I live in a middle class suburb of Bangalore. Since 1982! That’s a long time by any standards. 
Since the advent of social media, especially the regurgitating app called WhatsApp, the negativity in the local community is staggering. As it happens, a large proportion of residents in my block of the suburb are middle aged and senior citizens. A few of them have contributed positively to the local community. But what’s staggering is the relentless complaints on WhatsApp groups run by the RWA and Residents is a sad commentary on the state of affairs. And this seems to be going on since ever!
Admittedly, Residents are “well educated” people. Professionals, Business persons, ‘Babus’ (IAS, IPS, KAS, etc. etc.), Youngsters just starting out, etc. These are very savvy people and well informed, thanks to the range of media bombarding us with 24/7 news. Many are also very well to do, working in high positions in the private and public sectors.
Yet we have one of the worst civic state of affairs in the whole suburb.
I’ll refrain from listing the woes of the area, as these have been documented in the public domain as well as in the relentless cribbing that goes on in our WhatsApp groups, made excruciatingly painful by regurgitation! Yet the RWA, the Officials of BBMP, BWSSB, BESCOM, the local politicians turn a blind eye and deaf ear.
Why?
The answer is actually simple:
- The polling for local RWA and BBMP Elections (for Corporator) is pathetic.
- The response to calls by the few residents to take the protest up to the MLA or Corporator or BBMP/BESCOM Officials is even worse. No one shows up.
- The response to any constructive civic discussion is beyond pathetic and is met by a deathly silence.
Amartya Sen’s “The Argumentative Indian” applies 100% to my ward. Read this.
Residents live in some la la land where they believe someone else will do the dirty work for them. Countries have lost their independence because of such myopic mindsets, let alone a suburb going to dogs.
JS
10/08/2021