You have three magic genie wishes, what are you asking for?
It is an endeavour to explore the idea of ideal societies. While doing so, the notion of “Ram Rajya” is taken as a reference. for a time of harmony and equality. It argues that while utopian ideals are appealing, these ideals are ultimately impractical. This impracticality is due to inherent human nature and the inevitability of conflict. The narrative evolves to highlight how individuals, using their cognitive abilities, strive to create a just society. They face ongoing challenges like environmental degradation and social inequalities. These challenges are fueled by greed and political corruption. Ultimately, it suggests that the true “genie” resides within individuals. Those who have the will and determination can effect positive change. It portrays citizens as proactive agents in building a better future.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article reflects on the ideal society of ‘Ram Rajya’ and its inherent flaws. It emphasizes that a completely crime-free society is unattainable.
- It discusses the struggles of humans and the evolution of societal rules aimed at achieving balance between rights and duties.
- It highlights the pressing environmental issues caused by development and urbanization, urging the need for effective solutions.
- Ultimately, it posits that true change comes from within individuals. They have the power to act like a ‘Genie’ in creating a better society.
- The article celebrates the hardworking spirit of people, portraying them as the real genies capable of driving progress and welfare.
“Ram Rajya”
There used to be a time when everyone was treated with respect, care and dignity. It included every organism, humans and non-humans. Even mythical figures like the Genie were said to uphold these values. The time when no one was deprived, everyone got according to their capabilities and degree of partnership. In a nutshell, all was well and everyone was happy. No qualms, outrageous cries and disparity. It was termed as a period of “Ram Rajya” (rule of Lord Ram). [SPMRF dot org]
(a) Absolute is theoretical
Does it sound rosy and utopian? No? Probably yes, because it gives a notion of idealism in absolute terms. Absolute is theoretical. It is not possible in practice. An ideal, crime-free and congenial society is impossible to have. It is the reason for persistent collisions between individuals. The individuals and their group or community can vary, but not the commotion. It can be intercommunal or intracommunal, individual or group. It occurs when interests clash.
(b) All was not well
Even during the kingship of Lord Ram, all was not well. It is the reason why Sita had to face exile. She was abandoned at the crucial stage when she was in the family way. To top it all, it was decided by a righteous king. Should a lone, gestating woman be left in a harsh jungle on hearsay? Should it be treated as justified, that too done by Lord Ram, a god? Questions are many, and asking them can become contentious and derogatory. It teaches many things to lesser mortals. It goes without saying that an ideal state or “philosopher king” is a futile utopian idea.
Homo sapiens
(a) Codified rules were formed
With gradual evolution, an organism developed that could think and act using the best of its prudence. He was named Homo sapiens because he was prudent and wise. From the start, humans have endeavoured to create a versatile society. They aimed to build a society where everyone can have their fair share. It also needed to make sure that duties and rights are balanced. As there was a difference in the degree of emotions, desires and wishes, the clash was inevitable. To cope with it, they made codified rules, listed dos and don’ts, formalised ill deeds and punishments. This was the first step towards a lawful welfare society.
(b) A flawless system is difficult
Despite their best efforts, the lapses remained. It was inadvertent, but majorly so because of the frequent changes in perception, conditions and situations. This led to changing the codes according to time and demand. It is, thus, difficult to have a foolproof, flawless system free from impurities and contaminants. The basic human nature is different in different individuals. The structured emotions, feelings and reactions are the reasons. It is right and it should be so. Happiness and joy, sorrow and pain are the two sides of the same coin. They are inseparable. Humans can perceive and express it because of their top position in the kingdom. Their highly developed brain and cognitive powers make them special and distinguished. This makes them unique and also gives them the impetus to do better and improve.
(c) Journey of Humans
The journey of humans is a mix of successes and failures, rise and fall, defeat and victory. Through persistent struggle and sometimes swimming against tides, they have left an indelible mark that has become history. The journey sometimes appears like a genie has become his friend who did miracles.
Genie
(a) About the story
The story of the genie revolves around a bona fide human wish and its fulfilment. The prerequisite for the acquisition of the magic lantern was that the person must be honest, innocent and noble. The message was that magical powers should be entrusted to a person who can do good for social welfare. This person should keep a wider view and welfare in mind. The idea must have been that a simple and kind-hearted person without cupidity can think of wider welfare. The story is not only about a magical lamp and the genie. It also denotes a power and will to do good. It conveys that ultimately it is the virtue and worth that win.
(b) Iconic characters were created
As discussed above, with well-developed cognitive power, humans were capable of doing mammoth, momentous works for mass welfare. It, though, resulted in something not-so-good. To ward off negativity and pessimism, they thought of a great, powerful figure. This figure boosts morale and defeats the negative forces to create order. The genie of the magical lamp has the same humongous powers to do anything, anywhere as wished by his master.
(c) Acid-Base reaction
In the mundane world, things keep changing. In a chemical reaction, some byproducts are also formed. Two opposite qualities nullify and give rise to a more congenial and comparatively more beneficial product. Like if an acid is slowly mixed with an alkali, it gives rise to the formation of a salt. The reaction also produces heat energy. Likewise, the things interact to yield good things. At the same time, they produce something that is not beneficial or usable. These things accumulate and start showing their ill effects. It requires periodic cleansing or sequestration.
Problems
(a) Pollution
One such problem is of environment. The environment is severely affected by development and urbanisation. This impact is significant enough to harm human health and well-being. Polluting air, forest depletion, indiscriminate felling of trees, and habitat destruction have given rise to many convoluted problems. It needs a huge amount of resources and manpower to mitigate them. Talking about cleansing is all the more a gigantic task. Probably the genie can help in tackling and solving it.
(b) Haves and have-nots
A lot of crying and clamour for an amicable society is seen. The increasing cupidity, wish to hoard and accumulate more than required, has caused lopsided progression. It was not an all-round and inclusive growth. It led to exploitation and an increasing trench of haves and have-nots. The yawning gap and disparity led to many social evils, which manifest themselves in the increasing crime graph. Till now, the politicians fanned this discrepancy for their parochial gains. This mechanism of electoral politics aggravated the situation and took the society to the brink of collapse. Instead of thinking in a wider perspective, they preferred parochial aims. This resulted in an anarchist system where the rule of “Might is right” prevailed.
(c) Democratic setup
The democratic setup was used to buttress the chaotic situation. The public was made to vote not on merit but on muscle power and money power. Overflowing money, named “black money”, became instrumental and a game-changer. The worsening situation craved for change. The question was who would bell the cat? A genie or who?
People acted as Genie
The time changed. The genie once more proved its mettle. This time, the people played the role of genies. They resolved to overthrow the ruling system by the power of their vote. They aimed to set up a more efficient, committed, and relatively less self-centred government. The gigantic task of electioneering resulted in a changed scenario. Thankfully, the new regime took up the tasks head-on and worked to improve the situation. It changed, and now the country is a shining star. India is a world power with tremendous manpower and will to grow. It is no coincidence that world leaders are appreciating India and view it with awe.
Genie is inside us all
Geine is not outside. It is inside us all. It is the power of will, determination, resolve and commitment. Every citizen is a genie, and they have proved it. The people don’t need help from outside. They rise up, work and win the situation. They have proved it time and again. It is their grit, endurance and burning wish to win that takes us out of the difficult situations. The Bravehearts have taken the country and society out of rough waters, acting like a genie.
Hard-working people do wonders
Having such a tremendous constructive power, do people still need to have a genie with magical power? People need to be aware of their power and potential. They can do wonders. Our scientists, farmers, workers, doctors, engineers and educationists are working hard. People in general are committed, hard-working and contributing their share. They are doing this to take the country to its old glory. They have successfully done it and they will keep doing.
Eulogies
People of all genders like genies. They are creating world-class infrastructure, defence equipment, and weapons, producing everything needed to strengthen the country and its people. They are genies who are tirelessly working for the welfare of the nation.
Eulogies to our kindhearted, hardworking and generous genies.
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1200–1500 or more words regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling meet.
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