WOES OF MODERN TIMES

Arvind K Pandey

The present age has given rise to host of peculiar problems which has filled the lives of ordinary folks with unspeakable pains. One is forced to reach at conclusion that without an intense intellectual movement, which brings conscious souls, no matter what’s their occupation, on one platform. My encounters with masses have revealed to me that ordinary people are willing to carve a new path, however, in absence of real leaders their enthusiasm don’t get translated into action .Recollecting your past experiences you tell us that a man in league in with “pride, intransigence and intelligence was regarded as something of an eccentric with other radicals.” It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that intellectuals who are truly devoted to cause of humanity ,especially the writers and philosophers, are still ‘untouchables’ in a society that takes pride in materialistic aspirations. Industrial revolution has given rise to class of people for whom higher knowledge or ,for that matter, talks of betterment of neglected souls appear hollow pursuits. Now it seems that it would be nothing short of utopia if I think about bridging the gulf between thinkers and men in love with mindless goals which does more harm than good. On the top of it so-called think –tanks have emerged with cross-purposes in their minds making survival difficult for genuine souls .Ironically, they are laced with hi-tech equipments compared to those who have vision but ,sadly, are devoid of means that helps in its actual projection. This is not as dangerous as the other aspect, which has of late dominated the modern day brains. How many parents want their children to follow a path that helps in creation of new order? None . In other words, their attitudes ensure that cycle of abuses and repression remains in existence. Neither the previous generation found time enough to think about evolution of human beings nor the present generation has any ideas as what to be the goal of life. Parents make perfect arrangement that they pick up the dirty tricks that allows them to trample the emotions of commoners with ease. Matthew Arnold sounds so true when he says”, For what wears out the life of mortal men?

’Tis that from change to change their being rolls;’ Tis that repeated shocks, again, again,
Exhaust the energy of strongest soul; And numb their elastic powers