Are you expecting the society to change for you? Some writers are optimistic that a revolutionary change would take place soon and everybody in the world will have equal opportunities and financial equality. They imagine a balanced society, wherein the gap between the rich and poor are eliminated, the corrupt are punished and the hard working are rewarded. They have been propagating this utopian theory since ages but nothing much has happened and the society continued to be the same. Intellectuals, skilled workers, inventors and scholars expect more rewards than ordinary people. Hence the imbalance continues to exist. Of course, mafia and few do-for-nothing politicians also fall in the elite rich group but that is not the matter for our discussion.Intelligent people do not wait for the system to change to uplift them. Instead, they change according to the prevailing system. This is the essence of this chapter. Before going into details, let us go through a story that appears to be amusing, funny and fictitious, but the undercurrent is something worth thinking and based on pure economics.
IT was time for the cattle to return home.
The dark shadows were gradually creeping up on the red sky. He stood there, taking his last deep-breath. As he was about to jump from the hilltop, a voice called him from behind “…..Subbarao”.Shocked he turned back. An old saint was standing behind him. “….Why do you want to commit suicide dear?”Sighing in despair, Subbarao replied “Swami, since ages this routine question has never changed. If I answer, then you start preaching– ‘for such a small reason are you committing suicide? God gave us this life not to end in such a manner...blab...blab”“I won’t stop you. Just tell me the reason! I am curious.”“I am a common middle class man leading a simple life without any ambitious desires. I don’t hurt anybody. And still my life has become miserable. My complaint is not personal, but it is related to the society..! I am fed up with it. I strongly felt that hell is better place than in this torturous world” Subbarao exploded emotionally.The old man thought for a second, “You said you are a common man leading life pleasing everybody... I mean... without hurting anybody. Can you give one example?”Dejected Subbarao grinned, “Why one? I can give many. For example, my brother-in-law arrives at my home late in the evening without any invitation while I am watching an interesting movie. I should switch off the TV and start chatting with him. Do you know how boring it is?”“But you said you don’t have great desires! Why do you feel so much bad for not watching a movie?”“Watching movie is not a big desire. But it is natural that we will be disappointed if somebody disturbs us when the hero is in love with two heroines and could not be able to decide. My brother in law comes just at that juncture.”“There are no small or big desires. Any unfulfilled desire is certainly a big desire!” said the old man. “If I am correct, you are chatting with your brother-in-law to please him.”“Yes. You are correct. It’s my nature. I can’t bluntly say no to anybody and hurt them.”“Then you should be proud of your good middle class mentality. Why are you feeling sorry for yourself?”Subbarao stared blankly. The old man continued, “Watching TV in the evening is your way of leading your life. It was spoiled by your brother-in-law! He did not let you lead your own life. But your decision to commit suicide must have evolved from a lot of other mental agonies and other common-man syndromes. Am I correct?”“Don’t heckle me with words like middle class and common man. I am proud to be common man because I don’t want to bribe government, earn by corrupt means and live by unethical means. I hate bribery and looting. I am poor because I don’t want to cheat others.”“Then why did you buy a railway berth by bribing the T.C few days ago? The berth certainly belonged to someone else.”Subbarao was shocked, “How did you know about that?”“Forget it. Answer me.”“Sometimes it is inevitable.”“I did not get it. You said you have no big desires, but you wanted a sleeper berth. You don’t want to cheat others but deceived a wait-list passenger…! You love to have good relations with all, but you feel sorry for sacrificing TV for your brother-in-law…! I think the fault lies with you. You cover up your gentleman-disorder as your integrity, but still regret. You stay poor because you can’t become rich and you mask your inability as your sincerity and truthfulness.”“No. To become rich, one has to adopt corrupt practices, accept kickbacks and cheat others. The fault is in the society. This world is full of deceit, dishonesty and disloyalty. The politicians are making millions of rupees putting at stake lives of innocent people like me. Dishonest officials and unethical businessmen are escaping from the law. Corrupt officials have properties in the outskirts of the cities. Black marketers, ruffians, mafia leaders, land grabbers, thieves and robbers are scot-free. Unruly citizens have no civic sense. While the average middle-class is working hard, the sharks are enjoying the benefit.”“Then what is the remedy?”Subbarao broke out with emotion, “The corrupt should be hanged. Politicians are to be disciplined to work for the people. The bureaucrats, police, judges, business people... everybody should be morally and ethically clean and unpolluted. For people like us to live happily, everything should be reformed. If only god gives me the power, I will make common man’s life comfortable. I will provide everybody the right to live happily. I will reduce the gap between the worker and the employer. I will change everything.”“Ok then! I am the God!! And I bestow you with such powers!!! Go ahead… Change the world” the old man disappeared to the astonishment of Subbarao.…In the middle of the night the old man appeared again, “I told you I am the God. Having seen me vanished before your eyes, still you don’t believe me?”“Leave me. Please go away. Don’t disturb my sleep.”“I will leave if you want. But stop speaking nonsense about my creation and about the natural justice.”“What is justice?”“I created deer as a prey for the lion. For feeding the deer I created grass. How can the deer and the grass complain for that?” and he was about to continue, Subbarao interrupted, “Yes. In the same fashion, you created wealthy to eat the common man under the pretext of natural... err… justice. ”The old man was taken aback, but praised “You seem to be a wise person”.“Ha! That’s why my life is like this” muttered Subbarao resentfully.“Wise people are never pessimistic. There must be some flaw in your thinking”.“I am very truthful to the society. That is the flaw.”“So, you imagine a world free from cheating, robbery and unruliness and where hard work and intelligence is duly rewarded. Isn’t it?”“Certainly yes”Then a voice echoed in the room, “Then so shall it be henceforth..! I am giving you the authority over the entire human sect. Anything that you do well for the mankind will be the final say. You will not have control over the nature and animals but only on the mankind. The punishment that you think fit for the wrong-doers will be executed in seconds..! You are not answerable to anyone. Free the world in your own way. Let the hard work and intelligence be duly recognised. Go ahead…”Subbarao looked around.“What are you looking for?”“For a flower to keep in my ear or a crown’s cap”“You stupid..! I am the God! Lord Brahma..!! Husband of Saraswathi… Son of Vishnu..!” Saying so, the old man waved his hand in the air, “See. Here is the sacred ash”Subbarao laughed. “Our Babas effortlessly exhibit these tricks.”“Then it’s your fate…” said the old man irately. “Now I understand why you continue to be a cynic. You have no faith. No courage. No confidence. The most important character of being a Number One is “challenge” and that is lacking in you”. Having said so, the old man vanished. Subbarao opened his eyes.…Concluding the press conference Subbarao said, “The purpose of inviting you all has been clearly explained. If you still have any doubts, please ask me.” The reporters smiled at each other. One of them stood up, “Do you have any objection if we highlight you as ‘….The joker of this decade’?”The hall burst out with laughter except Subbarao. “I have no objection even if you make me the joker of the millennium, provided you publish in your dailies and other papers, the matter that I told you” he said.“Then it is for sure that our higher authorities will sack us from our jobs” said one reporter. “… You believe that you will change this world..! And you want us to publish the same in newspapers! And as a proof, you are going to walk on the waters of the Tank Bund tomorrow morning!! And people should come to watch your feat!!! Suppose people come there and find nothing sensational, won’t they attack our newspaper offices? Who will pay for that?”Subbarao stared at everybody. There were about twenty five members. He cleared his throat and spoke. “…. Listen! You all came here with excitement when I announced that I am going to give some sensational and astounding news. You did not even bother about the caller and now when I am revealing mind-blowing news, you ridicule me. It’s ok. Still I request you, please publish that news. Please finish your snacks and do this favour for me.” Observing the sceptical reporters getting up from their seats, Subbarao spoke slowly but firmly. “By the time you reach home, you all will first get stomach ache. It won’t abate unless you swear before God, that you would give this news to the press tonight and get it published in tomorrow’s papers. Even after a stomach ache you did not believe my words; you get paralysis for disobeying the God’s words. So pray God without hurting yourself unnecessarily.”…Tank Bund.He never expected such a huge gathering. Every paper published the news prominently on the front page. The stomach-ache must have worked. Nobody ventured a paralytic stroke.Seeing the crowd Subbarao was dumbfounded. ‘These people came all the way in the early morning from far off places just to watch someone walking on the water which they are not sure off. Time has no value for these people.’As the crowd noticed his arrival, few waved their hands and some of them booed “clown... Joker!” but many of them were silent and enthusiastic. Subbarao stepped forward. As the masses were watching, he went down the steps of the tank bund, kept his foot on water and walked two steps forward. He did not sink.Suddenly the entire atmosphere became still..! People forgot to breath. The astounding silence swapped over the place for few seconds and slowly turned into waves of claps, cheers and applause. One fellow raised his hands into the air and exclaimed, “Harahara mahadev”. Many followed him. The chanting echoed. Few of them wept with excitement.He walked four steps further. The crowds were still applauding. He went till the Buddha’s statue in the middle of the lake, touched the feet of Buddha and returned. The uproar was uncontrollable. As he was climbing up, people rushed to touch his feet and TV crew was busy capturing the eighth wonder.One reporter questioned “What is your next programme? Giving spiritual discourses? Going to cure diseases? Establish a new religion?”“No. Nothing”“Then..?”“Tomorrow, the Presidents of India and Pakistan are coming to meet me. I’ll discuss about the Kashmir issue with them”…“What made you leave Islamabad in haste and come here straight away?” questioned the TV reporter.“Sixth sense” replied Pakistan President “…we are always ready for a noble cause” he paused. But that was not true.The Pakistan President received a phone call from Subbarao. He did not understand how a call from Southern India could reach him, without the knowledge of his P.A. or secretary. Subbarao spoke very briefly “There will be four punishments” he stopped for a while. “…unless you do what I say. First you will get stomach ache. An hour later, your dearest grandchildren will disappear into oblivion and you will never see them again. An hour later, you will have paralysis stroke and will be bed ridden permanently. In the meanwhile, if you try to send somebody to kill me – you will be turned into a statue even before implementing your idea. So, it is better to start as soon as possible……”The president thought that it was the joke of his life. But after one hour the symptoms were showing up, first the stomach pain, then disappearance of his grand-daughter, and finally signs of paralysis..! He was terrorised. He called for the ISI and discussed. The Secret Service Chief and the advisers vehemently opposed the president from going to India for talks. Within few seconds they all had severe stroke of stomach pain. They were compelled to believe the miracle and concluded that there was no other way. The President gave orders to arrange for his journey. Next minute his grand-daughter came running from the garden.…By morning, both the presidents were in Subbarao’s house. After serving them the home made ‘Tea’, he first spoke to the Indian President “You know that the fault lies with our country over the Kashmir issue. We have accepted the mediation of U.N. in 1947 but went back on our decision.” Saying so, he turned to the Pakistan’s president, “….you also very well know that unless you satisfy your religion-conscious people, you cannot survive as President.”Neither of them replied. He took a deep breath, “About one lakh twenty five thousand soldiers lost their lives on both the sides during the last decade. Around seventy thousand innocent Kashmiris were killed in firing. Countless people were injured. Why is all this happening?” Nobody answered. There was pin-drop silence.“I want to stop this massacre” ordered Subbarao. “I am giving you five minutes. Go to the next room and return with a permanent solution for this. Any Indian or Pakistani who objects your decision will be taken care off”. Both looked at each other.Unable to bear the hostility, a security guard from Pakistan yelled, “… Who the hell are you to order my president and dictate terms to my country… you bloody Indian…” shouting so, he pointed his weapon towards Rao and was about to pull the trigger. Then the miracle happened. The shock was so severe that he jolted, threw the rifle as if he was holding a live current wire and collapsed to the ground unconscious.‘O my Got’ muttered Subbarao. A voice from behind responded, “Did you call me?” surprised, he turned his head. The old man was standing behind him. “Why are you here?” he whispered. “You said, ‘My God’. I thought you called me” said the old man. “Sorry. I can handle the case” said Subbarao and turned around.An uncomfortable stillness banqueted the area. The viewers were still unable to believe. Both the presidents went inside. Subbarao spoke to the reporters. “Make this announcement. From today there will be no terrorism in this world and no killings. So the ministers, chief ministers, politicians are safe from the threats. Hence their security is withdrawn with immediate effect.”“If anything happens to them…?” one reporter questioned.“Nothing will happen” replied Subbarao sternly. “… Even if a single incident of the kind takes place, I will withdraw my orders. And I also want to declare that from today no political party will organise any activity that causes hindrance to the public. Road blocks, commemorations of martyrs in the middle of the roads are forbidden. Any religious construction that is obstructing the traffic will be demolished”“People will not tolerate”Subbarao laughed. “They will tolerate. People in general are good and peace loving. Some individuals to meet their selfish ends provoke the innocent. But that is past. Now, if anybody wants to turn against, will be suffering with the four punishments respectively.”Meanwhile both the presidents came out, “We did not find a solution for the Kashmir issue. That’s why we came out with a decision” they said.“What’s it?”“From now onwards Imran Virat will be the captain of our cricket team”.“What?”“We are merging India and Pakistan as a single country”“Good……” said Subbarao. “But the people of both countries, particularly Pakistan should accept this decision wholeheartedly! We cannot always force them by threatening.”“We had discussed a solution. Pakistan will attack India and occupy the whole country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. India will not object for that”Subbarao was shocked “What are you talking? I don’t agree to that”The President smiled “Let me complete. After they occupy, elections will be held in the united country. Undoubtedly Congress and BJP will get two-thirds of the majority than the Awami league and other Pakistani parties. Then the capital will be shifted from Islamabad to Delhi or Amritsar.” he completed.“Now I understood how you became politicians” said Subbarao and turned towards the journalists but found nobody. They have already gone to publish the sensational news that the Kashmir issue was solved.***“I liked you for your ethical values” said Brahma appearing again in his sleep, “You did not utilise the powers that I gave you for your selfish needs. If you desired, you would have easily become a dictator. You are great, but….” he was about to continue, just then Subbarao interfered “… Truly speaking, the Kashmir issue was not the big problem Brahma deva..! There are other major problems to be solved”. The God wanted to say something, but changed his mind and vanished.Next morning Subbarao announced, “Henceforth, whoever takes bribe will get stomach-ache followed by remaining punishments if he or she continues.…If anybody submits wrong statements to income tax, hoard essential goods, evade commercial and property taxes, take illegal electricity connections, buy properties with black money, they will face the punishments automatically. As God Himself is the witness, there is no necessity for any appeal. All those business people who have evaded the taxes in the last ten years should reimburse the said amount to the government within ten days with interest. Politicians, business people, I.A.S. officers, engineers, contractors whoever has acquired wealth with the bribe money, should handover seventy five per cent of the assets thus acquired to the government….”The news spread across the country within seconds. Ten days later Subbarao received a phone call from the prime minister. “Congratulations. Entire foreign loans of India are cleared. Do you know how much money was recovered? Ten million Thousand”Subbarao was stunned. “…is there so much of illegal money” he exclaimed.“And In this process, those who were not willing to part with their illegitimate money or pay penalty, died. But they are only about hundred in number.”“Love for life is greater than love for money” smiled Subbarao and put off the phone.…It was five in the evening.He came on to the road. There were no traffic jams. No vehicle or even a single cycle was seen parked in the ‘no parking’ zone. No abrupt right turns, no sudden entries from small lanes, no reckless and overload driving... a vehicle driver tried to cross the red signal but immediately went back due to devastating stomach pain.There were no fist-fights in the assemblies and parliament. If anyone held on to the mike to break or throw it, they instantly curled with pain. Employees were prompt to the offices, no gossips; and came out only during the lunchtime. People stopped using official vehicles for private picnics etc.Court cases were considerably reduced. Criminals were confessing their crimes without any protest. In fact there were no crimes. The moment a thought of criminal act or thought of deceiving others, the pain sneaked as a warning sign. Ignoring the initial signs, if they continued to execute, the second punishment was waiting in the queue.Meanwhile, there were also many murder attempts on Subbarao, but no sooner a person tried to assault him, he collapsed.There were no aggressive encounters in the forests, no signs of violence. From Rayalaseema to Kashmir, from Kanyakumari to Kabul everything was peaceful. Women were able to walk alone daringly in the midnight. No recommendations were found in interviews, promotions were purely on merit and experience; ration, gas, electricity, water – everything was available abundantly. The social change was impressive and commendable..!But it had a darker side also. As soon as Subbarao declared that fraudulent officers should return half of their illegal property, the prices of real estates, gold ornaments and vehicles stooped down drastically. As the order was to deposit the money within ten days, no buyers were found. Moreover, many dishonest officials who relaxed till the ‘tenth day’ thinking that a small prey like them could not be identified; were rushed in ambulances to the hospital. They had to sell the property for whatever amount it fetched on the eleventh day.Ironically even Subbarao got stomach-ache. He was vague but soon recollected the cause. It was a cash gift of 1,116 that somebody gave him for doing a small official favour for them. He didn’t regret as to err is human. He returned back the ‘total’ amount.***The whole world was watching his reforms with excitement and enthusiasm. He was the living God for many. Uncontrollable public rush thronged his house to have a glimpse of him. But his life style did not change. He was staying with his wife and kids in the same small dwelling in a narrow lane.But there were drastic social changes. The star hotels were almost closed as their major customers like business people, liquor mafia, real estate owners and political brokers, who were hitherto spending their black money, ceased staying there. The extra money spinning channels of corrupt secretariat, revenue, transport and tax officials were closed and hence there were no customers for costly bars. The tourism business was in doldrums due to the same reason. The banking business was pressing the panic button as there was no black money. Money inflow into the country was reduced to ten per cent.As the days passed, on a rainy evening the Prime minister of India from Delhi rushed down to meet Subbarao. After formally shaking hands, the Prime minister said, “……we are in deep trouble.”“Regarding what?”“Idleness and unemployment…” said the Prime minister “…As there is no fear of terrorists, border-crossing intruders, mafia and smugglers, the need for military has disappeared. We withdrew the BSF and other army services from frontiers. At micro level, the traffic police, body guards of politicians, C.B.I and anti-corruption officials are without work. Officers of income tax, commercial taxes, registrars, lawyers, judges, CBI officers – everybody are idle and inactive.”“What about the political leaders, their hangers and the political brokers” questioned Subbarao.“Generally, leaders never tolerate political silence. Under normal conditions, they would have created disturbance by raising some petty issue. But now, the moment they just think of any such act, their belly-cramps aggrieved” smiled the Prime Minister. “…but that is not the present problem. Due to these reforms, do you know the number of officials in various categories who are out of work?”“How many?”“Lawyers, police, military and many other employees… all included... are nearly two fifty million!”Subbarao’s heart skipped a beat. “Two fifty million?” his throat parched “…one fourth of our population! Half of our youth..!”“Yes. There is no work for half of the secretariat personnel. The work which took them an entire day earlier is now being finished in just an hour. Contractors are laying the roads properly. Hence no supervisors needed. No ticket-less travellers, and so no need for checking inspectors... I am at the end of my wits.”“Instruct all of them to dig canals” Subbarao replied thoughtfully.“…What?” questioned the Prime minister, shocked.“Yes. Floods in Bihar, droughts in Aliabad and famine in Karachi… the reason is lack of proper links between the rivers. Let them dig canals between Godavari and Krishna; Brahmaputra – Ganga – Kaveri!! The man power shouldn’t be left unutilised!!!”The proposal was straightaway appreciated by the Prime minister. After his departure, Subbarao sat down thinking. ‘People, who are till now accustomed to work under the comforts of fans and air conditioners, will have to work under the scorching sun. It’s ok. They will adapt to the changed environment soon. But what about people who are enjoying with the income from their ancestral property? Why should they just sit, play cards in the clubs, freak-out in the pubs, with the income from the lands, rents etc., not doing any work.”Another declaration came from him the next day. “The land tiller will be the real owner”. He even thought of declaring “Tenant is the ultimate owner”, but withdrew recalling that a part of his house also was given on rent.Meanwhile, the Prime minister implemented the developmental activities. The farmers and labour were working happily, but the white collar people were uncomfortable as they were not used to heat, rain and sweating. But nobody complained. The roads were clean, thanks to municipal department; roads were without pits thanks to contractors; no power failures, thanks to abundant resources. Above all, people were happy that stupid debates, senseless discussions and silly sensational news items were disappeared from the TV channels.Within few months canals were filled with water, fields bloomed. Start from Mahaboobnagar to Thar Desert, all places turned lush green. The yield was ten times..! It was supposed to be an excellent revolution never known to the channels of world history, but surprisingly turned out to be a shocking disaster.The product was abundant but there were no one to procure.This resulted in a steep fall of the prices. A bag of rice hitherto costing hundred rupees came down to ten rupees.…“I should have imagined this” said Subbarao, “but this is also in a way good. The poor would be happy. Isn’t it?”“No” said the economic advisor to the prime minister. “To grow a bag of rice, fertilizers cost fifteen rupees, ten rupees for pesticides, twenty rupees towards other incidental expenses, whereas the farmers are getting ten rupees for a bag of rice. They have no other option but to commit suicide”After a deep thought, Subbarao pronounced, “…Ask the government to buy the entire product at a price including the cost and profit to the formers”. The advisor could not refuse. Immediately the policy was implemented.The Go-downs of Food Corporation of India were full with 2000 million tonnes of food grains. The farmers were happy but the hunger deaths continued. The Human Rights Society approached the Supreme Court asking to implement ‘Right to live’ as provided by the Constitution. Responding to it, the Supreme Court gave a ruling that the government should either freely distribute the stocks to the poor, or release it to the open market. The price further came down.Six months later, Indian government declared bankrupt.***“What is this? How did this happen?” screamed Subbarao. Some of the highest officials and experts were present but nobody spoke. He continued, “There were thousand millions of rupees being deposited with us by the black marketers, industrialists and officials.”“It was spent for digging the canals and for paying subsidies to the formers” answered one officer.Subbarao snapped, “Everybody is now paying taxes honestly. Where is that money going?” he questioned.“They are paying taxes perfectly as per their income. But the fact is that their incomes have drastically come down”“Why?”One person wearing a suit entered the hall, as if to answer the question. “Though I am not an Indian, I came on behalf of the corporate sector companies to represent them and to convey an important decision. From tomorrow, they are closing down all their companies. The big industrialists may follow the suit within few days.”There was a wave of shock. “Why… what for?” asked Subbarao.“I will first answer ‘why’? The answer is simple. Before your reforms, a person earning 50 million per year, used to keep forty million as black money, and pay four millions as tax on the remaining white money. Now he has to shell down around 38 million on his entire earnings. He feels working so hard is not necessary to earn such a meagre income. So he curtailed his business. That’s why the revenue to the Government has also dropped.”Everybody nodded in agreement. “…now coming to your second question, the employees of all the organisations are accustomed to life in five star hotels and travel in flights. At the same time they also work hard” he paused for a while and continued “These people now lost their perks. The organisations cannot afford to pay for their luxurious comforts. They were hence demoralised, disinterested and their efficiency drastically reduced.”“We can reduce the percentage of taxes” Subbarao tried to give a suggestion.“It is not the question of taxes or percentages. There is no money in circulation. Star hotels, flights shopping malls… were not full. The purchasing power of the people came down abnormally. The more the money circulates, the more is prosperity, may it be for the country or the individual.”“Then where did all the money go?”“To the common man” replied the economist, “the middle class was benefited. Lower classes are getting abundant food.”“This is exactly what I wanted” Subbarao cheerfully said.“But this is temporary…” said the person in the suit. “The poor are not working to their full capacity, as it is enough for them to work for just ten rupees a day. As there is no due recognition for intelligence, monetary benefit to the genius, they stopped thinking, ceased working for improvement. Industrialists won’t work. Soon this system will become bizarre and uncanny. There will be Revolution.”“There is no place for revolution” confidently said Subbarao.“There will be stomach-aches” a journalist from a corner murmured in a hushed voice. There were smiles. Subbarao and the representative did not smile. The later continued, “If food, water and shelter are the only requirements of mankind, one-tenth of the country’s labour is more than enough to produce for the entire population. How can the remaining people pay for them? What is their source of income? They revolt. But now, since you have the support of God, no one will dare to. Gradually they will fade away. It is not enough if we have land and labour, we should have capital and organisation also. And the organiser and the capitalist certainly want more share than the labourer. Equal society does not mean lowering the standards of upper classes. It is to increase the standards of lower classes”“Who are you?” asked Subbarao.“I am Alfred Marshall” he said. Subbarao never heard of him. Marshal was one of the most influential economists of last century and founder of neoclassical economics. His book Principles of Economics was dominant in that field ‘supply and demand’. He is known for his famous marginal utility theory.Subbarao thought that he might have been sent by God to educate him the basic principles. “Are you advocating black money and corruption to enhance the purchasing power of the people?” he asked in an offensive and sarcastic voice.“No” said Marshal. “What I want to impress upon you is that sudden restriction, unplanned curbs and death threats does not solve the problem.”Subbarao was struck with a mixture of grief and vengeance and said ruefully, “I did all this, not for me, but for the people and the society”.“We have no doubt about it”“I’ll ask God to keep all individuals happy”“On the very first day itself God clearly told you that you have no authority over the nature, but can only control the human beings!”“Yes”“So, you should only decide what should be the course of action.”With tears in his eyes Subbarao closed his eyes and prayed, “Oh God! Please guide me. What shall I do?”…It was time for the cattle to return home…The sky looking red till then, slowly blackened like a lost warrior’s face. Standing on a high hill top Subbarao shouted “…..God… O God..!”Brahma appeared from the clouds. But he was not looking happy. “….I knew everything and the reason for calling me. But my dear son! I am sorry that I am also in the same situation like you”.“What happened?” Subbarao asked in a bewildered tone.“Venkatesh, Jagannath and Swami have raided on me”Subbarao was more confused, “…Who are they?”“Venkateswara Swami of seven hills, Jagannath from Poori and Swami Ayyappa from Kerala”“Why did they raid on you?” more mystified he asked.Not answering directly, “I think that lord Krishna is the actual culprit” said Swami.“I am not able to make out anything. Please elaborate.”“Earlier people were committing sins like land grabbing, corruption, bribery etc. Where there is sin, there is fear. And where there is fear, there exists a temple.” He paused for a second. Subbarao felt as if he understood something. Brahma continued “…due to the effect of your reforms, fear of sin has gone! And more importantly, human desires have diminished. There is no wealth, no great pleasures and luxuries.”“Yes. I have noticed this”“Where there is no desire there is no fear of God. Devotees ceased going to temples, mostly to Lord Venkateswara..! Previously he is accustomed to comforts. You know that he used to charge money even for a special darshan”“Yes. Capitalist” resentfully said the common man. Unmindful of his comments, the old man continued, “….Subbarao! These Gods are all pulling my strings. Only Lord Kubera and Siva stood by me. I had to give up. I am withdrawing my boon given to you for your sincere desire to build an equalitarian society. Please forgive me!”Subbarao stood silent for a long while. Then slowly he raised his head, “People won’t forgive you” he said in a chocked voice.“They will” replied Brahma. “In fact people are developing an aversion towards your reforms”Subbarao was aghast. “What are you talking Swami?” His voice shrivelled.“Yes.”“Impossible.”“They are not resisting because of fear. Otherwise, tell me who is happy? Lawyers, doctors, army, industrialists and even farmers and workers are gloomy with your reforms. Only ‘idle people’ must have been benefited slightly, because they know nothing except to sit and eat.”“But the corrupt, unethical and cheaters…”“There is no separate community called corrupt. Every person has a shade of it. Certain times, in certain periods, in some countries, the percentage may increase due to lawlessness; but don’t you agree that right from the existence of mankind the word ‘selfishness’ does exist. Isn’t it?” Brahma paused and completed the last and the most important statement. “…If there is a better way of living, man would have found it by now!”All the trees, leaves, flowers and waterfalls swayed in agreement.“Then what should I do?” questioned Subbarao“Don’t wait for the society to change for you. You change according to the system. Otherwise, you remain an ordinary man hoping unto your last moment for a change in the society to uplift you. Never expect even god to give you free whatever you want. It is you who have to earn it confidently. Don’t regard your coward nature as your integrity and ineffectiveness as your honesty. Come out of your wrong impression that the society is responsible for your suppression. And more importantly, don’t think that one has to be unethical to succeed in life! It was impossible for both of us to change this world into a better place. Differences and inequalities are common since inception of human race. Even Gods have inequalities. You have witnessed it in my case. There were no temples during the Vedic period. In fact, ‘temple’ itself is the symbol of an investment system!! An average human being is always dependent on God. Lord Krishna who says, ‘you are responsible for your own deeds’, has no affluent temples built for him, whereas Lord Venkateswara who says, ‘I am here to save you for your misdeeds’ became the richest god” he continued.“It is not out of place if I give some figures. If the entire world is condensed to a globe of just 100 people, considering the present statistics, there would be 52 women and 48 men; 80 live in poverty, 70 illiterate, 50 suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Six people hold 59% of the entire wealth. Only one person out of hundred would own a computer and only one would hold a university degree. Dear Subbarao, do you know? If you wake up in good health next morning, you are luckier than one million people, who won’t live through the week. If you have never experienced the horror of a war, the solitude of a prison, the pain of a torture, and were not close to death due to starvation; then you are better than 500 million people. If you can go to your place of worship in your country, without fear that someone will assault or kill you, then you are luckier than 3 billion people. If you have clothes on your body, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are wealthier than 70% of the world’s population. If you have some money in a bank, a wallet or a purse and some coins in it, you are one of the 8 rich people out of 100 in the world. If you can understand what I am saying, you are not one among the 3,000,000,000,000 people who cannot comprehend these facts. So, instead of cursing the society, exasperating with the economic system and infuriating with the people around you... think how best you can live here in this world and work happily for a better tomorrow. Don’t think that money can be earned only through unethical means and corrupt practices”
