Protocol demands..

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Mr Yogi might have spoken his heart loud, when he uttered “nautanki band”. In the case, when 13 children have died in a road accident, wherein the driver drove onto a running train, so engrossed in his mobile-call, not hearing the alarm from children inside. The CM could have responded by impulse.

Truly, he is insensitive. Insensitive to the families who have lost their precious children, no matter how provocative they might have behaved with him, in their hour of Loss and frustration. Insensitive to his Chair and what protocol demands of it. Insensitive to the society that time and again fails to enforce or follow a Personal Safety rule of not-using-mobile-while-driving.

It is widely seen that we tend to vent out our own frustration, our inability to follow rules, our inefficiencies in maintaining health and safety, our incompetency to handle relationships inside families or workplace, on the road.

The government machinery, whosoever be on power, are our easy and immediate targets. How many of us have witnessed mishaps and have volunteered to help, than to remain spectators. Moreover, trying to create perceptions and highlight all as failures, showing off as to what could have been done better, without moving a brick from our end.

Recently, came across an incident, wherein some friends were looking out for a solution to a particular problem. Knowing their resources and capabilities very well, one volunteered to develop a utility that can address the problem to a large extent – but not fully. He had laid things thread bare. So, upon agreement from them, spent a weekend working on this and got a reasonable solution. It came out really well and addressed the problem in hand. Another, a Sayer, who did not fall in the ambit of Users, made a list of requirements to be incorporated and started a campaign of discontentment. Since, the Doer clearly knew that only so much could be done, ignored them.

The Sayer had been requesting the Doer for a report on that utility which according to the Doer had no relevance to the Sayer. However, after one week, giving in to repeated requests, he sent it through email. Within no time, he received a reply stating a discrepancy. Doer was wondering about the very intent of requesting for that mail repeatedly when – knowing fully well that it was the responsibility of a User now, CCs were marked too. This could have been discussed verbally. Doer felt seriously embarrassed and wanted to say to the Sayer on face, “Nautanki Band”.

Realising what protocol demands, i.e., he maintained cool and did not embarrass himself by speaking his mind. Besides, he knew how this event might take turns and he might be at severe disadvantage with his gender against him. So, in a way he was saved from trouble.

Many people flourish by merely pointing mistakes and showing off themselves as above board. The Doers are the ones who do mistakes as well. Sayers do not Do mistakes. Protocol demands that Doers have to bear with the Sayers and maintain cool even as their reputation and resources get affected.

Protocol also demands that we among the others, continue to crib alongside the others, on the same lines, demonising one or the other. When we should actually be speaking our mind – for honesty sake – voicing our differences and bringing out action plans or alternatives.

Off late, I am seeing more of this going rounds. Or, am I having clouded vision ? Anyways, protocol demands, I speak less and work more..