Facing life’s blues by different sections in the land’s population has tended to be getting tougher than ever before. Even the outlook towards that daunting task, needing a philosophical bent of mind, on the part of present generation betrays a sense of utter helplessness, particularly in the case of weaker sections of society, while the affluent sections seem to have lost their way chasing happiness. Scholars tell us that the expression ‘May everyone be comfortable in life’ (Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu), attributed to the land’s ancient thinkers, is unique to our country. If that people-friendly wish is a mirage as it were, one is obliged to seek the answer to the question: Why is it so?

The land’s often-quoted social reformer of the 12th century Saint Basavanna is known to have prescribed the seemingly simple path to attain bliss, namely pre-occupation with work (Kayakave Kailasa), but, in reality, doesn’t seem to earn conviction on the part of contemporary generation. The line ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop’ appears to fit a majority in the land’s mass of people.

While it may soothe those who take fascination to accuse the aliens who ruled the country during the periods preceding its getting political freedom seven decades ago for the country’s economic and social problems, one is prompted to remark that the land’s people at large also take fascination to accuse the successive governments of failing to provide good governance, particularly to ensure people’s welfare, forgetting that we live in a democracy which demands discharge of responsibilities to deserve the rights.

The various welfare measures that the government of the day has initiated to meet the basic needs of life, namely drinking water, food and health have got overwhelmed not only due to the mounting headcount but also energy being diverted to disruptive activities. The nation’s bountiful resources, including fuel for the hearth call for deployment with efficiency in the long-term, however weary the way to welfare may be.