Unlike in the animal world, crimes of various kinds (misdeeds, misdemeanors, transgressions, violations, infringements, rapes and murders etc.) are widespread in human societies. Unlike animals, humans require teaching the importance of ethics, morals, honesty and integrity. In today’s context there are no more model or charismatic teachers (and education managers) to impress upon the students, that ‘values’ are more important than the ‘valuables’. So is the case with people involved in the governance of the States. Unfortunately, in modern times, parents also do not fnd time to inculcate values in their children. Besides, they can teach values provided they themselves practice them. Sometimes, one wonders whether moral education has lost its roots, relevance and utility in the present-day circumstances. If values have no value, why practice them? Even judicial system has lost its shine: decadal delays in awarding judgments are more usual than exceptions. With money, muscle power and ability to hire topnotch lawyers often help in shielding the culprits from sentences. So, the rich can escape and the poor suffer. The common man is now accustomed to living with various kinds of crimes and barbarisms (e.g. corruption, intimidations, rapes, killings etc.)- the new norms.
The Homo sapiens have largest brain-body ratio among the mammalian relatives. Man and other primates possess flexible hands and feet, opposable thumbs, and fine eyesight. Agricultural practices that began ~15000 years ago, led to formation of settlements, families and complex human societies. With increase in the size of settlements, competition for resources (food, space, mate etc.) also grows. A biggest advantage of modern man over his other close primate relatives is learning to walk on two legs freeing his forearms which could be used for other useful tasks like carrying food and babies, making tools etc. Evolution of a large brain, and hands are the most enabling factors in human history/ evolution of man; unbelievable scientific developments are classic examples.
In nature, living beings undergo slow biological evolution through a process called Natural Selection. Whereas, humans are more subject to social than biological evolution: cultures, religions, languages, life styles etc. In a way, man is now able to direct his own evolution. Also, human society has become progressively complex requiring cooperation and understanding of each other to derive mutual benefits and evade conflicts. Realizing this, human societies have evolved ‘codes of conduct’ which all members are expected to follow. Law enforcement authorities oversee that everyone follows the laid down rules, if not penalize the erring members. In contrast, in the wild, there are no such rules.
Nonetheless, human beings are different; their brain is capable of thinking, scheming, planning, and meticulously executing the plans. As a result, man could conquest the Nature but not his inbuilt animal behaviors, arrogance, committing crimes for selfish ends, and practice of unethical behaviors. Animals are not greedy but man is. Such behaviors spread easily in the absence of control mechanisms and deterrent threats of punishments.
Interestingly, in modern society, such behaviors are encountered frequently in people with power and enviable status capable of exercising excessive dominance over the fellow beings. Such individuals habitually violate traffic rules and cause fatal accidents, behave like hoodlums, and commit heinous crimes like murders and rapes unhesitatingly. It is for this reason human society needs well-defined and mandatory enforcement of codes of conduct to ensure safety and welfare of all.
However there is a catch. Adhering to rules necessitates curtailing one’s freedom- hence against the very nature of man. The term freedom is often misunderstood. Human liberty has its limits as it has to cater to all, and affect none. Therefore, a piercing message is that in order to enjoy social liberty, individual liberty must be curtailed. This is the true spirit of freedom in a democratic country. In a growing society, deterrents and severe punishments are needed to prevent undesirable behaviors. In short, it is high time to practice zero tolerance towards the crimes.
The ancient Indian scriptures are full of knowledge and wisdom. They profess fear of God and respect for ethical practices; in all probability to channelize human mind towards righteousness and consciousness. However, Practice of ethics and values comes with preparedness.
In recent times unabated growth of crimes and unethical behaviors has become a matter of great concern. Therefore, unyielding imposition of codes of conduct by the law enforcing agencies alone can reign over such ills for overall good of the humanity; lest virtues and values will forever disappear from the glorious and oldest civilization of the world that is India. But, political will is the biggest challenge in pushing the agenda of good governance for sustaining the enviable image of India. Are our politicians incapable of grappling with the crimes and reign over them successfully? (Author is a former academic, scientist and administrator)
Prof. S. K. Saidapur, Former Vice Chancellor, Bharati Nagar, Haliyal Road, Saptapur, Dharwad