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`How can people be so callous?'

Uma Sreedevi is shocked to see people's indifference to poverty

I was travelling by bus one day and saw an old couple, both afflicted by leprosy, begging in the rain. Not one of the passers by gave them a glance. Are we blind? I am shocked at people's indifference.

Huts that are falling apart cluster at the feet of hoardings that advertise expensive jewellery and branded wear. But our gaze falls only on the hoardings. We choose not to see the poverty and misery below. I am puzzled to see people ordering expensive snacks at restaurants when there are hungry beggars right outside.

I think we have learnt to be indifferent. Perhaps we feel helpless at the enormity of the task of wiping out poverty. Or maybe it is considered foolish to dream of an ideal world. If we talk of changing the world, we are dismissed as romantics or idealists. We have left the task of campaigning for a better world to the rock stars and artists. "Normal" and "everyday people" are expected to get on with their jobs and mind their own business. Take care of yourself and the world will take care of itself, people say. We are taught to be selfish. People will ask you to focus on pursuits that will ensure your financial stability. They tell you to indulge your fancy for social causes in your old age. Moral science classes are a must in schools. But as students are expected to score in the subject, they simply mug up the lessons without even making an attempt to put precept into practice. Rather than Humanities, more children are advised to study Science and Maths, because that is where the moolah is. To work towards Utopia is considered unrealistic.

Let our children know there is more to life than just good grades and cricket. Take them to orphanages and old-age homes. It is not foolish to be kind. As a society, we should discuss deprivation in public forums. If we attempt to understand poverty, then we will not talk mindlessly of pulling down slums to clean our cities.

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AS TOLD TO ASHA MENON

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