Cleaniness

As I walked to the street looking at the pile of garbage to my right I thought of these words. “Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Mein Tumhe Aazadi Doonga” (Give me your blood and I will get your freedom). This famous line from freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose which when translated into English sounds like a blood drive from the Red Cross, has become an oft quoted line that shows both charisma and an ability to lead. Leaders have often been associated with such lines that attempt to amalgamate all that they will do if elected. The mantra in India like many other places is about ‘change’ (also in the much debated and satired US campaign).

Whenever we travel we all think about something that could change in the place we are in. This change could be garnered by us or by the larger system. Examples are the grand highways (flyovers) that will supposedly alleviate the traffic problems of the city. For me personally I want to see one politician who forgets all these things that are bound to take place, and talk about the bare necessities.

What I am talking about is a proper drainage system and garbage disposal. One only has to walk on the streets to see how much trash is collected everyday and how many drains are blocked. Now mind you I am not stuck in some bucolic age, nor do I expect society to change overnight like in our films for as a country of a billion people drainage is bound to be an issue. I am also aware that in the power-bloc reality coalition buildings has more to do with investment and tangible benefits with cleanliness as a side concern. If India has become cleaner, it is only in campuses of large companies and areas where the concept of gated community results in an almost foreign like setting. Developers even market these areas for its cleanliness and serenity. The reality on a city level is still of abhorrence.

As an issue that affects all even an uncertain leader can mobilize people with this issue, for it affects all residents. Even the person who leaves their job has to pass through some reality at some point of other. What they will see is black stagnant water and trash piling up. In his landmark book Suketu Metha actually calculates the amount of waste that goes into Mumbai on a daily basis. A government intervention is necessary for this to change as civic duty can only go so far. We can only hope.