviour on the roads should become a priority for all. The same applies to all other activities that exact a heavy toll. Let’s not wait for the spectacular to be Indians; let’s do it in everyday life.
