All kind of nonsense are there on
offer, pretty faces play on our emotions with endearing lines and compelling
expressions, hawk all kinds of junk. No wonder the sellers from abroad, who
consider lives of Indians much cheaper (consider the low standards they adopt
for Indians, right from automobiles to food), boost ego of the elite by
assuring them the status of service industry giant. India is seen as junkyard,
a place/people who can be unscrupulously exploited (godforsaken economist use euphemism like investor friendly as embellishments for growth) they are catered for big moneybags, it’s
a place to multiply their money without much care. The impunity is such that
they even dismiss government reports. It is clear that Maggi (Nestle) is only
the tip of iceberg. Indians are consistently exploited by paying the complying
elite, the charming facilitators, who in turn give positive spin to exploitation
with compelling ease. It is a framework we all know quite well. The tradition
of Mir Jaffars and Jaichands is very much alive. The compliable elite are now
in investor friendly role. Throw some more money and perks they will do worse,
with charming ease and niceties. The sellers (service industry representations)
are giving the impression of professionalism and competent work culture; meanwhile
the brand values of care and compassion is all a spinoff for easy money. We
know these are just packaging and superficial matters. The price the society
pays is much high. They are quite consistently pushing in lifestyle that replicate
American wasteful ways, hence consumption, thus growth, therefore development. They
have destroyed a lot in the name of development. When Nooyi is declared as
greatest Indian, hosted very much by Pranab (wonder what is the deal about Presidents/Governor
that they are given such obnoxious deference, clearly they are trying to recreate
the darbar. The unelected lords, the template that seeks to put every elected leader
in his/her place), we know who is great and for what reason. Indeed Nooyi is
appointed for very specific reason, her charade of competence withstanding. It is
India, the hapless people (in particular impressionable children) and the
natural resources, that is the target.
Technology led democratisation is
the reason why people are finding their voice, their vigilance is being reciprocated
and consolidated through social media. These are finding voice in the popular
media, who are still controlled and manipulated by powerful forces. The political
elite who have traditionally serving the entrenched groups, as also moneybags
too are becoming circumspect. Indeed internet and the spin off herein has been
the greatest leveller and liberator. Nothing has been as spectacular for human
race as this has been. It is such a wonder that it is beginning of history. It is
individual, it’s personal and connected, it is defining the way society functions,
redefining arbitration of power, meaning of authority. It is selfistory.
Indeed few decades back Nestle
would have easily wriggled out by paying off. It is not the consumers who are ‘confused’,
it is powerful whose reduced space for manipulation that is creating the
confusions. Indeed Nestle should be asked to pay compensation that should go to
cancer patient funding. These people are worst, must add, extremely dangerous sociopaths.
The neighbourhood restaurants can only be blamed of hygiene matters (which too are
important and should be checked regularly by authorities) not this kind of depravity. Anyday stomach problem is a better option than stomach cancer!
Post script: there is an excellent and thought provoking article written
by Kancha Illaih recently. This blogger hopes that it is translated in all
languages and published in all newspapers and websites.
