EQUALITY

Why do we need equality? Does it really matter to the more privileged whether or not the poor get their rights?

These are some questions that come up when one thinks about equality. When you look at our society, one might feel that equality as a concept may not really be practical. A ragged beggar begging from the passenger of a Mercedes isn't really an uncommon sight at a traffic signal. India is home to numerous billionares, who are amongst the richest in the world. But living not far from their eyes' reach are also the really poor and the starving, whose number is far greater. But yet it is these people who are ignored, their plight swept under the carpet when it comes to any discussions of growth and development.

What brought about this situation, one might wonder. But more importantly, what are we losing because of the underdevelopment and misery of some of our fellow citizens? First thing that comes to mind is the basic compassion that we as humans feel for the suffering poor. It does hurt to see poor people starving, freezing in ragged clothes on the side of the road, as one is on his way to his place of work. On a more selfish level, one might want to improve the condition of the poor just so one can stay happy, for the sight of suffering doesnot make one feel good. But there's also the economic loss of having a certain section of the population suffering, without basic amenities like food, water and shelter. Such a living is certain to weaken them. They wouldn't be able to take up and perform jobs, further stunting their ability to earn and improve their condition. Living in the lack of proper sanitation, it is also easy for them to acquire various diseases. They are incapable of acquiring treatment for any diseases so acquired, and there's always the risk of their spreading this disease to the whole community around them. Their children born into the same wretched condition, grow lacking education and nutririon. Some people may eventually resort to crime to escape the condition they have come to. Now, if the same people were given the same basic facilities and opportunities as some of their better off fellow citizens, maybe they could have really contributed to the development of society itself. But instead they fall into poverty traps, and are made to fight for their very existence.

Equality in society is absolutely desirable. Each person should be provided with the basic amenities of food, water, shelter, health care and education, and the opportunity to grow to his full potential. Only then can any society really develop, and only then can a society see real growth in science, art and culture as a whole. If you ask me, a developed society is not one where there are many billionares; it is a society in which every man is rich and no man is really poor, and no one breaks the law for he finds that following the law is a more fruitful path for him.