WE DON’T NEED THESE HOSTILE AUDITORS! PLEASE….Nov,2008

Suhasini Kaki had called me to discuss about a meeting that was scheduled to take place in the following week with the Prabhu Tarun Committee. That is when we also discussed some topics on which I could write my editorial. I had more or less finalized on it, and was planning to sit to write that same night. This was the fateful night of 26 November, 2008 when terror attacks shook Mumbai and the rest of the world. Ever since we heard the news of firing at Leopold Café, then the Taj and Oberoi & Trident hotel, we were all glued to the television sets showing the latest update on this incident.
Those few hours at home watching all the latest developments of this case, have left such a massive impact on my mind, that the mention of this terror strike was inevitable in my editorial, and I have actually lost hope on myself on writing something that I had originally selected. By merely watching those dreadful video clippings if I can get so disturbed, then I cant even imagine what all those families are going through who have lost their loved ones. Some had waited for three full days in anxiety and a little hope that their family member would walk out of these hotels safely, only to see their dead bodies later. Those brave men who gave their lives to make this world a better place for all of us to live, have left their families with sheer memories and a few words of adulation that would last till these horrifying memories of the attack would last in everyone’s minds. We can only hope that with time these families are able to gather themselves and move on.
We have seen films that show an army officer or a policeman’s wife or mother saying that when he leaves for work everyday, she is not sure if he will come back home safely! This is such a clichéd dialogue, but tragically it has become a hard reality for not just the men in the ‘khaki’ uniform, but for all of us. Especially this episode has further instilled fear in people’s minds as these terror attacks are not necessarily happening in crowded areas like malls or stations, but they can happen anywhere and at anytime! The terrorist no more looks like an Osama, he looks like you and me. He is educated so is able to rationally plan his modus operandi. He is equipped with better arms and ammunitions and has the back up of deep pockets who only aim at destruction. It may not be wrong to say that ‘Terrorism’ has become a profession for some of these fanatics.
Terrorism is an evil that the whole world is fighting with. But our struggle goes deeper with every individual combating with the latest recession that has hit the global economy. I must admit that I am not too well acquainted with the recent market and economic conditions that reflect a down trend. I don’t even know how badly India is hit by this recession. Some say that India is only taking precautionary measures, and the actual downfall is not yet begun! But I have seen people losing their jobs! All companies are trying to cut costs and maximize their existing resources. I hale from the media industry, which has probably taken a huge hit with advertising budgets slashing down. Internal pressure is right now at its peak. With no jobs in the market, all employers are taking liberty of passing off any verdict that suits their convenience. So many careers are at jeopardy. I have myself seen people drastically revising their plans whether at a personal level or on the professional front to be able to manage life in these trying times! This is a difficult phase, but ultimately it is just a phase and will fade off with time. But a good crisis management will help everyone sail through this storm smoothly.
But however resilient we are and show the best of crisis management abilities, if our support system is weak, we might not be able to stand strong through this ordeal. For all of us our support system comprises of our families, society, and community and of course our professional circle. However hard life turns for us, we always turn to our families for that warmth, solace and comfort. Our friends and the society at large help us forget all our regular pressures and problems in life. They give us a momentary distraction from our regular chores and help us enjoy all the small pleasures of life. We Pathare Prabhus are very fortunate that our families extend to our community. We have a great community with a strong sense of belonging. The members of this community are forever trying to keep this sense of belonging alive in every PP. Various institutions active in this community are doing some great job. They are instrumental in keeping our cultural selves alive. These institutions will forever help us distract our minds towards the small pleasures that we so badly need. Apart from helping us in adding some colour to our monotonous lives, they are also working towards various social objectives, whether it is for the poor, or the helpless women population of our community, or for the education of some of the less privileged folks, or towards salutation of some of the merit holders, they are pouring their hearts and minds in making their institutions worthy enough of our applaud.
Recent awards function organized by the Pathare Prabhu Charities, the Dandiya Raas organized by Mahila Samaj, the special tribute to late Mr. Pramod Navalkar that was held on November 23 and many more such functions are proof of the splendid job our institutions are doing. I have not been able to attend all these events personally, but the general feedback that I got from some of my friends is a good testimony of the success of these events. We should give due credit to all the people working behind the scenes to make these occasions a success. It is very interesting to know that all these institutions have a team of workers and all these teams have a distinctive way of functioning. They have their own rules and regulations and within the premise of these rules they have to plan their activities. Of course everyone may not be aware of the foundation on which they work, but as responsible members of the community it is vital for us to trust these committees on the work they do. This will only help us remain united and function together, not dividing the community in smaller parties endorsing a certain group of committee. The youngsters today are not even aware of the anguish some seniors have between themselves. It is critical for all to know that digging old graves time and again can only create animosity and breed hatred amongst our own people. Why classify this community in sections of people working just for a Prabhu Tarun, or Prabhu Prabhat. Why do we always hear these statements that “Oh she! She will only work for Mahila Samaj and nobody else?” Why does an institution question the credibility of the other, giving rise to further cold wars? If this does not end, we will never have consistent, young blood working with us. There are so many bigger issues in life, there are so many grave concerns that our younger generations are facing. Peer pressures, pressure in careers, sheer survival is in question, then why are such petty issues made so big. Let the killer instinct in our youths be saved for the big bad world outside, and not be used within our own families. I think there is much more to life than just cribbing on trivial issues. Let these talented minds blossom without any baggage dumped by the senior members.
The point I have been trying to bring home is that there are certain people who feel the need to change things at different levels. They are trying to contribute in their own small way. While it is important to appreciate these efforts, it is also important to introspect and add value to their efforts. As much as I would not like to sound preachy, I still would like to say that we have to change our attitude first towards all these people who have taken on this mantle of making a difference. If we can trust them, we will be able to add value to their efforts. These people could have easily chosen not to do anything, and no one would say a word to them. But they have chosen to make a difference because they believe they can. We have to trust this belief and contribute equally. I would like to end by saying that we have many trouble creators within us who are always hunting for reasons to criticise and are self proclaimed auditors who can only harness disharmony. My sincere suggestion to all of them is that WE DON’T NEED THESE HOSTILE AUDITORS! PLEASE….