L'inconnu

 At times, one wonders why a stalwart like the erstwhile Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri, continues to remain the inconnu. May be, because he was not ingenious enough to tom-tom his achievements from the rooftop? May be, because he was not shrewd enough to build a smart clout? Why did his genuine work not get him the accolades he deserved?

Sure, he IS recognised. A film like The Tashkent Files did open up the dubious debate dealing with his mysterious death.  The recognition may be qualitative. Quantitatively, however, it is almost zilch.

Why is it indeed so? Often is it the case even in the ordinary lives of the common people. At least, as the Prime Minister, Shastriji's worth was somewhat valued. In real, ordinary life, however, often there would be people who would contribute like a stalwart. Often, however, they are noteworthy due to the lack of interest in, and even ignorance of and about, their genuine contribution and worth. Sure such sincere genuine human beings love what they do and do not care much about any recognition. 

That is their greatness. How about people surrounding them and/or the society? Does not such a neglect show up the others, and in extremely poor, downright bad light? It is okay to talk about a great diamond being thrown away as a stone. This analogy, too, is a deep comment on the person stupid enough, as someone not able to differentiate between a diamond and a stone. Whose loss is it anyways?

I think it vitiates the entire ethical ambience of the family/the institute/the society that does not validate enough the value of the silent but genuinely sincere person. Why so? Well, the message such treatment transmits is that what matters is only the glitter, and not the real worth. Subtly it dissuades everyone from contributing genuinely, from putting in her/his best. In effect is thus lowered the quality of life. Woe betide a society that ill-treats and/or ignores a good soul!

Pratima@ No great tombstone may them memorable make/ Their silent goodness leaves behind a deep ache!/What a loss, oh, what a pity/what a grievous goof-up in our duty!