Development as idolatry

Morung Express Editorial

JCB is a development tool. But uncritical use of such machines results in destruction of rich biodiversity which we are blessed with. Once lost, it is very difficult to restore the habitat for our co-creatures, the plants and animals. The destruction of terrace fields, jhum fields, irrigation channels, footpaths, even graveyards, and total change of the once naturally beautiful landscape by these ‘metallic monsters’ are done in the name of development. This makes one to question if we sometimes make ‘development’ an idol and we sacrifice our natural resources as worship to it. 

Before election, every politician promises development. And we all want it. Ours is a developing society and we want to become a developed nation. But we forget to assess a candidate or party by character and raise the hope for development as the most important thing. The result is that we have a party at the centre which is showing its true color, trying to saffronize our education and undermine our choice of belief. It rose to power because of various scams and failures of the previous government to bring about the desired level of development. But we are paying a heavy price as it has unleashed the forces of extreme elements which are more serious than development programs.

People move to towns and cities for easier lives.  Urban settings offer more opportunities for earning, education, and facilities for comfortable living. But the result of mass exodus from rural areas, if coupled with unplanned urban development results in creation of slums, ghettoes, and extreme human sufferings. Pollution and conflicts arise due to overpopulation. Development becomes lopsided as shopping malls, fly-overs, and five star hotels exist side by side with garbage heaps and people living on the pavements and under fly-overs in inhuman conditions.     

         

Earthquakes and tsunami are natural phenomena and should be respected. But in the pursuit of development, we often do not listen to the warnings resulting in huge destruction of properties and loss of lives. The tsunami which hit the coast line in South India some years back leaving behind huge loss of lives is said to be partly because we have cut down the mangrove forests which acted as natural barrier to the forces of nature. Buildings which do not follow any safety code kill more people in an earthquake. Instead of reading doomsday messages out of those incidents, we should learn more about responsible stewardship and put a check on unbridled human greed. 

Development, progress, and prosperity are good words. We are called to co-create, multiply (not just increase in number, but progress in all areas), and rule (the meaning of authority here is that of a steward or caretaker). We have come a long way and have made immense progress in all areas. Development has made our lives easier and has made it possible to reach for the stars. With increased knowledge and creativity, we are able to tap the resources our universe provides to invent better things, reduce sufferings, and make life more enjoyable. But if development is not guided by character, or if development is synonymous with destruction of nature, or if development is made an idol of worship; we are manufacturing our own doom. 

Dr. Sao Tunyi works as an Epidemiologist at Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima. Feedback can be sent to saotunni@yahoo.co.in, or visit his blog www.thatchhouse.blogspot.in