We. The people.

By:

Harshit Nandan

MBA (IT) Semester-I

IIIT-Allahabad

 

Beautiful…… the very title invokes an anodyne and soothing effect, once one hears it. It does make one feel and realize the very sense of belonging makes one feel a little more secure.

But it is ironical and a lot more complex than it appears to be, so much so that, often, ones individuality coupled with various other characterizing adjectives like ideology, uniqueness and at times even respect, is compromised and at times lost …… And the worst part is that one isn’t even aware of it.

I shall not take the risk of tracking its roots to our culture, but all I would say is that it has been there ever since I learnt a two and a two makes a four. It often happens that so long one is a part of a group, one’s behavioral conduct displays one’s ease, confidence, comfort and nonchalancy. Whatever one proposes, no matter how much personalized or objectionable that proposition would be, one is assured that one will get away with that. Actually it is the fear of being objected that takes away one’s freedom of expression once one is unaccompanied. In a way a group acts as a shield to any repercussions that may follow.

Ironically again, once an individual is detached from a group, one is not completely detached from the group, there are still a few strings attached, these are the very strings which make him aware that he is no more a part of the group, these strings are strings of consciousness, strings of separation. To the group it just doesn’t matter. Now one stands as an unarmed vulnerable warrior facing a giant impregnable shield.

It wouldn’t be absolutely wrong if I see a group as an entity personified. This entity has an ideology of its own, it has a language of its own, and it is very much probable if the thought process of a group is exactly opposite to that of those who form it. Now wonder if words like “mob justice” and “mouth of a crowd” flash across your mind.

A group provides you the privilege to do what you never thought you could, it gives you a chance to say anything, with natural defense, what you never would have dared to …… but be careful, that’s not you. Never let a group take away your individuality, people who don’t have individuality don’t have much.

A group is a complete ecosystem in itself, and is quite influential as well, to an extent that you might end up doing something which you had never wished, otherwise, and there is no guilt by any chance. On the contrary, you subconsciously make yourself believe that actually it wasn’t you but the group who did it …. and we call ourselves as the most intelligent creature on earth.

It is often quoted that if there be a group from every nation to plan out and strategize an event arguably we are the one who would offer the best model in all regards. But when it comes to the implementation of the same, unarguably we don’t find anyone behind us.

Did somebody say we are a bunch of thinkers and not doers ….? .. No. Anyways the twist of your lips says it all.

We need to think, and think as an individual. The least we can do is to try to individualize a group ……… wonders won’t be far then.