Recently, a leading tech giant opened its newest state-of-the-art global office in Bengaluru. The social media space was flooded with images and videos of this facility along with details of its many sustainable and futuristic features.
It was another opportunity for the “India has arrived” slogans to fill the airwaves. Now, all of this is great stuff of course, however, something was peculiar about the promotions.
Not sure if you noticed, but all the images and videos were directed towards this facility or were that of its swanky interiors. What was missing were visuals of the facility’s neighbourhood, an outward view “from” the building, or even visuals of the approach road. Why? Well, ask anyone who works on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road.
Civilization has made humans reactionary animals as opposed to problem solving ones. Something I’m sure other animals will find self-sabotaging!
We respond to recurring life-altering events in the same disempowered way as opposed to thinking critically about the lives we lead, the price we pay for it, and how we could make it as good as we deserve at the least.
It seems idiotic really, but when the weight of adulthood and that of monthly bills force you to “behave,” the instinct of flight takes over that of fight. It’s a life-long cycle of misery that has been designed with great care. Thankfully, jingoistic pride, worthless commendations, and retail therapy are there for a reason.
Honor among thieves
Recently, I was on another 60-75 min (9 km) commute to office. It was also the day the CEO of another global tech giant visited Bengaluru to do the periodic “hi, hellos” and announce more “strategic” (margin-improving) investments. And it made me wonder, does the welfare of employees and common people ever come up between these visitors and the government?
And by “welfare,” I don’t mean the “be thankful you have a job” sentiment. Anyways, it’s probably out of scope amid all the lamp lighting and silk shawling, and the incentive and investment talks.
MNCs know that the government needs investments and jobs, and the government knows that MNCs need even higher margins because “enough” is for the weak. The win-win ensures that the government doesn’t have to invest in civil infrastructure and MNCs don’t have to care about labour rights and welfare.
And if you feel even the slightest urge to excuse those responsible for any reason, immediately remind yourself that Bengaluru’s tech movement started in the early 1980s. NOTHING, absolutely nothing, but constant corruption, apathy, and complicity can explain the wasteland around you.
Bengaluru evolved as the hub of global innovation and talent over the last five decades. People anywhere in the world may not know of India’s capital, but they’ve heard of “Bengaluru.” And yet, the city’s infrastructure remains stuck in the 1990s and getting worse every day even as billions pour in. You can’t make this s*it up!
But why is it like this?
Age of disempowerment
Those in power don’t have any reason to do their job, those investing in local talent and industry too don’t have any reason to push; everyone’s happy raking in profits. And the ones who desperately need a change, are caught up in their slow deaths, when not distracted with matters that don’t really matter.
The government has popular sentiments like “f*ck Pakistan” and a growing variety of discords and divisions to rely on, and MNCs have Zumba classes and corporate vouches to distract people with.
In fact, the situation is so powerless that as the billions poured in, the government continued imposing more taxes, and MNCs increasingly undervalued employees, and you have no option but to comply.
On a side note, it’s BRILLIANT how the government uses repeated critical failures in its favour. Politicians truly deserve every rupee they steal! MNC bosses must envy this total lack of integrity and accountability, but shareholders’ interests.
Anyway, the next time you’re enjoying jingoistic and prejudicial social media content while on your hours-long commute to work, ask yourself, how empowered are you? Is the price you’re paying worth the life you’re living? Something to think about.
arguments & agreements 