Zamir Ahmad
Even when a perfect definition of normal behaviour has evaded behavioural scientists, it is but a common practice to extend the meaning of conformity to being normal. Normally—and the pun is intended– normal refers to a lack of significant deviation from the average. The English lexicons are as normal as anybody while defining being normal. The Oxford English Dictionary defines “normal” as ‘conforming to a standard’. Another definition is that “a normal” is someone who conforms to the predominant behavior in a society.
It, however, becomes difficult to assign sanctity to ‘predominant behaviour’ as being a yardstick for measuring deviation from the standard. Especially when, the shifting norms in the society, especially in the wake of crony capitalism, are increasingly making deviousness a norm.
‘Is hamam mein sab nangey hein” could be a crafty phrase invented to assuage our hurt sensibilities while confronting the swarming news of swindles all around us, but let it not be forgotten that a ‘Hamam’ is typically an enclosure of limited functionality within the larger life-frame. Being naked in a hamam is as natural as being covered outside it.
Unfortunately, but, there is nakedness—and not nudity—galore in the public arena thanks to the leaks, the tapes and the raids. Given the extent, magnitude and multitude of scams surfacing every now and then, it seems that Corruption—in its multifarious forms—has become a predominant behaviour and any deviation from the same borders on being abnormal. Corruption breeds nepotism, misgovernance and creates a culture of yes boss-ism. Deviation in such a culture is considered defiance and is swiftly dealt with.
The few individuals who do not barter their conscience to self interests become highly abnormal, are considered mavericks and relegated to oblivion. But there are few who wear their ‘abnormality’ on their lapel and fight against the ‘predominat behaviour’ at the cost of their reputation and sometimes, even life. One such example is Jairam Ramesh, India’s environment minister.
Though being pilloried by industrialists and politicians alike for his stand on industrialization at the expense of environment, he seems unfazed. His critics say that in his 17 months in office, he has veered too far in an anti-business direction, crushing many of India’s largest infrastructure projects, which even his own political leadership considers vital to keep India growing. Braving criticism for his activism from big industrialists as well policy makers he is quoted to have said, “I am not a minister of crematoriums and moratoriums…we can not pollute our way to prosperity.” His doggedness has become a subject of considerable debate and sometimes of embarrasment to his government, but he is so far staying his course. It is not that his avante-garde is inconsequential and does not merit notice.
He has, infact, to quote from Wall Street Journal, already had a large hand in determining the nation’s industrial development, as almost all big projects require his approval.
The sad state of affairs that we are engulfed in, however limit any scope of making this kind of “deviance” a predominant norm. Moreso in our hapless region, where the horizons never get illuminated by brilliance of characterand conduct. Even for a while.!
End-note: India’s steel minister, Virbhadra Singh, frustrated with Mr. Ramesh over his blocking of projects, once publicly urged him to “be pragmatic, not dogmatic.” The steel ministry reports projects valued at more than $80 billion have been delayed because of problems with environmental clearances and land acquisition.
Mr. Ramesh responded in a letter to the minister saying: “I am being pragmatic, just not automatic.” Tail-piece- Agreed that the write-up for the year-ender issue should have been conforming to the norm of writing about last year, but then who is the odd man in?
